Chapter Sixty – Union Part One : Soul

Pazu was stunned and overcome by the complexities of a Gondoan wedding. To begin with he and Sheeta lived apart for a week beforehand. She went to stay at Shuna's farm and had several women for company, including Shuna's wife Amadea and her eldest married daughter. Pazu remained in their farmhouse and Shuna and the four brothers came and lived there. Shuna's youngest children stayed with an aunt, only married men were allowed to attend upon Pazu and likewise married women attended on Sheeta.

For the first few days they took Pazu out and instructed him in the basics of behaviour in public for a married man. How to wear his sword and carry his bow, the greetings he should use, who he was and wasn't socially superior to, and so on. One day, in a street near the centre of the village a strange thing came down the lane towards them. Two women were carrying what looked like a red tent, sedan chair style, the side and end cloths of which reached the floor. Bhema and Khuaema ushered him to the side of the lane. The red tent went past, filled with giggling.

"What on earth is that?"
"Your betrothed," Khuaema explained, "she cannot be seen by anyone except her attendants this week, and especially not by you. If you so much as catch a glimpse of an ankle the wedding must be put back a week."
"You people are mad." Pazu observed.

Later in the week Pazu was instructed on the duties of a husband. He found this very embarrassing and pretended not to know anything about it. He was also taught about being a host to visitors in his own home and the mysteries of the telle were explained. He and Sheeta didn't own one, he said. He was told not to worry about that.

But during his spare time he worked on Sheeta's wedding present. He cleaned out the scullery and worked to convert it to a room more to her liking. Outside he dug drainage and laid a soil pipe to a sump outside the property while inside he arranged a second pump and laid a pipe that ran from the well under the garden. He worked away happily, it was good to be using his hands and he taught himself tiling this week, something he'd never done before and his woodworking and metalworking skills were put to good use.

--I--
---o-o-oOo-o-o---
I I

He opened his eyes. It was today. The day. Today it would happen. Thirty Three of Umsennemar. It was spring, and it was also the Equinox. Day and night of equal length. Two equal halves together in perfect balance. Night and day, black and white, male and female, sky and soil, boy and girl. It was a good day to be married. Today it would happen. Today a lot of things would happen. He lay, partly awake, the warmth of the bed cocooning him, and let his thoughts stray around him. What was he feeling? Nervousness, yes, and also worry, fear even? Trepidation, but as well as that there was another set of emotions. Calm, hope, anticipation too. Happiness. Yes, and eagerness.

He hadn't seen her for a week, yet he had hardly thought of anything else. Whenever he shut his eyes, hers were there, her blue-grey soul, wide and clear, calm and knowing, her pale skin, that pretty button nose. And her hair, that beautiful sunrise of hair that he loved to put his hands and face in. He would be talking with Shuna and would breathe in and her smell would be there, filling his mind, and he would tingle with the memory of it.

They had been together only twice, in the cave and in the inn. Of course, apart from this last week, they had slept together every night since and frequently without clothes, but apart from those two nights he had never since known her, they had kissed and cuddled and said goodnight. It was how they both wanted it. Once they had returned to her home they had chosen to save themselves for their wedding night. Then the Gathering's decision had come and that had changed everything and it hadn't seemed right at all after that.

But today? Today it would happen. The thought went round and round in his head. It would be today. She and he would be legally joined as one. And tonight. Tonight also they would be joined. Of all the thoughts tumbling around in the plunge pool of his emotions it was anticipation that was strongest and which surfaced and, causing a warm bloom in his centre, carried him along as that day began.

But then again… today wasn't just about today was or? Or tonight. Today was much more. Today was tomorrow as well, and the day after that and the next, and the next. And onwards. Today was for ever, it was the rest of his life, and her life. Today was commitment. Today was until he died, however many years that might be. Another fifty years even. The thought of spending fifty years with her made him feel faint with longing, with happiness: he knew that was something he wanted. With her, for ever with her and her only. And today wasn't just a promise of that but a promise to commit to that. No matter what happened, whether there be happiness and good harvests and health and bounty, or whether there was illness and disease, disability, accidents, anger, sadness, arguments, poor harvests, no money, starvation even. Whatever befell them, he was committing today to face it. Because with her he absolutely would and could face it.

He lifted his arms and placed his hands behind his head and lay for a few moments considering this. He wondered if she too was lying in a bed in another house right this moment and thinking about the day, the days, the years ahead. He hoped she was.

Aloud he told her he loved her, then rose, washed and breakfasted with his companions. Then, dressed in simple clothes the brothers took him around the village and he greeted everyone, saying a symbolic goodbye to them as a single man. It was a warm day, with a light fresh breeze, but dull, there was complete cloud cover.

Back at the farm he was given a light meal and then undressed and bathed by the men. He wasn't allowed to do anything for himself. It was part of the wedding ritual, Shuna said, he had died as a single man now, had gone around the village saying his goodbyes. Now he could do nothing for himself except what was required in the marriage ceremony. They led him, in his skin, into the parlour and applied sweet smelling oils all over and brushed his hair. Then they dressed him.

First the poloti or underwear which were like loose shorts and reached to mid-thigh. Their origin was from a protective under cloth that kept the skin from chafing while riding. Over these the puorthtemi gathered in at the ankle and cut wide and flowing at the thigh and knee. His shirt was the usual hakkaemi which had no buttons but was, in the female style, made up of a large triangle of material, the narrow points of which crossed at the front, wound around the back and were tied at the spine low down, so that a deep slice of the chest was visible where the two sides crossed over. It was worn loose allowing air to circulate within. The coat, however was beautiful. It wasn't a haemshi a stiff formal open robe, but a softer fitted coat with the tails cut wide to lie over the baggy puorthtemi and not press them flat to his legs. The coat was called monor meaning 'morning'. It was based on the traditional morning coat gentlemen would wear in towns but this style was exaggerated and used only for weddings. It had the usual stand up collar and wide shoulders but unlike the haemshi the lapels closed in a vee neck below the breast and there were three large gold buttons holding it closed to the waist, where it was tightly cut and fitted. Below the waist the coat tails swept out widely. On the left side of the monor the tails were split and this cut was heavily decorated with stitching and brocade. It was through this slit, he was told, that his ceremonial short sword, the khumeht in its scabbard would hang. He was given low soft boots to wear, fine gloves and a crown of flowers sat on his red-brown hair.

