Arrival
The lounge of the transport was spacious and comfortable, and the hostlings, after having a fine time exploring the vessel, had settled down in front of the observation ports to watch the stars go by. Smiling at the brats, Radittsu wiped the back of one hand across his sweating forehead. Ye gods it was getting hot…
Then he grinned, realising what was happening - and stripped off his clothing. Zha'haabron smiled.
**It seemed to be a good idea. This gives them all a chance to acclimatise - there'll be no abrupt change of temperature when we reach R'ren'nkh'ia**
Jeice had watched the Saiyan, then glanced a little anxiously at the king. Zha'haabron nodded.
"Please, make yourself comfortable."
The little subo pulled off his tunic and boots and stretched in the warm dry air, obviously finding the loss of at least some of his clothing a relief. But the temperature was to increase by half as much again before the hostlings noticed and wriggled out of their bodysuits.
A very little later the adult zn'hre changed into their R'ren'nkh'ian attire - which immediately had its usual effect on Radittsu…
Still, he thought happily, vaguely, as he came for the third time, tail wrapped firmly around Ti'aasaan's erection as the little zn'hre writhed and gasped above him, it certainly was a pleasant way to while away the trip... Even Jeice had joined in, treating first Zha'haarak, then the others, to the services of his talented tongue.
Zha'haabron's reaction had been startling, almost violent, gripping the subo's hair as he came, three times in quick succession, semen tingling on the studded tongue and hosting chamber walls rippling as they secreted precious, life-sustaining proteins for the hostlings. Radittsu hastily moved to cradle his bondmate to him as the king collapsed, gasping.
*Beloved? Are you…*
The king nodded, his eyes closed, panting heavily.
**I'm… fine… That was somewhat - overwhelming**
*Perhaps I should get some studs, then!*
Zha'haabron twisted to frown at the Saiyan.
**I would not ask it of you**
Radittsu grinned.
*I don't need your permission…*
Alarmed, the king cupped the captain's face in cool hands.
**Please don't**
The Saiyan sighed and nodded.
*Very well. For now, anyway.*
A low chime sounded, and seconds later the navigator's voice sounded over the public comm system, announcing their approach to R'ren'nkh'ia: another half hour and they'd be able to shuttle down to the planet. Radittsu sighed and pulled himself and the king upright.
"Time to get dressed." He clapped his hands sharply. "Brats! Time to put your new clothes on…"
And a very little while later, with zn'hre, hostlings and hybrids in their scanty native costume, Radittsu in his equally-brief soft brown leathers, and Jeice enveloped from neck to feet in a thin, loose, pure white robe, the family disembarked directly into the royal enclave's newly built shuttleport - to be met by the entire zn'hre population and the king's council, headed by Gh'heegonan.
In silence, Zha'haabron, his bondmate at his shoulder, kin to either side and hostlings shy behind them all, gazed at his people.
In silence, as one the entire court dropped to one knee, heads lowered. Then Gh'heegonan raised his head, a broad smile splitting his face, eyes gleaming with what looked suspiciously like tears.
"Welcome home, my Ssii'iin. Welcome home!"
Before anything else, Gh'heegonan had said, handing Zha'haabron the High King's necklet, the king should address the enclave's inhabitants. He'd been away for a very long time - there were hostlings and hatchlings now who knew him only as a name their elders used in conversation! - and everyone was eager to see him again. Especially, added the big va'ha'da, grinning at Radittsu then glancing down at Zha'haabron's belly, since he carried such a precious burden…
So the king had led everyone to the main audience chamber, where he was awaited by the entire enclave's population, murmuring excitedly to each other and waiting for a glimpse of the High King who'd brought peace to their world. And as Zha'haabron took his place on the throne, Radittsu as ever at his shoulder, Ti'aasaan and Zha'haarak curled on cushions on the dais with the hostlings around them, their audience bowed, deeply, then burst into applause. Smiling gently but with his eyes sparkling with delighted appreciation, Zha'haabron rose and addressed the crowd.
