Nati saw the ridicule in their eyes but chose to ignore it. As long as the leader and Visha agreed, these pests didn't matter. She then eagerly turned to Visha who still seemed to be thinking about it. Could she have noticed something? Nati furrowed her brows at that thought.
Visha could feel that something didn't fit into Nati's explanation but she couldn't pin it down. Also they were running out of time, this seemed to be the only way out. So she gave Nati a slight nod in affirmation. Nati chuckled as she saw Visha reluctantly give in and turned to the adamant half-horse who still looked unsure.
Divrat knew that what the Yakshini said was true. That girl did meet the criteria and this deal would highly benefit his people, since they all hated humans and weren't very keen on having them around. This could prove to be the ultimate solution to keep themselves hidden with the guarantee of resolving things with the least human interference. He wouldn't trust humans and if it was that girl keeping an eye he could rest assured. Divrat looked at the hopeful Yakshini and gave a slight nod.
Nati was ecstatic to see her little idea get approved by everyone. But the reaction of the other Gandharvas was just the opposite. They couldn't believe their eyes when they saw Divrat nod. How could their leader agree to this? Did that Yakshini secretly enchant him? That wasn't possible with Divrat. He was the most powerful leader among the Gandharvas. He led the cavalry against one of the most formidable demon clans and won against them. Enchanting him was just impossible. They pushed that unrealistic scenario out of their minds as they gawked at the scene that was beginning to unfold. What they could never have known was that this event will mark the beginning of a new history. One of a united front against the darkest forces.
Priest Dravya and Laksh helped Priest Dharma out of the cart and sat him down on the ground. Visha too squatted down after Nati and Divrat. All four of them sat down facing each other with a chalice in between. Priest Dharma was excused from folding his legs due to his injury. Divrat, being half-horse took a large space with his hooves neatly tucked beneath his large body. His wings were still folded around the back. Even though everyone was curious to see them in full glory none of them dared to voice it out. Visha looked at Nati and nodded, gesturing her to begin.
"I, the Protector Yakshini, Nati shall bear witness to these three powers coming together." Nati's words rang like drums in Visha's ears. The 'Protector Yakshini'! That was why her name had seemed familiar back at the lake. She was one of the eight great Yakshinis. The Nati Yakshini provided protection to her worshipers from supernatural powers. She could protect people from curses, hexes and all kinds of dark magic. People spend years to get her protection and Visha got it just like that! The most terrifying part was that she had actually managed to piss off one of the most powerful Yakshinis and lived to tell the tale. Visha felt like she should definitely make offerings to the Goddess, thanking her for bestowing good luck, if she gets back home alive. Who knew how long this luck could last and keep her safe from Nati's wrath? She feared of what would become of her as soon as her contract ended.
The other Gandharvas had a similar reaction to Nati's self introduction. They regretted every vile thought that had popped up in their minds. They had belittled the Yakshini that instilled fear in even the strongest Yakshas. They felt like kicking themselves for their ignorance. They had just badmouthed one of the most vicious and vengeful creatures on earth and had truly invited death to their doors. They gulped in fear and prayed that this alliance would appease her anger and she'd forget about them.
Meanwhile, Nati was oblivious to the effects disclosing her identity had caused, and continued with the ceremony. "Gandharvas, the Warriors of Spirit Forest; The disciple priesthood of the Original Guardian and The follower witches of Goddess Bhairavi. They are from today onwards joined in alliance with an oath to protect each other's honor and lives with their own. Gandharvas are to provide protection to the other two in time of need, the priesthood is to provide spiritual guidance to the other two in time of need, the witches are to uphold the secrecy among the human world of the other two at all times. Are there any objections you have?"
All three shook their heads as that oath seemed to include it all. Gandhrvas were the strongest faction, the priesthood was gifted with the spiritual eye while the witches were safely melded within the human society. Each faction had gotten the task according to their expertise.