Everything he wore was silk, and everything was a rich cream colour, a beautiful colour. Even the flowers were off-white spring lilies. He had a lot of questions but Shuna wouldn't answer them all.

"I spoke to Sheeta about what I wanted us to wear and she told me we had no choice, everything was traditional."
"She was right. This was made for you this week, from the measurements we took the day we arrived, your bride is having the same done for her, what she wears too is traditional."

my bride, Pazu liked the sound of that.

"The colour, does it mean anything?"
"It does," answered Shuna, "but I suggest you ask your bride about that."

Pazu noticed Peta and Torhpa exchanging knowing looks. Something was going on here. Again.

"Who is paying for the clothes?"
"You are of course! We took two yaoko from your shed some weeks ago and sold them. You did not think us poor simple farmers had paid for all this do you?"

Pazu never knew what to believe. Finally he was dressed. Bhema slipped a final lily in his buttonhole.

"There," he said, "done. You look magnificent. If I were not a hairy arsed bearded farmer I would marry you myself."
"I envy her, she is going to have a wonderful day," Khuaema chipped in.
"Never mind the day!" Shuna spoke what was on all their minds, "it is tonight she will enjoy, eh, Pazu? Make her scream my man, make her scream!"

He gave Pazu a heavy slap on the shoulder while Pazu blushed furiously. Getting used to Gondoan ways was simply impossible. Shuna leaned close, as though about to impart wise words.

"I hope she is a maiden Pazu, because part of the wedding ritual is we check the sheets in the morning. And if she is not," he gave a slow wink, "then you had best get her to tear the skin and draw blood from your back with her nails. That will do instead."
"Yau-taemo, I'll remember that."

Pazu had no idea at all what he was talking about.

"So whose blood will it be, yours or hers? Hm?"
"I'm not telling you that!"
"Oh. I see," he grinned, teasing mercilessly, "yours then?"

Pazu went so red the bigger man needed no further answer.

"And you played all innocent with me when I was describing what you had to do! That is an evening's ale you owe me, Pazu, and I have the memory of a mountain ox. I do not forget."

Despite his experience with Sheeta, Pazu really had no idea what Shuna was getting at. In the cave the following morning he'd not noticed anything and Sheeta wasn't bleeding now.

But there was no time to puzzle over that, there came a knock at the door. Peta opened it and a little girl of about ten was there. She bowed.

"Please, sir, the lady is ready."
"Thank you, Tabeena, the gentleman is on his way."
"Well, Pazu," Shuna turned to him, "are you ready?"
"I am."
"No. I meant, are you ready? For this?"

Pazu understood. He drew in a big breath. He was nervous, he could feel his heart fluttering.

"Yes, Shuna, I am."
"Very well. Torhpa, the horses."
"Shuna, before we go."

Pazu stuck out his hand. Shuna looked at it.

"In Numenaor it's a way of showing friendship. Take my hand."

Shuna grasped Pazu's offered hand, Pazu shook.

"Thank you, Shuna, you have been a great help to me this week. You're a good friend."
"That is alright, Pazu. My eldest boy Othama is twelve. His Pead-lth-u'or will come in a year or two and another year or two after that, he will marry. I would like you to be one of his man servants during his week of preparation. You can tell him what to do in the bedroom, eh?"
"Thank you, I'd be honoured."
"Oh, I almost forgot. I may be just a farmer but this is a present from me. Raise your arms."

Shuna slipped a sword belt around Pazu's hips and buckled it. The khumeht in its decorative scabbard hung off his left hip and parted the monor on that side.

"You're giving me a khumeht? Thank you."
"Use it wisely. A good Gondoan only ever cuts animal meat with it. A bad Gondoan cuts men with it. You understand?"
"Yes."
"Very well, let us go and meet that bride of yours, hm?"
"Oh, wait. There is something I want to do. Five minutes."

Pazu picked up what he needed from a shelf by the hearth and went into the kitchen and climbed the stair inside the grain tower. He reached the roof and let the hatch drop closed behind him. For a minute or two he looked around at the view, at the mountain, the lake, the woodland and the fields. He looked over the village and saw coloured streamers and flowers decorating the main space by the hall. He saw crowds gathering there. He looked up at the dull sky which had begun to lighten, the weather was improving. They might have clear skies and sun by this evening. Then, facing the village he raised the thing he held. He wet the mouthpiece and experimentally wiggled the valves. Then drawing in a breath he played. He chose a hopeful happy tune he had known for years, one he had played for his father. It began simply and gently but built up in pace and volume, becoming a celebration, an enthusiastic call, the shout of a young happy man. He finished and inside himself he knew, now, he was ready.

The six men mounted up in the yard. One of the brothers lent Pazu a spare horse. The animal was beautifully clean, groomed and brushed to perfection. A chestnut gelding, three or four years old. His hooves shone and there were more white lilies woven into his red mane and tail, and along his bridle.

"His name is Luth'Huernen," Khuaema informed him, "and be careful, he is swift."

They rode out of the yard and around the landward side of the village, approaching the communal hall from the Solstice Hill, down the field where Sheeta had spent her last moments as a queen and by a simple ceremony had been declared of common blood and able to marry a common man. From the slope Pazu could see again the ribbons and flowers in the open space at the far end of the hall. They dismounted at the field end of the hall where there was a second door. A few men were gathered here. As they approached one of them sounded a horn which was answered by another at the far end of the building.

"You know what to do? The ceremony was explained to you?"
"Yes."
"It is only a short walk Pazu, but I pray Utomu is with you at every step. And remove your gloves and your boots. Bare hands and bare feet inside. And I will be right behind you."