He spoke in R'ren'nkh'ia-go and Radittsu couldn't understand the speech, but he gathered from the happy, satisfied muttering that his people were very pleased with what he had to say.
After about fifteen minutes, though, he gestured to the hostlings, his voice assuming a slightly apologetic undertone, and the audience nodded, bowed and quietly filed out of the chamber. Radittsu inclined his head enquiringly.
"I told them the hostlings were tired, and a little overwhelmed at being offworld for the first time and in need of rest. I'll have the council arrange a series of interviews and meetings over the next few days to deal with any urgent or personal matters - that way the rest of the family won't need to be bothered."
Radittsu kissed his forehead appreciatively. The hostlings were tired, and although they were coping well with the heat and aridity, they still needed a little time to adapt. A good long rest would help greatly.
"Are we in the old suite?"
The king shook his head.
"We have something rather larger, with several small side rooms and a newly installed bathing pool. A small one, however."
The Saiyan nodded thoughtfully. A cargo shuttle carrying two enormous tanks of water and a goodly supply of provisions had followed them down from orbit - the rest of the convoy would remain above the atmosphere until their contents were required - and at least one of the tanks would probably, by now, have been hooked up to the royal suite.
"We'll manage."
Gh'heegonan hissed quietly to attract their attention, then glanced downwards, smiling. 'fallon and 'viirel had fallen asleep, snuggled against their host. Radittsu grinned.
"Time for a sleep, I'd say."
The suite was thoroughly luxurious, and the zn'hre gazed around it approvingly. Radittsu, the sleeping 'fallon and 'viirel cradled in his arms and by now feeling quite uncomfortable in the dry heat, laid the sleeping hostlings down - not on a platform as he'd been expecting, but in a huge shallow sleeping pit. He frowned.
"That's going to get very hot…"
Zha'haabron chuckled.
"A separate room has been provided for you." He gestured to a sliding door, and the Saiyan, curious, pulled it back - only to recoil slightly as a cool breeze blew gently into his face.
The room was small but deliciously comfortable. As well as the air conditioning, there was a tiny fountain in a small pool, easing the dryness of the air and providing a poignant trace of home. Touched, Radittsu turned back to his bondmate.
"But that won't be comfortable for you!"
Zha'haabron snaked cool arms around the broad hot back.
"The room is for you to use for your comfort, when you find yourself too hot or dehydrated. I can cope with it every now and again. As I'm sure you will manage the pit every now and again - probably more often as you fully acclimatise. Three of the other side rooms have been provided with sleeping platforms, should we wish to use them."
Radittsu nodded, frowning slightly, then glanced back at the cool chamber.
"I can't deny it'll be a welcome relief after a desert training session."
Zha'haabron kissed him carefully.
"Then use it, beloved."
"But isn't it a waste of water?"
"The pool has a lid. When you aren't in the room - or if you choose to make it so - the fountain stops and the lid closes to prevent evaporation."
"Clever!" The Saiyan smirked, then glanced at 'tiisaan and 'raadiin, who were both keeping their eyes open by willpower alone.
"Come on, brats. Bedtime."
And in fact it was really almost bedtime, the sunset light streaming in through the windows, so reminiscent of the zn'hre's golden eyes…
The hostlings snuggled down together in one corner of the pit and were asleep almost immediately, but the adults weren't quite ready to retire yet. They sprawled on soft floor cushions as Jeice (despite Zha'haabron's protestations) insisted on serving them a cold refreshing wine and a large platter of ki-seared mixed meats. Ti'aasaan grabbed the subo's arm as he rose to fetch another platter of provisions and pulled him down to the cushions, wrapping slim arms around him from behind.
"You've done enough. Rest now."
Zha'haabron handed the subo an elegantly fluted beaker full of wine.
"Welcome to my homeworld, Jeice."
Jeice smiled, but there was a puzzled anxiety in his eyes. The king inclined his head.
"There is something wrong?"
"N… no, your Majesty… Well, not wrong, exactly…"
"What it is?"
The subo shook his head, frowning in frustration.
