[labprotocol]

Kiera tried to give him an encouraging smile. She grabbed his hand and led him from the small room. They headed down a hall. There were a few brides, in several different stages of pregnancy walking around and going about their business. They all had red stylized markings on their skin, some on their face or necks, others on the backs or shoulders. One heavily pregnant woman had a mark slashing across her belly. They looked like calligraphy painted on with a delicate paintbrush dipped in red ink. The brides all seemed to be busy. Some of them were carrying baskets of clothes or food, others walked with a brisk pace.

Kiera led into a wide room. The ceiling was made of thick glass and in the bright light of the city one could see several yards into the darkness of the deep ocean. A shark glided overhead. At the far wall was a platform were five Nagi were seated on the floor, their legs crossed. She nudged Sam forward. "This is the new bride," she said. "I have claimed as my husband."

One of the Nagi, an old woman with a shark tooth necklace crooked her finger at Sam. "What's you're name child? And what province are we to bless for your presence?"