The Iarians - A New Age - 6. Chapter 5 - The Binding

Chapter 5 - The Binding

Prasa Tribe Lands, Bara Clan, Beneterra, 1 N.E. (New Era)

- Terin -

TRAVELLING WITH DARIM was both a blessing and a curse. Terin could not deny that he appreciated his companion's skills and experience in surviving in the wild, especially when it came to bringing fresh meat to the campfire on the rare occasion they found a safe and concealed location to start a fire. Also, the many times Darim forged on ahead and helped Terin through treacherous terrain, from giving him a strong helping hand up a slope, or a steadying hand when sometimes navigating the wet swamplands they come across.

What did drive Terin near to run off by himself screaming to the mountains away from the warrior was his endless litany of boasts and showing off that accompanied every bit of help he gave. Each time he did that immediately cancelled off whatever points he scored in rendering the help in the first place. For all his virtues and strengths of character, it appeared that modesty was a trait sorely lacking in the infuriating warrior.

For example, on the second night of the journey, they had found a small protected cave and decided to brave the luxury of a campfire. Darim had left Terin at the cave to find some fresh food to supplement their hard and boring travel fare. When he returned strutting like a fool pea-brained peacock showing off his kill(s) with great pride and an irritating expression of smug triumph, he had simply dropped it at Terin's feet with seemed to be an imperious air of haughty condescension. As if saying, Look at me, the mighty hunter returns. Let the lowly and weak camp follower cook for the vastly superior hunter.

Well, mighty hunter can go stuff himself, he thought in a snit and ignored the game. Darim had looked at him with slightly hurt confusion at Terin's refusal to accept or even touch his offerings to the camp, then resignedly started to cook it himself. Darim did offer him the tantalising roast meat seasoned with wild herbs but Terin refused to accept, thinking of all the ammunition he would be giving the warrior in accepting. From that night on, he had pointedly avoided the cooked fresh meats Darim offered to him often with a taunt or two, stubbornly keeping to his bland and coarse travel flatbreads and hard strips of dried meat. Terin would sometimes feel guilty of the injured expression on Darim's face when he refused the food, though these feelings of guilt were immediately lost at the next insult Darim made.

Another thing that was driving Terin up the wall was the amount of attention Darim was focusing on him. While this attention may seem flattering to most back home who thought of the warrior as the most desirable bachelor in the village, this increased attention only served to fill Terin with more irritation. Darim's attentions always took on the form of vicious teasing.

After offering a helping hand to steady or pull Terin up treacherous footing, Darim would hold on to Terin's hand for a moment longer than was proper for two unmated Kiar. It was as if Darim was taking advantage of their being unchaperoned. This would always be accompanied with a smirk and a taunt, "My, how smooth and pale your hands are, and so soft. Don't worry, we'll put callouses on them soon enough." Or when Terin almost lost his footing on muddy ground, Darim was fast enough to catch him and steady him with a strong arm around Terin's waist. Darim would hold on even after Terin had regained his step, bringing their bodies closer together and growling in Terin's ear, "Careful. Don't want to fall and bruise your delicate body, now do we?"

Terin couldn't help but get riled up. Every insult piled up, seriously undermining his confidence. What was I thinking coming on this journey. As the insufferable bastard keeps reminding me. As if I myself don't know how eminently unsuitable I am. Every word implied he was weak and unmanly.

Back home at the village, it was more tolerable when the demands of the community pulled Terin and Darim apart and far away. Terin would be at his father's side preparing medicines and herbs, treating the villagers' ills and injuries. Or he would be gathering herbs from the wild countryside beyond the lands tamed by the village for cultivation of food. Darim on the other hand would usually leave the village with his warrior companions for days at a time, hunting game and killing wild predators to keep safe the village's herds of cattle. Of course, there were times when Terin couldn't avoid the exasperating warrior, such as during the planting and harvesting seasons when every able hand in the village was expected to help out. Or during gatherings at the meeting halls during festivals and celebrations.

Of course, the fact that there were noses sticking in everywhere and gossip spreading like wildfire throughout the village served as a powerful defence against Darim. His father's watchful gaze was also a powerful deterrent against any errant young suitors who the old shaman felt would distract Terin from his studies. As a result, most of the other single men of the village kept a respectful distance from Terin. Thus explaining Terin's romantic history being embarrassingly empty and negligible, except for that one kiss he had shared with Sa'a, a carpenter's son in the village when they were fifteen.

