All That Glitters Ch. 57

"I could have dealt with Belgedra before. There was much suspicion, but no real proof of her activities from prior coup attempts. However, as the Asoc, I had to err on the side of justice and the law. I put Belgedra where I thought she would do the least damage. However, this allowed Belgedra to continue to plot, much to the detriment of my people.

"I pledge to the realm, before the Goddesses and Gods of the people, before the witnesses gathered here today in person and via media, that I will never again allow such a threat to develop within my realm.

"I ask your forgiveness, High Gurn Mutt Beddan, and that of Beddan Shall, for allowing Belgedra to do what she has done. Our people are the poorer for the actions of Belgedra, but we are also stronger now that we have come together to oust her and her cronies from power.

"We have learned many valuable lessons in the last two moon cycles. Not all of them have been the kind of lessons we would wish to receive. I admonish the Asocan people to remember always why we fight against the kind of actions that Belgedra has enforced on our people.

"Greed is something that can tear a Mutt Line, a Mutt, or our people apart, as it nearly did. This lesson must be learned by my people," the Asoc finished.

High Gurn Sekkek Mutt Beddan came to the Petitioner's Circle and bowed low to the Asoc.

"While I grant my forgiveness to you, Asoc >Catal Mutt Herrtt, I ask your forgiveness of me for speaking so harshly of you without thought in my mind. Those words have soured at least one of my people turning his soul to thoughts of destruction. I have learned that we who have power must always be careful of our words," Sekkek spoke.

"To long has the position of Gurn been only for the people of a Mutt Line and not for the people of the Asocan Realm. I wish there was a way to inspire our Gurn to learn how best to use their position," the Asoc said.

"Asoc, if I may," Grace Holloway spoke up. The Asoc nodded to her. "In the Union, no person of power may accept their position until they have passed the course on Good Governance. It is taught as a university course and any person who rises to the rank of Mayor, Regional Head, Continental Head, planetary or Union Senators, or President of a planet or the Union, may not accept their position if they have not successfully completed the program. Each level of responsibility incurs an additional aspect of the program.

"I would suggest that you bring the people who administer this program here to speak with your University Professors and have them learn what we know of Good Governance. There will be parts of our program that simply do not apply to the Asocan people, but there will also be much that can be transferred between our species.

"This must then be administered to all who become Gurn, High Gurn, Beerlendl, Ministers, or the Asoc.

"Unfortunately, this means that Hanalei Anar will have to complete both the human version of this course and the Asocan version as she has been made Gurn of her Mutt Line by your hand," Grace finished, giving a pointed look and a wicked grin to Hanalei.

The Asoc bellowed out a laugh. "Grace, you have always spoken with words of wisdom. I thank you for your suggestion and will speak with our Costann (the Asocan equivalent to the Dean of Faculty) of the University of Asoc Shall to see if this can be accomplished.

"Gurn Hanalei, Grace is correct, you will have to complete both programs," the Asoc said with a twisted grin. That got laughter from all.

"Now, there are still some things that need to be completed. Palda Junelliya, please step into the Petitioner's Circle," the Asoc ordered.

"Palda Junelliya, it has come to my attention that you have been deemed Graduand until such time as your convocation can be conducted. We, the Asocans, have never seen a human convocation. Therefore, we, have requested what needs to occur to complete a convocation.

"I was told that others who are of like rank be present during the convocation. As such, I ask all those who have received a Doctorates Degree from a human university to step forth and stand with the graduand," the Asoc announced.

People began to step out of the crowd wearing the academic dress of the colours of their doctorates, most wearing Tudor soft caps on their heads, though a few wore special mortar board hats with black tassels of the doctorate. They had been approached in secret by the Asoc's staff.

There were a lot of people who had their robes with them and they moved up to and across the bottom of the Petitioner's Circle between the circle and the leaders of the Greater Community.

Costann Hallan Mutt Beddan, of the University of Asoc Shall stepped into the Circle and came up to Junelliya.

"Palda Dame Junelliya Atohan Harlan, we, the officials of the University of Asoc Shall, at the direction of the Dean of Faculty of Malton University, do convey upon you the title of Doctor of Music," Costann Beddan stated.

Several of those wearing the robes of the doctorate, stepped up to Junelliya and placed the robe of Doctorate of Music, a black robe with large borders of Jonquils (the yellow colour of daffodils) on it for the Arts, over her shoulders. They then placed a soft Tudor Cap on her head and pinned it in place.

