NOTES: Back in April of 1994, I produced a volume of fiction and artwork titled Untold Stories: 2993 as a follow up to the earlier volume from Jennifer and Heath Morrison simply called Untold Stories. The following tale first appeared as part of that volume. It is set in the year 2993, which was the "year without a Legion" from the timeline established in Tom and Mary Bierbaum's Mayfair Legion Sourcebook. All the Talokian customs, foods and rituals are of my own creation.
SUMMARY: Grev Mallor has agreed to an arranged marriage to long time enemy Lady Memory. As his friends gather, he begins to have second thoughts especially due to his closeness to his "best man".
WARNINGS: This story contains an arranged marriage, self-mutilation, brainwashing, and an implied homosexual relationship.
===============================
"I just don't know if I can go through with this, Ganglios." The blue-skinned young man looked out the window of his chamber. There in the courtyard below him, preparations were well under way for the wedding which would bind his people with his mortal enemies, the Hill People of Talok VIII, the Yakka-Mahor. In just over thirteen hours the ceremony would take place, and Grev Mallor was scared.
"While I cannot dictate your course of actions, my friend, I must recommend against this. I thought that you out of all of my classmates had come to understand the ways of the Great Mother. As the Circle confirms, it is through our emotions that we find the way, not through the confused tricks of intellect."
"Don't even start with the Dark Circle propaganda."
"But, tadpole, I thought you had summoned me here from the Great Mother Ocean for advice."
"No, silhouette, I invited you here to support me during the time of my greatest trial. Your friendship has meant a lot to me over the years, and that's why I want you here at my wedding. Not to talk me out of it, but to celebrate the potential end to the internal strife that has my people on the brink of civil war."
"As you wish, but you are fully aware that I would swim beside you no matter what you decided was the correct course to follow."
"Thanks," said Grev as he embraced Ganglios. "If you don't mind, I would like some time alone."
"Of course, tadpole. I shall go." The former Legionnaire made his way to the door, pausing briefly to look back at his Academy classmate before leaving Grev alone with his thoughts and memories.
* * *
"I am Lady Memory. I am Lady Memory. I am Lady Memory." Kahnya kept repeating the sentence in her mind, but still nothing. It has been six months now since she last felt a connection to Maakas, the Living Memory of her tribe. Ever since she first met Cipriana Cocheta, Kahnya knew something was wrong. Her mind was no longer her own, but she couldn't figure out just what was different.
Kahnya's soul was empty. Her anger was gone, yet nothing had replaced it. She felt no driving purpose. Growing up as Lady Memory, she'd always been driven forward by her connection to the past. Without those communal memories though to push her onward, she was lost.
"Are you alright," interrupted Cipriana as she entered the tent, invading Kahnya's privacy as she was oft to do.
"Yes, of course." Kahnya pulled her robe tight as a chill shot up her spine.
"Do you need anything? Can I get you something to help you sleep?"
"No, I'm fine. It's just my last night alone, and I'm not ready for it to end yet."
"I understand, but don't look at it as an end to your life, but more as a beginning of a new life, one not marred by the threat of war between our people and the city dwellers."
"I really doubt that by marrying the young Mallor anything will change besides his and my happiness."
"How dare you say such a thing," demanded Cipriana. "I am the spiritual leader of our people. If I say that this marriage will bring peace between the Hill People and the city dwellers, then it will. Do you understand?"
"I'm sorry Madame High Priestess," said Kahnya as she dropped to her knees and bowed. "I meant no disrespect."
"Go to bed, Kahnya. Tomorrow is the most important day in your life." Cipriana turned and exited the tent, leaving Kahnya alone once again.
Kahnya slowly rose, dropping her robe before crawling into her bed. As she pulled the covers tight to her bosom, she wiped a tear from her cheek. Pressing her dampened finger against her lips, she tasted the salty brine. The bitterness allowed her a momentary connection to Maakas as she remembered the murderous attacks that the Mallors had made against her family. She felt her rage again. But just as quickly as it came, it was gone. Kahnya slipped into a deep sleep.
In an adjacent tent, Cipriana smiled as the Gil'dishpan telepath finished manipulating Kahnya's mind for the last time. "Done it is," echoed through the High Priestess' mind.
"Thank you. You may leave now, and remember you've been paid well for your discretion in this matter."
"Need saying not." With that simple phrase sent, it teleported away leaving Cipriana alone.
