Tirsday, 21st of Juno, 470th Year of the Fifth Era

Josias awoke early in the morning as he prepared himself for his cousin Maria's wedding. He thought he was the first to awaken so he was surprised when he saw his father already up sitting upon the front stairs of their house smoking from a pipe.

"Oh you're up already, son? Clean yourself up and help wake up your younger siblings." His father told him as he took a puff from his pike.

"Father, I'm not too sure on this, but I don't think smoking is good for you… Unless you want to end up like ompung that is then have at it." Josias said with a concerned voice, still rubbing his eyes.

"Oh, you mean becoming a seventh star swordsaint? Yea, I'd like that very much! Hahahahah!"

Josias frowned and shook his head. Trying to tell his father anything about his health was a lost cause. Ignoring that, he continued to wake up his younger siblings. Well, he woke up Jakobus first because Julia and Janus were with his mother. He didn't dare to wake her up on his own initiative less he be bombarded by her nagging.

His cousins Tiur and Tigor were still staying with his family because of his grandfather's directive so they were with his mother as well. Josias didn't know how his grandfather would try to keep them away from his aunt and uncle – at least for the rest of the day – considering they were the younger siblings of the bride. Josias decided to put the thought aside as it wasn't technically not his problem to deal with.

Kicking Jakobus awake, Josias proceeded to the bucket of clean water at the front of his house. He washed his face, feet, and body before putting on some perfumes. As if by instinct, his mother woke up shortly after he was done.

She nagged Jakobus who was still groggy before waking up Julia and Janus to bathe them and clean them. It took less than an hour for their family to get ready. Once they were set, they immediately went to his uncle's home where the Sibuhabuhai would take place.

When they reached their destination after a quarter-hour walk, Josias saw how everyone was already getting ready. He quickly greeted his grandfather who was currently seated with a few other elders as well as King Lombutua of Saorma. Josias recognised a few among the elders as people he hadn't seen in quite a while. His father quickly sat with them while his mother and younger siblings entered the Bolon house to help the bride with whatever it is women do.

There were several elders who were the heads of the collateral Sigumogo clans from the surrounding areas. They were the Sitartang, Pargogo, Sigopudi, and several other clans. Technically speaking they were all entitled to the last name Sigumogo and could introduce themselves as such but they preferred to be known by their sub-clan names. Josias' own branch, being the most senior one, was in actuality known as the 'Pargoria' branch. Due to their seniority, they were the ones who used the name Sigumogo the most. Still, Josias greeted them all as his elders.

Peculiarly, Josias saw his uncle rushing in from somewhere, his speed enhanced by his aura. For some reason, his face looked a little worse for wear but Josias didn't wish to question it any further. No use being nosy about such things. As long as his uncle wasn't actively fighting with his cousin Timotheus, all was well and good.

Speaking of which, he saw bang Timotheus emerge from the house in full priestly regalia. Oddly enough, Timotheus' face was also a little disheveled as there were bags under his eyes that were slightly puffed. Something definitely happened last night which Josias could only pray doesn't end up exploding on everyone's faces later on.

Maria eventually emerged from the house followed by his aunt, his mother, his younger siblings and cousins, along with a few other women of the collateral lines. Among the women included was Namboru Idaulina, the mother of King Benediktus of Tanjung Naria.

Even Josias had to admit that his sister Maria had looked quite stunning that day. Her face was adorned with various beautiful cosmetics, accentuating her already naturally good looks. Her long wavy hair had been temporarily straightened for the day and it even had a brighter glow as it was tied into a bun. She was wearing a most beautiful black-coloured western-style dress adorned with white laces and some gemstones. She wore a bright, colourful, crimson ulos atop of her dress which gave a beautiful contrast.

What was more interesting for Josias to see were his younger cousins Tiur and Tigor happily walking with their mother and their youngest sibling Togar. Josias shot a quick glance at his grandfather, but he didn't seem to mind much. Either that, or he didn't wish to display his animosity towards his uncle in front of all the other elders.

His uncle Partogi had a beaming smile on his face as he saw his eldest daughter walk out in such fine garments. In fact, it looked like he was going to be brought to tears.

"You look absolutely stunning today, boru (daughter)." Partogi said with a big grin on his face as he cupped her face, eyes shining with pride.

"Oop, be careful father, we don't want to smudge the make up, hahahah…" Maria gave a beaming smile.

"Oh! Sorry about that, boru. Hahahah! This old man of yours just couldn't contain his excitement. Johannes is a lucky man. Never let him forget."

"I won't, father."

