Reluctant Bride

Black-beard leads me into one of the small houses, which I assume must be his owm. He shouts in his language, and a woman (his wife, perhaps?) emerges from one of the side rooms. They have a brief conversation, followed by the woman returning to the other room.

"My wife will prepare you for the ceremony, as is our custom. She dosen't speak your language, but you'll still be able to understand what she wants you to do."

The man departs. Moments later, his wife emerges again with a few items in her arms. She hands me a simple white, sleeveless dress, and indicates that I should put it on. I change quickly. She then gives me a fairly ornate necklace, carved from polished black wood and ivory. Finally, she places a wreath of flowers around my head.

Thus equipped, we exit and make for the square. The villagers, who number fewer than 30 adults and their children, have gathered to witness their goatherd's marriage to this strange foreign girl. The village chief stands at the center of the square, along with Black-beard and another man, who I quickly realize is none other than the goatherd, who I had seen only from a distance before.[1905]

The ceremony takes place quickly, all in the villagers' native tounge and apparently not requiring verbal consent by the participants, though we are made to hold hands at one point. I don't even realize it's over until the small crowd cheers.

1. The goatherd needs to tend to his animals, so we return to his home, where he leaves me. Finally alone, now's my chance to plan an escape.
2. The goatherd needs to return to his animals, however some of the other wives invite me to join them in weaving baskets. Black-beard tells me it's a useful skill, and that it would be rude to refuse them.
3. Black-beard says. "I have offered to take care of the goatherd's tasks for today, so you two can get better acquainted as husband and wife."

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