Pazu merely nodded, he was too nervous to reply. He took a breath, spent a moment to calm himself. The doors swung open and he stepped forward.

The hall was crowded. Cushions lay in concentric semi circular rows with everyone facing the centre of one wall. Half way down that side of the hall, opposite the hearth was a raised area with a cloth covered table upon it and against the wall behind, two throne-like chairs. Over one was draped a shimmering cream silken cloth, the other had a bright red covering. Both were festooned with garlands of flowers. A low fire burned in the hearth. But hung from every beam above, every panel to the sides and even scattered on the floor at his feet were flowers. Bunches and bunches of them. He was staggered by how many. From where they had all been gathered he couldn't guess. But the smell was wonderful, the gentle scents mingled into a powerful sea of sweetness, overwhelming and dense enough to swallow. Leading in from the two opposite doors were aisles that led at a tangent through the semi circles of guests to the central hearth where a space then led to the raised table.

Music began to play. There was a light-coloured beat of a drum; a bok, bok, bok sound, pleasant and cheerful, not too fast. Behind the drum, wind instruments began and a gentle and stirring melody built up, weaving and flowing and building. Then atop this several girls held round gourds and tilted them, rolled them from side to side making a rushing noise. The gourds were filled with dry seeds and as they were rolled around the contents flowed and rattled. At times the sound was like rain, and at others like waves lapping on a shore. Or again it was the passing of the wind through wheat or perhaps the tops of trees bending and rustling to the shiver of the wind. A beautiful sound, ethereal and earthy.

Pazu took his first step, then another, and a third. He felt the soft petals of the flowers under his bare feet and the ticklish coarse matting below that. People turned to look at him, many smiled and nodded their heads and to his many friends he nodded solemnly back. All were dressed in their finest. At Suethelhin they had worn working clothes and got dirty in the partying. They had looked like peasant farmers. Here, however he glimpsed for the first time another side of this community. He realized that these people knew comfort and financial security. They could afford a fine set of clothes and he noticed how smartly dressed they all were. A girl put her hand out and pushed something at him. He recognized Shuna's daughter and he took what she offered. It was a scrap of paper. He unfolded it and read the single word message.

SMILE!

He put the paper in his pocket and did as he was instructed, grinning from ear to ear at the girl's kindness. He continued his walk, the fire was closer, people continued to turn and smile and many reached out and encouraged him with pats to the shoulder and back. He noticed many of the young girls staring in awe. Did he look like their expressions seemed to indicate? He didn't know; he wanted only to be what she needed.

Opposite him the other aisle led away to the far set of doors. The two aisles were not aligned with each other but at a slight angle and it wasn't until he was half way to the hearth that he could see. And he saw… something. It was red, a rich crimson, bordering towards purple rather than orange. It shone in the fire- and torchlight and as it moved it was like blood flowing. There was a very wide skirt, it swept the floor and was stiff and spread outwards like a paper fan, heavily layered and pleated, as it moved it swept up some of the wild flowers scattered on the ground and pushed them ahead like a small wave. It was so wide it filled the aisle. Above this magnificent skirt was a monor, very much like his own and again a deep glowing crimson. If anything its cut was even more exaggerated than his own. The waist and bodice of it were very tight and narrow and its deep vee lapels were open to the waist. Below the waist the skirts of the coat were cut wide and flaring so that they sat on top of the huge skirt. It too was silk or perhaps panelled in satin and it shone. The wide military cuffs hung down to mid thigh and again the shoulders were cut wide. Within the open throat of the coat he caught a glimpse of bare flesh but her upper half was concealed by a veil, again in red and of a heavy gauze, her hair, face, neck, bosom and shoulders were hidden.

This apparition, looking for all the world like a headless ghost, moved slowly and gently towards him. He could not see it was her, but he knew it was. Even if this were not his wedding day and this amazing sight were to come towards him in an ordinary street he would know her. He knew that walk well, he had watched it many times. Under the huge skirt he knew her small bare feet were being placed exactly one in front of the other, down a single plough furrow and this slow measured style of walking caused her hips to sway in a certain way. He knew that motion too and had watched and enjoyed it often.

Behind her she had a companion, a witness, it was Councillor Kamaesa.

He reached the end of his aisle and she did hers. For a minute he looked at her but could barely see through the veil. The outline of her head was visible but few details. He knew she was looking at him however and he smiled and lowered his head a little. Opposite him the crimson apparition's top section dipped slightly then drew up again. It was amusing to watch and his smile broadened.

To his right and her left was the dais. Behind the covered table stood the monk who would marry them. Pazu had been alarmed when they had first met, weeks ago, to discuss this day. His name was Ehuma and he came from the town upriver. It was his costume Pazu had found strange. He wore long black robes and a bright orange waist sash but on his head was a strange construction, it was a round hat that had wide wings, wider than his shoulders. It looked for all the world like a crow had died, and stiff from rigor mortis had fallen beak first and embedded itself in his hat. Throughout their first meeting he had been unable to do anything but stare at this alarming dead bird. Pazu was very glad the monk had worn his headdress at their meeting. If today had been the first time he'd encountered it, Pazu felt sure it would have traumatized his day.

Ehuma spread his arms and beckoned.

"Come."

Mirroring the others moves they both turned and approached the table, walking side by side, not quite touching. Pazu felt the edge of her skirt brush his bare foot and the contact just with her clothing was electric. At the dais they parted and walked around the two ends of the table, turning inwards to face each other behind it, the monk between them and a step back toward the thrones. They stopped, two yards apart. They looked at each other but Pazu still could not see her eyes, he merely felt them on him, moving gently over him. Shuna and Kamaesa moved to stand either side of the monk and a little behind.

After a short interval the introductory music ended although throughout the ceremony in the background a low wind instrument quietly moaned out its mellow song, rising and falling like a person breathing. Amadea, Shuna's wife came forward and stood near the table on the raised platform. She spoke.

