Rentap Dressiler smiled to himself at the comm message he had just received from his close friend Trem de Markus. It was an invitation to a commemoration of Trems father’s wedding anniversary. Has it been more than ten years since we were volunteers? he wondered to himself, thinking on the memories. He had seen and dined with his friend many times since then. Even providing assistance, as a friend does at times unspoken, even rare emotional support, necessary in this tightly structured society.

Now the sole owner of his importing business, Rentap had renamed it Ti Lepus Imports, the agreement having worked out in his favour and become increasingly successful. Trem had assisted by persuading his family to support the venture and Rentap’s had been able to provide several items that, while rare and expensive on Ti Lepus, were considerably cheaper, if not necessarily abundant, in other solar systems.

This had led to other contacts in the business community, a difficult thing in a society where such contacts needed a sponsor. Rentap was a man of Ti Lepus, on the rise, his status secure. All he now needed was a wife and a mistress, both considered a necessity for all men of high status. Any man who did not have both would be considered unmanly and suffer the loss of status within the group.

*********

“Welcome friend.” Trem greeted Rentap with the two handed handshake customary between close friends. “I am glad that you could come. I don’t know if I could have survived without you.” Rentap took off his wide brimmed hat and handed it to the hovering attendant. He did not need a voucher, a chip in the hat would identify it for him. Wearing his best shirt and suit, along with a neck covering similar to a cravat, he looked little different from others in the room. As this was a formal occasion, over his shoulders he wore a stole, a formal garment required at such occasions. Under this he wore a richly decorated cope with openings in the side for arms. The decorations on both were an indulgence that was tolerated amongst those of high status. Lower status citizens were not permitted to wear stoles or the cope.

During the work day, the cope was replaced by an ordinary coat and the stole was usually omitted. There were several varieties of both, depending on the days expected activities.

Rentap did not laugh openly at his friends comment. In the rigid society they were part of, restraint, self-discipline and control of one’s self were considered the most desirable attributes. Open displays of emotion was frowned upon and could cost a person status.

“Come, there are some people I wish you to meet.” Trem led his friend into the meeting room set apart for the commemoration. In accordance with the de Markus family’s status, this was taking place in one of the finest and most discriminating resorts in Lepus Mal, the capital. The room was large and well furnished. The space was also well filled with guests and family, all dressed in a similar fashion to Rentap.

Taking Rentap to the greeting area where Trems family was sitting, Rentap was formally presented to Tirum de Markus, who was dressed almost identically to Rentap.

“Congratulations, sir.” Rentap gave the formal bow traditional at such times.

“Thank you, Master Dressiler, your presence here pleases us.” Tirum made the required formal bow of response. Eyes still sharp, Tirum noted the markings on the stole. It was with satisfaction he read that the Dressiler family was well connected as this reflected well on Trem who had such a friend. Formalities over, the two chatted pleasantly for a fraction before others approached. As was the custom, Trium’s wife did not speak, but she did give Rentap a smile. None of the family present spoke either, however they gave bows of greeting to Rentap as he left.

There were several distinct areas, subtly separated. The people of Ti Lepus did not need barriers to separate themselves into groups, they knew where they were expected to go, such distinctions were drilled into them as children. It was to one of these that Trem guided his friend. Rentap gave a look of surprise when he realised that this group was one reserved for cousins and other related family members.

A secretive smile played on Trems lips as he approached a young woman. “Cheaine, here is someone I would like you to meet.” Rentap never heard the rest of the introduction.

As she turned around, Rentap swallowed, a beautiful smile was graced by expressive eyes. Large dark eyes that seemed to swallow him. Even under the standard layers of clothing required by tradition, Rentap could visualise the slender body of the woman in front of him; tall as she was, she could almost look him in the eye. The cope was finer, more feminine as were the decorations on it and the stole she wore. Under this were the outer garments that consisted of her jacket and long skirt.

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Trem could not hid his delight at the reaction of his friend.

“I have heard much of you from my cousin, Master Rentap. It is my pleasure to finally meet you.” A hand was not extended, they didn’t know each other well enough for that, yet.

