The pounding was more unbearable than the artillery on Morton. Fleeting breath of sweet life. A single Breath. Flashes brighter than the muzzles of an entire armada's cannons. The volley of roars more blood curdling than a blood dragon's last. She was closer than the medic that smeared biogel on his wounds during the assault on Morton. Half a tear fell out of his eye. She was there to wipe it away.
For what felt like the first time, there was a distance between them. Out of the daze and confusion, he witnessed pure happiness. To his right, there was everyone; the men and women who fought alongside him, the general store owner and his assistant that made the ring, the proud citizens of New Dubai, and his only family left, his younger sister. The energy in the air of the temple was overwhelming as though a battle cruiser's fusion reactor melted down in the room. He turned back to his left and almost like the rush of his first knife kill, he picked her up and they were just as close as the moment before.
The load she laid on him was lighter than his usual equipment but was even heavier in another way. The others led the march out of the temple hall similarly to how you would out of a ship during an orbital landing. Everyone marched in a loose formation down the streets; citizens on the sidewalk cheering, making everyone feel like they were participating in a Life Day parade. What was a short march of half a kilometer was the longest, most joyous experience he felt. He, she, and the crowd made it to the venue in the park where Sama took time out of her inn keeping to decorate and cater for this day.
The open hall was more colorful and more naturally lit than the temple. The white columns, the flowers tied in purple ribbon strewn across the walls, and the food were no competition for the gazes that were locked on those two. Everybody cheered and conversed with their friends, family, and comrades. She leapt out of his arms and became the quasar of attention. One man came up to him. Dean wasn't recognizable to him without his armor and rifle.
"Treyvon, did you see him?!"
"See who?"
"The Prima Noyan actually came to your ceremony! He slipped away just before we all walked to the park."
"I can't believe him of all people would be so considerate to an initiate like me."
"It's probably for some higher up reason. You remember what we are, right? Guardians usually don't meddle with social practices like these. It's not only a special day for you but for everyone else."
A pat on the shoulder and Dean bolts for the food as always.
Treyvon walks around like a good groom and makes sure everyone is having a good time: embarrassing stories from the barracks are heard, the mush and crunch of food, and the pops of bottles. He walks back to his wife who is with a mob of women and Jans the general store owner/jeweler. Treyvon can appreciate Jans' craftsmanship but cannot comprehend the other women's infatuation with the adamantite and diamond ring. He approaches them, noticing his wife's cosmic mood. Jans starts to back away as he doesn't want to ruin the moment.
"Trey!"
Dashing at him with another embrace from her.
"Hey there Diane," always unprepared for her usual upbeat self. "I see you're enjoying our day to the fullest."
"Honestly, I don't know how to feel." She has a jittery melody to her voice. "I'm happy, scared, and curious and I'm showing all of it at once!"
With a smile on Treyvon's face, one that was so involuntary and powerful. "I love you."