"The reading is from the fourteenth chapter of the book of Ryn: Ryn is out hunting and comes upon Fuhlahana in the forest.

"It was that day when he had hunted long. Tired and dusty, he had met no quarry. His stomach was empty and his lips were dry. Evening was coming and he needed rest. Ryn came upon a clearing where he hoped to find a deer or boar with which to make of his meal. Sat upon the grass however was a woman. Upon lowering his bow Ryn approached her and said unto her Lady are you lost or injured? May this simple man help you? To which Fuhlahana replied I am a woman lost in heart for my husband is gone to his ancestors and my children are grown. I am not injured yet my pain is great. To which Ryn replied Take my hand, let me lift you. Even though you be lost, yet I have found you. Even though you be lonely I am here. Even though you be careworn to such as I, you appear fair. Even though you are a mother to such as I, you are pure. Come with me.

"And so it was that broken and alone did Fuhlahana find love in a place where she expected it least. Ryn took her home and bathed her and fed her and cared for her wounded heart and they were married and she lived to the end of her days faithful unto only him and in delight of him.

"These are the words recorded by Ryn, Prince of Travellers."

Music then began to play, a traditional song sung before marriage. Pazu could not sing it but he listened to the rising and falling Gondoan harmonies and watched Sheeta singing. Even though he could not see her mouth, he could see her movements and hear her voice. He simply stood and took pleasure in being near her. The song ended and the monk raised his arms. Looking at each of them in turn and smiling, Ehuma then faced the room.

"Friends, neighbours, loved ones, people. We meet here in celebration. Today we gather to witness the joining together of a woman and a man in the hallowed union of marriage. Before Konuguen one woman and one man shall today give their lives only to each other and no other. By our presence here do we witness these vows and this union, making of this day both a celebration and legal contract. This contract belongs to Konuguen and is of his making. No woman or man is worthy of breaking it. It exists until death sunders it.

"Is there here present any person who can evidence any reason under Konuguen's laws that prevents this woman and this man from being joined in wedlock?"

Pazu waited, wondering. Would some Councillor stand up and start ranting about some arcane law? Or would Keya perhaps rush in brandishing his sword? The silence dragged on, and on.

enough, Pazu thought, get on with it. He sighed and smiled at the headless red creature before him. Its upper part dipped slightly again in a small nod. If she did that much more he would laugh, he knew he would. It must be nerves.

"Very well, let us proceed. The vows you are about to take are to be made in the name of Konuguen, who is judge of all and who knows all the secrets of our hearts: therefore if either of you knows a reason why you may not lawfully marry, you must declare it now."

Sheeta smiled a hidden smile: no, we took care of that I think. She saw Pazu smile at her. It was an interesting sensation to be standing in full sight of him and yet be concealed. She could see every emotion that played across his face, of her he could see nothing.

Ehuma stepped forwards between them and from the table he picked up the first of the symbols, a stone the size of a fist. He stepped back and held it in his outstretched palm.

"Sheeta o-Bruaendell, reach out your right hand and touch the world."

Sheeta lifted her arm and placed a palm on the stone. With the very wide military cuff on her sleeve, Pazu could see up it. See smooth white skin to her elbow, vanishing into fragrant mysterious gloom.

"Pazsu o-Numenaor, reach out your right hand and touch the world."

He mirrored her action.

"Both of you. Hold your world in your hands."

The monk lowered his palm and the stone remained held between the two pressed palms.

"Say after me. I, Sheeta o-Bruaendell…"

Ehuma led each of them, in turn, through the same vow.

"I, Sheeta o-Bruaendell hold this stone that is the world. It is my world. It is your world. It is our world and I share it with you. Like the hard stone I share with you a hard resolve. Like the hard stone I commit myself to only you. Let this hard stone be a sign that I understand that at times a life committed to only one person can be difficult. This I accept. But also, like the hard stone, our union will be built on solid rock, a solid foundation of truth and trust."

Pazu listened to a voice he had not heard for… it seemed like years. It was delicious, like fine mist and the caress of the summer breeze. Her voice was so pale and faint. She must be nervous, more so than he.

He spoke after her and he looked into her face the whole time and made sure his voice was strong and resonant. He committed as much emotion to his voice as he could.

They lay the stone back on the table and Ehmua picked up a lump of clay. The ritual of them jointly holding the clay was repeated.

"Both of you, hold the soil of fertility in your hands."
"I, Sheeta o-Bruaendell hold this clay that is my body. This is the earth from which I come and the earth to which I shall return. Today is my birth and until my death I will be with you, Pazsu o-Numenaor. This earth, this clay can be moulded. Like the clay I promise to be pliant and understanding and forgiving."

Next, a piece of tree bark.

"Both of you, hold the tree of life in your hands."
"I, Sheeta o-Bruaendell hold this wood that is my future. On the wood the craftsman carves his design. On me carve your design. Change my future and make it your future. Carve deeply the lines of your life upon me."

Each time she spoke her voice was stronger. As she spoke he watched her and his one thought when his eyes were on her was I love you. With his eyes he encouraged her. And with his strong words spoken after hers as they held each symbol, he tried to give her encouragment and strength. He felt her relaxing and responding. He was glad. Next a bowl of water. This they had to hold aloft, her palm under it and his palm cupping hers. Exquisite contact with her skin. Her hand was cool and he could feel it trembling.

"Both of you, hold in the palms of your hands the water of life."
"I, Sheeta o-Bruaendell hold this water that is my life. Water gives life and is the spirit of life. I pour my life on you, I pour myself out to you. Pour yourself on me. I ask to be refreshed and to drink of you. With my life spirit I will obey you and lay down before you. My life spirit is no longer mine but belongs to you."

In response Pazu found this very hard. He felt a lump in his throat. He meant every word, he wanted to give himself in every way, to obey, to serve, to devote himself. For her he would gladly become nothing. He blinked back a dampness from his eyes.

Next a small pottery oil lamp, the flame curling smooth and golden. They both held it in their hands. This also was held aloft, they shared its weight. She was trembling less.

