Make sure you read Amanda's companion sequence, Exile, in conjuction with this sequence.
Excursions
"You sure you're all right? You don't look it!"
"I am fine. I'm just missing you all…"
Lessons had finished for the day and the little warrior had stayed behind to talk to Mahrayne. Leteetza scowled at the Hassinan: she looked anything but fine. But there was never any point in arguing with her.
"Well, if you say so… I know this is going to upset our schedule a little, but the Ssii'iin has organised an excursion for the brats, down to another enclave and the southern mountains. We'll have to suspend lessons until we get back."
Mahrayne nodded bleakly, and Leteetza sighed. This was really not what the Hassinan wanted to hear right now.
"When are you leaving?"
"In seventeen days. I'm sorry, 'Rayne. It was organised before I got here and nobody thought to tell me until last night." And she'd have to have words with Radittsu about that… that baka might be feeling the effects of the moon, even from here, but that was no excuse for forgetting to tell her something this important… Although, given how languid and mellow everything was here, she could more or less understand how they'd managed to forget… "The trip's planned to last about thirty days."
"You're all going?"
"'tiisaan wants to stay here with Bri'seiyis - if he does I expect 'viirel will stay with them. But I think everyone else will go." Watching Mahrayne, Leteetza decided to urge Zha'haabron to allow the little dancer to stay behind: at least the Hassinan would be able to speak to him every day, which might ease her loneliness a little…
"How will Zha'haarak cope? Without speaking to Hijau, I mean?"
Leteetza blinked for a moment, then realised Mahrayne really didn't understand that they could *speak* anyway; they used the comm link because they couldn't bear not seeing each other every day. She smiled.
"Radittsu's having some sort of relay constructed in the vehicle we're using for travel, so they can talk via the orbiting ships, and there's a standard comm link at Ish'nadris' enclave. It won't be as big as the main screen here, but they'll manage. The Ssii'iin won't let him stay behind, because he'll brood, and anyway Jeice is coming with us - and to be honest he'll be needed to help look after the brats. Zha'haabron's tired all the time, and getting so big it's not easy for him to move around quickly. Flying's pretty much out 'til he's had the hostlings, it just uses up more ki than he can spare right now." She smirked to herself - and Radittsu just loved it when he had to carry his bondmate, it really brought out his protective side…
For a moment she was tempted to tell the Hassinan about the names that had been decided for the forthcoming hybrids - it would have cheered her up - but it really wasn't her place to say. She sighed.
"I think you should check in with us at least once every few days, anyway. It'll be good for the brats to keep in contact, and since we're using the trip as part of the projects you gave them they'll be able to speak to you if they have any problems or need any extra advice."
Mahrayne nodded. Leteetza frowned.
"Are you sure you're all right?"
"I'll be fine. You make sure you all enjoy the excursion, yes?"
"We'll do our best…"
Kelapa gritted her teeth and snarled to herself as she scented Zorun landing on Hijau's balcony. Never one for self-analysis, she was still able to admit to herself that she was jealous. She'd intended to offer to 'console' Hijau herself over FullMoon, at least until Radittsu returned, but by the time she arrived back from Hassina he'd started disappearing off with the King's Guard every night - and Kyuri had, with considerable relief, taken up with Marul for the season. That wasn't so surprising: they were friends, both unbonded, unclaimed, and wouldn't hurt each other. Well, not much, anyway. And Kel knew that, if she asked, she'd be welcome to join them. But she really wanted someone to herself. If not Mahrayne, then Leteetza, with Kyuri as third choice. But they were all unavailable. And the only other person she'd want was presently on her way to R'ren'nkh'ia with Nappa's force, and no doubt angry at having to lose her own harem of adoring males for the duration as they all came home for FullMoon…
Kel shook herself. Cendawan was in any case not the least bit interested in a dalliance with one of her own sex, and had made that abundantly clear the first time Kel had suggested they sleep together, soon after the female had arrived to serve in her father's household. It was a real pity as far as Kel was concerned: Cendawan looked almost exactly like her brother Jagung, with the same lovely grey-green eyes, red-gold mane, beautiful features, slim and supple body - with female parts, of course - and that long, long, slender, alluring, red-gold tail…
She sighed. No use wanting what she couldn't have. Her choices were fairly limited: there were still a number of un-paired males looking for partners, and while the idea was not precisely appealing, she knew that once the moon took over she really wouldn't care one way or the other. She'd fight, and fuck, with the rest of them…
And right now she was on night duty, and if she didn't fly she'd be late. Scowling in the direction Hijau and Zorun had taken she headed for Guard headquarters.
