The Life of Seeon - 7. Chapter 7 - A Reception to Remember

Chapter 7 – A Reception to Remember

They were led down a long hall to the banquet hall and up to the main table which was on another raised dais. The two barely had sat down when everyone erupted into the room after them. The tables quickly swelled with hundreds of people. Seeon was nervous to be surrounded by so many. Most of his life had been spent by himself or at most with two or three people in a room with him. Now he was surrounded by hundreds of people.

“Be calm, Seeon. We only have to get through dinner and then we will be alone.”

“Yes, my husband.”

“Call me Mika, everyone does,” Mika said with a smile as he reached over and gave Seeon’s hand a squeeze.

Seeon tried to relax, but the noise and strangeness of this place set him on edge. There were toasts made by Over Priest Deda, Batea, Queen Nixa, and many others to the wedding couple. When drinks were served Seeon ignored them. Eventually the wedding feast was brought forth and again Seeon took nothing.

“Aren’t you hungry? I’ve been a nervous wreck but now it is all over Seeon. After this we will be alone and can talk. Eat.”

Seeon leaned over to Mika and gently leaned against him so he would not he overheard.

“I can’t eat or drink. I wear the Majana bud.”

“You what?” Mika looked at him with confusion.

“The Majana bud was put in while I dressed. I can’t remove it, only you can. The same with the wedding dress once it is put on, only you may remove it from me. I cannot eat until afterwards.”

Mika looked livid and Seeon recoiled from him. Mika stood and made his way over to his sister, Oma. The two talked animatedly. Eventually, Mika walked stiffly back to where Seeon sat. Seeon picked at the edges of the embroidery and refused to look at Mika as he sat down beside him.

“I’m sorry, Seeon. I didn’t know all the … aspects of what you must endure for the wedding. There were … were things I didn’t know about until now. I will see if we can leave earlier.”

“That is not necessary,” whispered Seeon.

“It is not fair for everyone to enjoy the food, drinks and dancing while you unable to. No, we will leave early. I just need to speak to my mother.”

Seeon watched as Mika walked quickly to the Queen. They had a quiet talk for a moment and Seeon could see the Queen nodding. A few moments later Mika was back at his side.

“Did you even have breakfast today?”

“No. I didn’t know if I would have to wear the Majana so I haven’t eaten or had anything to drink all day so far.”

“That is it. We are required by tradition to have a single dance. I’ve told my moth … Queen Nixa what is happening. She is going to have the proper music played now. Trust me, Seeon. We will dance, be placed onto the traditional carry sleds and be taken to our honeymoon suite. I’ve already arranged with Oma to have food and drink sent directly there so you may eat.”

“Thank you, Mika. It was not necessary. I am Ma’ Nee and I will survive.”

“Yeah, we have some talking to do when we are alone.”

The Queen stood and silence suddenly filled the hall.

“Thank you for coming for you're our friends, family, and countrymen. Today my youngest has taken a mate. To celebrate they dance their first dance of many together and then will be off to begin their honeymoon. Please join me in welcoming, Seeon and Mikanos to a life of love together.”

The hall again erupted into applause, with some people stomping their feet, other whistling, and some just calling out well wishes as Mika led Seeon onto the floor. Once they were in place music played and Seeon found himself moving where Mika led him, safe and secure in front of so many people. The dance seemed to be over quickly and then two round discs were brought in and placed on the floor before them.

“This is a bit scary but no one will let you be hurt, Seeon.” Mika smiled and gently held his new husband as he tried to explain the custom. The fact was that space travel was known to the Tolerans for much longer than was originally thought by Seeon’s people. They had been traveling within their own solar system for the last forty years. The hope that one was found mentally fit and physically able to join what was now a full blown space station had been the hope of many. As children they often ran around with discs pretending to fly.

The technology had reached the point that at certain events, such as a wedding, the couples would sit on floating discs. It was their hope, that if not them, then their children would be found fit to travel into space. Only married couples were ever allowed to go into space. Now it had become the custom of the nation to have the married couple carried on silver discs to their honeymoon door.

“Just sit and you will float on the disc to our suite. Then before the eight honor guards I must carry you into our suite and finally we will be alone. I promise.”

Seeon nodded, but he had a hard time finding a way to sit in the dress on the disc. Once he was seated, eight large men stepped forward and four each moved to the two discs. While Mika was roughly bounced causing him to laugh and joke as they directed the disc, Seeon found the men who controlled his kept it steady and moved carefully. Seeon was lost as the men moved down one hallway, up another, twisting and turning till finally they arrived at a door and set Mika’s disc on the floor. Seeon’s was soon gently set down as well. Mika stepped forward and opened the door. As he made his way back to Seeon the men took positions on either side of the door.

“Sorry about this,” Mika said as he pulled Seeon into his arms and carried him across the threshold of their room.

“To a night of passion and a life forever together,” shouted the men as they picked up the discs and hurried back to the party.