"Both of you, hold in the palms of your hands the light of your love."
"I, Sheeta o-Bruaendell hold this fire that is my passion. My passion burns only for you, it is a flame that will never go out. In the darkness of the night you will know me by the light of my passion. This flame is my love, by its warmth and radiance people will know I am yours, I am lit from within by a light that you kindle. My love is for you."

Her voice caressed him and left him aching. He wanted to hold her now, right this minute and hug her and tell her he would never go. And finally, the last symbol. Ehmua spoke.

"Sheeta, please lift your veil."

She slowly raised her hands to the lower edge of the red gauze where it lay on her breast. Taking hold of it she raised the screen that had kept her hidden. In the deep vee of the monor's lapels Pazu saw a bodice above the skirt. Beneath the monor she wore a dress. Above it her bosom was raised and the top half of where she curved was bare. Where the two parts of her separated and were lifted there was an exquisite white valley. Pazu deliberately chose not to gaze there, now was not the time. Above her breast the rising red veil revealed her neck and throat. Around her throat was a tight band of velvet, a red choker, like a perfect line of her blood. A tiny gold emblem was pinned to the front of it, it was so small he could hardly make it out but then he noticed it was a broad leaf beside a mushroom. He smiled at that. Normally the symbol of a medicine maker, he knew what she meant by showing him that. The small piece of jewellery was a message to him, a message no-one else would understand.

And then more, more was revealed. She was doing this deliberately slowly. Teasing him. He saw her mouth, her lips were not painted but her natural dusty pink. Then her cheeks a little pink with her emotion. Then her eyes. Once he saw her eyes he could look nowhere else. There was nothing else in the room on which he would rather rest his gaze. They were just as he had remembered them this past week. Wide and clear, the whites startlingly bright, the pupils dilated, the irises that lovely deep grey-blue like the colour of mist in the moonlight. Unlike at the Gathering when she had worn heavy formal court make up, today she wore none at all, her face was clear and fresh and natural. She needed no embellishment, she was perfection, she needed nothing more. She needed, he thought, one thing only, his arms around her. She lifted the veil clear of her face and lay it back over her hair. Of her hair he could see little, a few light strands only lay down over her forehead. It had been arranged up in a formal style but was still concealed.

And then, as though teasing him, she tilted her head a little to one side and made a small smile, just as she had that night in the barn when it had rained and he had discovered that when you kiss someone you must tilt your head a little.

take my hand, he thought, lead me around this corner, this corner in our lives that leads to a road I have not trodden.

He smiled back and her small smile became a wide sunbeam of light and joy, he felt himself grinning like an idiot and her cheeks flushed pinker.

"Lift up your hands and make of your palms a cup."

They did so, two pairs of cupped hands touching at the fingertips.

"I, Sheeta o-Bruaendell hold this air that is my breath and my trust. My every breath is breathed with you. Each breath in my body do I give you. My life is entrusted to you. I promise to take the trust you place in me and honour it. I promise never to deceive, never to cheat, never to lie, never to disobey. Trust me for I am truth."

Pazu then repeated the oath.

"Now, move together and place your trust in each other."

They both knew what to do, they had practiced this move a number of times. They opened their hands and moved slowly together so that their outstretched arms began to interlace like the tines of two forks pushed together. As they closed the gap between them so that they halted at arms length, their open palms fitted snugly around the others face, cupping and holding the cheeks. His hands found soft warmth and he held her. Her delicate hands came against his bare skin. He wanted to turn his face and kiss her fingers, but that was for later.

"Say after me..."
"I hold you in my hands. I will never let you go. We join together and will never be parted. Hold onto me and be with me. In times of loving cherish me. In times of pain soothe me. In times of joy share with me. In times of anguish comfort me. In times of danger protect me. At all times be with me as I am with you. In you I place my honour and trust."

"And say after me…"
"I Sheeta o-Bruaendell take you, Pazu o-Numenaor to be my husband, to have for each day and for ever. To hold close and in union. To be beside in good times and bad, healthy or sick, rich or poor, loving, cherishing, obeying and worshipping. I am yours and only death will part us, according to Konuguen's holy law this is my solemn vow."

His face split by a wide smile of joy, Pazu in his turn spoke his vow. He could hardly speak, he was smiling so much. They moved apart again.

"Witnesses, the outward symbols if you please."

Ehuma held out a book, Sheeta and Pazu both stared at it in shock. It had a clear glass cover that they knew was not glass and as Ehuma opened it and the thin silk-like pages flipped over they lifted their eyes and shared a gaze. What book was this? How ancient? The monk opened it at a page marked with a faded purple ribbon. Shuna and Kamaesa stepped forward and each placed a gold ring on the book.

"Konuguen Father of spirits, Father of woman, Father of man, Father of all living things, bless these rings and let them be to Sheeta and Pazu symbols in your sight of love and faithfulness unending. Let them, by your grace, remind them of the vows and covenants they have made this day, through Konuguen our Father, Maehome.

"Sheeta, place the ring on your groom's third finger, left hand."

Moving carefully and slowly she did so, Pazu raised his hand, palm upwards and felt the touch of her cool fingers on him. She slid the ring down, held it in place and spoke.

"Pazu, this ring I give you is a sign of our marriage. Everything I have is shared with you. All that I am is given to you. My body is yours, it honours you, in the sight of Konuguen our Father, Maehome."

Her eyes never left his. He felt like he had in the barn, looking into those eyes he felt as though he was falling in and would never return. This time he hoped he never would.

"And now, Pazu, place the other ring on your bride's third finger, left hand."

As though in a dream he did so. He changed the words though, there was something he needed to add.

"Sheeta, this ring I give you is a sign of our marriage and my unending love. You have always led me and all of my days, since the day you came to me, have I followed you. With all of my heart, I thank you. Lead me for ever. Everything I have is shared with you. All that I am is given to you. My body is yours, it honours you, in the sight of Konuguen our Father, Maehome."

