Females ruled their society and it worked for the most part. Moto remained one of the few who felt constrained by the social norms of his people. He didn't want to upset the order of things, but there were times his duties rubbed him the wrong way. He understood and accepted females ruled, males followed, and everyone contributed to the need of the village they resided. Males and females each had their places, and happiness abound. He too, for the most part. When it came to the issue of bonding both decided and chose. No one could be forced to bond with someone they didn't want as a bonded mate. The fact that he and Shimani were the only two of the last four Chosen shouldn't take away his right to choose. The Queen should have said as much when Shanees Tanyu first brought it up, but she didn't.
Moto glanced at Shimani who frowned at him. Shimani even had the nerve to give a small shake of his head. Moto glared, but then tried to calm himself. Getting upset in the meeting didn't do him any good. If he made a scene the Queen would become irritated, and that would cost him more precious time. He forced himself to remain steady and still. He admonished himself for the loss of control even if only for a brief moment. Moto glanced towards Kesho and Baridi, the other two Chosen. They were much older than Shimani and he, although they didn't appear that aged. Kahoali aged well and only in the last few years of life did advanced age begin to show. A telltale sign that death neared. He would mourn their loss when the time came. He might not always see eye to eye with either, especially Baridi, but he respected them. So far, no other males, in any of the villages, showed any kind of sign of becoming Chosen. He feared his people's decline. Even if the attack he dreamt about never happened, he feared his people's continued existence.
Queen Shakti held her hand up for silence from her place on the throne. "Thank you, Shanees Tanyu for your passionate argument and the honor you do Moto in requesting him as a bonded mate in such a public forum."
Finally! Moto thought.
Shanees Tanyu opened her mouth as if to add further argument but closed it without speaking. Moto could just imagine the look the Queen leveled on her. The Queen leveled enough looks his way to know it wise to hold one's tongue. The fact that the Queen's words and tone contained a bit of a rebuke should have been enough to keep Tanyu's mouth shut, but she was new to her position. Not that Moto considered it a valid excuse.
"While it is my desire the Chosen should bond with a Shanees," Queen Shakti continued, "I am not willing to put aside our traditions and declare it be so. Nor is the matter of the heart a decision for this Council to make. With that said,"
Moto's attention sharpened as Queen Shakti's last three words registered in his mind.
"I cannot ignore the current situation of our people. Less and less of our young seek the talismans at the bottom of Crystal Lake. It is as if our people are losing the ability to hear the call of the energy which permeates Ki, and thus will not be able to touch it or develop their abilities. It saddens my heart to think of a day where none among us can feel or touch the energy of our world. Your arguments, Shanees Tanyu, have merit and will not be ignored. However, at this time the decision is Moto's to make."
Moto would like to say he felt relieved. He didn't.
"The day is wearing long," Queen Shakti continued, "and this is but the first of three days. Please, return to your guest huts, rest, and join us as our honored guests for the evening repast." Queen Shakti stood and the Shanees followed suit.
Moto impatiently watched as one by one the Shanees filed out of the throne room. Finally, when the last of the Shanees left, Queen Shakti turned to face the four males and nodded once to dismiss the Chosen from the assembly throne room.
"A moment, Moto," Queen Shakti said.
Moto felt a stone form in the pit of his stomach. He turned towards the Queen and waited for her to speak which he knew would not be until the other Chosen left the throne room. When alone, the Queen descended the dais and sat on one of the benches that formed the semi-circle which faced the throne. The same benches the twelve Shanees previously occupied. "Come join me," she held out her hand towards Moto in invitation.
He inwardly cursed as he joined her. This cost him more precious time. She smiled; a sad smile far too familiar to him. "My Queen," he said as he sat next to her.
She took his hand in hers and patted like she would a small child.
Moto supposed that at 150 years and one of the oldest they all must look like children to her. With the exception of Baridi who was 183 years. Kesho the next oldest at 132 years. The remaining villagers all under 80 years