"I don't really know. Something's… something feels out of place."
Ti'aasaan stroked his throat.
"How do you mean?"
"I don't know."
There was silence for a moment or two while they let Jeice concentrate - then he sighed.
"I'm sorry, your Majesty. I can't pin it down."
Zha'haabron ran slender fingers through his hair.
"Please do not worry about it. I'm sure it will come to you in time."
Jeice nodded, a touch doubtfully - then Ti'aasaan distracted him by tweaking his nipple rings through the thin white robe. The subo moaned very quietly and leaned back against the little zn'hre, who chuckled and murmured in his ear,
"I'd very much like to make love with you…"
Jeice twisted to kiss his jaw, nipping lightly.
"I would like that. Will you take me, afterwards?"
Blinking his shock, Ti'aasaan considered for a moment or two, then nodded hesitantly.
"I… I'll try…"
Jeice swivelled to face him, big eyes amused.
"Have you never…?"
Ti'aasaan blushed and bowed his head, embarrassed at his inexperience.
"No… Not a male, I mean."
The little subo hugged him close, studded tongue stroking along his collarbone, raising a shiver of anticipation.
"Then it will be my pleasure to teach you…"
Jeice had either been talking to one of Saiyans or he was able to read his companions more deeply than they realised. Ti'aasaan closed his eyes with a gasping sigh as the subo pressed very slowly into him - in tiny jerks, pulling backwards after each forward movement, not enough to damage himself but enough to spark against those pleasure-receptive nerves. It wasn't as intense as with the toys - but Jeice was alive, studded tongue stroking his throat, his jaw, small sharp teeth nipping at his earlobes, hands caressing the smooth cool body beneath him. Ti'aasaan moaned helplessly as those warm, knowing hands shifted to his buttocks and pulled the zn'hre's hips upwards, finally sinking fully into damp coolness and holding their groins tightly together. Then Jeice began to shift - and Ti'aasaan nearly screamed as the ring at the base of the subo's penis slid firmly back and forth over his mound. He clutched Jeice to him as he came, slender legs wrapped over the little alien's hips and nails biting into the skin of his bedmate's buttocks. Then, before he could fully recover, Jeice began to thrust powerfully, studs caressing each blunted barb as he aroused the little zn'hre all over again.
Ti'aasaan lost all conception of time, drowning in the sensations spearing through his body. As he came for the third time he felt Jeice pause, then gasp and thrust forwards hard, his body rigid as hot semen pulsed into the little zn'hre's female part. Ti'aasaan held him tightly as his rigid body slowly relaxed, head dropping to rest beside the zn'hre's as he brushed a kiss across a high blue cheekbone. One small cinnabar hand came up to stroke Ti'aasaan's face as the zn'hre hugged him.
"Mmmmm……."
Jeice chuckled quietly.
"Yes indeed."
They lay quietly for some minutes, only faintly aware of the activity taking place a little distance away as Radittsu made love to the king - then Jeice rolled onto his side and smiled into Ti'aasaan's eyes.
"Are you ready?"
He was, physically at any rate - Jeice had been careful not to provide too much external stimulation: apart from the first, Ti'aasaan's orgasms had all been internal. The zn'hre nodded, biting his lip anxiously. The subo licked across his collarbone, one hand reaching down to caress the cool hard shaft.
"Lie still…"
Ti'aasaan lay on his back, heart thudding more than usual as Jeice carefully positioned himself. The little zn'hre whimpered, feeling himself forced almost painfully into slick, tight heat as the subo slid down slowly, until he rested against Ti'aasaan's groin - then paused for a moment to let them both become accustomed to the feeling. He stroked the zn'hre's face.
"We can stop if you want. We don't need to go on."
Ti'aasaan regarded him sombrely, then shook his head. Once the initial uncomfortable pressure eased off the sensation was intriguing. Jeice was so very hot!