He gave her a small bow, in return her eyes were wide and she inclined her head a little also. Ehuma gave Pazu a careful look but chose to say nothing.

"Before Konuguen you have sworn to each other solemn oaths and vows and covenants, you have given each other symbols of love and faithfulness. Sheeta and Pazu, you are now wife and husband."

For a moment nothing happened, there was just a gentle perfect silent connection between them.

"If you wish, you may kiss."

Pazu lifted his hands and reached for hers. She gave them to him and he stepped close to her. Wondering if she wanted this here he lowered his head carefully. She tilted hers back, there was no smile now. He hesitated, their mouths an inch apart, and looked at her. It was she who took his hand and led him around the corner. When she spoke it was so softly only he heard.

"Yau ulve om, Pazu. Kaesu om-e, puhlko-dhu."

Needing no further encouragement he gently touched his lips to hers and felt again that beautiful softness he had dreamed about all week. She let go of his hands and put her arms around him and pressing them across his shoulders pulled him tighter to her. He lifted his hands to her waist, he didn't want to go too far right now. But even so, he could quite happily remain like this for the rest of the day.

The monk stood, patiently waiting. Reluctantly, they parted. He took the right hands of each of them and joined them.

"That which Konuguen has made one, man shall not ever break. Now, please face me, and kneel and lift your hands palms upward."

Everybody in the hall knelt. The monk placed his two palms on their heads.

"May Konuguen Father of peace bless you and guard the door to your house, the door of your heart. May the road rise to meet you and the sun stand at your shoulder. May the wind be always at your back, and the rains fall softly upon your fields. May life itself befriend you. Each day, each night, each step of your journey may the guiding peace of the spirit of Utomu be with you. May you have joy, the merciful riches of Konuguen's grace and may you both please him, in body and soul from the day that we have here today until the day of the end of your lives. Maehome.

"May Lucita bless your loins and your union. May she mercifully grant you the gift of sharing in her work of creation. Lucita spirit of life and birth and all growing things, bless Sheeta and Pazu with the gift and care of children. May your children be also blessed. May your home be a place of love, security and truth. May you and your family have joy, the merciful riches of Lucita's grace and may you both please her, in body and soul from the day that we have here today until the day of the end of your lives. Maehome.

"Please stand."

There followed another song and Sheeta and Pazu faced the room and held hands. Ehuma then invited them to sit in the two thrones and helpers moved the ceremonial table with its symbols a little to one side. All of the objects used in the ceremony would become theirs and Sheeta kept them on the windowsill of their bedroom from that day onward. One of the young girls removed Sheeta's veil and Pazu saw what a spectacular – well, the only possible word was pile – had been made of her hair. It had regrown now, the damage Muska had done to it had grown out and Sheeta had had it put up in a smooth coiled construction laced through with red rose buds.

After that people came forward and greeted them. Wedding gifts were brought, gifts for their home, a large brass telle among them. There were hugs and kisses and slaps on the back, flower petals were thrown over them, music began and there was talking and they walked among the crowd sometimes together, sometimes separate.

Low round tables were brought out and the rows of cushions dispersed into groups around the tables. Then later there was feasting and dancing and things became, as they so often did in Gondoan style, rather animated.

As they sat in their thrones later in the day, Sheeta was talking with Amadea. She finished and turned to Pazu. He had finished sharing a joke with Asbela and was now sat quietly just watching her. Watching her sit, watching her talk, watching her breathing.

"Hello? May I help you?" she asked, smiling.
"I'm just looking. Because I can."
"That's my cue I think."

She leaned over the arm of her seat and he leaned toward her.

"Apart from at the end of the service I haven't kissed you yet, husband," she observed.
"True," he answered, "and that was three hours ago, I hope you're not becoming forgetful in your old age Mrs. Pazu."
"Well, I might be. Why don't you remind me how to kiss?"

So he did. She complained that she must be getting old because, she said, she hardly remembered how to do it. She asked him to kiss her several times just so that she could get the idea again. They sat, hands leaning on the armrests of their chairs, touching only with their mouths, their tongues and their breaths and Pazu had to show her everything, right from the basics. It got quite advanced after a while and he became a little uncomfortable and had to adjust how he sat.

"I think," he breathed heavily, "that you've got it now. I think that's all I can teach you. I think we should stop there."
"Hm," she smiled, "it's all come back to me now. I remember something else. Come close. Now put out your tongue."

A little unsure, he did so. Her mouth closed over his tongue and she sucked it, like a sweet.

"Hm, my favourite," she said, grinning, "well, after strawberries that is."

She came against him once more and carried on. After a short while he began to sense something odd around them. It was quieter. He froze and she felt him become still. They looked around and their faces both turned the colour of her dress. The people nearest them had noticed what they were doing and had stopped talking to watch, others further back, noticing the quiet had stopped what they were doing, and so on until their kiss had an audience of several hundred amused onlookers. When Pazu felt the silence and they both looked around the hall burst into spontaneous applause. After a few seconds of embarrassment Sheeta noticed that Pazu's tongue was still stuck out. Lifting a dainty finger she pushed it back out of sight, smiling girlishly at the applauding hall.

"I think," she said, "maybe you were right. We should stop."
"I'd like to carry on later."
"Yes," she smiled, "yes, I would like that too, husband."

--I--
---o-o-oOo-o-o---
I I

And later there was more food, and speeches and blessings and dancing. It became warm in the hall, Sheeta took Pazu's hand and led him out of the crowd of dancers.

"The monor is too heavy, I need to take it off."
"Are you allowed to?"
"Of course! It's my wedding! Undo the catches."
"Uh, is this proper?"
"Yes, we are allowed to relax and enjoy ourselves."

He reached for where the lapels of the coat met at her waist. Behind the heavy cloth there were metal hooks and eyes, he unclipped them and opened the coat. She took the lapels in her hands and peeled it back and off her shoulders. He simply stood. And stared. Her shoulders, her arms and the upper part of her chest were completely bare. The red dress was tailored so well it fitted tightly around her waist and the front of it, being boned, swelled beautifully up and lifted her where she curved. It covered just enough. The upper part of her chest though was uncovered and because the bodice was so tight and held her so closely it pushed her bosom up and made it seem bigger.

