Free Edgar Aeternum, Book 1: Tales of Aeternal Love by Jay Belle Isle Page B

which is discouraged on the home world. In fact, it's a
death sentence. Next, no Thraxian would ever consent to an offworld
wedding, even if he had no living family. The ceremony is sacred to
them, not in a religious way, but as an important piece of their
culture." Edgar paused to take a drink.
    "Go on," urged Jace.
    "Sure," Edgar said. "Thraxian wedding
ceremonies last for three days and require Thraxian soil as part of
their symbolism. A huge part of their symbolism. As well as fresh
hissos, a flower that cannot be grown anywhere else and whose
blooms last only twenty-four hours after cutting. Finally," he
smiled, "Thraxian weddings can only be performed by a tel-r'hiksis,
a Thraxian priest, sort of; they don't have a faith, per se, but
their important ceremonies are always officiated by such a person.
Here's the thing: Like I said, Thraxians are not, by nature,
offworld travelers. However, the one class of Thraxian who never,
in any history I've ever read anyway, leaves the home world is the
tel-r'hiksis. Without one, a Thraxian male can't be wed."
    "But, but," Jace stammered, "I don't
understand. What are you saying? Maybe I've had too much to
drink!"
    "Not at all, man," Edgar said with a smile.
"You know how I like history and cultural studies; this shit's easy
for me. What it means is that Anice's fiancé is either not a
traditionalist or he's not being honest. There's a small movement,
largely discouraged by the government, of those who are infatuated
with Earth. Specifically, the freedoms we enjoy here. Despite the
fact that it's the oldest known culture, some young Thraxians are
getting tired of what they see as repression. He's obviously one of
the new thinkers; he knows, and doesn't care, that most Thraxians
won't recognize this wedding or this marriage.
    In addition, he's lying about his reasons for
not going to the home world for the ceremony. He's not going
because, in order to do so, he'd have to reveal the details of the
relationship; this is something he cannot do. His family, his
culture, won't accept any of this; they would shun him completely.
The two things that come immediately to mind are that Anice is
likely going to be just fine; the new thinkers are surprisingly
human in their thoughts, however, I'd suggest never pointing that
out. The second thing is that, for some reason, he's not being
honest with Anice about it.
    My suggestion? Explain this to her just as I
did to you. Ask her what he's told her and forget for a moment
about traditional Thraxian behavior. Then, tell her to ask him
about it. I'm guessing he's afraid; a Thraxian without access to
the home world is, literally, lost. When it comes to light back
home that he's abandoned tradition, he will be dead to all but
those who feel the same. And, if he should ever go back, his male
relatives may take that stance a bit further and actually kill him.
She should still ask, though; he may have other reasons. Either
way, lies are a poor foundation upon which to build a marriage."
Edgar felt a twinge of guilt, given his own personal experience in
such areas.
    Jace sat in stunned silence. "Damn, I'm glad
that you're so into all that history crap!" he finally said,
smiling. It was an inside joke, as history, specifically of his
family and culture, was very important to Jace.
    Edgar laughed, recognizing the joke and
returning it with another. "Well, I met a Thraxian spacer once and
you wanna talk between orgasms!" The joke had its desired effect
and Jace dissolved in laughter, Edgar joining him. Finally, they
stopped, and Edgar asked, "Another round? On me," he added.
    "Sounds good to me, amigo , and
thanks," Jace said.
    Edgar pressed the call button and began
telling Jace the story of his trip to Maxi's, laughing at Jace's
response to Mr. Gym-clothes and Grocery Man. Jace was fanatical
about personal hygiene, but as usual, his grimace turned to
laughter as Edgar continued. The next round arrived and the two
friends drank and laughed, trouble