Checking the security of the tent, Cipriana made sure that she was completely alone and that there was no one around who might overhear her. Once she felt safe, she unlocked the box she had retrieved from under her bedroll. Inside was a transmitter, which she extracted and activated. There within her tent, a hologram of a Khundian warlord shimmered into existence.
"What do you want, Cipriana," questioned the hologram.
"I wanted to let you know that all is proceeding exactly as we planned, Galt."
"So?"
"I thought you would want to know."
"This is not a high priority for the Demon Mother at this time. I will contact you when it is time to proceed. Transmission over." The hologram dispersed into the cold night air.
Cipriana returned the transmitter to its case and locked it. She could not believe the audacity of the Khund commander. She had contacted them, had given them this opportunity to help her world recover, and yet they refuse to act. They want to keep this world in pain and suffering until such time as they decide that Talok VIII is worth their effort. "How long can we wait," wondered the spiritual leader of the Yakka-Mahor.
* * *
Grev used his power over darkness to mask his journey from his chamber within the Mayoral Palace in Talok City down the hallway toward the room where his benazod was sleeping. The benazod is an ancient tradition on Talok VIII. Somewhat like the Earth custom of the best man but crossed with the duties of a godfather, the benazod is the groom's choice of men to share in the mating ceremony. If something were to happen to Grev while any male children were under the age of the niquepah, then the responsibility of guiding Grev's sons through the test would fall upon the benazod. Of course, if Grev were to never have a son, then the benazod was not needed in the first place.
Grev rapped lightly on the door. The sounds of sheets being thrown aside followed by the soft padding of barefeet across the stone floor echoed through the otherwise silent night. Then came the sound of metal tumblers scraping against each other as the key was turned to unlock the door, which was quickly opened.
"Come in. I'd wondered if you'd come."
In the darkness, Grev could see his benazod standing there naked before him. He stepped inside the room, still surrounded by the black cloud that billowed around him. He turned and shut the door, locking it behind him. Only then did he let the darkness fade.
This chamber was much smaller than the one in which Grev was staying. The only furniture was a bed, a stand beside it, and a pole upon which to hang clothes. On top of the stand was a cruse of water and a basin to use with it. A window on the wall opposite the bed shared the same view as the one in Grev's chamber. Looking down, Grev saw that even in the middle of the night, people were still working on the courtyard, making sure that everything is just right for the ceremony. As Grev was looking out, he felt a hand upon his shoulder.
"Grev, are you sure about this?"
"I gave my word."
"Forget your word," exclaimed Grev's benazod as he forced Grev to turn and look at him.
"Tryk, I have to. The people look up to my family. If I were to turn my back on them, then I shame the whole Mallor line."
"Maybe it's time for everyone to stop depending on the Mallors and start doing things for themselves." Tryk walked away from Grev and sat down on the bed.
"It's not that easy."
"It could be."
Grev walked over and sat down beside Tryk on the bed. He reached over and pressed his palm against Tryk's cheek. "Your naivete astounds me sometimes."
"It's not naivete. It's hope."
Grev chuckled. "You've always been the optimist, lighting my way through my periods of pessimism."
"Well, I'm not the one who is always in the dark," smiled Tryk.
Grev returned the smile. He looked deep into Tryk's eyes, remembering the bond that they shared. It was because of this bond that Grev had chosen Tryk to be his benazod.
After an eternity of silence between the two of them, as they just stared into each others eyes, knowing what each other felt without needing to say it, Tryk finally broke the quiet. "So are we just going to stay up all night looking at each other?"
"I don't want to go. I don't want to be alone tonight."
"You don't have to go. I'm here for you now and always. You know that."
"Yes. You'll always have a special place in my life."
"Friends forever?"
"In a manner of speaking."
"You know things are going to change, be different between us. She'll be there, and then there'll be the children, and..."
"And there's always my responsibilities as planetary protector," interrupted Grev.
"Oh, that," mocked Tryk.
"Yes, that. We can't forget about that."
"You could always call Tasmia and convince her to come home."
"Never in a gold moon."
"I wouldn't be too sure. I bet once Lar sires a child with her, she'll want to settle down."
"Maybe. But if she did, she wouldn't want to be responsible for this planet's safety. Not to change the subject, but did I mention she sent a letter?"
"No. Will they be here?"