Out here in the wilds with a wild man beside me taking liberties, Terin felt even more vulnerable. Especially when up against the older and more experienced warrior.

At times, Terin couldn't help but suspect that the older warrior was in a way trying to flirt and court him. As soon as the thought came up though it was immediately dismissed as ludicrous and fanciful. As if the warrior would want me of all people when he has made it abundantly clear that I am so weak and unsuitable, he thought bitterly.

Things finally came to a head on the third week of the expedition. They had come upon a fast flowing river blocking their path. Trying to find a shallow ford to cross safely, they had spent two days walking up and down the river before settling in on the safest place they could find. Even then, the current was fast enough to be extremely worrying. They finally decided that it was best if Darim was the first to cross, who would then tie a rope around a tree. Only once the rope was securely anchored would Terin brave the river, guided and braced by the rope.

The crossing was harrowing even for the brave warrior who struggled against the current. When Darim had reached the other bank and secured the rope, Terin fearfully followed. When he stepped into the icy cold water which came from the melting ice from the mountains, he gasped and started shivering violently. Going deeper into the middle of the river, he fought desperately against the strong current, praying endlessly to the One. Three quarters of the way, the current suddenly surged and Terin lost his grip on the rope. He was dragged away before Darim's worried eyes. When Terin tried to shout for help, water filled his mouth and broke off any sound he could make.

Suddenly, all his panic and fears disappeared when he felt a warm presence slip into his. ::Lord?:: he thought curiously. ::Hush now, child. Help is on the way. Your beloved is on the way. Until then, sleep::

The last he could remember was shouts of his name coming from a distance, or at least muffled by the water. Peace filled his being and he slowly slipped away into unconsciousness, reassured by the presence.

*****

- Darim -

His heart almost stopped when he saw Terin's head disappear under water and his body being borne away by the current. Quickly dropping his gear, he dived into the water straight after his beloved, giving no thought at all about his safety when Terin was in such danger. The strength of the current made the rescue difficult, as he could not tell where the water had brought his beloved.

Suddenly, a powerful presence enveloped his and gave him a burst of clarity. This was so subtle, however, that it went unnoticed by the frantic warrior. No longer was he foundering and searching, instead, diving immediately to where he knew Terin was. There was no time to spare for questioning the source of this knowledge, for it was almost like a hidden instinct. Reaching Terin, he quickly brought him up to the surface and placed am arm under his arms across his chest.

Luckily, the shaman apprentice was unconscious and did not put up a fight, which from Darim's experience would be a serious disadvantage. Wait, unconscious. Oh god, no, he can't be dead, can he? No, mustn't think about that. First to get safely to shore, he decided.

On dry land, he quickly opened Terin's mouth and tried to breathe life into him. Placing his hand worriedly over Terin's chest, he pumped anxiously trying to draw water out of the shaman's lungs. "Come on," he shouted. "How can anyone properly love you if you don't wake up. You idiot. How could you lose grip of the rope. Oh I should have left you home where you'd be safe."

Terin's eyes opened and met his. Inside, Darim gave a silent prayer to the One for sparing his beloved's life.

However, Terin's eyes were suspiciously wet, and not from the river either. Terin suddenly could bear it no longer and broke out in quiet sobs. His body trembled slightly with emotion. When he finally did look at Darim and spoke, it was with a broken expression and haunted voice filled with despair. It pierced Darim to the core, seeing how depressed Terin was. He tried to speak but could not find the words to console Terin.

Darim helped Terin to his feet and towards the site he had chosen to set up camp. He started a fire to warm Terin's shivering body before proceeding to efficiently strip Terin out of his wet clothing. Darim reluctantly kept his eyes away from Terin's enticingly lean body. He didn't want his body to betray him and he needed to think and consider how to make his feelings for the shaman known before they could begin a physical relationship. After hanging the wet clothing over several low hanging branches of trees around them, Darim hunted through his pack for a fur blanket which he draped over Terin.

"Stay here," he said to the silent Terin. Then, Darim did what he always did when he was in trouble or difficulty making a decision. He left to hunt and think. Somehow, the concentration required for the hunt helped him make better decisions.

Yes, I shall tell him how I love him, he finally decided. With that in mind, he set off to gather the ingredients for a proper dinner. He was glad of his foresight in packing the treasure he had brought on the trip. After all, he thought, if all goes well, we shall be celebrating a new future together.

