The Cycles of Revelation Series

Artifact of the Dawn: Expectations (A Queer Sci-Fi Adventure)

Episode 80: Mathias visits Ardyn and Jevan before the Bonding Ceremony to discuss incorporating Ardyn’s culture into ritual.

After they returned to the Rahn’naa, Jevan felt more relaxed than he had in months. The time away, alone with Ardyn, was exactly what he’d needed. Now he had a future to look forward to, with his betrothed by his side. The possibilities the opportunity of becoming an ambassador were exciting and gave him a sense of purpose that he hadn’t felt in years.

When they were called before the Council of Vestos, Jevan and Ardyn were better prepared to give a response. As they approached the podium facing the council members, they were holding each other’s hand, which made Takyra smile.

“You both seem to be in a much better mood than when we last saw you,” Takyra observed. “Have you had enough time to consider our proposal?”

They both nodded and Jevan replied. “Yes, we have. We would be honored to accept the positions as ambassadors of Med’nor.”

Ardyn squeezed his hand before asking. “How soon will we have to take these positions?”

“I have made arrangements in Donarvon for your accommodations,” Andreesen replied. “You could leave at any time.”

The council must have noted the look of panic on their faces as they all laughed. “You don’t need to hurry. Please, take as much time as you need to prepare.”

“Actually, we have an announcement to make,” Jevan said, unable to hold back a cheerful grin as he wrapped his arm around Ardyn. “Ardyn has agreed to be my bondmate. Mathias, would you do the honors?”

Springing out of his chair and clapping his hands like an excited schoolboy, Mathias grinned from ear to ear. “It’s about time. Young man, I wouldn’t think of letting anyone else preside over this joyous occasion.”

Mathias ran down from where he sat and embraced them both in a big hug. “Congratulations! They were worried you wouldn’t go through with it, but I knew you’d both make up if given enough time alone together.”

“How long will it take to plan the ceremony?” Ardyn asked.

Clasping a hand on Ardyn’s shoulder, Mathias gave them a knowing look. “If I know Asha, she’s already made most of the preparations already. Do you want your family to attend? Then it depends on how long it will take for them to arrive.”

“Good point,” Ardyn said. “I’ll need to talk to them first.”

“I can fly you to Maala’naa,” Keryth offered, as the rest of them joined them on the council chamber floor. “Anyone you wish to attend can return on the shuttle with us.”

“Once they’re here, Asha and Jenira can help them prepare for Ardyn’s part of the ceremony,” Mathias said, still beaming happily. “I think we should be ready by the end of the week. Is that soon enough for you both?”

Jevan’s heart lept into his throat. This was all happening so fast, and… this is why Ardyn freaked out on me, isn’t it? Jevan chuckled to himself. He looked down at Ardyn. “It’s a little fast, but I know my mother won’t let us drag our feet any longer than necessary.”

Mathias clapped his hands together with a grin. “Excellent.”

***

Later that day found Jevan and Ardyn back in their quarters. Jevan was trying to contain his nervous excitement over everything and was pacing the room while Ardyn watched him with amusement. “You need to relax. I’m sure it will all fall into place.”

Taking a deep breath, he sat back down next to Ardyn. “I know, but tell that to the millions of thoughts racing through my head right now. Once we’ve concluded the ceremony, what next? Do we just leave, or will Andreesen give us some training first? We’re supposed to go to Donarvon for a year, right? What will that be like?”

Ardyn grabbed one of Jevan’s flailing hands and brought it to his lips to kiss it gently. “Breathe, my love. We’ll find out in due time.”

Taking another deep breath, Jevan smiled at him. “You’re right.”

“When I’m in Maala’naa tomorrow, do not drive your mother and sister crazy,” Ardyn teased him. “Let them fuss over you. It will make them happy.”

Jevan was about to respond to that when the chime of their door rang, and Ardyn flung an arm out, preventing him from getting up to answer it. “I will get it.”

A moment later, Mathias entered their quarters, holding an ornate wooden box. “We have much to plan before the ceremony,” he explained, setting the box on the low table in front of the couch.

