Sekali, "The Sister City"
Chapter 5
The next morning Sekali arose to the haunting thoughts of the Rebirth Stone and the curse Mahkaia spoke of. As he strapped each armor piece into place, he felt angry. After securing the last piece into place, he tested the range of motion, knowing if any part of his armor was too tightly cinched to his body, it would impede movement; and that could be a fatal mistake.
After a few minor adjustments, Sekali snatch up his blade and scabbard and departed, unable to think of anything but Mahkaia. As if in a great rush, he made his way to her home and stopped at the entrance. Clapping twice, he waited until she came out. As soon as he laid eyes upon her, he bowed formally, returning the pleasant grin she threw him. Without a moment to lose, he braided the sixth braid into his hair and waited.
With a smile, Mahkaia did likewise.
It thrilled Sekali to see that she had fully accepted him as her husband. After tucking the braid carefully back into her hair, Sekali pulled her to him and looked into her eyes in silence, taking in her every feature.
“Ita sevor min (I love you),” he whispered.
“Ita sevor min,” she replied, and laughed quietly as he kissed the side of her head. Parting, he took her hand and led her out into the streets of Sardakahn, where they wandered in no certain direction through all the main avenues of their city, keeping the Monolith well within eyeshot.
When two wish to be joined by the Shaman of Sardakahn, the personal apprentice and servant of the Mystic, it is customary to wander in this manner, to show all of their decision to be joined.
As Sekali led Mahkaia amidst a growing number of his brothers and sisters, who quickly noticed their design to be joined, word spread quickly. Sekali knew the Shaman would soon be notified, and would soon come to join them. Less than an hour after departing from Mahkaia’s home, they found themselves walking directly into the path of the Shaman, who stood in silence in the distance before them, half shrouded in the mists.
Sekali’s heart began to beat rapidly as Mahkaia squeezed his hand tight, a sign that she mutually shared his nervousness. He knew others had gone to inform both their parents, and so waited quietly next to Mahkaia, facing the Shaman in silence until they arrived.
Unblinking, unmoving, the Shaman looked upon them both in silence, his presence reminding Sekali of the warmth of the sun that once escaped down through the mists above while he preformed The Watch long ago. This man’s presence harbored an energy that bolstered Sekali’s courage and moral within this land of death.
It would have been odd, maybe even disturbing, for a non-elf to have parents who seemed as young and vibrant as their children, but as Sekali watched his mother and father approach, no such thoughts entered his mind. As they stopped before the Shaman, both saluted then turned to them, bowing in silent respect. Mahkaia returned the greeting with a short bow as did Sekali.
Mahkaia’s parents approached, greeting all in the same manner. After the formal introductions, Mahkaia’s mother embraced Sekali warmly.
“Take good care of my daughter, son.” Sekali embraced her sentimentally, noticing just how similar both mother and daughter appeared. He recalled a time when he could not distinguish between the two until one of them spoke. It was not so difficult, now, to tell them apart.
“I will, mother. I am honored to be called your son.”
Both he and Mahkaia’s father stood quietly, exchanging nods as they waited for the Shaman to begin. As greetings ended, the six turned to the Shaman, giving him silence and all their attention as Mahkaia stepped up to the left of Sekali, raising the back of her hand into his. Nodding, the Shaman retrieved a long white cloth from within his robes and gently wrapped it about both their hands, signifying the Joining. There were no words; just the binding together of their hands, signifying their betrothal. All present saluted in respectful silence and simply went back to their business as before.
Both parents saluted their son and daughter, then departed, escorting the Shaman back to the Monolith, as was the custom.
Untying the cloth, Sekali tucked it neatly into his sword belt and took Mahkaia’s hand, smiling happily down at her, admiring his new bride. Before heading home, they walked the streets of Sardakahn, lost in the enjoyment of the moment. As they reached Mahkaia’s home, his new home, they entered into their new life together that wonderful day.
As Sekali lay looking up at the ceiling that night, he thanked Vannar for Mahkaia and prayed fervently for the curse to be lifted from her. Finally, sleep stole his vision away, and he dreamed that he and Mahkaia were upon The Watch battling against a terrible foe that appeared as utter, total, absolute darkness.