Two days after Leteetza had broken the news of their excursion, Zh'leet was woken in the early hours of the morning by the 'incoming message' alert flashing dully on the comm link in its alcove in the corner of the suite. The rest of the family were sleeping exhaustedly - Radittsu and Leteetza had organised a series of thorough training sessions for them, insisting that they must brush up on their defensive techniques if they were to be allowed up into the mountains, and this afternoon's practise had worn everyone out. Zh'leet hastened to the alcove and hit the reply switch, to find Mahrayne facing her on the monitor. A Mahrayne who didn't look very happy.
"Mahrayne?"
"Zh'leet… Is Leteetza there?"
"She's asleep, Teacher. I'd prefer not to wake her unless it's an emergency. Is it an emergency?"
The Hassinan swallowed and shook her head.
"No… no, don't disturb her. But please will you give her a message from me, yes? It's important."
"Of course!"
"Tell her… tell her I have to go away for a couple of days."
"Where will you be?"
"I have to go to G'geckah."
Zh'leet frowned.
"That's another world in your system, isn't it? Why do you need to go there? Is something wrong?"
Mahrayne shook her head, far too quickly and nervously.
"No! No, nothing's wrong… it's just… Some of my family are being a little… difficult… about the baby. It would be best for me to be out of the way while things are sorted out. I'll be back in four days, at the most, and we can continue lessons then."
Zh'leet inclined her head.
"Are you sure you don't want to talk to Leteetza?"
"I'm sure. Tell her not to worry, everything's fine, yes?"
Zh'leet nodded uncertainly. She sometimes had difficulty reading non-R'ren'nkh'ian faces and body language, but even she could tell from Mahrayne's twisting her hands together and her almost hunted expression that things weren't fine. But Mahrayne had insisted…
"Is there anything I can do to help? Should I have Leteetza contact Zorun?"
Mahrayne blanched.
"NO!! Oh no, Zh'leet, you mustn't. Please…"
The brood raised her hands.
"As you wish. I will pass on your message as soon as the little warrior awakes. We will speak to you soon."
With a murmured 'thank you' the Hassinan blanked the screen, leaving Zh'leet scowling at it. Hoping she'd done the right thing by not waking Leteetza.
"Well, there's not much we can do about it now…"
When Zh'leet had given Leteetza Mahrayne's message first thing that morning, the little warrior had immediately tried to contact the Hassinan - a tedious procedure that meant going through the diplomatic corps back on Vejiitasei and then waiting for a response from the Hassinan Council. Which was delayed, and delayed, until finally the message came back that Mahrayne was now on G'geckah and could not be contacted, but that she would respond upon her return. Hmphing with annoyance the Saiyan had given up.
"It might have been better if you'd woken me, though. How did she look?"
Zh'leet frowned.
"Worried. And a little frightened, I think."
Leteetza nodded, resigned. There really was nothing she could do, annoying as it was…
"Ah well. No doubt we'll find out what it was all about, in due course. For now - I suppose the brats get another couple of day's holiday…"
Three days later Mahrayne was back on Hassina. She refused outright to talk about the situation, however, and Leteetza, frustrated at the distance between them - if she could only scent the other female she'd know what the problem was! - was forced to let the matter drop.
Everything continued at the languid, leisurely pace to which they'd all grown accustomed. Lessons were taken as normal, although now 'tiisaan spent some extra time with Mahrayne at the end of the morning sessions, talking with her, showing her what he'd learned from Jeice and from his work with the songwright. 'viirel was usually there too, and could even be persuaded to 'sing' for the Hassinan on occasion.
