All That Glitters Ch. 57

"The Mutt Line of the one known as Belgedra must be extinguished, and it shall be," the Asoc called out. "When a female parent dies, the female offspring of that parent must either determine the next person to take up the mantle of Senior Female in the Mutt Line, potentially the Gurn of that line, or to start new Mutt Lines of their own. Your mother is dead to you now, Shugrand. As such, you must now form you own, new Mutt Line within Mutt Herrtt."

"I do not understand, Asoc..." Shugrand said, confusion showing on her face.

"The law allows me the option of terminating the adult members of a Mutt Line whose Mutt Gurn has committed such atrocities as you mother has. It gives me the OPTION, Shugrand. It does not say that I must terminate the adults. Normally, those adults that worked claw-in-claw with the criminal are terminated. That would be Tarrest, your late elder cousin. That is not you, Shugrand.

"By stated fact, by action and by your faith in the Asocan Realm, you have earned your exemption to termination.

"In fact, I find myself in need of a new Minister of the Interior, as Minister Leifram and her aide have died from their recent battle wounds. What say the Association of High Gurn of AsocAR, will you accept Martte Shugrand Mutt Herrtt as the new Minister of the Interior?" the Asoc asked of her people.

The people gave out a roar of approval, not letting the Association of Gurn interfere with the choice. Shugrand had shown by her deeds she was more than acceptable for the role.

The Asoc clacked her talons together and some of her people pulled a cloak from within a pouch. The Asoc stepped down from her dais and approached Shugrand with the new cloak. It was in the colours that Shugrand favoured, distinct colours different than those of her mother. The Asoc and the Asost draped the cloak over the bowing Shugrand.

The Asoc had Shugrand kneel and place her hands between those of her own.

"Do you, Shugrand Mutt Herrtt, swear to uphold the laws and traditions of the Asocan Realm? Do you give your mind, your heart, your body, and your life to protect the Asocan Realm in the name of the Gods and Goddesses of the Realm? Do you give this oath freely in front of these witnesses here today?"

"I, Shugrand Mutt Herrtt, swear to uphold the laws and traditions of the Realm. I give my mind, my heart, my body, and my life to protect the Asocan Realm and do so swear in the name of the all the Gods and Goddesses of our people in front of these witnesses gathered here today."

"As the rightful Asoc of the Realm, I hereby confirm your title of Martte and proclaim it before these witnesses. Stand Martte Shugrand Mutt Herrtt" the Asoc called out, then turned her head up and roared to the heavens, a roar that was repeated around the Great Gathering Center as the Asocan people showed their approval of what had just transpired.

The Asoc clacked her talons once more. This time two crowns of red flowers were brought forward and placed on their heads.

"High Priestess and High Priest, I do believe that you have duties to perform here this day."

"Asoc?" Shugrand asked.

The Asoc leaned in and spoke quietly to the couple..."You have already accepted the fact that you will be mated. Doing so at this time will gain the favour of the masses. It would be wise not to disappoint them."

The pair looked at each other and smiled.

A number of junior priestess and priests came and took the hands of either of the pair, guiding them around a now singing crowd in the Great Gathering Center. The crowd was singing the song of the intended as the pair were marched separately in opposite directions around the great courtyard with Asocans reaching out to touch them as the passed. When they arrived back at the Petitioner's Circle, the High Priestess and High Priest were there wearing the robes of the Holy Couple. They replaced the crowns of red with crowns of white flowers.

"High Gurn Mutt Herrtt, represented in the body of the Asoc, do you approve of this mating?" the High Priestess demanded.

"Mutt Herrtt approves of this mating," the Asoc replied.

"High Gurn Mutt Shemet of ShemetAR, do you approve of this mating?" the High Priest asked imperiously.

"Mutt Shemet of ShemetAR approves of this mating," High Gurn Woaden Mutt Shemet answered.

The high Priestess and High Priest went through the forms of the mating rites as the alternately confused, surprised, and finally delighted couple of Shugrand and Kordel stumbled through the rites, the cloaks of white finally placed over their bodies.

The giddy couple embraced before the crowd and an opening formed for them leading to the swamps and some privacy. The now ecstatic pair walked down the aisle formed by the crowd out into the swamp as the crowd sang the happy song of the newly mated. Many in the crowd shouted out the phrase 'Go with the blessing of the Holy Couple!', the traditional phrase of acknowledgement for a mating.

