Lorse picked up his glass. This was the third time they’d done this, so Myrum knew the drill. He picked up the glass in front of him and listened to Lorse say a traditional prayer to the multiverse, then they drank.
Myrum set down the glass with a distinct click as was expected.
They’d been doing this for several marks now. Lorse’s promise of “amazing enjoyment” was a day-long Ossiso ceremony full of traditional dances, poetry, prayers, and rituals.
“Although I have nothing to compare her dancing to, I’m sure she’s very good,” Myrum said. It was a variation of the same answer he’d given to almost everything he’d witnessed so far.
Lorse gave him a fond look. “Don’t fear, I’ll make sure you’re exposed to many Ossiso traditions. You’ll be able to see and understand the nuance. I wouldn’t let you feel unprepared when you meet my parents and siblings.”
“That’s good,” Myrum responded, working hard to keep his tone neutral. “I don’t want to embarrass you.”
The idea of meeting Lorse’s family sounded awful. Ossiso social structure was already difficult enough for Myrum to deal with, but the thought of being surrounded by others like Lorse made Myrum’s stomach churn.
One of the guards stepped onto the platform holding a long black ribbon draped across her hands. The two attendants were on either side of her. Myrum risked a glance over at Gis, but he looked confused then startled.
That couldn’t be good.
Lorse stood up, so Myrum stood also. So far Lorse had insisted Myrum mirror everything he did, so when Lorse took hold of one end of the ribbon, Myrum took the other.
The guard dropped her hands away from the ribbon and began speaking.
“Normally a Holder of Higher Knowledge would perform this part of the ceremony, but as we are far from any temple, I’ve been granted the right to perform a binding.”
Myrum didn’t like the sound of this but didn’t think he could stop everything without unleashing Lorse’s wrath.
“Normally Ossisos do not sully themselves with other species, however this Talin has shown that his soul is clear and above reproach. When all others died, he survived. The multiverse had a purpose for him, and it was to be a lifelong companion to Planetary Expansionist Lorse. It’s known that on rare occasions, Ossiso souls find themselves in the bodies of another species. However, the multiverse will always try to bring our souls back to us.”
She turned her gaze on him. “We welcome you back, Myrum. It’s good that you found your way to us again.”
Myrum had no response to being told he was an Ossiso at heart and born to be Lorse’s companion. To quote Amina,ewww!
Thankfully no one seemed to expect him to talk because the guard-turned-officiant looked to Lorse and talked at length about all the reasons he was noble and deserved all the good things that happened to him.
After she was finally done, she pulled a second black ribbon from inside her armored vest. Lorse pressed his elbow next to Myrum, allowing the guard to wrap it around their elbows. After about three times, she tied it loosely.
She spoke about commitment, family, community, and society, then pulled out a third ribbon. This one went around their necks. She spoke about the multiverse and the movement of souls.
By the fifth ribbon, Myrum was concerned they’d be mummified before the ceremony was over.
Two ribbons later, it was done.
The staff rushed forward to unwind the ribbons and place them all in a carved wooden box. Once they’d finished that task, Lorse turned Myrum to face him.
“Welcome, Myrum. We now belong to each other as partners, in this universe and all others.”
Myrum heard a faint sound. Moving his eyes he saw Amina’s face poking up from under the platform. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was open in an O of surprise. Then she slapped a hand over her mouth and dropped back down out of sight.
He heard the slight sound of her muffled laughter.
It wasn’t fair. She’d gotten to nap and he’d gotten married!
Amina
It was only Gis’s glare that kept her from bursting out in laughter so loud everyone would’ve heard it.
Now that the ceremony was over, Lorse was leading Myrum off the platform and back to the shuttle. She scrambled to her feet and rushed to follow. Pretending to be worried about being left behind, she pushed close behind him and brushed her hands over his lower back.
“Sorry, sir,” she murmured. “I saw some bugs.”
