Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Martouf?" Rosha looked over to her new fiancé. "I know it is important to you to ask my parents to marry me…"

"To ask your permission. You and Jolinar would have the final say…though you already asked me." He smiled slightly. "I would still like the approval of all of our parents."

"Including Egeria?"

Lantash wiggled in joy at the sound of his queen’s name, which made Martouf grin because it tickled.

"Yes, I asked her this morning. She has given us her blessing."

"Oh? Candles?" Rosha knew he believed that he could speak to the dead through candles.

"Yes. I made her a beautiful wreath and promised that I would love and cherish Jolinar. She did not blow out the candle after my request."

I'm guessing they don't talk to the dead in windy areas, Jolinar thought.

Shush. That's rude, Rosha replied. His people were nearly wiped out. Let him have his beliefs.

I am ever respectful of his beliefs. In fact, I am quite curious about them. I was merely stating a fact.

Rosha smiled. "Would your traditions allow another to talk to them first? A sudden request might…alarm them."

He tilted his head slightly, touching his head as Lantash explained further. He was still a fairly new host, having joined the relationship after Lantash's previous host, Setta, had died.

"It is traditional for my people for the bride's parents to be very involved."

"If I ask them without warning, I might offend them."

"Yes. Councilor Yosuuf has offered to talk to them on my behalf. Then she will introduce you to them."

"You cannot?"

"Traditionally, I am not supposed to speak in front of a prospective groom. You will have to…play along."

"I respect all traditions…" He took her hands. "…but I do not mind bending a few, especially that one."

"I personally don't mind breaking tradition. I already did that when I blended with Jolinar, but I do want to remain on good terms with my family."

"I understand." He smiled, then kissed her hands. "Also, Lantash says something about a…bride price? What is that?"

"Er…yes." Rosha blushed. "I don't know what they expect, if anything. That's sort of to pay for losing my labor…which they already have lost."

"That is…normal? How much am I expected to pay?"

"I'm not entirely sure. My uh…former betrothal paid two pieces of gold, three livestock, and a dozen poultry."

"That doesn't seem like much."

"It was what he could afford." She shrugged, but saw her beloved frowning. "I am not offended."

~+~+~.

"Norbert and Adi," Yosuuf greeted. She and Martouf were now on her home world.

"Yosuuf of Porre and of the Tok'ra." Norbert greeted as he and Adi both gave a slight bow.

"This is Lantash," Yosuuf introduced. "The same Lantash who has traded with our people for hundreds of years." She could see that Norbert was nervous.

Lantash bowed his head slightly. Unfortunately, he knew he had an uphill battle here. He was known on this world to be very serious, arrogant, and intimidating.

"Lantash…" Norbert greeted stiffly.

"Rosha has proven to be a valuable member of the Tok'ra." Lantash stepped closer.

"She was always a hard worker."

"And quite lovely," Adi added, "and while she was betrothed before joining the Tok'ra, we assure you that she is pure."

Not anymore, Lantash thought with a smirk.

Does that mean what I think it means? Martouf asked.

"That is a…human value." Yes, and why are you offended? You value virginity as well.

I would be horrified if my parents assured a prospective bride that I was a virgin. Do not tell them I am-

Relax. They don't care about your virginity.

"Then what do you value?" Norbert asked.

"Strength. Intelligence. Bravery. Kindness. Loyalty. All values that Rosha has in great quantities."

"How would you know?"

"Jolinar has spoken highly of her."

What if they think we should not be speaking to Jolinar? Martouf asked.

That would be ridiculous. I have known Jolinar since I was two hours old.

"Jolinar, herself, is quite known among the Tok'ra," Yosuuf added. "She is a respected leader, and she's extremely social. All her new hosts become equally famous."

"Then is he interested in Jolinar or my daughter?"

"I care about both of them," Lantash assured.

They do not look convinced.

I noticed. Lantash bowed his head, giving Martouf control.

"This is Martouf of Kiron, Lantash's new host," Yosuuf introduced.

Martouf instantly blushed as he smiled and did a quick, little bow.

"You wish to marry my daughter as well?" Norbert asked with a sternness that nearly made Martouf retreat.

"Y-yes."

"Why?"

