TOMMY - ONE YEAR LATER

I sigh heavily. We're on our way to Eltar for the bonding ceremony there. We've finished the civil ceremony with all my friends and 'family' on Earth. The bonding ceremony in front of the tribe was a week ago. Zedd passed his trials on the reservation with flying colors. I knew he would but I was going to marry him with or without the elders' blessings so it didn't really matter if he did or not.

I think back over the details of the ceremony that we're headed for. I was extremely surprised when Zedd - finally - admitted that he'd like to have a traditional ceremony, which is ritualized within an inch of its existence. I didn't ask nearly enough questions before I agreed to it and as a result, we aren't going to be mating - in any way - for the next week or so. Technically we aren't even supposed to be sharing a bed or even a room, but lack of space on the ship makes that a little tricky. Pina and Dar are on Dar's ship while Zedd and I are on mine.

There are so many things that can still go wrong, in spite of everyone's reassurances. Apparently Kerch and Mara have to formally accept me into the family. While I'm sure that Mara has no problem - hell, the woman has taken to learning English for me - I'm still a little unsure and leery of Kerch. Mara and Serena came to visit a few months ago to help us make plans and they both assured me that Kerch was fine about it. And he better be after I saved his daughter from getting hurt when we were attacked - again.

It had been a good long while since anyone had dared to challenge either Zedd or me. I don't remember what the idiot's grievance was, but he was so sure that he was going to take us all down. Serena is certainly her mother's daughter and Zedd's sister, that's for sure, able to defend herself when it came down to it. However, she didn't see the rock flying at her head before I took it out.

I force myself to change the direction of my thoughts before I get too deep in the memories of Zedd showing his gratitude that night. Instead, I replay one of the many conversations that had taken place.

"We need to find someone willing to preside over the ceremony" Mara said. "After all, Zeddic, with your reputation and history, many will believe it to be a trap or joke."

Zedd sighed. "I know, Mother. Never mind that many will think - like Jax - that I've somehow unfairly gotten him to wed me."

Serena shrugged. "Really, all we need is someone of the clan that protects the rites and rituals."

"No" Goldar corrected her. "What you actually need is someone in good standing with the family for the bonding to be considered legitimate. Otherwise it could be seen as a mockery of the importance of the ritual. That's not Zedd's goal here."

Zedd, Mara and Serena had exchanged looks, clearly at a loss. Slowly, Pina spoke up. "Well, there might be someone."

"Pina, no" Dar had said quickly.

"Why not? Can you really think of anyone better to preside over Zedd and Tommy's ceremony?"

Dar didn't answer. Zedd asked curiously, "Who?"

By now all of us are looking at the couple, waiting for one of them to say something. Pina looked disappointed when she finally said, "Never mind. I just thought-"

"I said 'in good standing', Pina" Dar protests. "I really don't think-"

"But do you know for sure?"

Dar's shoulders had dropped. "No."

"Who?" Mara asked this time.

Pina's eyes hadn't left her mate, waiting for him to answer. Finally he said, "There might be someone, but I'm not really sure about his standing with the family. If it's good enough, then yes it's possible. But if not-"

"But would he do it? Not to beat a dead horse, but again Zedd's reputation being what it is…"

Mara and Serena turn their attention to me, clearly puzzled. "Why would anyone do such a thing, Tommy? It seems like a pointless endeavor."

I smile at Mara. "That's exactly what it means. You're really getting the hang of some of the slang terms, Mara."

"Thank you, dear. Now, Goldar, if you would answer Tommy's question, please. Would he do it?"

He thinks for a minute. "If permission could be gotten, then yes."

"Who?" Serena asked impatiently, even as Pina hugged Dar tightly before she kissed him soundly.

Looking slightly stunned as the female warrior released him, it took Dar a good minute to answer. "Me."

Shocked silence fell for a minute before Zedd spoke. "I knew that your family crest looked familiar. I just couldn't place it."

"Yes, well, I said that I left for a reason. I've just not seen a reason to go back." He smiles at Pina. "I'm much happier here."

As it turned out, nobody in the family was aware that their missing family member was the infamous Goldar, right hand to Rita and then Lord Zedd. After a lot of talking, he convinced them that Zedd wasn't the person that he'd been for so many centuries and that our relationship was legitimate. Once permission was secured, we relaxed a bit about that.

