you desire so greatly."
20 Spearina curtsied again and the crowd roared with applause and glee.
A way was cleared to the park entrance. North and his party departed.
Spearina left them there.
21 "According to my peoples' Customs," she announced, "there are
certain ceremonies and Traditions a bride-to-be must perform. Until the
Hour of our Joining I bid you leave, that I may attend to those things."
22 North nodded, and with an Escort Spearina departed. Obviously her
father intended that her brother would cause no trouble. North later
would learn he had been ordered to stay on his ship until the
ceremonies were over.
23 North prepared his Staff for his five days of absence. The day
before the mating Spearon appeared in his office. "I have come to give
you this," he announced, putting an old style key in North's hand, "and
this, also," he gave North a modern magnetic key. "These are to our
Ancestral Grounds." he explained, "and the house that sits on them. It
is where my wife and I spent our sweet time alone. All has been
prepared. I would have preferred you stay a month, but I understand the
fact that your duties prevent you from being away that long. Will you
grant an old man the favor of embracing you in our manner?"
24 "Of course!" said North. The Peepian hugged him in a tight embrace.
25 "You know," continued Spearon, "I did not at first like this idea,
but I have grown acceptant of it. I have never seen Spearina so happy,
and I am sure you will make her life one of joy. I do not have to ask
you to treat her well. I know you will. I will be there to bear witness
in your Tradition. Would one of your lovely ladies be so kind as to
accompany me?"
26 "Valley Blossom will bear witness for me," said North, "but I am sure Sweet Cloud would be proud to stand