The Asoc couldn't be more pleased by the turn of events. The mating left a good feeling in the crowd of onlookers that the trials had not. She was imminently happy. She had saved Shugrand's life by disassociating her from her mother and had gained a very competent new Minster of the Interior in the bargain.

The >Clot< Shuttle Port, Asoc Shall, AsocAR, The Asocan Realm

Several days later, the Asoc waited patiently outside of customs so as not to impede her people in their duties as they received the leaders of the Greater Community. As each came through with their entourage, they were personally greeted by the Asoc, Asost, Martte Garnal and Varren, and, surprisingly, Sylvie Triand from Denders Resort.

"Sylvie?" Hatel Konexi, the Impatoss of the Harradi spoke the name, confusion showing on his face. "Have you left Denders for AsocAR?"

"No, Impotass. I am here to assist in the modifications necessary to make you and your entourage comfortable," Sylvie informed him.

"Well, then we can expect excellent accommodations," the Impatoss stated, giving her a broad smile.

He then turned to the Asoc. "Well met >Catal. It is good to see you again especially here in your home Shall," he said.

"It is good to be back in control again, Hatel. It is the hope of myself and my people that you will enjoy the next few days," the Asoc returned.

"I am sure that we will. My mate and my entourage look forward to the big events," Hatel replied.

"Is Shallel with you, Impotass?" Garnal asked.

"I am sorry, Garnal. She is deep in her studies at university and we could not arrange for her to be with us," the Impotass informed her, getting a nod of understanding from Garnal. She too should be deep in her studies but the turn of events meant she missed entering university at the appropriate time. She was now almost three months behind and was unable to catch up this year.

Sylvie took over at that point and directed the transports to bring the Impotass and his group to their accommodations for the next few days.

But hidden within the Impotass' entourage was one who did not belong. He stayed at the rear trying to remain below the radar, for now. Buku Rahahm had smuggled himself onto the ship coming to AsocAR by taking the place of another Hold Leader, one that looked superficially like himself. He was now where he needed to be to enact his vengeance.

Unaware of the threat, the Asoc and her people greeted each of the leaders in turn. It brought great pride to the Asoc that she could do this on behalf of her people after so much damage had been caused by Belgedra.

The Great Hall, The >Clot<, Asoc Shall, AsocAR, the Asocan Realm

The Asoc was holding a dinner for her guests later that day in the Great Hall of the >Clot<. The head table consisted of all the leaders of the Greater Community and their immediate families. Several special guests at nearby tables included Fiona, Raymond, the Piscium family, Kim, Gillaya, Dr. Heyya, Dr. >Gorlat, Dr. Seito and her mate Sean Murphy, the injured Sostoc Murld Mutt Mattas, and Sostoc Halta Mutt Kern, among others who had distinguished themselves both human and Asocan.

The Asoc was showing off those she deemed special for the events of the upcoming few days, those who had made a significant contribution to the Asoc's successful attempt to re-assert her title.

After the meal, the Asoc rose to speak, stepping up to a prepared podium to the right of the head table.

"Tonight," the Asoc began, "before the people and before the leaders of the Greater Community, we fete those who have contributed to help successfully oust Belgedra from the position she so desperately wanted yet so badly wished to attain and to abuse.

"There has never before in Asocan history, been a usurper who has brought so much death and destruction or has damaged the very nature of the Asocan people to such a degree.

"Tonight, on either side of the head table, sit two long tables that hold those who helped us. We remember those who cannot be here as they have been taken from us by Belgedra and her cronies. Those lost will be named tomorrow and entered into the history books of the people, as will be many of those who are still with us.

"For the first time ever, non-Asocan names will be entered into the history books as significant contributors to Asocan history. Those names are human names, Such as Vice Admiral Fiona Marsh, LoSostoc Raymond Clark, Dame Junelliya Atohan Herlan and her mate, Fayad Piscium.

"The list includes the Sostocs of many human ships that were working under our direction and the Sostocs of our own Asocan Navy vessels.

"But tonight, I wish to make a special award to seven very special people. Would the Piscium family and the Kumar-Pair and their brood please come before me."

The ten stepped up to the Asoc, the children's smiling faces looking at her and beaming with pride.

"Several days ago, there was an event at the Lost Shall that all Asocans are by now aware of. Dame Junelliya, her children, Ikekiya and Sharrenia, along with Prakeshya, the Light of the Pod-Drran and the Maha-Rrin, helped to bring peace to the Lost Shall.