"Rosha…is very beautiful." His mind raced. "She has eyes like the oceans of Marloon, hair the color of the sand Abydos, and her smile is…is as infectious as laughter."

What the crystals was that?! Lantash asked.

I panicked.

Norbert and Adi smiled.

That worked?! Lantash asked in disbelief.

"Anyone who can speak so poetically about my daughter must see how special she is," Norbert replied.

Lantash did a mental facepalm.

"You and Lantash have permission to marry our daughter."

"You have our deepest gratitude," Martouf replied as he made another small bow. You just needed to be a little more charming.

I am charming.

~+~+~.

Jolinar laughed as Lantash relayed the story.

"It worked," Lantash defended.

"It's not that. It's that poetry worked over true compliments, but it does not matter. As you say, it worked, and Rosha finds the description to be quite beautiful."

Lantash retreated.

"Thank you," Martouf replied.

"Martouf…" Jolinar grinned as she approached him. "My secret poet."

He kissed her.

"Do I get a poem as well?"

His eyes widened in panic.

"Relax." She kissed him. "I don't expect a poem. I am just happy that I will have you."

~+~+~.

Rosha looked over the plans that Martouf had detailed. Very detailed. Jolinar took over as they looked over to Martouf, hiding Rosha's bewilderment.

"This is…very thorough."

"Yes." Martouf looked so proud of himself, but his expression faltered. "Lantash thinks that you might find it…too detailed."

Jolinar rubbed his knee. "We don't need three wedding ceremonies."

"Then a culture will be left out," he quickly replied in concern.

"Why don't we do a full Kiron ceremony while combining the Neekan and Tok'ra ceremonies into their own rituals."

His eyes were wide, and she wasn't sure why. Hopefully, she had not offended him.

"We need three weddings," he insisted.

She looked at the details again, then smiled. "Alright, three weddings, but…let's keep the first two simple. Are you sure you want the Kiron wedding to be the last one?"

"Tok'ra weddings have the purifying milk bath. That should be first. It would make the most sense."

"Yes, it would, but that particular tradition can be moved."

"And technically, according to Rosha's people, I'm not even supposed to be talking to her."

"We're glad you don't insist on following that tradition."

"So…we should get her ceremony in soon."

Jolinar kissed him. "We just want to be your wives."

Martouf smiled.

~+~+~.

Martouf stripped down and went into the milk bath. What do we do?

Wash away all negative thoughts that would bring down the marriage. In my case, I must fully accept Setta's death.

Martouf went to a glass of milk that was by the edge.

That's my bath.

Martouf smiled. Do you want control?

No. I prefer to remain retreated during this ceremony.

Martouf drank the milk.

Thank you.

Do you actually bathe in it? Martouf frowned, wondering how that worked.

It will be broken down long before it actually gets to me, but I will absorb some of it. It is more of the principle of the idea.

~+~+~.

After, Martouf dressed in the Tok'ra version of a dress uniform. It was black instead of the usual beige or brown, and he had opted to wear pants.

We look adorable, Lantash thought as they looked in the mirror.

Martouf smiled. Adorable isn't very manly.

Speak for yourself then. I am 100% adorable.

Martouf looked back when Jaydin approached.

"Are you nervous?" Jaydin asked. She was the one conducting the ceremony, a member of the council, and good friends with Jolinar.

"A little."

"Tok'ra ceremonies are short. The first of us to marry didn't even have ceremonies. Love was just declared."

"That sounds very…dull."

"I suppose it was." Jaydin laughed. "Are you ready?"

"Yes." He followed her through the crystal tunnels to a small gathering.

The benefit of multiple weddings was that more people could attend. Aside from the people they were closest to, each ceremony had a different guest list.

Friends to the foursome parted ways.

Martouf paused in his steps as he saw Jolinar. She's beautiful.

She's wearing the same thing as us.

Yes, true…mostly true.

Jolinar wore a long skirt instead of pants. She had a simple wreath on her head, and in the dim light, the flowers glowed.

She smiled when she saw him staring.

Walk to her, Lantash thought.

It took a few seconds for his legs to start working again, and he took her hands.

"You look beautiful."

She glowed her eyes.

"I love you." He kissed her softly. "I am your mate."

"And I am yours. You are my heart."