Partogi planted a final kiss on his daughter's forehead before letting her greet both her grandfathers and the royal courts of Goria and Saorma.

Maria had first approached her paternal grandfather and kneeled before him to receive his blessings. Josias saw that his grandfather had the same awkward grin his uncle had shown just before as he saw Maria approach him.

"...You are beautiful today, boru… Moreso than your outer beauty, I see… your inner beauty is shining…" King Parhal said, his raspy voice hinting with a little bit more pride than usual. "...You are the clan's most precious jewel… My pride and joy… don't let anyone forget that…!"

"Mauliate da oppung… (Thank you, grandfather.)" Maria performed the salim to king Parhal who also kissed her forehead in return. She then got up and knelt in front of King Lombutua, her maternal grandfather for his own blessings.

"Ho do namargoar Maria, alai, hita sude marria saonari! (You're name is Maria, but all of us are happy today. The king made a pun here. The word 'Marria' means 'to be happy' in the Halak tongue.)" King Lombutua said to which all the other elders there laughed. Even King Parhal snorted a short chuckle at his in-law's comment. "I can rest easy knowing I have such a beautiful woman in my bloodline! Hahahah! Gives me hope for little Bonar here as well! But still, show that Sinatua boy who's boss, eh?"

"Mauliate, oppung." Maria said as the King of Saorma laid both his hands on her head to bless her. This was perhaps the friendliest interaction Josias had seen of the two realms. It wouldn't last, he knew that. But it was still worth thinking about.

As everyone was talking, laughing, and familiarising themselves, from afar the sound of drumbeats and sarune could be heard coming closer. Josias looked up and saw that the Sinatua had finally arrived.

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At the front of the entourage was Johannes, walking proudly in a black-coloured shirt painted with gorga patterns, an intricately-weaved red ulos as well as a gold-trimmed talitali wrapped around his head. It was the pinnacle of Halak traditional clothing. He even held the traditional tunggal panaluan staff of the priest-kings with him. He was flanked on both sides by his father and mother as well as Elder Marasi and his wife.

Josias spotted his beloved Serena and her father among the Sinatua crowd and he gave her a wave. She smiled back at him but eyed him to focus back on the ceremony.

Two Sinatua women had walked up while holding a large silver plate with a butchered buffaloe on it. It was roasted and marinated in its own blood mixed with various peppers and spices. Just in time, as well. Josias' stomach had been rumbling.

Johannes' eyes had widened a little when he laid eyes on Maria. Josias could even see a luminescent blush on his face. It was adorable seeing his big oaf of a friend like that.

When the Sinatua arrived, Elder Marasi had given a formal greeting to King Parhal and King Lombutua. In turn, the two kings also gave their greetings to the paranak of the Sinatua clans. After the greetings, they were invited to enter the great Bolon house where the first feast of the day would commence.

Josias had wanted to fill his stomach with two full servings, but considering that there were still plenty of feasts for the day, he practiced a little more restraint. Both his mother and Serena had eyed him to not embarrass himself. Josias shook his head as he relented. Funnily enough, he saw that neither Maria nor Johannes were even focusing on their food. Much too enraptured blushing and ogling each other. Bloody newlyweds.

Josias shook his head but at the same time, there was no guarantee that he wouldn't act just as much of a fool on his own wedding tomorrow. Just remembering that, Josias' heart skipped a beat. His actual wedding was tomorrow.

The day he would be considered a full human within Halak society, but more than that. The day he would finally take Serena as his lawfully wedded wife. He found himself averting his gaze from Serena when he realised this. Serena cocked her head and raised an eyebrow when he saw that but Josias quickly regained himself before smiling and lifting up his plate, teasing if he could take seconds. Serena pouted and Josias playfully sighed.

After the opening feast, the entourage quickly readied themselves as they made their way to the church. Timotheus had left the feast earlier to prepare the liturgies for church.

Specially for this ceremony, despite their statuses as being excommunicated, Ephorus Ludwig and King Parhal had allowed for Partogi and his wife to attend the church ceremony. Even the King of Saorma, Elder Honahata, and the rest of the pagan Saorma court had asked to observe the liturgies of the christians. Josias saw that the head shaman of the Saorma seemed to be the most intrigued to observe practices that were strange to him.

Hesekiel had reprised his role as the church's pianist, while Arta remained as the lead singer. The only real thing that changed that day was the amount of people within the youth choir that had decreased. After today, even more would. Josias felt a little something welling up in him as well. It was his and Serena's last day as part of the choir. It was also the only time Josias acted as the choir's conductor.