"She said they'll try, but she can't make any promises. Apparently they're helping a band of peasants revolt against some tyrannical ruler or something."
"That's a shame."
"What? That they're helping people gain their freedom?"
"No. That they won't be here."
"There's still a few hours for them to arrive."
"Now who's being the optimist?"
Grev and Tryk laughed. "Sacred ancestors," thought Grev, "it feels so good to laugh. This is probably the last time I shall ever laugh. I only hope you all can forgive me for what I am doing in the name of peace."
"Tryk?"
"Yes, Grev."
"Would you hold me?"
"I thought you'd never ask."
Tryk and Grev embraced.
* * *
The morning sun shined brightly on the courtyard. Even now, it was still bustling with activity as the final touches were put in place. In less than two hours, the ceremony would be taking place and this courtyard would be filled with royalty and planetary leaders from across the United Planets as well as those Talokians who were fortunate enough to receive an invitation.
Wervos Bommer looked down from his balcony. Everything looked perfect. The Lord Mayor of Talok City had spared no expense in the preparations. This was to be the event of the decade for Talok VIII, and the whole U.P. would be watching. This was his moment to shine in the universe's eyes, and he didn't want anything to spoil it. Wervos was happy that the weather was cooperating. A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in."
The door opened and in walked Cipriana. "Wervos Bommer, how good to see you again."
"Cipriana Cocheta," exclaimed Wervos as he made his way over to her. "The pleasure is all mine." The two leaders embraced.
"Everything looks wonderful," shared Cipriana as she pulled away.
"I trust that the quarters I've set up for you and the bride provide you with everything you need to prepare for the wedding?"
"Of course. You thought of everything. Kahnya is in her chamber right now, performing the final meditations before the ceremony. That's why I was able to slip away to meet with you."
"I'm glad you did. We don't see enough of each other anymore."
"That will change once Grev and Kahnya are joined."
"I hope so. With the two of them paving the way, maybe there will be more weddings between our peoples."
"There just might be at that. How are things going with Grev? Is he ready?"
"Yes. He's been up since early this morning. Right now he's meeting with some of the guests and dignitaries."
"Really? Anyone in particular?"
"Queen Projectra of Orando, High Seer Nura Nal of Naltor, Reep Daggle of Brande Industries and some of his classmates from his days at Legion Academy."
"An impressive group. Have you heard whether Tasmia is going to be here?"
"She sent her regrets, though there's always that possibility."
"Personally, just between you and I, Wervos, I hope that she does not come. We don't want any trouble today."
"There won't be. Trust me."
"Are you completely sure that Mallor will go through with this marriage?"
"He gave his word, and his word is his bond. He would never dishonour his ancestors by breaking it."
"Good."
* * *
"Thank you all for being here." Grev looked around the room that had been set up for him to greet his guests prior to the wedding. A table of beverages and snacks lined one wall, while chairs lined the opposite wall. No one was seated though. Instead they were all mingling, though when Grev walked in and greeted them, all heads turned and applauded.
Grev was taken aback by this. Here in this room were two planetary leaders, an interplanetary corporate president, as well as his former teachers at the Academy and several of his classmates. To have a group of people he respects like this one applauding him brought a tear to his eye.
"I wouldn't have missed it for the world," exclaimed Tayla Skott, the former Lamprey, as she rushed over throwing her arms around her former classmate. She kissed him on the cheek, wiping away the tear. She whispered in his ear, "I thought it was the women who were supposed to cry at weddings."
"Thanks. I'm just happy to see you all here."
"Well, don't just stand there Tayla," said Chuck Taine. "The rest of us want to congratulate him too." Tayla stepped back to allow Chuck and Luornu their chance.
"Congratulations Grev." Chuck extended his hand to shake Grev's.
"Thank you, Mr. Taine."
"Oh, stop with that," interrupted Luornu. "We're just Chuck and Lu. The Legion Academy days are long over." Lu kissed Grev on the cheek, before she and her husband stepped back to allow Berta access to the soon to be married planetary protector.
"Grev Mallor."
"Berta Skye Harris."
"Just look at you. You've grown into quite the charmer."
"You're not bad yourself. What did you do to your hair?"
"Do you like it?"
"What's there to like?"
"Grev," interrupted Jed Rikane. "I think she looks good bald."
"Maybe so, but you've got to admit that blue hair is rather striking."