"With vows given and promises made, the council recognizes the marriage of Martouf of Kiron and Jolinar of Malkshur," Jaydin said.

Martouf immediately picked Jolinar up, and as they kissed again, others dropped flowers over them. Martouf laughed after.

"We have been rained upon," Jolinar teased.

He kissed her again as he walked away with her.

~+~+~.

Their new quarters were ready, and Jolinar enjoyed being carried all the way to the bed. As soon as she was set down, she eagerly pulled him closer, undressing him.

"A second," he requested.

"You tease me."

"Eyes, dark as ebony. Fins that shine as tanzanite."

Jolinar gasped.

"And a beautiful squeal that flutters my heart."

Jolinar smiled as he ran fingers through her hair, then focused on herself, squealing. She had to make it extra loud for Martouf to actually hear her.

"Yes, that squeal." He held her close. "The poem isn’t much-"

"It is beautiful, and you made me feel beautiful."

"You are beautiful." He touched behind Rosha's neck, feeling Jolinar underneath.

She groaned slightly as her body and Rosha's scalp and neck tingled. She let him massage for several minutes before taking his hands and leading him to the bed.

"I am nervous," he said as he kissed her. "What if I accidentally hurt you or Rosha."

"She's not a virgin, and I'm certainly not one."

He smiled.

"And Lantash knows a woman's body quite well. He'll let you know before there's an issue. Just take your time and be patient, then you can't hurt us."

Martouf nodded, feeling much better.

I told you the same thing, Lantash thought.

But she's a woman.

I've had female hosts.

"Martouf…" Jolinar kissed him. "Absolutely nothing can go wrong here because there are no expectations. Tonight is about you and me…exploring. Tomorrow night, it will be about Rosha and Lantash. If anything makes anyone uncomfortable, it won't happen."

He nodded, then smiled as he slowly undressed her.

"Mm." She both helped him while also removing his layers.

He was eager, but he enjoyed the teasing of his new wife slowly being revealed. He was less nervous as Lantash gave advice, and Martouf kissed down her body.

Jolinar closed her eyes. Are you sure you don't mind?

This is our body, and I can feel everything. I don't mind being retreated for a…

They both gasped, and Jolinar grasped Martouf. She felt that Rosha was a little nervous.

You have done this before.

Not with him. Rosha would have blushed if she were in control. I like it, I just…

You have a beautiful body. Jolinar made her body release extra oxytocin to help her. Then she closed her eyes as they enjoyed their husband.

After several glorious minutes, Jolinar was grasping Martouf's short hair as she shivered and moaned. She then grabbed him, maneuvering him under her.

"You are pleased?" He asked nervously.

"Very pleased." She kissed him.

He held her close, then noticed… "How are you still wearing the wreath," he laughed.

"It's pinned in her hair," Jolinar replied as she touched him. "That way…"

He gasped, finding that her hand was skilled.

"…she's not completely naked before officially being with you."

He laughed since that was all she was wearing.

"Are you blushing?"

"I've…never…" He gasped and shivered.

She grabbed the back of his neck, knowing it would intensify the shivers. She smiled as she felt Lantash also squirming.

His hands on her, she was pleased when he began taking charge again, maneuvering them so that he was on her.

"I thought you were shy and sensitive," she teased.

"Lantash is encouraging." He grabbed the back of Rosha's neck.

They soon became one.

"Love…"

Martouf was momentarily surprised by the intensity.

"Relax." Jolinar smiled.

"Are you and Rosha…?" He wasn't even sure what he was asking.

"You feel wonderful."

He slowly began moving, looking into her eyes. He smiled when she purposely glowed them.

Lantash made sure he didn't last too long, knowing that Rosha, while not a virgin, was still fairly new to this experience.

Martouf closed his eyes as he shuddered, and they both caught their breath. He relaxed on her after, feeling her hands lightly touch his back.

"I didn't make you…um." He looked worried.

"You did earlier." Jolinar smiled as he tilted his head slightly, and she suspected that Lantash was explaining women's bodies, that extra stimuli was often needed.

Martouf held an expression of curiosity and confusion, which was amusing in this situation. She could see the second he understood when there was a flash of relief. Then he blushed and laughed.

She kissed him.