The Costann Mutt Beddan then presented Junelliya with her scroll, which had been made under the direction of the University of Malton. Junelliya accepted the scroll from the Costann and bowed to her, then to the other doctors in front of her. Finally, the Costann and the fellow doctors turned and faced the leaders of the Greater Community and bowed as one to them.

"Palda Dame Junelliya Atohan Harlan, Doctor of Music, would you like to say a few words?" the Asoc asked gently.

Junelliya bowed her head in acknowledgment. "Asoc. Leaders of the Greater Community, Beerlendl of the Beerlen AsocAR, Ministers of the Asocan Government, Costann Hallan Mutt Beddan, Fellow Doctors...Oh my, it is so good to say those last words," that got good natured laughter from the group of humans in front of her.

"I have been looking forward to this day all year, more so since I was first told that I would be granted my doctorates. Music has been something of a refuge for me all of my life. Perhaps that is why I became so good at it. Most of us here, who have achieved senior levels of education in our respective fields, can equate to the desire to excel in our fields. We think nothing of the work and effort we put into gaining this level of the acknowledgment from our peers.

"And it is an acknowledgment from our peers. That is what makes this so special. I regret only that I cannot give direct acknowledgment to those who worked with me to help me achieve my goals, I speak of Professor Zilina Smeldt, Professor Xavier Kuaté, Prof Aghavni Akopyan, the Dean of the Faculty of Music of Malton University, Dean Marion Atten, and the Dean of Faculty of Malton University, Dean Samantha Wiccans.

"These are some of the people who helped me achieve my degree and for whom I will be eternally grateful. Xavier said that she looks forward to seeing my first lecture. I have learned that I cannot earn the title of Professor if I do not provide a lecture or lectures on my subject. While I don't necessarily want to be acknowledged as a Professor, I would like to provide lectures on my chosen subject, the differences in music between the races of the Greater Community. It would be exciting to do so.

"Thank you all who participated here today. I look forward to the party afterwards, as I know that Sylvie Triand's parties are awesome!" That got good natured laughter from all. She bowed to the Asoc and received a roar of approval from the Asocans.

Sharne Erx Toolend raised erht's body up and looked to the Asoc, who gave erht permission to speak.

"Asoc, fellow leaders of the Greater Community, Ministers of the Asocan Government, Beerlendl of the Beerlen AsocAR, guests. I would speak on the situation of Palda Junelliya...

"Palda Junelliya. You recently had a punishment imposed on you because you broke the protocols of the Council of Empaths and the Order of Telepaths. After hearing of your accomplishments over the last two months at the direction of your teachers, what you did in the swamps to protect the Asoc >Catal Mutt Herrtt and her entourage and seeing what you have done earlier here in this Gathering Center, we rescind the impositions that have been placed on you," the Erx Toolend said.

Councillor Petronellaya rose and requested permission to speak which was granted by the Asoc.

"Asoc, Leaders of the Greater Community, Beerlendl of the Beerlen AsocAR, Ministers of the Asocan Government, guests. I would acknowledge the efforts of Palda Junelliya over the last months as she provided support to the Asoc and to the Asocan People. The stories that I have both heard and witnessed have been incredible.

"Junelliya, I would like to say that you have followed the guidelines set upon you during trying times and have kept to the restrictions imposed on you to the best of your ability while still helping those around you.

"As such, we, the Council of Empaths, rescind the remaining impositions placed on you and allow you to claim your place within the Council. We name you Grand Master Empath and allow you to add the letters GME after your name. Letters that I am sure will soon be replaced with those of MCE, Master Class Empath.

"Congratulations Palda Junelliya Atohan Harlan, GME."

A great cheer went up among the human empaths and Toolend telepaths which was added to by the roar from the crowd.

"We have two last items," the Asoc stated. "First, I would ask Sylvie Triand and her intended, Trevor Winston, to enter the Petitioner's Circle." The pair moved quickly to stand in the circle and bow to the Asoc.

"I cannot state how important your efforts were to making these last few days a great success. I, and I am sure all the leaders of the Greater Community, would like to acknowledge what you have accomplished on our behalf. As such, I would bestow upon both of you're the title of Friend of the Asocan Realm and number you among the Asocans," the Asoc stated. Garnal and Varren stepped out and presented a bronze version of the medal to both of them, as well as their Damate acknowledging them as numbered among the Asocans.

