As the sun went down the bride arose, and performed anew her ablutions, and prayed with fervor and abandon. Then she arrayed herself in scarlet, and wound herself up in the voluminous red veil with as much skill and ingenuity as possible, so that her husband might find it difficult to see her face, since it was his task to unwind it, as soon as she crossed the threshold of Iaqua.
With the appearance of the evening star, came the state chariot drawn by four spirited bays, ready to carry her to her new home. The whole city seemed to be alive with torches and lanterns, which rivaled the brilliant illumination overhead, as Ildiko, accompanied by Yermah and her father, stepped into the vehicle.
The populace ran alongside, singing bridal songs and shouting good wishes into her ears. Little cakes, nuts, and bouquets were thrown from the chariot as souvenirs, while the blare of trumpets added to the general noise and confusion.
All the notables of Tlamco were assembled at Iaqua to welcome the bride. A very timid, frightened little morsel of humanity she was, as Orondo carried her into the house.
She had intended to make a great show of resistance when he attempted to remove her veil; but she was so dazed that she lost all presence of mind, and actually helped him.
With grave sweet tenderness, Orondo freed her from entanglement, and led her in triumph to the dais prepared for them, where for the next two hours they received congratulations.
When divested of their mantles, the bride and groom led the dancing, and with it Ildiko’s spirits rose. It was her privilege to challenge any swain in the company, and he was obliged to follow her through the maze of whirling dancers until he should succeed in capturing the illusive veil she occasionally tossed at him.
As soon as the formal change was danced with Orondo, she threw the veil over Alcamayn’s shoulder. He was a splendid dancer, and she knew that he would give her ample opportunity to display her own skill.
Round and round they went—he in hot pursuit, she alert to provoke and yet escape him.
At last, panting with exertion, she suffered him to touch the gauze, and then the dancers rushed away to get something to drink and to recover their breath.