That Rentap was rendered speechless was clearly obvious. He finally came out with, “The pleasure is mine, Miss Cheaine.”

As the two continued to gaze at each other, Cheaine with a somewhat bemused smile, and Rentap with a silly smile that he tried to hide, Trem de Marcus quietly withdrew, a satisfied look on his face.

*********

Several months later, Trem stood with Rentap before a Peace Giver. Cheaine stood beside Rentap and members of both families were there as well. The formal words were to be spoken and Cheaine and Rentap would became husband and wife.

Peace Givers were a strange aspect of the society of Ti Lepus. Only people of either sex from a certain remote mountain district could become a Peace Giver. Neither priests nor religious, yet with certain aspects of both, on reaching the age of eleven both boys and girls were taken to a monastery/temple where they received training in law, tradition, medicine and science, along with extensive physical training. Operating outside the normal rules of Ti Lepus society, they had no status and did not require any. Their birth name was also dropped and a new name, spoken only between the Peace Givers, was taken. Yet they were honoured by all citizens and, by tradition, they were authorised to preform legal acts such as weddings and funerals or to act as judges in trials for minor offences. Even a very rare divorce. It was normal for most high-status people, along with as many as possible of those of other status, to be married by a peace giver.

Wearing brightly colored robes that were traditional only to them and usually bareheaded, they looked unlike anyone else on the planet. They could go anywhere and no one would bar them entry, no matter whether they were men or women. Other than their accustomed duties, they had no interest in any part of the life of the planet. They even escaped being barcoded and having the standard identification chip implanted unlike all other inhabitants.

After confirming both their names, the ritual questions were asked, “Why do you come before me?”

Cheaine and Rentap answered together, “To be joined.”

“Are you both free and clear of any impediments to the joining?” the Peace Giver asked.

Looking at each other they smiled and answered that they were.

“And are you both agreeable to this joining?” At this question Rentap answered first that he was followed by Cheaines firm response that she was as well.

The Peace giver then turned to the families who answered the question, “Do the families accept this joining?” with cries of “Yes” echoing from both sides of the family, such a public demonstration allowable only on such occasions as this.

A bell was rung, the Peace Giver clapped his hands. With slow and solemn movements the Peace Giver placed a tea pot and two crystal cups in front of the pair. “I offer you tea,” he said, spreading his hands. A second Peace Giver, a woman who had brought the tea stood beside speaker.

Maintaining a solemn demeanor, Rentap poured a cup and offered it to Cheaine. She accepted it and sipped a small amount. Putting the cup down, she picked up the teapot, filled the second cup and offered it to Rentap. He took the cup and sipped. Giving a smile he could no longer conceal, he put the cup down.

Giving another clap, the Peace Giver smiled, “You are now joined.” He said. Applying a stamp to the official documents, he handed them back to Rentap who accepted them with thanks. With a final “I wish you happiness,” both the Peace Givers bowed and the little ceremony was complete. The families clapped, further demonstration was not required and would have been frowned upon.

Following custom the bride and the groom now separated and Rentap would not see Cheaine until that evening. Leaving the Peace Giver’s premises, none took notice of a man dressed in dark clothing, a cloak flowing from his shoulders, watching from a distance, a frown clouding his unremarkable face.

Settling in the conveyance supplied for this occasion, Trem turned to his friend. “I wish you all happiness my friend.” He said sincerely.

“I am the one who should be thanking you,” Rentap said, “You have given me a gift beyond compare.”

“The gift was never mine to give. It belonged in the hand of the one you joined today. I merely had a small part in bringing you both together.” There was no smile on Trems face. That changed suddenly. “But tonight, it is for celebration! So let us join the other male members of our families and celebrate!”

Rentap’s brother and father surprised him by piling into the same vehicle. “Let’s go!” They shouted. At the open display of emotion from the pair. Rentap stared. “Well it’s the only time you are going to get married isn’t it?” His father spoke defensively. The vehicle pulled away to the sound of unaccustomed laughter.