"Are the other Tok'ra still celebrating?" Martouf asked as he slowly rolled off of her.

"Yes. We can come back out and celebrate with them if you wish."

"I would rather just hold you."

She moved to lay partly on him.

"Did Rosha enjoy herself too?"

"She did."

They relaxed while talking, and Jolinar found herself talking about Rosha. Both Martouf and Rosha subtly directed her to talk about herself.

This isn't my night, Rosha reminded.

It wasn't long before they had sex again.

~+~+~.

Jolinar woke up to Martouf caressing her side.

"Is it cheating to not retreat yet?" He asked as he kissed her back. His fingers traced lower as they moved closer.

"We still have time."

"You are so beautiful."

She gasped slightly as his fingers explored. Jolinar pressed her back against him, turning her head to kiss him.

He had much to learn, but he had already improved. He was loving and eager to learn. She recognized that some of his techniques were being "borrowed" from Lantash.

He held her close as she shivered, and she laughed when she looked into his eyes again.

"What is it?" He asked in worry.

"You look so innocent while your fingers are most certainly not."

He frowned.

Jolinar turned fully, facing him, moving over him. She turned his head to the side before kissing his neck. His satisfying moan was encouraging. The kiss soon became more, knowing that she was leaving a mark.

"I can't have people thinking I didn't leave you fully satisfied."

He frowned, then blushed when he touched his neck.

"Relax, Lantash will have that healed within the hour."

He was still bright red, smiling, but also embarrassed that others would see.

"You are far too innocent." Jolinar kissed him again.

He responded until he realized that someone was coming into the room.

"Good morning." Jolinar sat up, not bothering to cover herself.

Martouf did at first, then just relaxed.

"I won't disturb you." The other Tok'ra said as he set down a tray filled with food.

"Thank you."

He made a slight bow before leaving.

Jolinar took Martouf's wrist and pulled him to the table.

"We are not dressing to eat?"

"There is no need. I am not done having sex with you."

He smiled to that.

"You may if you wish though. I will not be offended."

~+~+~.

By noon, they were both dressed and had switched control.

Lantash went in to see Rosha while she was eating a light meal.

"Oh, no, you see me in a mere slip," Rosha teased.

He laughed and pulled her close. "I couldn't resist you."

Rosha kissed him, then touched where Jolinar's love mark had been.

"I healed it before we were out in public again."

"Should I make a new one?" She reached into his pants as she kissed his neck.

"So…rebellious," he teased.

"No, this is rebellious." She slipped to her knees, and Rosha soon enjoyed the feel of Lantash's fingers tangling in her hair.

"Oh," Lantash moaned. "My Rosh…"

Martouf was worried when he felt someone coming.

Lantash didn't care.

We'll be caught!

Are you not enjoying this?

Yes, but…

Lantash sped up the response in Martouf's body to appease his host.

Rosha's hands firmly gripped him behind, laughing after, slowly tying his pants to a close.

"Martouf hurried you, didn't he?"

"That he did."

"I had the same shyness…not so long ago."

"I remember. Until we were caught in the sparring room, I didn't realize you could be so pink."

Rosha laughed.

Yosuuf walked into the room. She smiled slightly in amusement, as it was obvious what she had just walked into.

Rosha rose to her feet, approaching the councilor.

"I'll be heading to Neeka now for the final preparations." She smiled. "Do keep in mind that you should not be…so bold…when you get to Neeka."

"Of course. Thank you." Rosha looked back to Lantash. "Which means you need to behave."

He put his hand to his chest, acting surprised that she would say anything.

"And once we are there, we cannot talk to each other until the wedding."

"Are you serious? Martouf and Jolinar are officially married. I know every inch of your body."

"Don't offend my people," Yosuuf said. "You agreed to a traditional Neekan wedding."

Lantash made a short nod, then pulled Rosha closer to kiss her. "I'll cooperate. I would never do anything to shame you to your family."

Yosuuf left.

"So…what does your family think?" Lantash asked.

"They know Jolinar and Martouf married, but they would presume that I'm still a virgin."

"I took that while blended with Setta…many times."

"You can't take that more than once," Rosha laughed.

"Why not?" He flashed his eyes in amusement as he grinned.

"Come on."

