I woke up. I looked around thinking I'd be in my old body, but I was surprised to find I wasn't. I would've freaked out since it was so early and I don't think straight when I just wake up.

I took a couple minutes to stretch and find my bearings before realizing that today, I was going to be ceremonially mated to Tsu'tey. I was too nervous to think about the last part of the day so I tried to keep my mind off it. I exited my side of the tent and met with Norm at the cooking pit.

"Hey Eyo, excited for today?" Norm greeted. I took a double take to look at my former colleague and I was met with the image of him shoveling the crispy, overcooked Teylu that the cooks were going to give to the ikrans.

"Norm, you realize that the overcooked ones are supposed to be given to the ikrans right?" I almost gave a disgusted look, almost. Overcooked teylu, to me, tastes like charred and too tender fat. All slimy and gross.

"What? It's like barbecue without the sauce." He rolled his eyes.

"Whatever," I reached for a wrapped leaf plate with left overs from last night, "I am very nervous-" I slumped with a sigh, "in a couple minutes I have to go get ready for one of the most important moments in my life, and I've never... really... done this before. Relationships I mean." I shrieked into a comfortable little ball.

Norm glanced over at me, understanding what I was feeling.

"Look, I get it. This is going to be a lifetime commitment, and that's scary. But it's with someone you're sure about, right?" He scooped up another charred grub and put it in his mouth.

"Yeah?" I sounded pitiful.

"Then it's going to be alright. I don't know Tsu'tey as well as you, but if you think he's right for you, go for it." He gave a reassuring, yet disgusting smile, the charred pits were stuck in his teeth.

"Thanks, Norm."