The subo grinned and raised himself a little, sliding down forcefully then rising again, then ramming down again, pushing his hips forwards as he did so... And on every curling downstroke the large studs under the skin behind his anus grazed firmly over Ti'aasaan's mound…
It was too much for the little zn'hre. Wrapping small strong hands over the subo's hips he rammed up into the hot little body - then flipped them both over so that Jeice was below him, golden eyes closed and lips parted as he pounded into the subo, warm hands on his back and buttocks urging him on. With a quiet cry he thrust deeply one last time and came, flooding the wide-eyed little alien with cold, tingling semen then, with the last of his strength, rolling them onto their side before collapsing, exhausted but sated.
Jeice stroked Ti'aasaan's face, smiling tenderly as the little zn'hre's eyes slowly fluttered open. He pressed a careful kiss to cool, soft lips, whispering,
"Thank you."
Panting, Ti'aasaan smiled weakly.
"Zvi'ch, the pleasure was mine. I had not known..." He sighed and kissed the subo's shoulder.
"Do you think we could do that again some time?"
Jeice nodded, chuckling, and snuggled against his friend as they drifted slowly to sleep.
Smiling sadly, Zha'haarak had watched his bedmates, fighting back the tears that lay just below the surface.
Physically he was satisfied: Radittsu had seen to his needs first, shifting, then moving gently and leisurely within the cool green body, his tail stroking smooth cool shoulders as the prince had climaxed and then taking the aching shaft into a hot, wet mouth, licking and fondling until Zha'haarak clenched and came, sweet and effervescent on the Saiyan's tongue. Radittsu had cradled him closely as he recovered, kissing his forehead and throat and stroking his hair - much as Hijau did at home... Biting back the sudden yawning sense of loss, Zha'haarak forced a smile and gently extricated himself from the firm warm grip, pushing the captain towards Zha'haabron and caressing the long, deeply-furred tail as Radittsu entered the king's welcoming body.
And now the others were all asleep, Radittsu's arms around the two host-sibs, holding them close to his warmth. Zha'haarak was exhausted, but sleep eluded him: slipping out from the Saiyan's embrace he silently slid into his brief outfit and, barefoot, left the suite.
It was very quiet. Muted lights illuminated the whole enclave - the R'ren'nkh'ia-jin had poor night vision, due, it was thought, to living under such a hot bright sun - and gleamed on the delicately veined, deliciously-cold stone flags underfoot. Zha'haarak wandered aimlessly, not really noticing where he went, simply walking to try to outdistance the loneliness flooding through him. There were few inhabitants about: those that he met greeted him quietly and courteously, but, respecting his obvious desire to be alone, did not insist on conversation.
The Saiyan warriors on guard at the main entrance to the enclave stiffened as he exited, then relaxed when they saw who it was. Suguri stepped in front of the prince, bowing slightly.
"Highness, may I ask where you're going?"
Zha'haarak gazed up into the ruggedly attractive face.
"Am I accountable to you?"
"My Ssii'irin, I am accountable to my captain and to the king. My life would be worth less than gich'klis' droppings if anything were to happen to you."
The prince stared, then lowered his eyes as he realised the warrior was right. Silently he turned and re-entered the enclave.
He wandered all night, unable to rid himself of the desperate yearning for his bondmate, fully aware, through the *bond*, that Hijau felt the same. Dawn found him in an upper room, one given over to aural stimulation, its windows wide to what little breeze swept across the desert, the domed ceiling hung with chimes of every size and tone that spun and pealed gently together, creating a haze of musical resonances designed to soothe the mind, calm the emotions…
For Zha'haarak it was a dismal failure. And as the sun rose and the horizon turned the colour of Hijau's mane, he covered his face with his hands and wept.
*How did he manage to make it there? It's a long way - I wouldn't have thought his hip would take the strain.*
Zha'haabron sighed.
**Our gravity is lighter - he's stronger here, able to accomplish what would be difficult, if not impossible, on Vejiitasei. But he must be exhausted - I would like you to go and bring him back**
Radittsu, who'd tracked the prince's ki and been able to calm the zn'hre's fright when they woke and found him missing, inclined his head.