"We, the people of the Asocan Realm, would like to acknowledge your efforts by conferring upon you the title of Palda. However, there is an impediment to such a title. In order to bestow it, you must be numbered among the Asocans.

"For this reason, tonight, I, Asoc >Catal Mutt Herrtt, will present you each with a Damate and name you among the Asocans." The Asost, Garnal, and Varren joined the Asoc.

"Fayad Mutt Piscium, you are the head of your household. This is contrary to Asocan models but you have proved to be a very good head of household," the Asoc stated, getting laughter from around the hall.

The Asoc signalled and an aide brought forth a box that the Asost took from her and opened, holding it up for the Asoc. She pulled a Damate from the box and partially slid it from its sheath. On one side of the blade was Fayad's official Seal. On the reverse side was the sigil for the Asoc, with the words in Asocan and Standard 'Presented by'.

"A Damate is the knife given to all Asocans when they reach the stage of Shamot and join the community of the Asocans. It signifies their right to be recognized as a person among the Asocans and their right to join in formal instruction and eventually to become a useful member of Asocan society.

"The Damate is the personal knife of the wearer. A Damate must never be drawn unless it is to be used. If you wish to show it off, you partially draw it as I have just done. It is tradition that the first time you draw your Damate, you need to give it a taste of your blood. It does not have to be much, just a drop but you may not sheath your blade until it has tasted your blood," the Asoc instructed. "This only has to be done the first time you draw a new weapon."

She presented the blade to Fayad, who drew it completely and looked at it carefully. His personal seal showing that this was his personal Damate, was clearly embossed and coloured on one side just under the guard. He turned it over to see the sigil of the Asoc on the other side. He noted that the Damate was especially shiny. Holding it by the guard, he flicked the Damate with his finger, setting it to resonate. Fayad immediately recognized the work of Tatsumi Hajime by the sound.

The blade itself was a long as his hand and half the width, with a serrated blade on one side and a much coarser serrated ridged portion half the length of the blade on the other, which Fayad realized could be used to cut small branches. Despite the serration, the blade was sharp.

Fayad held his finger out and poked it with the tip of the blade, drawing a single drop of blood which he wiped the blade in. The Asost gave him an oiled piece of rice paper that Fayad used to clean the blade which he promptly sheathed.

Heyya was suddenly there to clean his finger and spray it with instant skin. Fayad nodded his thanks.

Garnal then presented Fayad with a baldric with his personal seal on it and showed him how to place the sheathed blade into it. She then put it over his head and fixed it properly to his person and stepped back with the Asoc. With the Damate on one side and Fayad's long knife on the other, he presented a formidable figure. While the long knife was short compared to a >Curlat, the Asoc knew that Fayad was competent with his weapon, as he had recently proven in combat against Belgedra and her cronies, helping to protect his mate, Junelliya and the Asoc herself.

He bowed low to the Asoc's family. The Asost passed him the presentation case which was immediately taken by Sylvie Kinlo and set aside.

"Dame Hanalei Mutt Anar, you are the First Wife of the Piscium family. This makes you the Gurn of your Mutt Line. I, Asoc >Catal Mutt Herrtt name you Gurn of your Mutt Line and name you as counted among the Asocan people."

Another box was presented to the Asost who opened it for the Asoc. She took another blade from the box showing Hanalei's Seal on it with the sigil for 'Gurn' on one side and the Asoc's Sigil on the other. She presented the blade to Hanalei who repeated the process of blooding it before Garnal presented her with her baldric.

"Dame Junelliya Atohan Herlan, you are the second wife of the Piscium family but you have distinction in your own right with the skills you posses. You have been recognized by the Council of Empaths and the Order of Telepaths and, indeed by the entire Greater Community itself, and now even more so by the Asocan Realm.

"I, Asoc >Catal Mutt Herrtt, do present you with a Damate and number you among the Asocan people. I also confer upon you the title 'Palda' in recognition of your actions from the events at the Lost Shall. You shall henceforth be known as Palda Junelliya Mutt Herlan among the Asocans and Dame Junelliya Atohan Palda Herlan to other members of the Greater Community.

The blooding of the Damate was repeated with Garnal once again conferring her baldric on Junelliya, and then the children were called forth.

"Ikekiya Fatima Tema Se-Lam Poda-Rai Dosri Mutt Piscium, you are the first child of Mutt Piscium, born to Gurn Hanalei Mutt Anar. You have shown distinction in your own right, having been recognized by the Council of Empaths and the Order of Telepaths.

