Page 31 of The Hummingbird’s Gift

True to his word, Tier thanked everyone, and Ro eventually gave in to the good-natured teasing. His mother collected all of the small gifts.

He was excited about making Tier’s moccasins with the soft leather and tiny, sparkling beads. In a world of mass-production, making a gift for his groom with his own two hands, aided by his family, would be a sacred and symbolic act. He was even more excited that their families seemed to assume that it would be his role. Unless maybe Tier had told them that, too.

When they finally detangled themselves from relatives, they proceeded to the courtyard. They weren’t even holding hands, but it seemed that everyone had a neighbor to visit or an errand to run along the way. Usually he might wave to two or three people and maybe stop and chat with a fourth. Today he must have said hello fifty times.

“Everybody knows, don’t they,” he muttered as they reached the middle of the open lawn.

“I swear I meant to be more subtle,” Tier laughed. “I had everything planned out for a private conversation. But you were ignoring me, and Declan pushed me to speed things up a bit.”

“Oh, good. That means it’s Declan’s fault.” He would tell him that, too.

“When’s the feather dance?” someone called out loudly.

He looked at Tier. Now that was just ridiculous. Weddings were scheduled by the Council of Elders, and they’d only been together for two days.

Tier swung around to face the crowd of busybodies and pulled Rohahen against his side. “Can I tell them?”

“You might as well,” Ro grumbled. He was looking forward to their wedding, but he would have liked a little time to be quietly excited on his own.

Tier raised his voice to project to the crowd. “I am pleased to announce that we will be holding our wedding feast on the full moon of August. And I am honored to present to you our new Guide.”

Everyone cheered.

Ro turned in Tier’s arms. “I didn’t think you were going to tell them that! How do we even have a date? And… did you really just tell everyone that I’m going to be the Guide? That’s not… I wasn’t…”

Tier looked concerned and pulled him in close. “I’m sorry. Was I not supposed to say that? I’m messing this all up. I wanted this to be special.”

Ro sighed. “It is special. It’s just… not what I was expecting.” He narrowed his eyes. “And you were awfully sure of yourself.”

Tier shook his head. “No, I was terrified. I came so close to losing you. After that, I was desperate to make things work out between us. Are you angry?”

“No, it’s fine, I guess.” People were cheering all around them while they held their whispered discussion. “But no more surprises. And no more making important plans without me. That’s not even like you.” Usually he weighed in on almost all of Tier’s decisions, or so he thought.

Tier gave him a brief kiss, which started another round of cheering. “I promise I wasn’t trying to. And no more surprises, I hope. I wasn’t expecting this either. But listen to them. Everyone loves you. They’re excited for you.”

Ro finally took a look at the crowd. Each person in the courtyard was dear to him in some way. He had listened to their concerns and helped settle their disputes. He had encouraged their ideas, celebrated their joys, and mourned their losses. He had learned from the Elders and mentored many of the youngsters. It was still overwhelming having them all watch him, but when he thought of each one of them, it was a hundred little boosts of courage.

“Smile and wave,” prompted Tier. “Or say something if you want to.”

Hopefully being married to the Chief wouldn’t be this public all the time. He waved broadly, overcoming his shyness. “Thank you. I’m honored.” He wasn’t sure how loud he was, but Tier gave an approving squeeze on his shoulder.

He met people’s eyes, looking around the courtyard. Imagining himself as their Guide made him feel protective and paternal. His tribe looked joyful and content. They trusted him. He truly was honored by their trust.

“Hang on,” he turned back to Tier. “Do you think that they’re really OK with me being, um, a heart-singer? Like, do they know?”

“When I spoke with the Elders, we agreed that it wasn’t a necessary skill for a role you were so clearly suited for. I think that our people are excited that you will be the Guide and bring balance to the tribe. They know that there is no one better for the job, and I suspect that quite a few of them already knew that you were the best person to balance me. The Elders certainly weren’t surprised.” He snorted.

“As for your identity,” Tier continued, “I think that may take some time to explain. When you’re ready, of course. I will support you. Unless you want to tell them now?”

Ro considered for a moment. “I think I’ll tell people in person. And maybe not right away.” Today was already more than enough. “But, um, can I try something?” Their confidence in him was building his own.

“Of course.”

Ro concentrated all of his thoughts, feeling the base of his throat burn. It was nothing like the steady warmth that should fill his chest, but maybe it would work.

He thought a single word. Tribe. He infused it with all of his feelings of connection and pride and care. Then he projected it out to the crowd, as far as he could reach.

When he finished, he was exhausted. But he loved seeing people’s reactions. Some blinked, confused for a moment and then slowly smiling when they realized what had happened. Others grinned at him. The heart-singers who were scattered around the courtyard sent him pulses of respect and affection in return, warming his chest.