"You've always had a thing for blue, haven't you," asked Berta as she embraced Grev before stepping away.
"Yes Berta. Thanks Jed."
"Move out of the way Jed," barked Nura Nal as she slapped him on the ass. Jed jumped back, startled by her gall. The former Dream Girl and current High Seer of Naltor threw her arms around Grev, pulling him close against her. Her hands lowered to his rear as her tongue invaded his mouth.
"Better not let Kahnya catch you two doing that," tittered Chuck.
Finally, Nura released Grev's mouth, but stayed in his arms, keeping her heaping bosom pressed against his chest. "Just a little something for you to remember what you're giving up."
"I'll never forget this."
"I'm sure you won't. And don't worry, everything will be perfect at the wedding, even with the Persuader here."
"What!?" exclaimed Reep Daggle, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Brande Industries. "The Persuader's here? We've got to go find him!"
"That's not necessary," interrupted Grev. "He's here as a guest of Kahnya. He's promised not to cause any problems, and I would like to get the same request from all of you. You're all guests here, and the Legion's gone. Let's put the past behind us and look toward the future."
"Of course," stated Nura.
"I'm not sure about this," said Reep.
"It'll be fine," voiced Queen Projectra putting a hand on the Durlan's shoulder. "Nura's already confirmed that, and I sense we have nothing to worry about either."
"Hey, is this where the party is?" Dirk Morgna burst into the room, squelching the moribund atmosphere that had taken over at the mention of the Persuader.
"Dirk, you old devil, what are you doing here?" Nura threw herself into her former teammate's arms.
"It's good to see you too, Nura. Putting on a little weight?"
"Dirk!"
"I'm just kidding, love. You look as beautiful as ever."
"That's better."
"Earthgov figured that this was a more appropriate event for me as their liaison to attend than to send any dignitaries or other people with more important duties. Plus I asked to come. It has been just over two years since Black Dawn, and I wanted to be with friends."
"I'd almost forgotten," commented Nura. "But you're right. Tomorrow is the anniversary of when I resigned."
"Enough talk of the past guys," interrupted Chuck. "This is a wedding. Today is Grev's day, and we're here to cheer him on, not bring us all down."
"You're right as always, Chuck. You always were our biggest cheerleader," said Nura.
"Are you expecting any other former Legionnaires, Grev," asked Queen Projectra.
"Well, your majesty, I invited Dawnstar, but I never heard back from her. Tasmia and Lar sent their regrets as well, but Ganglios is around here somewhere."
"I've missed him. I do hope he shows."
"I should warn you that he's become a follower of the Dark Circle."
"They're everywhere nowadays," added Luornu. "Even on Cargg."
"Excuse me Grev," interrupted Tryk who had slipped in unnoticed.
"What is it?"
"It's time for you to finish getting ready."
"Thanks Tryk. Everyone, I must bid you all adieu so I can go get married. Thank you all for coming, and I hope to see each of you after the ceremony." With that, Grev and Tryk withdrew to his chamber.
Tryk had laid out Grev's matrimonial garb on the bed. The traditional violet and black uniform seemed unbefitting for what should be a joyous occasion. Tryk double checked to make sure that everything was in place while Grev disrobed. The solemnity of what was about to happen had overwhelmed the two men, who remained silent during the donning of the vestment.
Tryk first handed Grev the black hosiery which would cover his legs. These were soon followed by the black flowing blouse with its billowing sleeves and cropped neck. Then came the pleated purple pantaloons into which the shirt was tucked. Tryk assisted Grev with the variegated violet and black ruffled bib which fastened behind the neck. On top of that came the violet vest, and a violet double breasted jacket with six gold buttons arranged in two columns. To the back of the coat, Tryk clipped a set of matching tails also with gold buttons, while Grev fastened black cuffs with gold cufflinks around his wrists. Then Tryk held up the black cape which attached to Grev's shoulder epaulets which were outlined in gold while the rest was variegated black and violet. Grev leaned against the bed post while Tryk slipped on the black boots which ended just below the knee. And the final touch was an oval ruby and gold broach which clipped on top of the bib, just below the neck.
While Grev examined himself in the mirror, Tryk pulled at the sleeves and readjusted the cape, making sure that everything was perfect. "Well, what do you think?"
"I think that this is a mistake," answered Tryk honestly.
"You know that's not what I meant."
"You look fine."
"Thank you. And thank you for being here for me through this."