“Can I offer you a drink?” Ardyn asked. “Tea, or something stronger?”

“This is a time for celebration! How about some of that wah’roh your people are so fond of?”

“I’d wager you’re quite fond of it as well,” Jevan teased.

Mathias laughed. “You’re not wrong about that!”

Once the drinks were served, Mathias sat and opened the box he’d brought, showing off two beautifully wrought daggers laying on a dark red cloth. “These are for you to use during the ceremony,” Mathias explained. “I’ve had them freshly sharpened, so be careful with them.”

Jevan carefully lifted one out to look at. The metal was polished to a high sheen and embedded in the elaborate hilt were dark red gems. Ardyn picked up the other, which had purple gems.

“I had some help from the Athla’dor in forging those,” Mathias explained. “The gems represent the colors of your blood.”

Ardyn admired the craftsmanship. “They’re beautiful. What a fine gift, thank you.”

After they returned the daggers to the box, Jevan proposed a toast. “To peace and long life, for all of us.”

“I’ll drink to that!” Mathias said as he raised his glass. “Now, the other thing I wanted to discuss was the ceremony itself. This will be an unprecedented event, and I think we should incorporate elements from both our cultures into the ceremony.”

“That’s a wonderful idea,” Ardyn agreed.

Clearing his throat, Mathias took a long drink before continuing. “So… I know this is a delicate topic, but is there any part of your mating ritual that you would want incorporated into this ceremony? Besides the obvious, of course.”

Ardyn went stiff, so Jevan placed a comforting arm around his shoulders. “No, I don’t want any reminders of that… but thank you for asking.”

Nodding, Mathias sat forward slightly. “I understand. However, is there anything from your culture you think we could incorporate?”

For a long moment, Ardyn was still, completely lost in thought. Jevan was about to change the subject when Ardyn spoke again. “There… there is another ceremony among my people. It’s rarely performed, but when two or more feel a deep connection, they may hold a handfasting celebration to profess their commitment to each other.”

“Oh, that sounds perfect,” Mathias said. “Is there any aspect of that celebration that we could add to your ceremony?”

A small smile came to Ardyn as he remembered something. “Those who took part in the handfasting celebration would weave flowers through their hair.”

Picturing it, Jevan smiled. “How lovely! In fact, I know just the blooms that would look perfect with your hair.”

“Should we include flowers in any other way?” Mathias asked.

An idea came to Jevan, and he beamed a bright smile. “We could also decorate the traditional archway with flowers,” he suggested. “What do you think, Ardyn?”

“What is this archway?” Ardyn asked.

Jevan looked at Mathias to explain. “We take thin branches and weave them into an arch, where the bondmates stand during the ceremony. It’s meant as a symbol of their lives and families intertwining.”

“That would look beautiful with flowers added,” Ardyn agreed.

They discussed several other aspects of the ceremony, including the preparations the two families would make for the betrothed. “Who will you be bringing with you from Maala’naa?” Mathias asked.

“My mother and father, assuming he can set aside his duties as Elder for a few days. I may also ask the mother of my oldest child if they would like to attend. She may decline. We’ve never been very close.”

Mathias nodded in understanding. “Under the circumstances, I imagine you wouldn’t be. How about your other two children? You have at least three, right?”

“Yes, but they live in other settlements. I haven’t seen either of them since our matings.”

“Well, I suppose it’s for the best. We don’t have to invite them. I think smaller ceremonies are better, anyway. That way, the two of you can get to the fun part of the bonding more quickly.”

Jevan’s face heated at that, and Ardyn was ducking his head as his ears flattened. It took Mathias a moment to realize what he’d said and slapped his hand over his mouth in embarrassment. “I’m so sorry, Ardyn. I shouldn’t have implied it was fun… I mean, it usually is for most… but… I’ll shut up now.”

Looking at each other, Jevan and Ardyn burst out laughing, making Mathias look very confused. “Don’t worry about Ardyn,” Jevan attempted to explain. “Let’s just say we’ve worked through that issue together.”

“Oh?” Mathias asked before coming to another realization. “Oh!”