*****

- Terin -

Hearing Darim's hurtful words giving voice to all the doubts and misgivings that had been plaguing him since the start of the journey was simply too much. He was a burden. A liability. A millstone that almost cost not only his own life but also that of Darim. Guilt and resignation filled him at once. The fact that Darim had immediately left after saying those horrid but true words merely showed how disgusted Darim was with him. Choosing to avoid him, he thought miserably.

No. This ends tonight, he resolved. I shall give Darim a choice tonight. In my father's vision, the One specified that it is I who must journey on this quest. Darim need not follow me. I can finish this on my own. It is up to the warrior whether or not to come further.

Darim returned later when night was almost upon them. He opened his bag and removed his catch, already gutted and skinned. What was unusual was the amount of herbs he had also gotten. He set about seasoning the game and took from his pack a small and curious packet wrapped in iniar leaves. The way Darim handled it, it almost seemed as if it was a treasure that had to be cherished. When Darim finally opened the leaf wrapping, Terin could finally see why. The aromatic fragrance of the special exotic mix of spices known as terana imported specially from the coast filled the air, making the simple food Terin was eating unappetising. The smell wafting from the spice was heavenly, which should of course be the case as it was one of the most expensive luxuries that only the wealthiest could afford.

Terin himself had only tried it once when he had accompanied his father to the gathering at Karan. They had been invited to a banquet in the home of one of the wealthiest Mara merchant princes in the coastal town. It was a status symbol, that so much of the spice could be used to feed so many. Terin's father had later scoffed when they got back to the privacy of their own room, saying that it was the merchant's obscene and unseemly way of flaunting his wealth. Back home in the village, the spice blend was only used during mating ceremonies and the following banquet when the whole village would make a small contribution to the communal feast. Only then would the spice be used and only for the food served to the mating couple.

Terin was speechless when he saw Darim using the spices in such a miserable setting, surrounded by wild forests and nature. What is there to celebrate, he thought sullenly, my almost getting killed? Sane and reasonable people do not use terana for meaningless occasions.

Darim placed the seasoned meats over the fire. Before long, the smell filled the small campsite. Terin resolutely looked away from the succulent food roasting away being turned on a spit occasionally by the warrior, who would then sprinkle even more herbs over the roast. Terin couldn't stop his mouth from watering. Rumour has it that the One created terana for His own use and pleasure, thus making the spice the special food of the god.

Terin could restrain himself no longer and turned to face the warrior. "Why did you choose to come with me if you hate me so much?" he asked with a flat and lifeless voice.

"What?" Darim sounded surprised. "You think I hate you? Why would you think that?"

"I heard you say that no one can love me when you were saving me from the river."

"No," Darim quickly replied, furiously shaking his head with denial. "I said, how can anyone love you if you are departed from this life. How would you be treated right with the proper amount of love, respect and devotion you rightfully deserve."

Terin laughed bitterly at this. "Hah," he scoffed. "You're talking to the one person in the village who has not been sought after by anyone, nor courted with. It means I'm undesirable, doesn't it?"

"No," again was Darim's emphatic reply. "Who said you weren't being courted back in the village?"

"Well, nobody even tried."

"You had your father fixing any potential suitor who came near you with his evil eye, don't you know that?"

This elicited a tiny smile at Terin's mouth. But this was buried when he thought further about life in the village. "What about Trania?"

"What about Trania?" asked Darim.

"Everyone knows Trania's parents are the most protective. Yet, he was courted and eventually mated with Sana last year."

Darim broke out into laughter. "Do you remember how Trania's sire chased Sana all the way to the meeting hall?"

"Yeah," Terin replied, this time a full-on smile appearing on his face. For a brief moment, Darim stared transfixed at his face. Terin felt a little self-conscious feeling the warrior's gaze on him.

They both broke out in laughter as they remembered how Sana was running trying unsuccessfully to evade the broom stick expertly wielded y Trania's sire. How he howled loudly when he was swatted all the way to the meeting hall. And how the village broke apart in laughter at the comical sight. Thus was born one of Deka Village's legends. It was even now still fondly remembered by the village, being the topic of conversation during drinks in the meeting hall.

