“You are my choice,” she said to Yousho. “Will you accept me as your mate?”
A broad smile came over Yousho’s face.
“I am humbly honored and pleased to accept you as my mate,” Yousho said.
He then put his hands around Kaori’s waist and lifted her into the air.
“I will do everything I can to make you happy little one,” Yousho said to Kaori as he held her in the air.
Everyone around cheered as these two would become leaders of Hayshua. They were young, but the council had chosen wisely. A beautiful and loving couple would lead Hayshua.
Sumno watched with a look of surprise and disappointment as she watched Yousho hold Kaori in the air. She could not believe what was happening. It was an evening of both excitement and bewilderment for her. She did choose a mate that evening, but her mind was anything, but clear as she stood through the ceremonies.
Elder Meesi then approached the deer that stood there observing all that was taking place.
“You have done your work now. You may leave,” Elder Meesi said to the deer.
Immediately the deer ran off into the forest never to be seen again.
A few days later all who had chosen mates in the Jontoo were married in a wonderful night ceremony in front of all of the Hayshua people. In the days leading up to these ceremonies, the families of the couples got to know one another. There was a large bonfire, dancing and singing songs of praise for the wonderful Gods who so loved and cared so completely for the Hayshua people. Of course they also celebrated the marriage of the two people who would lead for the next fifty years.