1349

"I do," Ethan said after a deep breath.

The priest turned toward Beth and she recited her own wedding vows. Oddly enough, the vows included a promise that Beth would obey him. Ethan barely had time to wonder if it was a cultural thing before the priest -- who they called a 'Luminar' -- turned to Beth to administer her vows.

"I absolutely do," Beth said when the priest had finished. Her eyes were shining like a full moon on a cloudless night and her face radiated bliss. He couldn't help but smile back at her.

"This couple wishes to exchange more than vows," the priest said. "They wish to become permanently bonded through the linking of their deep mana."

At this pronouncement, faint whispers erupted throughout the hall.

"They have the necessary skill," The priest said. "Now if you will join hands, then please exchange your deep mana."

Ethan took Beth's hand and closed his eyes. He could see the slushy pool of mana in his mind's eye. But under the slush was something else. Like water and