Page 22 of Ahelno
“Miravel and Canticor are going to be mated!” Camavel told me gleefully one morning over Oonag.
“That’s wonderful!” I said. “Do you give wedding presents? Is that a thing here?” I asked. Miravel made jewelry that she sold in the village market, and Canticor was a young male who I’d seen hanging around her booth for several months. He was a hunter by trade who lived outside the village. I didn’t know him well, but I had bought several bracelets and pairs of earrings from Miravel. She was always nice to me and put out a bowl of water for M’Pak whenever she saw us coming to market.
“Yes,” Camavel answered. “Traditional gifts usually include ovina hatchlings, vegetable seedlings, or animal hides. Although, since Canticor is a hunter, he probably has enough animal hides. In the city, it is common to simply gift credits,but that is frowned upon in the villages. The idea is to give the couple things they need to start their new home.”
That made sense. “When is the wedding?” I asked. I wondered if I would have some hatchlings available in time.
“Next month, during the alignment of Collel and Chanika. It is considered most auspicious to wed when all three moons are in alignment, but that is not expected for another two years, and I am certain that Miravel and Canticor do not wish to wait so long.”
I had reprogrammed my translator to equate “rotation” with day, “Collel’s revolution” with month, and “solar revolution” with year. It made my understanding of time a lot faster, even if it wasn’t entirely accurate. The Ptekennan year was about 400 days. Days were shorter - about 9 hours of daylight and 9 hours of night. A month was around 36 days, and there were 11 of them. Sadly, my period hadn’t gotten the message about the longer month, and I was still cycling every 28 days. Le sigh.
“Will I be able to go? I haven’t been invited.” I said. As far as I could tell, the Ptexari didn’t celebrate birthdays or anniversaries or have many commemorative holidays. Weddings, baby births, and harvest festivals seemed to be their major events, and I had yet to experience any of them. “Everyone in the village is invited,” Camavel said. “Anyone can go. It will take place in the Bowl outside the village.”
The Bowl was a natural depression that was vaguely round. The gently sloping hill made for natural seating to view whatever spectacle was taking place below. It was a natural amphitheater, and I confess I may have snuck down there once or twice to sing an aria just for the acoustical value.
“Lovely!” I said. “I can’t wait.”
CHAPTER 24
M’Pak was feeling lazy one morning and opted to lie in the sun in the backyard instead of following me to the market. I didn’t need much, but we had been cooped up for three days due to rain, and I needed to get out of the house.
It was rare for me to go anywhere without M’Pak. I didn’t realize how much his silent, looming presence comforted me. I guess I had an emotional support animal and never realized it.
I took a deep breath. “It’s not a big deal. You know most of the villagers, and you’ve been to the market a million times. It will be fine.” I told myself.
I made my way to Miravel’s booth to offer her my congratulations. Canticor was also there, and I swear the male was preening, crest fully extended and chest puffed up while accepting well wishes from passing villagers. It was so cute.
“Greetings and congratulations,” I said to them both as I stopped at Miravel’s stall.
“Thank you, Andie.” Miravel enthused. Her gray wings kept fluttering behind her in excitement. “We cannot wait to be mated. You will be there, yes?”
“Of course!” I said, and smiled at Canticor. “You’re a luckymale. Miravel is very kind. I hope you’ll both be very happy together.”
“She is my moon and stars,” he said, eyes glowing purple with emotion. “I am the luckiest of all males that she has agreed to be mine.” Miravel looked like she was going to melt into a puddle. Awww.
Their happiness was infectious, and I kept smiling as I looked through Miravel’s jewelry collection. “Where’s M’Pak?” Miravel asked.
“Feeling lazy today,” I told her. “He’s probably tormenting the ovinas while I’m gone.”
“No protector today?” I turned and saw Markal. He had sold me my wristband. I wouldn’t say he was creepy, but he had asked me out when I first met him, and had tried talking to me a few other times. He just didn’t get that I wasn’t interested.
“M’Pak is never far from me,” I said, hoping he’d take that as a hint.
“Perhaps now I will finally have the chance to talk with you, beautiful Andie.” Annnnd that hope died.
I decided on the direct approach. “Look, Markal, I think you’re a very nice guy, but I’m not interested in any type of romantic relationship.”
“We all know that you are not really mated to the Prince. You should give me a chance,” he said.
“Thank you, but no,” I said firmly.
His eyes flashed red, but he let it go. “Very well.” And he huffed back to his stall.
“That was uncomfortable,” Miravel observed.
“Very,” I said.
“He will not be the only one,” Canticor said.