Again my thoughts wander to the part of the ceremony where Zedd's parents have to accept and welcome me into the family. Apparently this part goes back to the days of arranged marriages and a firmly enforced class system. They don't have to accept me because of my species, but because, by the old standards, I'm nothing but a commoner trying to wed into nobility - working my way up the ladder, so to speak. I'd made a joke about being considered a gold digger - which upset everyone. Pina calmed first and explained that many thousand years ago - long before Mara and Kerch's grandparents were even born - that it wasn't unusual for such a thing to take place and usually ending with the newest noble slaughtering the established family to gain their place and wealth. With their long lives and excellent memories, it's still considered fairly recent in their history and a very touchy subject. It was a very solid reminder that I need to keep my mouth shut more often than not when I'm on Eltar.

I jump slightly when Zedd speaks behind me. "Here you are, love."

"Here I am. What are you up to?"

He gives me a quick kiss before he answers me. "Just won an argument with one of my people. He tried to hold out for more money but I convinced him it wasn't in his best interest."

"Would have had to kill him?"

"Either that or he wouldn't be getting work from me for a very, very long time. Considering how well I pay him for the work he does, well, let's just say that it wouldn't be long before he'd be begging me for any work at all. What are you doing?"

"Thinking about the ceremony."

"Which one?"

"The one we're headed to."

He pulls me into his arms. "Don't be nervous, Thomas. Everything will be fine."

I shrug, feigning like I'm not concerned. "Yeah, I know."

Resting his forehead against mine, he smiles at me. "Liar" he says lovingly.

"Okay, I am nervous - a little."

"Once we get there, you won't have time to be nervous. We'll be too busy what with the fittings for your formalwear, last minute decisions and so on."

"At this point, I either have to focus on the ceremony or I'm going to want to think about our honeymoon and that's not a good idea at the moment."

"Oh really? Why not?"

"Because if I think about the honeymoon, someone's going to get ravaged before we get to Eltar and, buddy, it won't be me" I growl at him.

He laughs lightly. "I'm not worried. You promised me that you'd follow the traditions and you, my love, are a man of your word."

Damn it. He's got me and he knows it by the look he's giving me now. A devious plan springs to mind. It'd be a little mean, but ultimately worth it. Especially since he didn't see fit to explain to me what all the traditions would entail. Lightly I stroke my hands over his chest, making sure I casually brush sensitive places as I do. "You're right, kalleimat. But I make no promises about the minute we've left for our honeymoon."

His eyes narrow slightly. "Fair enough, Thomas." He steps back and turns for the kitchen, one last parting comment making me want to curse in frustration. "And just keep in mind, any teasing you do will be returned - with interest."

TEN DAYS LATER

I wasn't this damn nervous at either of the ceremonies on Earth! I find myself pacing, checking my clothes in the mirror, adjusting the cloak and then pacing once more. I jump badly at a knock on the door. "Come in."

Mara enters and gasps softly. "Oh, Tommy, you look so handsome! Zeddic will be so pleased!"

I glance in the mirror once more. "You think so?"

"I'd be surprised if he didn't want to take you the minute he sees you." I can feel my face heat up even as she goes on. "I've brought you a small gift."

"What? Mara, no. You've done more than enough" I protest. Never mind that she and Serena have been treating me like family - like they've known me for centuries rather than a couple of years - but they're paying for everything. I know they'd said that it was their responsibility, but still…

She holds out a flat box, not unlike one used to hold jewelry on Earth. "I know you aren't much for this kind of thing, but I'd really appreciate it if you wore this today - even if you never wear it again." Mara opens the box to reveal a necklace, rather unisex in design. "This was given to me by Kerch's mother on the day of our ceremony as it was given to her by her husband's father." Gently, she lifts it out of the box and I sit down, allowing her to fasten it on me. "This has been handed down for generations going back to before memory. It has always been given to the new family member from the parent who received it themselves - and always to the chosen mate of the first born." She moves around in front of me and adjusts the piece. "I hope that you'll keep the tradition if you and Zeddic have children."

There's a lump in my throat. I swallow hard. "Mara, are you sure?"

"Of course I am. Tommy, I'm very proud to claim you as my son. Do you remember when you ran away from the hospital?" I redden once more as I nod. "I claimed you as my son then - before there had been any discussion about the two of you having the ceremony."

