Short and sweet chapter, but it did not really go with the last chapter or the upcoming one. Hope you enjoy it anyways.

Commitment

Matia

I walk into the beautifully decorated room. Streamers float in the air as flowers add a soft scent. As I come around the corner I see Michael standing by Kelata. I smile at him as I walk towards him. He's so handsome, I notice as I stop in front of him. He is dressed in a dark brown coat and plants, but I notice new fire markings on his face. I feel honored that he would symbolize me on his body. I hear Kelata ask Michael to give his oath to me. "What?" asks Michael mesmerized. I hear the soft chuckles of the audience. I myself laugh slightly knowing that I am the cause of his confusion.

"Yes, I know she's pretty," says Kelata smiling, "But would you care to pledge yourself to her." With that Michael kneels, one knee on the ground the other drawn up to his chest taking my hand in his.

"Matia, I am so honored that you chose me. I love you and would do anything for you. If by my life or death I may serve you I will." He bows his head reverently

"Rise Michael." I tell him. He stands up taking me in his arms and kisses me deeply. His tongue taps my lips asking entrance which I allow. I can distantly hear the cheers and rejoicing behind us. We separate and I whisper, "I love you" in his ear. I laugh as he picks me up in the air and spins me around like my father did when I was a little girl. He sets me down ever so gently.

The others come up and congratulate us. Michael wraps his arm around my shoulders protectively. Wine and other libations are soon produced followed by some small amount of solid food. I happily chat with the other couples that come up to us. Michael, however; will not say anything unless he is directly questioned.

"Say something." I encourage him mentally.

"Why, what should I say? I do not know any of them." He answers.

"And you will continue to not know them if do not talk to them. They are not evil."

"A few are."

"Then they are a minority. Michael you are the center of attention tonight. Everyone is expecting you to say something."

"Even you?"

"It would be nice. But I know you're shy though. Try to voice your opinion on one of the female's dresses, that can't be too hard. Act like it's me."

The young female with the infant girl come up to us. "Congratulations may you have many children. Mine likes you." She laughs as the baby stretches out her arm to me.

"She is a beautiful child. May she have a happy life." Says Michael to my relief.

"And may you have one like her some day." Says the young mother walking off.

"See, now that wasn't too bad."

"I suppose not. Am I free now to stay quiet?"

"Of course not, now I know you can do it."

As evening arrives Michael and I are chased away from the celebration. In ancient times, when a female chose a mate, she was chased off by the ruling female to start her own family. Michael and I make it to the star-portal laughing as we run our bear feet making no noise. "Turn around." Says Michael laughing.

"Why?" I ask coyly.

"I don't want you to know where we are going." He answers.

"Alright." I laugh turning my back to him.

"No peeking." He laughs as the large wave comes into the star portal with a swishing noise. Michael comes up to me signaling that it is ok to turn around. I stare at the shimmering portal. Though most of our kind does not know it, the star-portals were created by our ancient enemies.

Michael and I step through. Instantly we are on the other side of the portal. On this planet it is also evening. The soft roar of a waterfall can be heard in the distanced. The planet is a comfortable temperature warmer than, Iratius, our homeworld. "Come with me," says Michael leading me through the large leaf foliage. We walk a mile or so from the star-portal. Occasionally, I pick some of the unique flowers with Michael's help. Finally we come to a large path. "Close your eyes. I will carry you from here." He says. I laugh as he scoops me into his arms. "Now I can keep an eye on you and make sure you don't peek." I rest my head on his strong shoulder as his ambles on his way. "Alright open your eyes." He says. I open my eyes to see a structure rising from the forest floor. "I made it for us." Says Michael beaming with pride.

"So that's what you were doing when I could not find you." I say. He nods.

"Let me show you inside." He says leading me in. Inside, the room is lit with blue lights but open windows allow in the dappled light from outside. In the first room, there is a table with two chairs, and a small cabinet on the top of which sit a few fruits in a wicker basket. Not much by human standards but Wraith do not use as much. In the next room, there is a bed, another cabinet and in the corner a neat pile of blankets. "That's it. Not much but I hope it will do." Says Michael.

"No it's plenty. We will be spending most of our time with one another or outdoors anyways." I say smiling.

"I found a couple of places I want to show you, but the light is fading now so I will show you tomorrow. We don't have water, so I'll go fetch some. Will you be fine?" he asks

"Yes, I'll be fine." I response as he kisses my forehead. I begin to unpack our things. Then I make the bed. I hear Michael coming back. He comes up to me wrapping his arms around my waist and nuzzling my face. I turn and kiss him. During our kiss I feel him lift me into his arms and place me on the bed. We spend the rest of the night together.

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