Leteetza, out of sight of the big screen, had smiled. Zha'haabron had agreed that the two hostlings could stay behind, and the Saiyan wanted them to get used to the idea they'd still be having lessons - of a sort - each morning even while the rest were away. That these lessons would be mostly an excuse to keep Mahrayne company was unspoken between them. And to Leteetza's delight, Bri'seiyis had agreed to accompany the hostlings most mornings: he wanted to discuss Hassinan dance and music with Mahrayne.
All in all things weren't working out too badly.
And suddenly it was nearly time for them to leave.
Gh'heegonan had organised a properly equipped and outfitted cavalcade for them, a five-roomed living vehicle, a specially-equipped emergency vehicle for Vinas (who grumbled ferociously under his breath about the stubbornness of High Kings, the dim-wittedness of love-sick Saiyans, and the foolhardiness of the entire enterprise) and his team - just in case the king went into labour early - supply carriers, outriders, five extra vessels to accommodate twenty other R'ren'nkh'ians who wanted to visit kin at Ish'nadris' enclave, a troop carrier for the Saiyan guard who would accompany the family, and a handful of nomadic desert merchants wanting to travel under the High King's protection. Ti'zheenan had even uprooted a patch of his precious flowering 'moss' and planted it in a shallow bowl for Jeice to take with him, in case they didn't manage to find any wild plants on the way.
It was practically a mobile village by the time they set off, the entire zn'hre population, and most of the rest of the enclave, turning out onto the sands to wave farewell…
They travelled unhurriedly, Radittsu and the children spending a lot of time outside, soaring above the caravan, sharp eyes scouring the desert for glimpses of the rare and well-camouflaged native wildlife and flora. At night Ti'aasaan and Zha'haarak had them sit on rugs on the cooling sands and watch the skies, learning the constellations: when he wasn't too tired Zha'haabron joined them, cradled in Radittsu's arms, telling ancient tales about the beasts and beings depicted in the bright stars above. And Jeice would dance for them, cooling wind and water dances that sent them to their beds relaxed and content.
It was a magical journey.
Almost before they realised it Ish'nadris' enclave came in sight, his own warriors flying out to welcome the High King and his entourage. Ish'nadris himself - Ish'ayi as ever at his side - came out onto the sands to greet them, hugging Zha'haabron tightly, tears of happiness tracking down his lovely face. He was still thin, Radittsu saw, but now radiated a calm joy that was echoed in the faces of his people. He'd become a deeply treasured and much-loved chief.
They feasted that night, exchanging news, re-asserting kinships and friendships and forming new ones. Kobis, seated behind 'haabron with his arms and tail as ever around his friend's cool body, drank in the sights and sounds - and scents - with wide-eyed wonder.
"Aibo - this is wonderful!"
'haabron snuggled back into his embrace.
"It is, isn't it?"
"D'you think we could come and live here? On R'ren'nkh'ia, I mean. When we're older?"
The zn'hre wriggled round to face him, expression startled.
"But… It's so hot and dry here. Not like Vejiitasei. Wouldn't you rather live there?"
Kobis kissed his cheek.
"I don't really care where I am as long as you're there too. But I like your planet. It's hot and dry but I still like it. It's… warm. Like being wrapped up in a hug. I love the way it smells…"
'haabron stared for a moment, then melted against his friend, whispering.
"Koi… I'm glad…"
They spent a day in preparation, then the family were ready to leave for the mountains. And to Radittsu and Vinas' fury Zha'haabron insisted on going with them!
But before they'd had a chance to do much more than gibber incoherently he'd raised both hands, fixing them with a cool golden gaze.
"I am not suggesting that I accompany you into the mountains. I simply wish to see them. Then I will return here. It's a trip of - what? - six days at most."
Radittsu glowered.