Pazu could not believe what he was seeing. He'd never seen such an outrageous costume on a woman. At the Ravine all the women had worn sleeved dresses with high necks. Nothing at all was allowed to show. Not only did this dress shock him, he couldn't understand how it stayed on, what held it up. It looked like it should simply flop down and show everything. He went as red as he'd done when they'd been caught kissing.

"What is it Pazu?"
"Y... Y… You…"
"What?"
"Y…"

She began to laugh, he was so funny. She frowned at him in a mock confused way. She had guessed this might be his reaction and had helped design the dress to have exactly this effect.

"Spit it out."
"Your…"
"Oh, come on, what?"

She rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance.

"H… How?"
"Keep to the your, I would, you were nearly there."
"Your…"
"Good, go on,"

She was enjoying this, it was even better than she'd hoped.

"Your dress."
"I am wearing a dress, yes."
"Its."

He pointed at her front.

"Do you want to touch?"
"No! But… how can you wear that?"
"Shall I take it off?"
"Sheeta! What's the matter with you?"
"You are such a sweet, great, lovely taeg Pazu."
"Why? Your dress."
"What about it?"

She stuck her front out. His eyes bugged out nearly as much.

"It's rude!"
"No it's not! It covers everything."
"Your arms are naked."
"They are naked yes. Does that make the dress rude?"
"Uh… well… I'm not sure."
"So, we're agreed bare arms aren't rude."
"I suppose not. But your shoulders."
"What's rude about my shoulders? Don't you like them?"

He looked. He had to admit they were beautiful shoulders, very white, very rounded, very smooth.

"Your shoulders aren't rude. It's just…"
"So it's not my arms, and it's not my shoulders. Is it my back?"

Loving every moment she turned around. At the back there was nothing at all, the dress fitted snugly to her sides and fell away very low, well below her white shoulder blades, it came only a few inches above her waist. It was held closed here with a series of hooks and eyes. She heard a funny noise behind her, like someone choking. She looked at him over her shoulder. And smiled. She felt thoroughly wicked. His face was a picture, bright red, all eyes.

"Do I have a rude back?"
"No! It's… it's a lovely back. But should you show so much? Girls in the Ravine don't ever show so much."
"Look outside the hall."
"Why?"
"Is this the Ravine?"
"No."
"So is what girls wear in the Ravine relevant here?"

She continued to smile deliciously at him, so he would know she wasn't being deliberately awkward.

"No, but, there are limits."
"When you men finished shearing the yaoko, what was I wearing then?"
"Nothing."
"Precisely. I'm completely covered up here."
"But the shearing was different. Everybody was covered in…"
"In what?"
"Well, we were all dirty. Everyone was and we all went to bathe. It was part of the festival. Anyway, why am I even arguing with you? This is our wedding!"
"You don't like my dress?"

She put on a big-eyed hurt look.

"Oh, no this is going all wrong," he put his hands in his hair, "It's a lovely dress, it's just that it shows so much."
"Where? Its not my arms, not my shoulders, not my back. What is it showing?"
"There!"

He indicated her front with his eyes.

"What?"
"Come on, you know exactly what I mean."
"My bosom?"
"Yes."
"My décolletage, I think it's called in Kingsbury?"
"It is?"
"It's covered. Mostly."
"It's the mostly that bothers me. The bits that aren't part of that mostly are… showing."
"Of course they're showing. It's a ball gown, sort of."
"What's a ball gown?"
"When there are big formal parties held in Penaerth and all sorts of people go, the men wear beautiful suits called evening suits and the ladies all wear ball gowns. Like this. There is a huge room where people dance and there might be two hundred ladies in there, all wearing this sort of dress."

Pazu's mind boggled. A room full of two hundred half naked ladies? He couldn't comprehend such a thing. He looked around. Quite a few people were looking at them but they seemed to be looking because they were the bride and groom, not because half her bosom was on display, that didn't seem to bother them at all.

"Pazu, I love you so much but you have such a lot to learn still. This style of dress is quite normal at special parties and events like this. Trust me. It's not rude at all. It's very fashionable."

She put her hands behind her back and gave him a smile, turning from the waist a little from side to side. He had to admit, dressed like this she was simply stunning.

"Well…" he scratched his head, "you do look beautiful. The red against your white skin."
"Thank you. You're very sweet. And you look quite delicious too. Very smart. Easily the most gorgeous looking man here."
"I am?"
"Of course. You make me very proud. You make my chest puff up with pride."
"Don't!" he exclaimed, "it might pop out!"

She giggled.

"Look, even if I take a big breath," she did so, her bosom swelling beautifully, "nothing shows."

Pazu's eyes boggled even more.

"I'm sorry if I seem silly. But from where I come from I think a policeman would rush up to you and cover you with a blanket."
"Really?"
"Hm, I've never seen a dress like it. And… I wanted to ask. The colours, why do you wear red and I wear cream?"
"Shuna should have told you that."
"He didn't. He said you would."
"Oh, did he now? That rascal! I'll get him back later for that!"

Pazu put his head to one side and looked quizzically at her. She saw that she would have to explain.

"Um… I'll tell you later."
"It's not rude is it?" he sounded suspicious again.
"No, I wouldn't say it was rude," she paused, a finger to her lips, thinking, "Well, hm... not so much rude as symbolic. But there is a time to tell you about such things."
"When?"
"Later," was all she would say, and she smiled. And secretly inside she thanked Shuna for giving her the opportunity to tell him.
"And," she continued, now I have taken my monor off, I'd like you to as well. Please."

She fluttered her eyelids.

"Well, you can see the buttons, woman, do your wifely duties and take it off."
"Ooh, you are so yummy when you give orders. You'll have to give me lots of orders."

