Athyyah

Chapter Twelve Warning

The five people on the distant world of Athyyah spent the last few days trying to figure out how to work the device that had brought them there. With the help of Anthieyah who brought them food every day, they had at least managed to get some of the writing that covered the walls translated and they now had a better idea what they needed to do. For the most part, it was more unhelpful and just went on about the world they were on. Like reading the brochure of the hotel you were staying in. During their time, Anthieyah had explained much of their world, such as how they had no form of money. The market, which they remembered as quiet extensive worked entirely on the trade system. Even those who worked as a hunter would make a living, even if they brought no food back with them, for they were given the necessities of life in exchange for protection. It was a similar concept for Melan who ran the place. Because of this, hunters were often the, wealthiest, of the people, mostly because they had two forms of, income, It was sort of the same for Anthieyah, though with her position, it did not amount to as much as a warrior would get.

Alex, for a large portion of the time was either examining the battle suit he found, or attempting to repair the others. He was convinced that the facility was still in working condition, so there was nothing much he could do to help since there was nothing to put together. They only needed to learn how it worked, a task far more suited for the big brains as he put it.

"I don't know if you want to, but I was wondering if you'd like to come to a Joining this evening?" Anthieyah asked the group as she unpacked her daily delivery of lunch. "You've been coming here every day since your arrival. You look like you could use a break and relax for a few hours. It's a big event around here when someone gets united. It's open to everyone who wishes to attend."

"What's a joining?" asked Kris who had just woken from a nap he took while Kaitlyn was reciting what she was reading.

"It's when a man takes a woman," Anthieyah answered.

"So, like a wedding," said Kaitlyn excited. "I remember my sister's only a couple years ago."

"A wedding?" asked Anthieyah. "I'm sorry, I'm unfamiliar with that term. But the joining shows that the man has chosen his first woman and they are bound by honor to stay together and raise the children they will have."

"What all happens?" asked Valerie.

"There's a ceremony where the man and his woman exchange promises to do their best to support each other. Then after they are joined, a grand party is thrown afterwards in celebration of the event. As you are aware, there are few men. As such, this is a big deal."

"I don't know, sounds like fun. What do you say?" Kris asked the others. "I kind of feel like unwinding. I've never been to a joining."

"I think it would be good for us to experience more of the customs here," replied Kaitlyn. "We wouldn't be scientists if we didn't take part in the culture. Besides if we're forced to stay, it will definitely give us a chance to get to know the people here."

"While we aren't anthropologists, I agree with Kaitlyn. We all need some recreational activity," said Arnold. "Count me in. maybe we'll have better luck after some time to relax."

"If we don't take part in as much as we can, I'm sure we'll be pelted with question on why we didn't when we return," added Kris.

"I will go. Anything to get out of this room," said Valerie.

"Well, if everyone is going, I might as well," replied Alex, not showing much enthusiasm. Kris remembered him mentioning once that weddings weren't his thing. He had also noted that he had been looking down. A couple days ago, Ellenah had gone on a hunt and hadn't returned. Since then he had been moping around.