Even now, Trania's sire usually regaled the village with the proper ways of chasing off suitors, from setting traps to catch any intruder with dishonourable amorous intentions to swatting at what he called "pests" who come to steal one's own treasures. Even at the mating ceremony, the theme of the day was brooms where broomsticks were tied at every corner of the meeting hall. When it came to Trania's sire's speech, he even menacingly held a broom in his hand when he gave away his son. He playfully snapped the stick against his palm and warned Sana in his most menacing voice the consequences of keeping his son happy and cared for. Sana had comically agreed fervently, nodding in terror at whatever he was told.

"But that only serves to illustrate my point," said Terin. "Even though Trania's sire was terrifying and formidable, Sana still persevered and finally got Trania's hand. If I were not so undesirable as a mate, there would be some who still braved my father's wrath for me. And no one ever courted me in the village," he said dejectedly.

"It's not true that you weren't courted, you know," was Darim's quiet reply.

"Yeah, right," Terin sneered. "Name one suitor who came calling for me," he challenged.

Darim could not meet his eyes any longer and stared into the fire, once again turning and seasoning the meat and then poking into the fire, adding more wood. "Me," he mumbled so softly that Terin could not hear it.

"I thought so. You can't, can you?"

Darim looked up at once and said in a firmer and louder voice, "I did."

"You? You courted me?" Terin asked, disbelieving.

"It's true," Darim affirmed. "I have a confession to make."

"What's that?" Terin asked curiously.

"The reason you haven't had any other suitors. It's because I," he paused, trying to gather his courage. "I staked a claim on you, with all the other boys. I told them to stay away from you. That you're mine," the last was said with a possessive growl.

"I do not appreciate lies, Darim. Though I must admit that I can forgive it since you are trying to console me. It is nice of you to try," Terin said with a deprecating smile before continuing. "I know you despise me," he said in a small voice.

"Whatever gave you that idea?" Darim asked anxiously. "I love you," he declared passionately, staring deep and piercing into Terin's eyes, trying to convince him of the depths of his love and feelings. His sincerity.

"No you don't," was Terin's bumbling reply, taken aback by Darim's actions.

Darim chuffed frustrated and left his place opposite Terin on the other side of the fire. He walked around the fire and sat beside Terin, placing his large, muscular arm over Terin's shoulder and pulling the smaller man into his side. Terin's breath caught and he stiffened awhile in shock before he melted into the larger warrior's embrace.

"Then why were you torturing me throughout our childhood?"

"When did I ever torture you?" Darim asked indignantly.

"You always taunted me, pulling my hair, pushing me into the river, throwing mud at me."

Darim flushed adorably at this and sputtered in reply, "I was a rather dense child at the time," he admitted. "That was the only way I knew to get your attention," he admitted.

"And when you said how soft, delicate and smooth I am. You mean you weren't saying that I was useless or incapable or even unworthy of travelling with you?"

"By the One, of course not. I was trying to court you. I told my parents that I like you and was trying to court you. Though apparently it was obvious to both of them and I think several others in the village."

"The village knows?" Terin asked, mortified.

"And so does your father," Darim answered with an evil grin. "Why else do you think he was tolerating my presence so much? Believe me, he gave me quite a few menacing stares, though I think it was more out of tradition and custom than actual disapproval."

"My sire knows? But then why didn't he tell me?" Terin's voice took on a slight petulant tone that was adorable to Darim. Darim smiled and gave Terin a quick kiss on his cheek. Terin answered with a playful swat after the kiss though he had a happy smile.

"I believe they were having rather too much fun at our expense. Me at my awkward and inept attempts at courting while you at your ignorance. Maybe they thought it was best we sort our affairs out for ourselves."

"That is true."

"Anyway," Darim continued, "When I asked my sire where I was going wrong in my courtship - and my parent approve our match, by the way - they said that I was going about seducing you in the wrong way. I tried to get your attention, which though successful was increasing your dislike of me rather than your affection."

"Of course they approve of me. Who wouldn't," Terin haughtily replied. "Though you are wrong, I don't think I really despised you, truly," Terin worriedly replied. He continued with a teasing tone, "You were more of an annoying pest really, not a loathsome and despicable creature."

"Oh thank you very much," was Darim's sardonic reply accompanied by Terin's laughter. "Going back to the topic at hand, I was told that I have to shower you with compliments and praise. Compliment your beauty, your grace, wit and strength of character, anything to get you to like and notice me. And I tried. I love how smooth and pale you are. How unmarred you are by the suns' burning light. Unlike the tough and darkened leather I seem to have gotten from my time out in the sun. I like how deceiving your appearances are, how outside you may seem delicate and in need of protection but inside are as tough as itam. When I saw you bravely volunteer at the meeting house, I thought, 'There goes a worthy mate, brave and courageous, willing to sacrifice for his family and people.'"