*Are you sure, beloved? He wants to be alone, I think.*
Ti'aasaan tugged lightly on the Saiyan's mane.
**Please, Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu? He should be with us, no matter how he's hurting. It'll only get worse if he broods. He needs to be distracted, even if only for a while**
Radittsu glanced at the king, who nodded. The Saiyan sighed.
*Very well. Help me apply sunscreen first, will you?*
Although in fact the application of the sunscreen delayed things a little longer, as Zha'haabron's hands on his tail had their usual effect and Radittsu insisted on making slow, languid love to them both…
Radittsu entered the sound chamber quietly, unheard by the grieving prince, and stood behind him, stroking his soft hair as Zha'haarak gazed out across the shimmering desert, the occasional tear still tracking down his drawn face.
"Ssii'irin? Please come back with me…"
The gentle zn'hre half-turned to him, then slumped against his broad chest, welcoming the comforting warmth, the muscular arms enfolding him.
**How am I to bear it, Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu?**
The Saiyan kissed his forehead and rested his face against the emerald silk of his hair.
*We will do all in our power to help you, sweetheart, but you must bear it. You must be strong, for Hijau's sake. He's waiting for you to go home to him…*
Zha'haarak bit back a sob, and allowed himself to be swept up into strong arms and carried back to the suite. He was half asleep by the time they arrived, and his kin settled him gently into the sleeping pit, unspeaking but their love and compassion clear in every smile, every gentle stroke to his exhausted body. As he succumbed, a brood who looked startlingly similar to Zh'leet arrived, dropping to one knee and lowering her head.
"My Ssii'iin? I am Zh'lata. I am here to care for the Ssii'irin."
Zha'haabron inclined his head.
"At whose request?"
"My sire-sib Zh'leet's, my Ssii'iin. Is this acceptable?"
The king inclined his head, smiling.
"It is. Stay with him - we have tasks to attend to. Ti'aasaan will remain with you for now."
The little zn'hre looked surprised, but nodded.
Zha'haabron beckoned to 'raadiin, then turned to Radittsu.
"There is something we must do before we check in with Vinas…"
Suguri and Bezelye saluted as Zha'haabron, Radittsu and a very puzzled 'raadiin left the enclave and took to the air. Minutes later they'd flown to a small rocky outcrop a short distance from the shuttleport. A stocky, tailed figure was sitting cross-legged on the top - a shr'en'an by the looks of it. Radittsu frowned.
*Uh, beloved? What are we doing here?*
Zha'haabron's face was grave.
**We are here to express our sorrow and offer what sympathy we may…**
The king landed lightly some distance in front of the lizard - who gazed blankly for a moment, then dragged himself to one knee and lowered his head.
Zha'haabron loped closer and rested a hand on a shoulder marred by three long, deep claw scars.
"Rise, warrior."
Radittsu winced as the heavy head lifted. There were deep scars down each cheek - very similar to the scars on the broad shoulders - and the eyes were dull, the face haggard. Zha'haabron laid both hands against the broad chest.
"We grieve with you, Ye'vena. She was a fine, noble warrior, and gave her life in the defence of the Alliance. She will always be remembered with pride."
For a moment the shr'en'an stared at the king vacantly - then tears welled in the golden eyes and the lizard collapsed forward to lean against Zha'haabron, deep hissing moans rumbling in his throat.
Radittsu bit his lip. Of course. Ye'vena. Zh'anah's mate. In all the excitement of everything that had happened recently he'd completely forgotten about that brave, selfless, faithful warrior.
The king held the shr'en'an as he grieved, his own eyes bright with tears. 'raadiin glanced uncertainly between his sire and Radittsu, finally tugging on the Saiyan's mane, and, as the captain leaned down to him, whispering,
"What's happening, dadda?"
"Ye'vena is the mate of the warrior who came to Vejiitasei to guard your papa, and who later on tried to guard Kiraz and Kobis and Buahan. She was killed trying to protect them." Fine, it wasn't quite the truth but it came close enough… "Papa is saying how sorry he is, trying to make Ye'vena feel better."
