I <3 it Marit! 
After Shaw posts again, other can join in! 500+
Even though as he stood there and felt calm, he could see Dawali constantly shifting and could feel the nerves from the elder male. This seemed so amusing to the Gadui Kanait. Here he was, about to go through the mateship ceremony and he was still as a peaceful lake, while the Chief was fidgeting like someone who was about to walk over a bed of hot coals. Nayati smiled to his friend, unable to help the soft chuckle that came to his throat. "Relax, Kalona," he said very softly, so only Dawali would hear. He had no reason to be nervous. No matter what things he said or did during the ceremony, Nayati knew that it would be perfect. It was so much more special that the man conducting the ceremony was one that he knew and was so close to. That was truly what mattered to the Utina.
Then he heard movement at the entrance to the hall and he turned and his breath was instantly taken from him. His eyes connected with Liliana's and the brightest smile he had ever shown bloomed on his face. This was how it was meant to be. Was this the reason Onawa had encouraged him to come here? Had she known? He would not have been surprised if this were the case. Right now though, the only thing in the world that was important was her, and the vows they were about to exchange with one another. Nayati watched as she walked towards him and Dawali and finally came to stand opposite him, facing him. The hunter got lost in her eyes for a moment before the Kalona's voice brought him back to reality. A tray of river water was revealed to them and Nayati followed the instructions, washing his hands three times before he and Liliana washed their hands together, their fingers touching in the cool, clean water. Then it was time for the exchange of the traditional gifts. His was given first, and he handed the wrapped deer meat over to Liliana, and then in turn accepted the ear of corn from her. For the first time Liliana's name was heard with his family name at the end and it gave him a slight chill that was followed by a deep warmth in his bones.
Next a braided cord was produced that held elements of each of them and of the love they shared. Dawali bound their hands together with it and Nayati gently squeezed Lili's hand as the Chief spoke of the stone at the top of the binding and what it meant. Finally, the Amara clasped his own hands around their joined ones and recited one of the prayers. The whole time he watched Liliana, feeling closer to her with every moment that ticked by, as if he could feel the ceremony sewing their lives together. Dawali released their hands and Nayati turned to walk out of the Town Hall to the Great Fire with her. With his mate. The air was cold, but he could not feel its chill. Together they stood by the leaping flames and exchanged their own vows quietly, so only they and the Spirits could hear. Once they had finished, he leaned in to give her a soft, quick kiss before they returned to the hall.
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