"We've already talked about having children" I admit. "We just haven't decided when we want to start. Hell, we can't even agree on how many to have." I know he wants more than two, no matter what he says.

"Take it one at a time" she advises. "You might find that two is enough or you might find that every so often you want to add to your family. Wait and see."

Before I can answer her, my communicator goes off, making my heart stop briefly. Praying nothing's wrong, I answer, "Go ahead."

"Hey Dr. O. You aren't in the middle of the ceremony, are you?"

I can't help but smile at the cheerful female voice. "No, Kira. What's up?"

"Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you guys. Wish I could see the ceremony and you guys all dressed up. Do they take pictures there?"

I laugh lightly. "Yes, they do and I've been told that there are plenty of people taking pictures today. I'll make sure to send you some."

"Cool. I'll let you go then. Kira out."

I sigh. Aside from Jason - and maybe Hayley - Kira's way up on the list of people that I'd have liked to have here today. I realize that Mara's frowning. Quickly, I tell her, "Kira was one of the Rangers I was mentoring when I was hurt. Zedd's said that it seems like I view her as a little sister or daughter. I think more a sister than a daughter, though."

She looks offended. "I know who she is, Tommy. She came with us to rescue you from Wopenga, remember?"

"Then why are you frowning?" She doesn't think that Kira would come between me and Zedd, does she?

She shakes her head. "I still find the use of the word 'cool' to be strange in such a context."

"Compared to teenagers on Earth, your style of speech is much more formal and proper, Mara."

She shakes her head again. "Children."

There's another knock at the door. "Come in."

Serena this time. "You look very nice, Tommy. How are you doing?"

"Not bad, thanks to your mother distracting me. Why?"

"Zedd's so green I think he's going to be ill." The temptation to check the bond is very strong, but Zedd requested that we close it for a short time, reopening it on our honeymoon. We both closed it the last time we saw each other - which was two days ago. My attention returns to the young woman when she continues. "Father asked me to bring you this." She hands me a small envelope. "It's time for us to be seated, Mother. The ceremony is going to start soon."

They both give me quick pecks on the cheek and are gone in a moment. I open the envelope, suddenly nervous again. The card inside has one sentence on it - You have nothing to worry about.

Did someone tell him that I was worried that he'd not accept me? Or about any one of my hundred concerns? What exactly is it that I don't need to worry about now? Before I can think about this any more, there's another knock at the door, this time summoning me to the ceremony. I take a deep breath and follow my guide.

The grand doors open before me, leading to a huge hall that reminds me of the large ornate cathedrals back on Earth. It's a little intimidating, truthfully, but I remind myself that I am a power holder and Lord Zedd's chosen mate. Pride and dignity straighten my spine, draw my shoulders back and raise my chin. I proceed down the aisle, which feels like it's a million miles long. God, there's a lot of Eltarians here.

I get my first look at my mate for the first time in days. Oh my god, he looks fantastic! My mouth goes dry as - another first - I see him in his formalwear. All a deep, rich black so dark that it seems like it goes forever - a stark contrast to my own brilliant white attire. The design makes me think of Earth nobility some hundred or two hundred years ago. I see that his eyes keep flickering to a point to my left. What has his attention? My gaze skims over the crowd.

Suddenly, my eyes lock on a familiar face. Jason? What the hell? How? I realize that he's surrounded by Rangers - past and present, on and off Earth. I shoot a look at Zedd, who smiles at me. Abruptly I realize that he must have made arrangements for them all to be here. I grin hugely back at him. Another quick glance as I continue to the front and I almost stop in astonishment. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are here too? Sam and David? Did he do this before or after we invited his family - well most of them anyway - to the Earth ceremonies? Granted, they weren't all able to attend due to other commitments and getting ready for this, but at least Mara and Kerch were able to make it.

Finally I stand next to Zedd and before Dar. The urge to grab Zedd's hand is almost overwhelming, but we aren't to touch until a certain point in the ceremony. Dar speaks, his voice carrying clearly over the assembly. "We are here to bear witness to the joining of Zeddic of Eltar and Thomas of Earth. Those that are here to speak in acceptance of this joining, please rise." Zedd and I both turn to face the onlookers as several people stand - surprisingly most of them from what I think of as my guests.