The little zn'hre frowned.
"But…"
"But what, little warrior?"
"But… that's not a… warrior way to behave…"
"And why not?"
"Because… they're crying!"
"Yes. And?"
"Well… warriors don't cry."
"Are you saying your papa isn't a warrior?"
'raadiin looked shocked.
"Course not! Papa's the best warrior there is!" He frowned, now bewildered. "But…"
Radittsu waited patiently. 'raadiin regarded him solemnly.
"So - crying doesn't make you not a warrior?"
"Of course not, little one. We all cry when it's needful. I've cried in the past, when your papa was hurt, and when Hijau was hurt - sometimes even when I was hurt! It's not a sign of weakness. In fact, it shows you're strong. Only the strong know when it's good to give in and weep."
'raadiin looked dubious, but Radittsu was fairly confident he'd at least think about the concept…
Ye'vena's sobs had slackened, and the shr'en'an pulled back a little, gazing at his Ssii'iin sombrely.
"Forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive. But the time of grieving should end. Are you prepared to go forwards?"
The shr'en'an pulled himself upright, his eyes a little brighter.
"I am, my Ssii'iin."
Zha'haabron beckoned 'raadiin closer, laying a hand on the short emerald hair.
"This is Zha'raadiin, my sireling and a young warrior. He knows nothing of our ways of combat. Will you teach him?"
The warrior lizard gazed at the king, then a smile cracked across his face.
"My Ssii'iin, for the sake of her who was my beloved, who was your hostling, I would be honoured to train the young Ssii'irin!"
With a smile, Zha'haabron handed over a very nervous 'raadiin for his first tentative steps in the ancient art of desert combat…
Vinas' lab looked astonishingly similar to his facility on Vejiitasei: Radittsu assumed he liked to have everything in the same place so he could find it easily. Zh'leet and Gh'veen were in attendance, along with a number of other R'ren'nkh'ian medics - some of whom looked vaguely familiar to the captain - being given terse instruction by Gtislin. Vinas smiled as the king presented himself for the first onworld check up.
"Greetings, your Majesty! How are you feeling? Anything out of the ordinary? Any pain or discomfort? Did you sleep well? Have you had sex in the last thirty hours?"
Zha'haabron blinked, then smiled.
"Everything is perfectly fine."
Vinas nodded, the sort of nod that implies 'I'll be the judge of that!' and indicated the examination couch…
An hour later he nodded his satisfaction.
"Well, your Majesty, I'm satisfied. Everything is going extremely smoothly. The transition to R'ren'nkh'ia hasn't harmed them in the least, you're healthy, they're healthy - I foresee no problems at all."
"I am very glad to hear it." Zha'haabron's tone was dry.
"But you will get here immediately if you have the slightest worry about anything."
It wasn't a request, but the king treated it like one anyway.
"Of course. You are fully aware of how precious these hostlings are."
His hand stroked - gently, unconsciously - over his abdomen as Radittsu moved to stand at his side, pulling him up into a strong, protective embrace. Vinas smiled.
"Of course… very well, your Majesty. I'd like to see you again in two days time if nothing happens to alarm you in the meantime."
Radittsu could feel his bondmate tiring as they made their way back to the suite, and swept the king up into his arms. Zha'haabron rested against his chest, eyes half-closed, then glanced up into the beloved face through long emerald lashes.
And Radittsu's stomach growled.
He almost blushed with embarrassment, and Zha'haabron chuckled.
"Breakfast, I think…"
"Breakfast!? It's nearly midday!"
"Time for a more substantial meal, in that case."
Back at the suite the boisterous hostlings and hybrids were being entertained by Jeice, Zh'lata, three unfamiliar but nearly identical zn'hre children, a little older than themselves, and - to Radittsu's astonishment - Suguri. He frowned and collared his second in command on R'ren'nkh'ia while Zh'lata organised a meal for them all.
Suguri had smiled at his captain's frown, and shrugged.
"Sir, I'm off-duty. Is there any reason I shouldn't be here?"