~+~+~.

The world was protected by the Asgard, and that allowed for such a long relationship with the people.

Yosuuf greeted them, quite pleased herself because multiple council members had come for this. Her world had flaws, but she still wanted to show it off.

Rosha and Lantash, Garshaw gently reminded.

Yosuuf made a short nod. She was there to essentially talk for Rosha while Martouf was there.

I know my people are strict, but I don't like that she isn't even allowed to talk in front of us, Martouf thought as they approached the city.

That's why she joined the Tok'ra.

Rosha smiled when she saw her parents.

"Norbert and Adi," Yosuuf greeted. "As promised, I will be conducting your daughter's ceremony."

They both bowed slightly, and then Adi went to her daughter.

"My lovely daughter, it brings me joy that you have chosen to marry."

Seriously? Jolinar thought. She hasn't seen you in a year, and the first sentence out of her mouth is about getting a husband?

"And you have met Lantash," Yosuuf added as she gestured before turning to Lantash. "These people will help prepare you for the wedding."

Lantash looked to several men who were no doubt relatives to Rosha. He made a short nod before following them.

Only then did Norbert go to his daughter and hug her.

"Father."

"Will Jolinar protect you if Lantash does not treat you well?" He asked in a hushed whisper.

"Lantash is a true gentleman. Neither he nor Martouf would ever harm me."

"If no one helps you, you can always come home."

"Father, I enjoy being a Tok'ra."

He smiled. "I suppose I just miss you, and…"

"Lantash scares you."

"Yes," he admitted.

"There is no reason to fear him, but I understand. However, due to Jolinar's memories, I know what he is, a good man, a noble man, one worthy of my affection…and my love."

He smiled. "I hope so. Nothing would please me more than to have two happy daughters."

Rosha smiled. "Thank you, but where is Lil? I expected her to be here to greet me. Is she alright?"

"She is well," Adi replied. "She is heavy with child. The journey to our city would be too dangerous."

"My little sister is married?"

"To your former betrothal."

I can see how special you were to him, Jolinar thought sarcastically.

He didn't know me. He couldn't even if he wanted to. You know the law.

"Is she happy?" Rosha asked.

"She is very happy."

"I have made sure that she is well treated," Norbert added. "They are happy. They have even fallen in love."

"I am happy for her then." She hugged her parents.

~+~+~.

As much as she didn't enjoy certain traditions, Rosha did enjoy that she would be marrying in the presence of her family. 

She stood there as the females of her family took care of her hair, make up, and jewelry.

I feel overdressed, Jolinar thought.

This is my ceremony, not yours.

I'll be good.

Rosha smiled as she heard music begin to play outside, and she was soon being guided.

Compared to what Jolinar had worn yesterday, she felt very fancy. A jeweled headdress, a layered dress, face and body paint, and more jewelry.

I wonder how we look. Rosha had an idea from having seen many previous weddings.

We are painted to look beautiful while Lantash will be painted to look fierce? Jolinar asked.

Yes.

I suspect that you could defeat any of these men in a spar.

I seriously doubt that.

Don't underestimate yourself. You are a far greater warrior than you were a year ago, you have learned to use my memories as your own instinct, and I have enhanced your strength and endurance greater than you realize.

Hm.

Still… I don't mind looking beautiful.

Rosha laughed, and by chance this was when her guides suddenly moved away, no longer blocking her view. The music stopped, and Lantash stood before her.

Her breath caught in her throat. Wearing a simple headband and a long tunic, he was dressed to match her…and he was beautiful.

Oh, and that smile. Lantash clearly approved of her appearance. Rosha stepped closer so that their hands could be tied together. Oh, how she wanted to grab him, kiss him, and smudge all the paint.

"We are here to rejoice in the union between Lantash of the Tok'ra, son of Egeria, and Rosha of Neeka and the Tok'ra, daughter of Norbert and Adi. They are binded during the ceremony..." Yosuuf gestured to their hands. "...to show the bond they will have for the rest of their lives. Now..."

A tray of food was brought forward, held by Rosha's parents.

Rosha was so excited! She was getting married! She looked to Lantash, who looked to the tray with curiosity.

"Bread so they will never go hungry."

They each ate a small piece of bread.

