The old man regarded them soberly. “You both should know that while you may choose to marry each other without permission from your parents, doing so means your tribe is not obliged to provide a feast or give you any gifts. Your parents are not obliged to accommodate either of you in their bower.”

“We understand,” Drilli replied.

The Speaker nodded. “I cannot refuse you this rite, if you request it formally.”

Tryss rose and Drilli stood by his side. “I am Tryss of the Bald Mountain tribe. I choose to marry Drilli of the Snake River tribe. Will you perform the rite?”

“I am Drilli of the Snake River tribe. I choose to marry Tryss of the Bald Mountain tribe. Will you perform the rite?”

Ryliss nodded. “By law I must grant your request. Tryss must now stand behind Drilli. Please take each other’s hands.”

Drilli grinned as they did as they were told. Her eyes were bright as she looked over her shoulder at him. She looked both excited and a little frightened.

“Last chance to get out of it,” she whispered.

He smiled and tightened his grip on her hands. “Only if you can get loose.”

“Quiet, please,” Ryliss ordered. He frowned at them both. “This is a serious undertaking. You must remain together for the next two years, even if you come to regret your decision. Raise your arms.”

He opened a small pouch strapped to his waist—the pouch all Speakers wore—and drew out two brightly colored pieces of thin rope. He began to tie one pair of their hands together.

“I am Ryliss of the Temple Mountain tribe. I bind Tryss of the Bald Mountain tribe and Drilli of the Snake River tribe together as husband and wife. Fly together from this day.”

He moved to their other clasped hands. “I am Ryliss of the Temple Mountain tribe. I bind Drilli of the Snake River tribe and Tryss of the Bald Mountain tribe together as wife and husband. Fly together from this day.”

Tryss looked at their hands. If they had been flying this close together, they’d have to be conscious of each other’s every movement.

I guess that’s the point.

Ryliss stepped back and crossed his arms.

“In choosing to bind yourself to each other, you have committed yourselves to a partnership. You are responsible for each other’s health and happiness and for the upbringing of any children produced from your union. As this is your first marriage, you have also chosen to step into the responsibilities of adulthood. You will both be expected to contribute to whichever tribe you choose to live with.”

He paused, then nodded. “I declare you married.”

It’s done, Tryss thought. He looked at Drilli. She smiled. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her arms across her body.

Sreil cleared his throat. “There remains only one last step.”

Tryss looked up at Sreil in dismay. What could there possibly be…?