Gods, but what a sight the hasty preparations must be projecting at the moment. Face glistening with sweat, teeth gritted in annoyance and hands trembling. Yet, with all the fervor of youth and love, no care was offered. There was to be a Bondage ceremony in fifteen minutes! Who had *time* to care??

The struggle with the laces at the narrow waistband came to an unfortunate end, however, as without intent quivering hands pulled too harshly and tore the delicate threads from their base. There was a whimper, then an undelicate curse, drawing the attendant's belligerent glares; such blasphemy inside the Deshanayan temple was never tolerated, specially from the lips of _this_ individual.

That individual was glaring back now, and finally worked up the courage to address them. After all, they HAD been assigned to the ceremonial arrangements, had they not? Why not make use of them. "Perhaps you'd care to assist me rather than stand there and glare? I haven't all day you know." This was delivered with a sharp hiss.

They sighed, moving hesitantly to the soon-to-be- wedded side. They all spoke Kardasi, some sort of anciant ritualistic language that could not be deciphered by modern- speaking Cardassians. No doubt were they deriding and insulting, yet again, the matter was pushed aside; no care.

The ritualistic black was drapped over the narrowed waist, envelopping the shivering flesh with silky drapes of raven material. With a final, ceremonial scarf hiding the offendingly slender neck, all was done. Two attendants took each an arm, and two others followed closely behind as they all entered the main hall, dark and sombre lighting flickering with the light of a thousand candles.

There he was ... suddenly all the woes of preparations were forgotten. a smile blossomed as the four intricately dressed attendants walked to the altar. At its side, another man waited, bare-chested, scales flickering with gold and shadows. The lover of all lovers ... now to be a part of eternity.

When he gazed dreamily at Elim Garak's loving sea- blue eyes, the Cardassian's form alive with eagerness as he waited for Julian's arrival at the altar, Bashir knew for a fact everything would be all right.

The End