The homily for the service was brought by none other than Timotheus. He had cracked a few jokes at Johannes' expense but it remained mostly about his hopes that they'd raise a good, christian family, in the love and values of Christ.

It wasn't lost to Josias that Timotheus particularly stressed on the part about, 'rearing up a good christian family' and to 'hold to Christ until the end'. It was an obviously, thinly veiled jab at the reverend's and bride's own parents. Josias couldn't help but rub his nosebridge as he prayed hard for conflict not to find him that day.

Before the exchange of rings and vows, the time came for the bride and groom to ask for the blessings of their parents. Maria had knelt in front of her parents as Johannes did the same. She was crying in her mother's embrace while her father smiled gently. After asking for blessings from their own parents, they switched to asking the blessings of their spouse's parents. This time Johannes had knelt in front of Maria's parents as she did the same.

After that little ceremony, Johannes and Maria finally exchanged their vows. Maria continued to have tears of joy as she said her vows. The two shared a tender kiss after the exchange of rings and everyone cheered.

As always, after the ceremony, everyone made their way towards the celebration fields where the traditional processions would be held.

Because his clan was directly involved, Josias' parents had a very active role to play during the ceremony. Not like yesterday though where he was more so just a glorified servant. Today, that honour went to the women of the Sinatua clan. That included Mateus, Sadrach, Safira and Serena, because their mothers were of the Sinatua clan.

Josias felt good about himself that day. It truly is good to be a king, or in this case, part of the 'king's clan. There was a reason why Halak brides were called, 'boru ni raja' (princesses, lit.: 'daughter of a king').

After the ritual feeding of the 'Jambar', so came the ceremony of the mangulosi. All the structural members of Maria's Dalihan natolu (the basic clan structure of the Halak) gave an ulos to the happy couple, wrapping them with it, along with giving an ulos to Johannes' parents along with his married uncles from the Sinatua.

Elder Honahata stood at the forefront of the Saorma clan as they gave their ulos to the Sinatua. He had a quaint speech prepared for the happy families as well as a cheeky comment.

"Now, I know you lot here don't worship my gods or your ancestors anymore…" the Old Shaman said with a wry smile "But please still accept my prayers and the blessings I give with this ulos of Saorma. Take it is my well wishes to the supreme creator whom we may not know by the same name but believe reigns supreme over everything."

And with that, he wrapped the ulos around the couple and the other involved parties of the Sinatua clan.

King Parhal led the entourage of the Sigumogo clans in giving his blessings to the couple as well. He gave a short speech about love and loyalty, as well as his prayers that the two would remain strong in their love both for each other as well as for their clans. With that, he wrapped the ulos around them and blessed them.

The rest of the wedding carried on without another hitch as the people there were now mostly conversing with one another, laughing, and having a good time.

Josias sat with his father, his brother Jakobus, and his grandfather while his uncle sat within their circle but kept a distance from his grandfather. His aunt Pauli and uncle Hasudungan were also there along with Hese and his wife. His father was happily shouting and regailing his many stories boisterously as usual but there was still an uneasy air between his uncle and grandfather.

Finally, when there was a quiet lull, his uncle Partogi chose to speak up once more in the festive air. He got up from his seat and bowed to the ground in front of king Parhal. Parulian started looking around as other people started to take notice of this act.

"...Father, I beg of you, please… I ask only for this one last mercy." His uncle said "I do not ask you to lift my exile but I only ask that you allow me to once more care for my children Tiur and Tigor… that is all I ask. Allow them to come with me and my wife to Saorma. I swear on our ancestors that I shall make myself scarce and trouble you no longer!"

As Partogi begged, king Parhal frowned. At first he didn't want to heed his prodigal son, instead choosing to take a sip of tuak from his tankard.

"...Father, please…" Josias' father looked to the king. King Parhal still remained stoic.

Finally, Pauli got up from her seat and draped her arms around the old king. She advocated on her brother's behalf, "Bapak (father)... Please, consider my abang. Bang Togi is truly sorrowful. I know you as my kind and patient papa… You love your son, don't you?"

The old king finally placed his tankard down with an audible 'plap'. King Parhal turned his gaze towards Partogi, a frown still visible.

"...The ancestors… are not yours to swear on…" King Parhal said before he exhaled "...We still have… my panggoaran's wedding to prepare for… we can speak on this again… after the celebrations…"

"...Thank you, father." Partogi finally said to which King Parhal replied with a scoff and harrumph.

Josias blew a quiet breath as at least the crisis could be averted for this day. Hopefully, the peace will last until tomorrow. Or at least until after his own wedding. One could only hope after all.

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