"I was not brave at all," Terin admitted.

"Oh but you were, my love. A wise man once said, courage is not the absence of fear but the mastery of one's fear, that the fear does not paralyse the person into inaction but instead incites great deeds. What we are doing here deep in dangerous Prasa lands is indeed a great deed," Darim reassured.

"Thank you," Terin replied gratefully. After this, they lapsed into thoughtful silence as they each thought of how to proceed.

"Are you sure that my sire approves, though," Terin asked cheekily, trying to lighten the mood. "After all, you are not the most desirable of son-in-laws."

"What?" Darim sputtered.

"Think about it. You are the son of Peace Chief Pasa and Elder Dain, two of the most eminently reputable men in Deka Village, and highly respected in the Confederation. Secondly, you are the sort of person who is compassionate enough to ensure that both sides of elderly parents are well provided and cared for. Thirdly, I believe you are virile enough to breed enough grandchildren to keep them busy in their dotage. All highly undesirable traits, after all."

Darim was stunned for awhile before realising he had been had by Terin. With a mock growl, he launched himself against Terin and pinned him to the earth, silencing Terin's chuckles with a passionate kiss. Before long, Terin was returning his kiss enthusiastically, as evident in the passionate moans he gave.

Before he was too lost and consumed by passion, Darim quickly drew away from the kiss. He looked down at Terin who was looking up at him with adoring eyes, the annoyance of before replaced with love and desire.

Darim said, "I love you. This you know already. What I need now is to know whether you return my affections for you as ardently as I feel for you."

Terin's blissful expression took on a serious note. "I do love you, I believe almost if not more wholeheartedly, as you feel for me. Despite all my claims to the contrary, I admit I have always had strong feelings for you."

"Then would you be willing to mate with me? If we should fail and depart from this world I would like to meet the One at least with the knowledge that my life has been complete having you at my side. I wish us to be bound forever in the next life."

"But you haven't even courted me properly yet!" Terin replied indignantly. "I was hoping for a little romance, like in the tales the wandering bards tell us. Besides, it is unseemly and unwise for us to bind together so quickly before we have even gotten to know each other better."

"Terin," Darim replied "we've known each other all our lives. Besides, there are few, or should I say none at all, secrets that you have that I don't know. I have been diligent in following you around and keeping track of you. And the short span of time we have spent as a couple is irrelevant. Think of the dangers we are in. As I said earlier, I do not wish to leave this world without you bound with me and waiting for the other in the afterlife."

"Fear of death should not be reason for us to mate, Darim. Besides, the binding is but a ritual formalising the relationship between two souls. If your love for me is as you claim as strong as mine for you, then the One would not keep us apart just because we are not formally bound to each other."

"Is it because you have doubts or misgivings about my feelings for you? Fear of death is I admit one small part of my wish to bind, but it is as I said small and relatively insignificant. In truth, it is impatience that drives me to this request at the present moment. I did not wish to wait long for your hand, but if you so desire it, I am willing to wait, my love," Darim countered, taking Terin's hand gently and laying a tender kiss on the back of his hand. He continued, "If however the reason for your objection is the lack of romance on my part, I deny that you have not been the recipient of romantic attentions from me."

"You call that romance?" Terin said incredulously before bursting out with laughter.

Darim scowled with injured pride and retorted, "Granted, I may not have been the most successful of suitors, despite my best efforts."

"Your best efforts," Terin said with a chuckle. "Finally, Darim, we find something at which you don't excel. I must confess that I find it very nice indeed, knowing that you are not perfect in all that you do."

Darim gave a gracious smile conceding this point. "Yes, I wasn't very good, now, was I? But," he continued with a cheeky grin, "I promise to make it up to you. Starting from now."

"In that case, I accept. Though I expect you to be better at it this time or I promise you I will chase you away," Terin threatened with a smirked. Though the threat was shown to be meaningless when he placed his hand behind Darim's neck and pulling him down to continue the kiss.

When they finally broke apart, Darim grumbled, "It's a pity your father isn't here."

"What, why?" Terin asked dazed, wondering how they could go from discussions about life, love and the expression of that love in the passionate kiss they both shared to talking about his sire.

"Well, we need the shaman to join our hands before the One, don't we?"