"Honey, so their lives will be sweet."

Wouldn't it have made more sense to put the honey on the bread? Jolinar thought.

Shush. Rosha smiled.

"Hot peppers, so they will always have passion."

You definitely have that. Jolinar laughed and wiggled as Rosha ate her pepper.

"Finally...milk…for longevity."

I wondered what she was going to say, Rosha thought.

What is it normally?

For many children. She had given up any possibility of having children when she joined the Tok'ra.

"The bond is made." Yosuuf raised her hands. "Let the dancing begin!"

"I love you." Lantash immediately kissed her.

Rosha held him close.

~+~+~.

Ah, if only she could have Lantash now. Instead, she was greeted by a number of people, and Rosha realized how much she missed them.

Then the Tok'ra did the same, figuring it was tradition.

"Congratulations." Selmak smiled. "Saroosh is very happy for you."

"From what I have seen, you will soon be having your own wedding."

"Perhaps." Selmak smiled as she glanced to Tur, who was focused on Lantash. "Today, however, is about you."

After Selmak and Tur, Jaydin hugged her.

"You look so beautiful."

"Thank you." Rosha smiled.

"I should get married here."

"You don't marry," Cordesh replied as he walked up with Per'sus."

"Oh, that's right," she replied with a grin. "I just like the wedding night without the wedding."

Lantash laughed as he saw several Neekans react with horror.

"Jaydin," Per'sus said in warning.

"I will be good, little brother." She raised her hands up as if in surrender before turning back to Rosha and Lantash. "Congratulations to both of you."

"Thank you," they both replied, then grinned in amusement as they glanced to each other.

Jaydin left.

"Councilors," Rosha greeted, feeling closer to Jaydin than she did with Per'sus or Cordesh.

"It always brings me joy to see my people marry," Per'sus said, though his expression didn't match his heartfelt words.

"Thank you." He looks so serious.

There's a hint of a smile, Jolinar thought. That means he is enjoying himself.

Really?

Per’sus is just very reserved.

"Thank you for inviting us. Your world is very lovely."

”Thank you."

"Would Einar and Cordesh be allowed to dance?" He asked in a lowered tone, though with his natural reverb, it still wasn’t exactly quiet.

"You might get a few looks, but no one will say anything. You have my support if anyone does complain."

"Thank you."

"Shall we dance?" Cordesh asked as he held out his hand.

Per'sus took it as he gave his host, Einar, control.

"Congratulations," Cordesh said with a slight bow before they walked off.

The rest of the night was a fantasy. Dancing in her new husband's arms. Seeing people she dearly missed. Eating food that brought back many good memories.

She stayed up later than she had originally planned, though she still had every intention of enjoying her wedding night.

Because she didn't live there, they had been given a hut to stay in. Rosha smiled as she lead Lantash towards it.

"You are beautiful," Lantash said.

Once inside, Rosha untied his belt, but when she looked to him, he just smiled. She stepped closer and kissed him, but he stopped her, just…admiring.

"Am I that much prettier in this?"

"You are my mate now, and I am unbelievably happy." He ran his hands down her sides. "As beautiful as your jewels and clothes are, you could be wearing filthy rags, and I would still be staring at you."

Rosha smiled. "I probably wouldn't smell great."

"I would not care." He kissed her softly, and they slowly began undressing each other.

"Leave my anklets on," she said. "Only tomorrow night shall I be completely naked before you."

Lantash laughed, his fingers tracing over one of the toe anklets. This time, he was the one on his knees, and he took full advantage of his position. His arms wrapped around her waist he held her firmly as she soon made wonderful sounds.

It wasn't the first time they had been together, but it was the first time with Lantash's new body. Rosha recognized many similarities, but also the differences. She briefly wondered if that was wrong.

Not at all, Jolinar assured. Just understand that he will have to adjust to having sex with Martouf's form.

Lantash soon laid her back.

She didn't shiver, Martouf thought.

She will. Lantash slowly kissed up her body, taking his time, teasing her all the way. His kisses were far more tense than anything Martouf would have even attempted.

Touches. Kisses. Nibbles. Rosha squirmed, aching for release. She was brought close a few times, only for Lantash to move elsewhere.

"I will get you back for this," Rosha growled.

