Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: BRIDE (02/25/21)
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TITLE: Respect | Previous Challenge Entry
By Art Westefeld
03/04/21 -
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He noticed that as the other guests stood as Cedar, his bride, walked up the aisle, that Qa-less was wearing his priestly cassock of magenta with green trim. He also wore the black opal around his neck, indicating his rank as High Priest. He wondered what Qa-less would think about a human wedding, remembering how he felt when he performed a hybrid wedding for Rodek and Belloq.
After the minister asked the congregation to remain standing for prayer, he asked the traditional question, “Does anyone know of a reason these two should not be joined in the bonds of Holy Matrimony?”
Myron saw his future father-in-law, Karl, clench his jaw, but he remained silent, respecting his daughter’s decision. Then Myron turned his eyes back to his lovely bride and didn’t see anything else for the remainder of the ceremony.
A short flitter ride took Myron and Cedar to the reception where the guests had already gathered awaiting the newlyweds.
Qa-less had found the buffet and was asking the woman running the carving station for raw meat, as was Qlag style. The woman stammered out an answer to the fierce looking alien and dashed off to fulfill his request.
Myron walked over to Qa-less. "Thank you for coming! I was surprised, since you hadn’t informed us you would be here."
Qa-less stood tall and answered Myron, “First, I’m a High Priest and don’t need permission to go where I want. Also, I was not aware of human customs enough to know you needed an answer.”
The father of the bride stepped into the conversation and said, “We didn’t know you were coming and to prepare for your dietary needs.”
Qa-less looked to Myron and asked, “Who is this presumptuous human?”
“Cedar’s father.” Myron answered quietly.
“Why does he care if I’m here?”
“Human custom. The bride’s family is responsible for the reception.” Noting the confused look in Qa-less’s eyes, Myron hastily added, “It’s what we call this celebration, and Karl was surprised that you showed.”
Qa-less looked down at Karl. Noticing his yarmulke he asked, “Forgive my ignorance of human customs, but what are you wearing on your head?”
Karl smiled at the Qlag and proudly explained. "I am Jewish. Wearing a yarmulke signifies reverence toward God."
Qa-less, in the traditional blunt fashion of his people, asked Karl, “What do you think of your cub marrying a..." His face grew sour, as if someone had given him a plate of raw vegetables. “Christian?’
Karl had recently read what his wife had foisted on him about the planet where his little girl would be going, and was not offended by the bluntness of the question. He looked the High Priest in the eye and responded, “She could have been the wife of a good Jewish man, but instead she’s the bride of a Gentile and going to a planet of pagans.”
Qa-less only understood a few of the insults, but he understood the blasphemies of his beloved deity Rok and his Eternal bride Aram.
“Human,” he growled, “I could forbid Myron and Cedar to return to Qlag. I won’t, because I suspect you are not behaving normally.” Turning to Myron he said, “I have seen enough and will return to the embassy. I will meet you upon your return to Qlag to discuss our government’s policies toward you and your...bride.” Avoiding saying 'mate' confused him. “When will you be returning?”
Myron, not understanding what the High Priest meant answered, “Right after our honeymoon. We’re spending a few weeks on Sonocop.”
Qa-less knew the planet Myron had referenced was a popular tourist destination for humans, but would have to look up the word 'honeymoon' when he returned to the embassy. Honey, he knew, was a sweet substance, but why would anyone refer to a moon as sweet? In an uncharacteristically quiet voice he said, finishing the raw meat the server had handed him, “Human customs…”
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