Sam speaks first. "I represent Thomas' bloodline family. We accept Zeddic as his mate."

Mrs. Scott speaks next, a quaver in her voice. "I represent Thomas' adopted families from Earth. We accept Zeddic as his mate."

Kira sounds a little choked up herself. "I represent Thomas' friends and fellow Rangers. We also accept Zeddic as his mate." A low murmur rushes through the witnessing Eltarians.

Jason's tones, however, are firm and sure, shooting a quick look at the whispering guests. "I represent Thomas' past mentors at their request. Zordon and Dulcea accept Zeddic as his mate." The whispers fly fast and furious after this announcement.

Each of them has sat down after they've made their announcements. Andros remains standing, but Serena speaks next. "I represent Zeddic's family. We accept Thomas as his mate." I'm sure that Jax loves that.

Pina speaks next. "I represent Zeddic's chosen family. We accept Thomas as his mate."

Andros says, "I represent Zeddic's friends and the friends he's made among the Rangers. We accept Thomas as his mate." I'm surprised and pleased by this because I have no doubt he's talking about the Distress Reds. A quick glance at Zedd shows me how surprised he is as well.

Dar looks to Zedd's parents. "Kerch and Mara, this is your time to have your say about this union."

I know that just Kerch being here isn't enough for his approval. I was told that sometimes the parents show up just to tear apart the marriage, so I'm more than a bit nervous. He's either going to support us or destroy us. I pray that I haven't misunderstood the note he sent me. The man stands, Mara at his side. "While my son is still a very dangerous individual, Thomas balances him quite well. I have observed them together during their courting and can see no reason to deny this union. In truth, I see every reason to encourage it. As Zeddic's parents, we do not accept Thomas as Zeddic's mate, but as a new son in our family."

I feel my mouth fall open. I knew that Mara felt that way, but for Kerch to say it now - during the ceremony - is the highest honor and approval that they can possibly give me publicly. They sit down and Zedd and I turn back to Dar. Glancing at the pair of us, he murmurs, "Pull yourselves together!"

I almost want to laugh in relief and the realization that Zedd's probably just as stunned as I am. I nearly miss it when Dar speaks again, voice carrying to the crowd. "Acceptance has been given on both sides. Now they must accept each other. Face each other and join hands."

We do and Zedd, as the 'higher rank', speaks first. "With the acceptance of my friends and family behind me, Thomas, I accept you as my mate."

"With the acceptance of my friends and family behind me, Zeddic, I accept you as my mate."

"Exchange your bonding symbols" Dar instructs. I dig out Zedd's ring even as he retrieves mine, almost dropping it in the process. I still think it's amusing the difference in our styles. My band is plain platinum while his is much more ornate. Even though we wear the same size, we'll never get them mixed up, that's for sure. Once the rings are on, Dar continues. "With the exchange of symbols, you are now bound together as one. You may seal your bond with a kiss."

Zedd kisses me firmly as I do him. We turn to face the crowd. Dar's voice rings out. "I present to you Lord Zeddic and Lord Thomas, joined mates to the end of time."

Everyone rises as we head down the aisle, the after party our next destination. Once in the vehicle and moving, I ask, "So how long do we have to stay at this thing?"

"A few hours, love. Don't worry, it'll go faster than you think."

I lower my voice in deference to the driver. "Do you have any idea what I want to do to you?"

He squeezes my hand that he hasn't released since we were permitted to touch. "I have a list of my own, love. And don't worry. We have a month. I'm fairly certain we'll get through most of our lists - if not all the way through them."

I lean into him. "I like the sound of that. By the way, kalleimat, thank you for arranging to have everyone here. When did you decide to do that?"

"After Jason was recovering well from being shot a year ago. I knew that if he did survive and recover, you would want your brother there, just like I thought that you'd like for Sam and David to be present."

"Sam was wrong." At his confused look, I explain. "He thought that he wouldn't be alive to see us married, remember?"

"I'd forgotten that. At least when he does go, he'll know that you are well loved and cared for. Although I will say, I think he has more than a few good years left in him. Maybe enough to see his - how do you say it? - great grandchild?"

Softly, I say, "That would be awesome." We pull up to the building and get out. I smile at my new husband. "Let's go. Party now, consummate the marriage later."

"Many times" he agrees, kissing me swiftly.