Lantash laughed. Deep. Reverberated. And that only made Rosha crave him more. He used fingers to tease, then curled them as he left his own love mark, finally giving in to her demands.

She had never been so loud.

His follow up kisses made her pleasure last even longer.

"Are you blushing?" He teased.

"Someone had to have heard that."

He laughed. "Make them wonder." He kissed her. "You know that they are curious, maybe even jealous."

Rosha ran her fingers over the back of his neck.

"Attempting to tease me now?"

"Become mine."

Lantash kissed her as they became one.

~+~+~.

They slept in the next day, and when they finally got out of bed and dressed, a feast awaited them.

Lantash stole as many kisses as possible, and more than that, little touches that teased her.

Eventually, she couldn't take it anymore, and she dragged him into the forest. Not caring who she offended, Rosha thoroughly enjoyed her husband. The idea that anyone could catch them made it that much exciting.

Scandalous, Jolinar teased.

"Someone is coming," he whispered as he pulled her up. He kissed her as the steps grew closer.

"Rosha?"

Rosha jumped at the sound of her cousin's voice.

"Stealing a few kisses, I see." The woman smiled. "I did the same."

"Yes." Rosha blushed.

Lantash discreetly pulled a few leaves out of her hair.

"No more teasing," Rosha said in a hushed tone as her cousin left. "I have to be good."

"Oh…were we bad?" He gave a mischievous grin.

"Oh, you…"

"I'll be good." He kissed her softly. "I promise."

For the rest of the morning, Lantash behaved, and he enjoyed the celebration. Dancing. Wonderful food. Most importantly, his new bride. The Neekans had never seen this side of him before.

~+~+~.

The final wedding.

Details, details, and more details. Everything had to be just right.

Finally, Martouf and Rosha wrapped each other in long, delicate, silvery white wraps.

"Are you going to unwrap me later?" Rosha teased.

Martouf smiled as he placed a gold circlet on her head.

Rosha picked up a gold armlet that had been passed down through Martouf's family. She gently placed it on him.

He immediately kissed her.

"The last two marriages," she said after, then kissed him again.

"Yes. Do you remember your vows?"

"Yes."

They started by lighting candles, calling forth spirits of the dead, which was followed by a "sacrifice."

Before that would have meant slaughtering the groom's most prized livestock for the Temple of Bastet. However, Martouf now knew that his "goddess" was a fraud, and the Tok'ra frowned upon making a public spectacle of any death.

Such a performance often scares the animal, Lantash explained. It's unnecessarily cruel.

So instead…

"This grain is to be sacrificed to those in need," Martouf announced.

Really? "Sacrificed?" Jolinar thought.

I think it is cute. Rosha smiled.

"Terrel is about to face a terrible winter, and the poor are not cared for," Jaydin said as other Tok'ra gathered the bags of grain. "I assure you, we will get this grain to those who would otherwise starve."

"Thank you." Martouf and Rosha did a small bow.

Then the vows.

Oh, the vows.

Rosha was thankful for Jolinar because she would not have remembered past the first few dozen lines without her.

More candle lighting.

Then finally, their final vows.

Rosha wondered how many people were wishing they had volunteered to distribute the grain, but Martouf took her hands. Because he looked nervous, she gave an encouraging smile.

"When it rains, we soak together," he said.

"When it is hot, we burn together," Rosha replied.

"We endure as clouds, peacefully," they both finished.

"Martouf and Rosha…are one," Tur announced.

Martouf had the sweetest smile. He looked so happy.

Rosha kissed him.

"Not yet," Tur reminded.

"Sorry," Rosha replied.

"And now, they shall become one."

They kissed, and Rosha enjoyed his warmth against her. He smelled strongly of smoked oak and honey, and she paused briefly just to take in his scent.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," she replied before bowing her head.

He did the same, and when they saw each other again, it was through Lantash and Jolinar's control.

Jolinar immediately smiled, taking his hands. "When it rains, we soak together."

"When it is hot, we burn together."

"We endure as clouds, peacefully," they finished.

"Jolinar and Lantash…are one," Tur announced. "And now, they shall become one."

They immediately began kissing.

~+~+~.

"Now, you shall finally see all of me," Rosha teased as soon as they arrived at their quarters.