Terin sat up in surprise. "You want to bind with me now without our fathers in attendance? I said I am willing but I didn't think you meant now. Are you insane?"

"Why not? Why else did I bring the terana spice? I had hoped we could be celebrating something during this trip. Besides, if I am insane, I am insane with love, my love," Darim replied. "Besides, we can always have another ceremony when we return to the village to appease the old folks." His face assumed a lascivious look and he said, "Unless you are willing to be naughty with me before the binding ceremony, of course."

"Naughty?" Terin said nervously. "Uh, no. Best we wait until after the binding, of course."

"Scared?" Darim teased gently. "I'll be gentle, I swear it."

"And what makes you think you'll be the giver. What if I want to give it to you?" Terin retorted.

Darim retreated in surprise and sputtered, "Of course, if you want, I mean. I can take you. Though, I mean... uh. Yes, I am willing to, if you're so inclined."

Terin could not keep his blank face any longer and started laughing. "Don't worry," he said with a smirk. "Let's just take it slowly, alright?"

"Yes," Darim said with relief.

"After the binding ceremony, of course," Terin continued with a straight face.

"After the ...," Darim started to agree but caught himself. Turning to look at Terin, he found the apprentice shaman suspiciously turning away and shaking with suppressed mirth. "Alright, I agree, after the binding. I shan't force you, love," he said with a mock sigh in disappointment.

"Thank you," Terin replied. "Come back here and kiss me."

"I'm afraid not, love. Kissing you would inflame my passions and inevitably end with me ravishing you, I'm afraid. It is just too much temptation for me. For both our sakes, we'd better abstain from such things." Darim finally took the cooked food out of the fire and into the crude bowl he had made out of woven iniar leaves.

Terin looked crestfallen and sighed. Darim kept up this charade until he decided his poor love had enough of his own medicine, and put the iniar leaf bowls carefully on the floor, before growling out, "Oh come here, love. As if I could resist you." He yanked Terin to him and moulded his smaller body to the warrior's bigger and harder body.

An unexpected rustling in the bushes broke them apart as Darim quickly pushed Terin behind him and to the ground while reaching for his spear-darts. Taking out his asker, Darim calmly attached the spur at the end of the weapon and balanced the spear, ready to cast it at the intruder.

Terin tensed in alarm. Darim reached down towards the campfire and drew out a stick that was burning on one end, giving it to Terin who eagerly took it. Having got their attention, the creature in the bushes revealed itself slowly. The haynin left the cover of the bushes slowly, coming to stand magnificently on the other side of the fire where both Terin and Darim were.

Its fur was unusually white while its eyes were a gray colour that was completely unnatural, seemingly shining out a light of its own from the darkness, but most probably just reflecting back the light from the fire. There was a tense moment where Darim slowly released his breath before winding up for the throw.

Suddenly realising the significance of the haynin's unusual colouring, Terin shouted, "Nooo!" He threw his hands and wrapped his arm around Darim's right arm, stopping him from killing the beast. "Stop," he cried out, pulling Darim away and down towards the ground with him.

"Stop it, Terin. We must kill it before it gets us," Darim said, trying to push Terin away while keeping a defensive position against the deadly predator.

"No, listen to me," he cried out, knocking the spear away and trying to pin Darim down.

It was futile, however as Terin was much too light against Darim. Rolling Terin to his back, he stopped when he felt a snort of hot breath against the back of his neck and saw the haynin staring down at him with a contemptuous expression.

Darim froze at the close proximity of the beast but hurriedly placed his body between it and Terin, as always trying to protect his beloved. The haynin snorted and moved around him and was met by Terin who hesitantly placed his hand over the beast's head. It nuzzled his hand and Terin grew bolder, his face breaking out into a grin.

"What are you doing, Terin? Get away from the creature before it bites your hand off."

Terin simply waved him up towards the beast and said confidently, "Look, Dar, she isn't going to hurt us. Look at her colouring. Does it remind you of anything?"

Darim studied the beast's placid and tame expression and its strange eyes. It had a look of extreme intelligence in it, beyond other ordinary haynins that are well known for their cunning and intelligence. It stared at him with a benevolent expression. Suddenly, he was reminded of the shamans who themselves had hair bleached white and eyes the colour of faded grey. The explanation for the shamans' unusual colouring is that regular interaction with the divine is responsible for the bleaching effect on both hair and eyes. It is said that the One seeks to make his worldly agents stand out from the common people. "Shaman," he said puzzled, but reverently at the same time. "But it's a haynin," he said incredulously.

