Dinah

Chapter 16

I had little time to brood while helping Sheerah prepare to wed. Three months didn't seem long enough to make all the preparations. The ceremony itself required little thought, but Sheerah's costume was of great importance. A bride owned basically the things she wore or needed for her personal upkeep. For everything else she was dependent on her husband.

Most women tried to sew things of value into their bridal costume in case they were later widowed or divorced. Such treasures could insure a reasonable lifestyle after such a catastrophe. The bride also wished to bring respect and pride to her family and husband-to-be. Her attire should be the envy of all women.

Sheerah had little with which to work. She had been away from home when captured and had no opportunity to hide trinkets on her person. I had little of value to offer her, especially with my own wedding impending. While we pondered what to do about her costume, we began the tedious job of weaving goat's hair to make the marriage tent. In many clans, the newlyweds simply moved into the tent with their families. Because of Papa's wealth, he was able to provide separate tents for his sons as they married. The tent would be a small one-room affair sufficient for two. As the family grew, the tent could be enlarged and an annex added to provide a separate sleeping room.

After the announcement of Asher's betrothal, the women brought us the goat hair they had accumulated over the last year. The hair was customarily hoarded for use in repairing tents. When a marriage was planned, all contributed their stockpile to the couple for the construction of a new tent. The women in the groom's family usually did the weaving. Because Asher was considered part of our family, Sheerah and I helped with the weaving. The hair was coarse and harsh to the skin. Although we grumbled as we worked, we didn't really mind the inconvenience. It gave us opportunity to plan and gossip.

When Sheerah and I were alone, she asked about the coming together of a man and woman. From an early age, we knew of the act. We had watched animals and our questions were answered candidly. Still, being aware of the process did not adequately prepare one for marriage. Sheerah wanted to know how it made you feel, if it hurt, and how she should act. I was at a loss for answers.

Reminding Sheerah that my one experience was under less than ideal, circumstances, I said, "I know there was pain, but mine might have been less because of the shock. I didn't know of Shem's love until later. That knowledge would probably have changed my feelings. As it was, I simply felt numb. Perhaps we should ask Mama or Aunt Rachel to provide further information."

Blushing, Sheerah protested, "I couldn't ask them. They've been nice, but I can't talk to them the way I can you. I'd die of embarrassment." Looking sheepish, she continued, "I don't suppose you would want to ask? You could pretend you're thinking about your coming marriage."

I promised to do so and then glanced sideways with an impish grin and said, "Didn't Asher's kiss give you any idea of how you might feel? You looked pretty flushed when you told me about it."

Kicking sand at me Sheerah replied laughing, "Don't tease, Dinah. But... if the act makes me feel the way the kiss did, it will be wonderful. I've never felt that way before. It was like I was awake for the first time. Everything seemed different, new. All of my senses were sharp; I tingled all over. Did Shem kiss you again after you knew of his intentions? Is that how you felt?"

"No, he didn't kiss me. He wanted to win my trust first. I wish..." Shaking my head, I continued, "I'm sure it would have been similar. Just his presence and his accidental touch made me feel that way." Looking searchingly at Sheerah, I concluded, "You are so lucky. I don't think I will ever feel that way again. All I have to look forward to is marriage to a stranger. How can I ever be fair to him, Sheerah? Where can I dispose of memories?"