Martouf smiled, and he took his time unwrapping her, admiring her form as if he was seeing her for the first time.

"Do you truly blush?"

"You will always excite me."

Rosha slowly turned as the clothes unraveled from around her, and then she approached him.

He moved around her, still fully dressed, teasing her skin. His fingers found their way into her hair, and he slowly unraveled tight braids.

She gasped, not realizing how much they had been bothering her until he began. Fingers massaging her scalp made her moan.

His kisses against her ear and neck felt like the flutter of butterfly wings. All of her skin was soon tingling.

Her hair fully released, he massaged her scalp, her temples, the back of her head, which nearly melted Jolinar.

Strong hands slowly worked their way down, and he pressed a thumb against Jolinar as he used another hand to rub her shoulder.

He lead her to the bed. While he may have blushed, he wasn't so shy anymore. He wordlessly directed her to lean against against the bed, away from him.

That he was still clothed while she was completely naked was something she found oddly sensual.

He worked on her arms, taking his time, even massaging her hands and each individual finger.

She leaned more against the bed, relaxing.

He had to lean against her to massage Jolinar, and she could feel his excitement against her. She groaned, adjusting herself to feel him better, on the cusp of begging him to take her.

The massage felt so good though, and her breath became halting as he made his way down her spine.

"Martouf…"

"I love you."

She jerked in a wonderful spasm as he massaged behind her.

"Getting…closer," she muttered, gasping when he kissed her back. "Now just…reach between…"

His hands moved down her legs.

"Tease." She shivered. "Don't stop."

Many more kisses followed, soft, in sharp contrast to his wonderful fingers.

He stood up and pressed his palm up her spine.

She jerked in a shiver, trying to press against him.

"Kriff! Just take me!"

He laughed. "Almost," he promised as he ran a thumb hard over Jolinar again.

Rosha gasped, then felt his other hand do as she had asked, reaching around, and…

"Rosha."

The world blurred as he pleasured both of them as once. Intense waves ran through her body. She swore, she could almost hear Jolinar squealing.

She practically screamed during her great quake, and the aftermaths that followed left her still shivering.

"Are you ready?"

"That better not be a tease."

He grabbed her hips, and her body was more than ready for him. She felt a hand on her back as bliss followed. She reached back, grabbing his hip.

Movement between them was a bit clumsy, but neither cared. To them, it was perfect.

Jolinar took over after he shuddered, turning to face him, and he immediately gave control to Lantash.

They grabbed each other, kissing hard, finally sliding up on the bed as Jolinar pulled away his wraps.

It was intense and demanding, and they both knew exactly what they were doing.

Rosha was used to it, as it wasn't the first time. She relaxed and enjoyed every second of it. Together, her symbiote and new husband could make her body feel so many wonderful joys.

Martouf was surprised.

Lantash was assuring though, and he slowed down when it became too much for his host.

I'm sorry, Martouf thought.

Relax. There is no need to apologize. I told you, we would never do anything that you or Rosha were uncomfortable with.

Martouf was surprised that Lantash could focus on a conversation and on Jolinar on the same time.

Jolinar, taking his cue, also slowed down.

So in tuned with each other, the two symbiotes even shivered as one.

After, they each retreated, Martouf laid near Rosha, who held him close.

"One love mark made you blush," Rosha teased. "Now you have many."

"You have a few yourself," he replied, though he still blushed a bit.

"Not the first time."

Martouf kissed her.

"So…are those actual Kiron vows…or is it because on the day we got engaged, we were caught in both a storm and a cabin fire?"

"That is our vows. We were clearly meant to be."

Rosha laughed and kissed him.

"I love you."

"I love you too. Are there any other Kiron traditions I should know?"

"Once in bed for the wedding night, your feet cannot touch the floor until morning."

"Glad I don't need to use the restroom," she teased, though he had already warned her about that one. "You realize that's a little…odd."

"You had me give your parents a chicken to pay for you," he defended.

Rosha laughed as she laid on her back next to him.

He rolled on to his side, propping up his head as he smiled at her.

"Love." She smiled.

"You are so beautiful, but more than that…" He rubbed over her skin. "You and Jolinar make me happy."

Rosha kissed him.