"Yes, this lady is a shaman of the One. What, do you think that only we Kiar need shamans? We all His creations belong to the One, regardless of species," Terin said to Darim before addressing the shaman itself. "Wise one, are you here to help us on our quest as entrusted us by the One?"

The haynin gave a brief nod in reply. "What do we seek, Lady? How will we know what it is?" Terin continued.

A deep voice echoed in Terin and Darim's heads, issued from the haynin's direction. ::The One has not revealed it to me as well, Terin son of Shanel. My part in this is but to guide you to where you are to go. Beyond that, the One has not given me any further instructions.::

Terin and Darim stood stunned in surprise at the voice, though Terin recovered earlier. One of the lessons he had obtained during his shamanic studies was that the One usually gives his agents gifts to accomplish their tasks. One of these many gifts are mind powers, ranging from reading thoughts to speaking to another mind to mind. That this haynin possessed the mind gift only affirms that she really was sent by the One.

::Come, my children,:: the haynin shaman said. ::Put all thoughts of the quest away from the present. A more pressing matter and important matter is before us.::

"What is it, Wise One?" Darim asked respectfully, using the honorific with formal deference.

::Why, your binding, of course,:: the haynin said with a grin, or rather, what passed as a grin among the haynin. She opened her mouth with her tongue hanging out and she gave amused yips.

"What?"

:: I couldn't help but overhear your earlier conversation and simply wish to be of service. While my kind does not require the formality of you Kiar when we mate, I am still able and willing to serve as an agent of the One and bind you together before Him.::

Terin was bewildered and silent, a fact which was quickly exploited by Darim. "Perfect," he cried out, hanging his asker back on his belt before taking Terin by his hand and pulling him in front of the shaman.

The haynin looked at them with a curious tilt of her head and said ::Well, go on, then.::

"Aren't you supposed to officiate the ritual?"asked Terin.

The shaman haynin snorted and snidely replied, ::How would I know? I have never attended any of your silly Kiar rituals. I don't see what all this big fuss is about your ceremonies anyway but whatever makes you happy, by all means, bind yourselves together. Among my own kind, there is no nonsense and fuss. The male simply takes the female. If she is unwilling, she will make him sorry. That is all I know and care. As long as young Terin is willing and happy, I am quite sure that the One considers you two bound and mated together.::

"Oh. If we're doing away with the shaman's part, let's just get to the vows," Darim said quickly. Turning to face Terin, he took on a serious expression and vowed, "I shall love, honour and cherish you beyond all else. I shall neither be unfaithful nor wilfully and deliberately hurtful. I swear to provide for you always in all ways, and for all our family and defend us from all harm. I shall listen to you as an equal in all things. Your honour is my honour, your blood is my blood. By the One, these things I swear."

Terin's heart stopped beating for a second and started to melt with the love Darim was showing him. After this display of love from Darim and the haynin shaman's presence, which started to stink to the high heavens of divine approval and intervention. This was tinged with a slight bit of impatience also, as if the One was saying, just get on with it already. With that, all his reservations disappeared and he answered, ""I shall love, honour and cherish you beyond all else. I shall always be faithful and loyal to you alone. I swear to support you and all our family, always and in all ways, and shall defend it from all harm. I shall listen to you as an equal in all things. Your honour is my honour, your blood is my blood. By the One, these things I swear." Terin ruined the solemnity of the occasion by quickly following his vow with a playful grin and said, "But I shall leave it to you to tell our fathers of our binding. After all, it is you who insist on binding without them."

Darim groaned but agreed. There was a short, meaningful pause following the vows where both Terin and Darim stared deep into each others' eyes; which the haynin shaman tactlessly interrupted. ::Oh, is that it? All right then, before the One, you are mated.:: After that, the haynin shaman started to walk away from the camp.

"Where are you going?" Terin asked in her direction.

::To give you both some privacy for you to consummate your binding, of course. I know how touchy and peculiar you Kiar are about your mating habits. I shall see you in the morning. Now shut up and start breeding new pups.::

Terin flushed a deep red in embarrassment while Darim simply chortled. As a parting shot, the haynin said ::Warrior Darim, mind you be careful and gentle with your mate. We have a long journey ahead of us and it would be best if young shaman Terin is not too sore for the road.:: The last was said with loud amused yips that faded into the night, and caused Terin to be even more mortified.

*****