"You know I'd do anything you asked."
The wedding chimes filled the air signalling it was time for Grev to take his place. The two men looked each other in the eye. Unspoken sentences and feelings passed between them. Finally, Grev turned and walked out the door.
* * *
EXCERPT: Interstellar Press, Society Section, August 17, 2993
The guests were arranged surrounding the circular platform where the matrimonial party stood. The best seats of course went to the Talokian leaders, the city councilmen and the leaders of the various sects of the Yakka-Mahor. Then were placed the interplanetary dignitaries including Queen Projectra of Orando, High Seer Nal of Naltor, King Jonn and King Lillt of Pasnic, Chairman Anton Relnic of the United Planets, former President of Earth and current First Advisor of Queen Projectra Marte Allon, Earthgov liaison Dirk Morgna, United Planets Vice Chairman Apylynn Jeryl and other planetary dignitaries. The third circle of guests were those specifically invited by the wedding party, including Ganglios of Hykraius, United Planets Militia Academy instructors Chuck and Luornu Taine, Tayla Skott, Berta Skye Haris, and Jed Rikane, cousin of the groom Tasmia Mallor and her consort Lar Gand (who's surprising last minute arrival startled both the guests and the wedding party), Nyuen Chun Ti a.k.a. the Persuader, and other friends and relatives. Other guests of note included Chairman of Brande Industries Reep Daggle, Chronarch Circadia Senius of the Time Institute, Science Police officer Roon Dvron, and former Legion of Super-Heroes personal physician Dr. Gym'll.
The wedding party consisted of four individuals. The bride, Kahnya Nahtahnie a.k.a. Lady Memory, wore the traditional wedding smock of the Yakka-Mahor. This simple gray tunic reflected the solemnity of the ceremony. She wore her hair down across her shoulders, and her skin was bare of enhancements revealing her natural aqua-hued beauty. Her Mau-Jadyn was Cipriana Cocheta, the Madame High Priestess of the Yakka-Mahor. She wore a black bodysuit covered by flowing green robes. Her hair was worn up in a scarab design. The groom, Grev Mallor a.k.a. Shadow Champion, wore the traditional matrimonial violet and black uniform of the Talokian municipalities. His benazod was Tryk Paddor, a very close friend, who also wore the traditional benazodan black and violet uniform.
The ceremony was simple. Maakan prayers were said by the bride and her Mau-Jadyn while the groom and his benazod bowed in silent respect. Then Cocheta produced the ceremonial gilded dagger called The Potrew which she presented to Mallor. He performed the ritual dance of The Potrew which ended with him handing the dagger to Nahtahnie. The bride then stood and circled the platform, holding The Potrew above her head for all to see. Nahtahnie then moved to the center of the platform where she placed her left hand on the central dais. She then used The Potrew to sever the outer finger of her left hand at the second knuckle. Mallor stepped in quickly to place the cauterizing circlet on the finger, thereby sealing their marriage. At which point an unexpected event occurred. A total eclipse brought awe to all, and rumours abounded that it was Mallor's ancestors showing their disapproval of the merging of their family with their mortal enemies. Once the light returned, the now bound couple then greeted their guests by bowing at all sixteen points of the circular platform.
The post-ceremonial feast presented a wide variety of Talokian specialties. Guests had an option between roast whitebore, chilled elvenbane, or boiled scarab. Along with the main courses were plentiful amounts of spidercake, sliced lizarus, potat au arachnid, collard greys, black-eyed quibs, and jejulles. Three fountains flowed with continual amounts of chilled cave wines. A traditional desert of iced scarab entrails was served though several of the off-worlders chose an alternate selection of Earth's vanilla wedding cake.
As was the tradition, Nahtahnie presented her severed finger to Paddor. Traditional toasts were made by the benazod and the Mau-Jadyn. In a surprising turn, Tasmia Mallor toasted the bride and afterwards embraced her when she gave Nahtahnie a family heirloom, an ebony scarab brooch. Speeches were made by Wervos Bommer, 83rd Lord Mayor of Talok City on behalf of the City People, and by Cocheta in her role as Spiritual Leader of the Hill People. The bride and groom also spoke on behalf of their peoples and expressed the hope that their union would encourage an end to the civil strife on their planet through pooling of resources and cooperation among their peoples. The couple then left for a four day seclusion in an unspecified location.
The End