Thinking about it, Radittsu had to admit there wasn't, but….
"That doesn't explain why you're here."
Suguri hesitated - then squared his shoulders and confessed.
"Sir, since you went back, I've grown - fond - of Ti'zheenan. One of the rescued zn'hre." he explained. "We've kind of - well, we're almost a family. He had three little 'uns soon after he arrived here… Ha'shi'a!" At the quiet call the three unfamiliar hostlings immediately stopped their game and obediently lined up in front of him. He smiled and stroked their soft hair, each in turn. "This is Ti'kaanan, Ti'vadin and Ti'nienan. Ti'zheenan and I, we're - kind of raising them together."
He held his breath as he waited for his captain's reaction, ready to point out that Radittsu himself was living with zn'hre and their hostlings and if he could, why shouldn't other Saiya-jin… His eyed widened, startled, when Radittsu laughed aloud and slapped his shoulder painfully hard.
"I'm glad to hear it! You'll have to introduce me to your partner. But," he added, as 'haavok and 'honee collided with his legs, "perhaps not just now…"
The meal was over and the chaos had started again. The children needed to let loose some energy… Zha'haabron raised a hand - and the hubbub ceased as everyone in the room turned to look at him. He smiled.
"Sandals on, children. We're going outside for a little while."
Hissing with excitement, the hostlings and hybrids struggled into the unfamiliar footwear, helped by the adults. The king moved to sit on the cushion beside his host-sib, touching the pale, tired face tenderly, glancing briefly at Ti'aasaan, who sat behind the gentle zn'hre, holding him gently.
**Would you rather rest here?**
Zha'haarak nodded.
**If you don't mind, heart-brother. I'm tired…**
**And heart-sick, yes, I know** Zha'haabron stroked his face very gently, then glanced at Ti'aasaan, who nodded, smiling.
**Ti'aasaan will stay with you. Please rest, if you can**
Zha'haarak nodded, then gazed at his sibling, tears in his eyes.
**I'm sorry, heart-brother. I didn't know it would be so hard. I will try to learn how to cope**
**And we will do what we can to help, zk'vissin. For now, be easy with yourself. We will ask nothing of you**
Zha'haarak bit back a sob and pressed his host-sib's hand to his lips.
**Thank you…**
The air above the glittering desert was alive with soaring, swooping, hissing hostlings, overjoyed at being outside and enraptured by the unfamiliarity of their surroundings. To Zha'haabron's relief they appeared to have no problems with either the heat or aridity, although it was, of course, early days. He'd already decided to have Vinas check them over in a few days time, just to be sure…
Radittsu hugged him tightly from behind, tail around his waist stroking his abdomen, nuzzling his neck where they sat on an outcrop watching the children.
*Glad to be back?*
**As long as I am with you, I don't mind where I am**
*That didn't answer my question.*
Zha'haabron chuckled and nestled further into his beloved's embrace.
**This world has so many unhappy memories for me. And yet… because of who and what I am, I found you. I cannot think too harshly of a world that blessed me so…**
Trembling with happiness, the Saiyan nipped at the claim-mark on the king's neck - then paused as Jeice flew to them, a slight frown on his face.
"Something wrong?"
The subo landed before them, expression worried.
"Your Majesty, this is your homeworld, isn't it?"
Surprised, Zha'haabron pulled himself a little more upright.
"Yes, Jeice. Why do you ask?"
The little alien shook his head.
"It's just… This is your world's desert?"
Puzzled, Zha'haabron nodded.
"It covers the world. But surely you know that, Jeice. You danced it for us, remember?"
Jeice bit his lip.
"That's just it, your Majesty. This isn't the desert I danced."
The king blinked, startled.
"I don't understand, Jeice." He gestured to the sandy expanse rolling to every horizon. "This is R'ren'nkh'ia. This is our homeworld. This is the desert."
Swallowing hard, the little subo shook his head.
"I know that, your Majesty. But this is not the desert I danced. This isn't the desert that's within you and your people…"
© 2002 April 29th Joules Taylor
