Class is dismissed, please do the reading. Stella, a word please,’ the professor said with a sigh. Ayla stood up and turned to the man next to her....‘I’m Ayla,’ she introduced, stretching her hand out to his. ‘I’m Shane, nice to meet you,’ he replied, shaking her hand. ‘You’re a history buff aren’t you?’ Ayla accused. ‘No, not really, I just can’t stand stupid people,’ Shane denied with a grin. Ayla snorted and followed Shane out of the class room. ‘He’s out of your league Ayla.’ She stopped. ‘You okay sweetheart?’ ‘Yeah Dad, I’m fine.’ We walked a couple steps, hand in hand. My mind kept wondering why he said what he said. Why would my Dad need to let my Mom know he’d protect me? The vow I suppose could mean a wedding vow, but they were never married. And what was all that garbage about honor, discipline, and being bound to serve? I now wonder if my Dad was a slave. ‘Dad?’ ‘Yes Tsukiumi, what is it?’ God I hate my name. ‘Well, I was just wondering what you meant when…’ ‘Evan, can. The one with that extra marking is free to woo someone new.”Numa was sharp. “What then happens to the tattoo when they find a new mate?”“Simple: a second ring is marked on the same finger, showing that he or she was widowed and has found a new partner.”“Mmm ... that could be acceptable, I suppose. Do you want you and me to be marked in this way, John?”“You and me and Noma, and Raka and Gomla, Gimla, Gerva; Sheila, Vickie and Jean; all of us who are married. Other families can do the same thing,. And get me an additional beer, so I'll have something to drink while I tell every one of you my story!” She had hardly finished her sentence as everyone rallied around her to listen closely to her words. She took a deep breath through her nose that she slowly exhaled, eyes closed, as if she were meditating. Only as her ears registered the characteristic sound of two full glasses being placed on the mahogany bar, she opened her eyes again. “OK, listen up folks. 'cause here we go.” ----------.