She wiggled a little in front of him in glee. She put out her arms and undid the three gold buttons, then went behind him and reaching around for the coat's lapels, eased it back off his shoulders and down his arms. She folded it over one arm and stood looking. Looking at his back. At his broad back and long reddish hair tumbling to below his shoulders, at the baggy, creamy, flowing silk hakkaemi and his sword and belt. From her light hearted mood her mind tumbled towards… what? A different mood completely. Looking at his lovely shape, the silk shirt, she suddenly felt. Ready. Yes, ready was the word. Ready to take him by the hand and lead him home. To bed. She leaned her forehead against his back. And in a small voice she spoke his name.

"Pazu?"

He didn't turn around, he turned only his head.

"Yes?"
"You're beautiful. You look so good you make me feel…"
"Like what?"
"Like I wish this room was empty and we were alone."

He turned around. Her head was now against his skin where the hakkaemi hung open. She kissed him where his chest was smooth. She put the pads of three fingers there and lightly touched him.

"I want to be with you. I want to lie with you."
"It's been a long time."
"I know. Weeks and weeks."
"Much too long. I've wanted to touch you for ages."
"Tonight," she looked up at him, "will you?"
"Yes. I want to."
"But we must be part of our wedding now, we must talk to our guests."
"I want to dance with you. Slowly. I'll ask the musicians to play some slow music."
"In this rude dress? You'll have to touch my rude bare back," she teased.
"I'll manage. I'm married now. If you tell me to I must obey."
"Do you want to obey?"
"I do."
"Dance with me then."

--I--
---o-o-oOo-o-o---
I I

The day was almost over and it had grown dark. The dancing had slowed to a mellow level and the feasting was over. Councillor Kamaesa came over to where Pazu and Sheeta sat, talking with friends.

"Wife and husband, it is time for the telle. I can preside as host if you wish."
"Please do," Sheeta replied.
"Hm, last time I did this I took too much," Pazu was a little worried.
"You'll be fine. This time just draw in a little. Not a little, little but some, yes? Don't take too much, but some. I want you to enjoy the effects tonight."
"Alright."
"And of course," added the Councillor, "once the two of you partake, you leave. Your attendants will take the two of you away."
"Yes," Pazu replied. He was aware what would happen next.

The Councillor had the telle brought into the centre of the hall beside the hearth. It was huge, twice the size of Thoma's and stood half the height of a man. It rested on a flat sledge lifted by four handles and carried by two men. Councillor Kamaesa blessed it and then had it brought up to where Sheeta and Pazu sat so that they could be first.

Sheeta went first, drawing in a large lungful as she had before. This time Pazu sucked less into his lungs but it was still enough to make him feel wonderfully light-headed and strange, floaty. His wife's face swam before him, moving like a reflection in a soap bubble and being surrounded by beautiful rainbows of colour.

They had their monor put back on by their attendants and walked hand in hand to the hearth and around it to the far side. Here their friends gave them their final toasts and blessings.

"May you grow old on one pillow," Bhema raised his goblet.

"Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward in the same direction," said Amadea.

"Remember Pazu," Tomboa said, "wives are young men's mistresses, their companions for middle age, and," he winked, "old men's nurses."

"Here is to matrimony," Shuna smiled at them, "the stormy sky for which no compass has yet been invented."

With music playing the couple walked arm in arm down a newly laid aisle scattered with petals to a doorway in the side of the hall opposite their thrones. More flower petals and dry bomao beans were thrown over them as they walked. Outside, in the lane, their horses awaited. Both were given their gloves and boots to wear and helped onto their horses, Sheeta riding side saddle in her enormous skirt. The large group including all of Sheeta's and Pazu's attendants, rode back to their farm. In the lane outside the group stopped.

"Wife," Shuna turned in his saddle, "attend to the bride by the garden entrance, we shall take the groom to the yard door."
"Yes, husband. Sheeta, come."

The ladies turned aside and went through the gate into the orchard. Shuna led Pazu into the yard where they dismounted. One of the men stabled Pazu's horse, then stood holding the others.

"Now Pazu, our last duty. You know what happens don't you?"
"I do."

He was ready for this, his head still floated gently and his feet did not feel the floor. Everything around him seemed sharply focussed and wonderfully coloured, even the dull packed earth of the yard was a rich deep grey-brown that looked like smooth chocolate, and the yellow stones of the doorway had the appearance of sponge cake. It was all clear and rich and vibrant. His ears were picking up every sound. All of his senses seem to have been fine tuned.

The door stood open and he stepped in. It was gloomy inside but there was subdued lighting in the room, a lantern or two somewhere, he just couldn't see them. A red panel of cloth hung in front of him just inside the doorway. Hm, that's new, his drifting mind thought. Shuna and Bhema came in with him and did what he was expecting. They undressed him, they stripped him to his skin, leaving just the flowers in his hair.

"We leave you here, Pazu," Shuna whispered, "now it is all up to you. There are just the three of you in the house. Your bride, yourself and Lucita. She is with you, be fruitful."
"Yau taemo-dhu Shuna, you are a good friend."
"Goodnight."

With a final pat on the shoulder, Shuna and the others withdrew. Pazu listened to their horses leave the yard and their chattering voices go past up the lane, back to the hall no doubt. He stood for a moment, feeling the cool night breeze on his back. Reaching behind him he closed the door. The entryway was scattered with flower petals and the room was heavy with the scent of them, and incense. He put an arm out and pushed aside the red hanging panel. He had expected the attendants to undress him and leave him, but this. This was odd. He hadn't expected this at all. In front of him was a space with cream and red cloth panels to either side and again in front of him. Where was the furniture? It was like a maze and gloomily lit.

He had come in by the front door and was naked. Therefore Sheeta somewhere, was near the kitchen door. And, he assumed, naked too. It would seem that this was a kind of game. They had to find each other. Curious, but filled with a keen anticipation, with a growing excitement, he stepped forward.


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25 - 30 April 2007

For author notes about Chapter Sixty, please see my forum (click on my pen name)