Snapshots 2
"Ssii'iin?"
Zha'haabron glanced sideways to find Hijau beside him - he'd been so lost in thought he hadn't even realised the young officer had entered the room. He smiled.
"Hi'ijaa…"
The captain's eyes gleamed: it was a source of great, if silent, pleasure to him that he was so much a part of the family that he was known by the R'ren'nkh'ian version of his name. He inclined his head respectfully.
"May I speak with you, my Ssii'iin?"
"Of course."
"It's about Ra'vahn and Za'rayne."
The king swivelled sideways to regard Hijau, a faint frown on his face.
"Continue."
Hijau smiled.
"There's nothing wrong, Ssii'iin. I'm just a little… concerned about their training."
Zha'haabron's brows came together.
"Their training? They are not training yet…"
Hijau nodded.
"That's what concerns me. Of course you know how powerful they are, and how much potential they possess?"
Zha'haabron smiled wryly.
"Of course. They are my hostlings, after all…"
"I thought… it might perhaps be a good idea to start training them early. In ki control if nothing else."
The king stared at the Saiyan for long moments, long enough for Hijau to wonder if he'd offended his Ssii'iin… Then Zha'haabron nodded, slowly.
"It's a good thought."
The captain sighed silently with relief - then frowned slightly at the suddenly melancholy expression on the zn'hre's face.
"Ssii'iin…? Is something wrong?"
Zha'haabron closed his eyes briefly, then smiled sadly.
"No. I was… simply thinking about the differences between a childhood on the R'ren'nkh'ia that was, and what is here and now."
Hijau gazed into the beautiful golden eyes for a moment, then grimaced, understanding what the high king meant.
He'd *seen* enough of Zha'haarak's memories, and through him Zha'haabron's own recollections, to know that there was no comparison. The bonded siblings' lives had been a nightmare of physical, mental and emotional cruelty: their children were deeply loved and cherished - even indulged to some extent. The thought of any kind of discipline came hard…
Nevertheless, the king was also aware of how important that control would be for his hostlings in the future. The earlier they started, the easier it would be. He smiled at the Saiyan.
"Thank you for your concern. Do you have any suggestions as to how such training might be accomplished?"
Hijau grinned, relieved.
"Perhaps we could all get together and discuss the matter? Rad-chan should be involved anyway, and since this concerns the whole family it makes sense for us all to be there."
Zha'haabron nodded thoughtfully, then brushed cool fingers lightly down the captain's cheek.
"We'll speak of it at the evening meal…"
Tane sighed and relaxed, her shoulders slumping slightly. It had been a long couple of hours, with Dari taking over when her twin began to lose concentration, then swapping back again as they worked over the gentle zn'hre.
Zha'haarak lay with his head in Ti'aasaan's lap, eyes closed, breathing slowly and deeply, completely out of pain for the first time in his life - that he could remember, at any rate. It wouldn't last long, he knew that: the twins had warned him that to start with, at least, the relief would be temporary. Right now he didn't care - the sense of extraordinary wellbeing that filled him was almost overwhelming. Vinas had watched closely, frowning, making the young females even more nervous, his monitor at the ready, until Ti'aasaan had scowled and hissed at him to leave them to work in peace, at which he'd (reluctantly) moved to a seat against the outer wall, still watching as best he could.
Tane had been too focussed, to start with, to really pay much attention to the slender body stretched out on the family's sleeping platform, but gradually, as she felt the bruised and swollen flesh around the broken bones in his hands contract and heal, and the damaged ligaments realign and relax in his hip and thigh, she realised how smooth and cool his pale green skin was, how delicately muscled were the leg and torso she was gently manipulating, shifting the hip in its socket and feeling for any stress or irregularities she might be able to fix. And it finally sunk in that he was naked…
She gulped and tried to keep her eyes averted, but it was impossible. Dari giggled.
*Keep your mind on the job, brat-koi.*
Tane grimaced.
*I can't. You take over for a minute while I take a look at his hands…*
*What makes you think I can keep my eyes to myself any more than you can?* But she grinned and swapped places with her sister.