"I, Asoc >Catal Mutt Herrtt, do present you with a Damate and number you among the Asocan people. I also confer upon you the title 'Palda' in recognition of your actions from the events at the Lost Shall. You shall henceforth be known as Palda Ikekiya Mutt Piscium among the Asocans and Ikekiya Se-Lam Poda-Rai-Dosri Palda Piscium to other members of the Greater Community.

"As you are a little young to be presented formally with a Damate, I will present it to your Gurn Hanalei Mutt Anar until you reach an age when you will be able to handle it properly.

"No Aunty >Catal. I take now. I big girl," Ikekiya stated, getting laugher and applause from all in the hall and a full throated roar from the Asocans.

Ikekiya took the Damate from the Asoc and then drew it from its sheath. I was quite large in her hand and she didn't know how to use it to draw blood. Her mother was there and she helped her do it, wiping the blade in her blood. Heyya was there swiftly, cleaning and spraying her finger for which Ikekiya gave her a big hug.

This time, instead of Garnal presenting the baldric, it was Varren.

"The actions of you and your sister when we first met at Denders, allowed me to receive my own Damate and be counted among the Asocans in the Mutt Line of Mutt Herrtt. I can never thank you enough for what you did for me," she told Ikekiya as she helped her hang the Damate properly off her right hip.

"Sharreniya Henadi Se-Lam Poda-Rai-Latti Mutt Piscium (because of the shapes of their snouts, the Asocans had trouble saying Z sounds so Zarreniya becomes Sharreniya), you are the second child of Mutt Piscium, born to Palda Junelliya Atohan Mutt Herlan and you have shown distinction in your own right, having been recognized by the Council of Empaths and the Order of Telepaths.

"I, Asoc >Catal Mutt Herrtt, do present you with a Damate and number you among the Asocan people. I also confer upon you the title 'Palda' in recognition of your actions from the events before the Lost Shall. You shall henceforth be known as Palda Sharreniya Mutt Piscium among the Asocan and Sharreniya Se-Lam Poda-Rai-Latti Palda Piscium to other members of the Greater Community.

"I present you with your Damate, your mother will help you with what comes next," the Asoc said with a gentle smile.

Having watched the other member of her family, Zarreniya gave her mother a worried look but Junelliya sent calm to her and then did what was necessary. Heyya was there instantly to help fix her up.

"Varren stepped forward and gave Zarreniya her baldric and helped her place it at her right hip. The little girl gave Varren a big hug and a smile then bowed to the Asoc.

"Prakeshya Se-Lam Raie, step forward. You are the first child of the Kumar-Pair and the child of prophecy of your people. You have earned distinction in your own right by being recognized by the Council of Empaths and the Order of Telepaths and by your own people.

"As your Dusar (Second Warrior, she who stands with the family), I, Asoc >Catal Mutt Herrtt, do present you with a Damate and number you among the Asocan people. I also confer upon you the title 'Palda' in recognition of your actions from the events at the Lost Shall. You shall henceforth be known as Palda Prakeshya among the Asocan and Prakeshya Palda Se-Lam Raie to other members of the Greater Community."

Unlike the two Piscium children, Prakeshya was a little more skilled with the use of a weapon, even an oversized (to her) Damate. She gently cut her hand and blooded the Damate. Like the Asocans, the Pod-Drran healed quickly and the cut was soon closed. Heyya only needed to clean the drying blood from her hand.

Varren presented her baldric and showed her how to wear it. They gave each other Linkess and smiled to one another. Prakeshya bowed to the Asoc.

"Nar-Jarl Se-Lam Roe, step forward.

"As your Dusar, I, Asoc >Catal Mutt Herrtt number you among the Asocan people. We have noted that you have begun to display powers similar to that of your sister Prakeshya. Work hard to build your abilities that you might soon be recognized by the Council of Empaths and possibly even by the Order of Telepaths."

The Asoc showed Nar-Jarl's seal on the Damate then presented it to the young male who showed only a little less skill than his sister, Prakeshya, in its use. Varren once again presented his baldric.

"Sun-Jarl Se-Lam Roe, step forward.

"As your Dusar, I, Asoc >Catal Mutt Herrtt number you among the Asocan people. We have noted that you have begun to display powers similar to that of your sister Prakeshya. Work hard along with your brother to build your abilities that you may soon be recognized by the Council of Empaths."