*It's foolishness.*
**Maybe. But it may also be the only chance I ever have. And I wish it** He smiled gently, golden eyes full of love. ** Would you deny me that?**
Radittsu sighed, melted, and held him closely, and no more objections were allowed to be raised.
It took them three days to actually reach the mountains, but they were visible a full day and a half before that. And as the peaks came in sight the mood of the expedition changed.
'zhasaan was the first to exhibit it. The little dreamer started spending hours hovering in the air above their vehicle, gazing unblinkingly at the slowly-growing sharp-toothed darkness on the horizon. Leteetza stayed with him, bewildered, unable to see the attraction, but determined to ensure his safety. And when they stopped for the night, on the last day of travel before they reached the foothills, Zha'haabron had exited their temporary mobile home towards sunset - and frozen, golden eyes huge as he stared at the peaks.
Alarmed, Radittsu wrapped strong warm arms around his bondmate, frightened when the king remained rigidly immobile…
Then Zha'haabron began to speak, his voice distant, quiet, mellifluous and sibilant in the cooling air.
"And there before them were the mountains, spine-backed and perilous in the setting sun. And gathering their courage they climbed towards their goal, their home, the place from which they'd come, that miraculous place, star-born, star-borne, carved from crystal and lightning and ice. The way was long, and hard, and many fell, but the few who survived achieved their greatest joy, their most cherished dream, and found their Home. And their freedom - freedom from those who had enslaved them, mutilated and changed them into an image not their own, that they might be used at whim…
And Zha'zhasaan's children are there to this day, in that jewelled place in the mountains, where waterfalls fill the air with sparkling gems, where tiny birds sing sweetly amongst the green green growing things that bloom from rock itself under Zha'zhasaan's loving touch. The name of that place is peace and fulfilment, and all may find it - if they have the strength to persevere..."
He blinked, and suddenly slumped in his bondmate's arms, eyes brimming with tears.
"… Dh'reen…"
Radittsu was panicking. Ti'aasaan had *translated* for him, and he realised it was some sort of story, but Zha'haabron… his scent had suddenly become completely alien, his body very cold, shivering in the warm evening air. And then 'zhasaan was there, holding his sire's hands and gazing up at the big Saiyan.
"Please, take papa inside. He will be all right, but he needs to be warm."
Wholly bewildered, Radittsu swept his bondmate into his arms and hastened back into the vehicle, calling quietly but urgently for Vinas…
In daylight everything seemed much less - odd. Zha'haabron had slept deeply and woken late, with only hazy memories of what had happened. Ti'aasaan had explained to everyone that the king had spoken the words of an ancient tale - he didn't think it worth mentioning that Zha'haabron had changed some of the words since most of those listening to him had never heard the story in the first place. Though he wondered at it for a while, eventually ascribing it to his Ssii'iin's willingness to upset the accepted order of things…
But 'zhasaan puzzled them all. The little hostling usually only seemed to have the vaguest understanding of what most beings considered the real world, and the family had grown used to him living in what they believed to be a fantasy world of his own. (Zha'haabron had been incredibly indulgent where the little dreamer was concerned, insisting he pay attention in lessons but other than that allowing him free rein to be himself…)
Now, however… it was almost as though he'd snapped to attention, suddenly realising that the real world actually existed. Simmering with purpose, he'd tugged at Radittsu until the big Saiyan followed him up into the air and, with graceful gestures and a detailed knowledge of the topography of the mountain range that he simply could not possibly possess, the zn'hre then pointed out the easiest ways, on foot and flying, to reach the peak they were looking for.
Radittsu stared at him, too startled to blink.
The peak they were looking for? What peak!?
He tried to hug the hostling to him, but 'zhasaan pulled away impatiently.
"We have to find it, dadda. I know it's there."
The Saiyan blinked.
"What's there, little one?"
'zhasaan hissed impatiently and scowled.
"The beautiful zn'hre's home, of course. Something wonderful…" He turned and pointed towards the mountain range, shimmering gold in the morning sun.
"It's there. Up there. And it's full of answers."
© 2002 May 25th Joules Taylor
Mate, partner, friend.
(My) love.
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