Carefully lifting one of the cold, graceful hands into her own warm grasp, Tane gently reached down into the thin flesh, warming the damaged tendons - and taking the opportunity to gaze at the zn'hre's groin. He was very big, for such a slim being. And hairless, and of course he had a chitsu, and that fascinating little mound, so similar to her own…
After she and Dari had left the suite that first time, they'd gone out in search of information about their new patient - about the lifestyle of the palace as a whole in fact. As Tane had pointed out, if they were going to be regular visitors they'd better find out what they were letting themselves in for.
Information hadn't been at all difficult to find - it seemed that everyone but themselves knew all about the people and aliens and goings-on at the palace. How the lizards were both male and female - best of both worlds if they only had tits! their informant had leered obscenely, his hands gesturing expressively - and had no qualms about breeding together even if - horrors! - they were immediate kin. How the King's Companion had had the little lizard's brats, and was now carrying both Vejiita's and the Elite Guard's ex-Captain's children - and the Saiya-jin-no-Ou allowed it!! How Radittsu was the consort of the alien lizard king - and the new Captain of the Elite Guard had been claimed by the lizard king's brother! They were told with scandalised relish how 'the family', as the mixed Saiya-jin/R'ren'nkh'ia-jin konran was referred to, bred indiscriminately - they even had half Saiyan, half-lizard brats up there! And what about that little red ex-slave, the one with the metal through bits of his body, the dancer? Gods alone knew what he got up to with them! And then there was this new alien, the one with the thick white hair and strange lumps on her face - she was carrying the King's Guard's brat, and, they said, she slept with anyone she fancied, male, female, lizard… The tavernkeeper licked his lips with salacious satisfaction and not a little envy and poured them both another ale.
It all sounded very interesting - not to mention a lot of fun - to the twins…
Tane was roused from her reflections by a low and distinctly mischievous chuckle, and turned to glance over her shoulder, straight into a pair of twinkling pale golden eyes. She blushed - then grinned.
"Yes, my lord?"
The little lizard smirked.
"Ti'aasaan, please."
"May I do something for you, Ti'aasaan-sama?"
He raised an eyebrow, and she suddenly became very aware of his deliciously spicy-sweet scent.
"I'm sure there are many things you can do for me. But perhaps we'd better wait until his highness is feeling a little better…"
Zha'haarak gazed up at the little zn'hre and smiled.
**Don't let me stop you, zk'viss…**
Ti'aasaan kissed his forehead.
**Your comfort comes first, precious one. I'll play later…**
Zha'haabron returned as the twins were finishing up: they both dropped to one knee and bowed their heads as he slid onto the sleeping platform and stroked his host-sib's face.
**How do you feel?**
Zha'haarak sighed and smiled.
**Much better, heart-brother. The pain has gone, for a while at least**
The king nodded, then turned to the twins.
"I thank you for your services to my sibling. Please, will you join us for the mid-day meal?"
Dari glanced hesitantly at her sister, who grinned and nodded.
"Thank you, your Majesty. We'd like that."
Hijau and Kelapa were the first to return, flying together from Guard Headquarters: the captain immediately went to his bondmate, pulling him gently up into strong warm arms.
*Beloved? You're feeling better…?*
Zha'haarak nodded, relaxing back into his zkai'din's embrace.
**They are very good, zk'vissin. Vinas says it will still be some days before my hands have healed, but my ribs are whole, and my hip is improving all the time…**
*Then we'll bathe with the others tonight. I'll hold you.*
Zha'haarak closed his eyes, sighing blissfully.
**Oh, I would like that…**
Hijau smiled at the young females.
"Thank you for all you have done. From both of us."
Tane blushed and grinned.
"We're happy we could help, sir…"
At that moment the doors opened and a hissing, laughing horde of brats tumbled into the common room, leaving the twins wide-eyed and open-mouthed as they stared in amazement. There were Saiyans, and little R'ren'nkh'ians, and a couple who looked like a cross between the two, and… Dari's eyes grew soft as she caught sight of two… babies… cradled in the arms of what the tavernkeeper had called the 'little red ex-slave' - who wasn't so little close up, Tane noticed, taking in his pretty face, heavy mane of white hair, and well-muscled body, what she could see of it under the loose white trousers and tunic he wore.