"One final thing, Sylvie, Trevor. I am tired of waiting for you to set a date; therefore, I am imposing a date on you for your mating ceremony, here, today, now," The Asoc said sharply.

The couple looked surprised as the High Priestess and High Priest and their staff came forward with the crowns of red flowers of the intended and placed them on their heads. The lesser priestesses and priests lead the couple around the Great Gathering Center in opposite directions while the Asocans sang the song of the intended.

When they arrived back at the Petitioner's Circle, the President of the Union, Wilford J. Holloway, and his intended, Angelique Aubuchon were standing waiting for them. Their crowns of red flowers were swapped out for crowns of white and the President began the short human ceremony, which all the Asocans in the center watched with delight.

"Where is Gurn Hanalei Anar Mutt Piscium?" Angelique called out.

"Here, Holy Couple," Hanalei answered.

"As you are the embodiment of the employer of this couple, we ask you...Do you agree to this mating?"

"Mutt Piscium agrees to this mating, Holy Couple," Hanalei said with a bow.

The President and Angelique spoke a few words about working together as a couple to support each other. The rings appeared and they were blessed by the High Priest and High Priestess, while the President and Madame Aubuchon switched the crowns of white between their heads in acknowledgment of the Asocan way of doing things. The pair spoke to each other and acknowledged their love for each other while placing the rings on their spouses fingers.

The Asoc and Asost took over from the President and Madame Aubuchon and finished the ceremony starting with placing the white cloaks of the mated pair on them.

"We declare you a pair, let no other break you apart," the Asost stated. "You entered this sacred place as a single female and a single male, working to your individual goals. You go forth as a mated pair, working together as a couple.

"What say the witnesses?" the Asost demanded.

"Heldla!! Heldla!! Heldla!!" the Asocan witnesses in the Gathering center and on the monitors, cheered for the couple as they kissed in traditional human style. The Asocans all bowed to the new couple.

"Go with the blessings of the Holy Couple," the Asoc intoned as a pathway opened and the Asocans began to sing the song of the newly mated pair, while one of the younger acolytes guided the couple to their rooms here in the >Clot< where they could be together for a time (not, fortunately, in the swamps).

"And finally, we have another couple that we have been waiting to hear from that I would ask to step into the Petitioner's Circle, Wilford Holloway and Angelique Aubuchon, if you would..." the Asoc said pointedly to the pair.

Unable to back out now, the pair stepped into the circle and the circumstances of the last couple were repeated, this time with the President and his intended and at the center of the ceremony with the Asoc and Asost acting in their previous capacity for the human part of the ceremony.

The High Priestess and Priest, acting as the Holy Couple, blessed the pair and the rings and had them state their love for each other.

At the end of the ceremony, the Asoc and Asost placed the white cloaks of the mated pair over their friends as the crowd roared out the traditional Heldla! Heldla! Heldla!

The Asoc intoned the traditional greeting of the newly mated..."Go with the blessings of the Holy Couple!" as the crowd began to sing the song of the newly mated. The new couple were guided away by an acolyte while the boisterous crowd sang loudly.

As the couple left the center, the Asoc declared the ceremonies for the day as having been completed. The roar of the crowd was deafening.

************

After some quiet time together, the President and the First Lady decided to rejoin the ongoing party. As soon as they left their room, they were accosted by Asocan who playfully dipped their claws in any source of water available and flicked it at the couple calling out 'the blessings of the Holy Couple!'.

While a few Asocans doing this was nothing, by the time the couple had found the banquet hall, they were literally soaked in water. As Angelique had not put her bra back on, she was covering her breasts in the front, only to be admonished by Mylatrin Adriné.

"You have such beautiful breasts, why are you hiding them? You humans are so unusual, openly displaying your breasts on the beach, yet hiding them at all other times..." Adriné explained, herself only wearing a rather transparent Saree while other members of her entourage were happy to be bare breasted.

The Mylatrin's comment got good natured laughter from all around.

The President eyed his wife and smiled at her. "I don't mind if you show yourself off," he commented to her with a significant lift of his eyebrows. Angelique gave him an exasperated look but leaned in to give him a scorching kiss all the same, much to the cheering of the crowd.

The banquet turned out to be a huge hit...

End of chapter fifty-seven.

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