Dari leaned forwards to see the infants: the little male obligingly moved closer, grinning at the unconsciously delighted smile on the young Saiyan's face as Ra'vahn and Za'rayne gazed up at her, then reached out a hand each to tug at her mane. She glanced shyly at the hash'shavven.
"They're beautiful!"
He smirked.
"They're Radittsu's and his Majesty's. They could hardly be anything else!"
"Do you… could I… do you think I could - hold them?"
Jeice inclined his head, knowing that the young female would rather hurt herself than the little ones. He tried to catch Zha'haabron's eye to ask the king's permission…
But Mahrayne descended upon them and for a few minutes - until a distinctly annoyed Kelapa intervened - all other matters were pushed aside as the Hassinan deluged the confused and apprehensive twins in a flood of questions…
A little way into the meal Radittsu arrived, smirking around the assembled family as they called or hissed or laughed greetings to him... The twins went silent, round-eyed and almost cowering - he was without a doubt the biggest Saiyan they'd ever seen, and his sheer overwhelming presence left them breathless…
They watched, mesmerised, as he settled himself beside the lizard king on the sleeping platform, kissed his mate gently on the cheek and stroked back a stray lock of bright emerald hair, then took their babies into his arms, smiling adoringly down at them as they squirmed and hissed happily in his protective embrace.
Dari wrapped her arms around her twin's shoulders.
*That's… Oh, tsuin, do you think anyone will ever feel that way about us?*
They really didn't want to have to go, but it was obvious that the family had other things organised for the afternoon, and they didn't include the twins. Reluctantly, Tane stood before the king, her head bowed.
"Should we return tomorrow, your Majesty?"
Zha'haabron smiled up at them, Za'rayne cuddled into him as the hostling - sleepy and full after the meal - yawned and drifted into sleep.
"If you would be so kind…"
Dari smiled almost tearfully at Za'rayne, then switched her gaze to Ra'vahn, already asleep, snuggled into Radittsu's mane.
"We would love to, your Majesty."
Dari turned to her twin, blinking bemusedly.
*They're serious, aren't they?*
Hijau and a scowling Kelapa had escorted the young females back to their room in the alien quarter - and once there the Captain had…
It wasn't an order, not quite, but it was certainly a lot more than a request. Courteous and carefully worded, it was the kind of appeal they simply couldn't refuse.
Put more simply, Hijau expected them to have all their belongings packed by the time they were collected the following morning, ready to move into their own small suite in the family's wing of the palace.
Dari nodded.
*They are absolutely serious. I suppose we'd better pack.*
Tane grabbed her sister's arm as Dari turned towards the cupboard that held their pitiful store of spare clothes and the few other personal items they'd brought with them from Cayir.
"Now just wait a minute! Are we really just going to do what they say? Didn't we escape from home so we didn't have to do that any more? And what about Kelapa-san? She wasn't at all pleased we were there."
"But that was because of Mahrayne…"
"And you think that's likely to change?"
"Well, no, but…"
"I wouldn't want one of the Guard annoyed with us."
Dari nodded, chewing her lip.
"But koishii… It would be so comfortable there. We'd only be tending Zha'haarak-sama, instead of anyone who asked us…"
"Don't you like helping others?"
"Of course I do! But… I'm tired, tsuin. I'm tired of struggling, having to live on alien's charity." She bit her lip. "And I like the prince, and Ti'aasaan-sama, and the Captain and Raditts'-sama and his Majesty… I even like Mahrayne!" She bowed her head. "And the children are so beautiful…"
Tane regarded her for a moment, then pulled her close, hugging fiercely.
"Just checking."
Dari heaved a sigh of relief, her eyes bright, and snuggled closer into her sister's embrace.
"You mean it?"
Tane kissed her.
"I mean it."
"So, we move, then?"
Tane nodded.
"Let's pack…"
The afternoon was hot and still, the balcony doors wide open to let the fragrant air fill the suite. The children were at their various activities; Hijau and Kelapa were on duty; Jeice was taking 'tiisaan for a dance class, with 'viirel accompanying on zth'ishihn and Ti'aasaan watching, for once; Kobis and 'haabron were somewhere in the palace grounds, probably trying to evade their guards so they could have a little privacy; and Radittsu and Zha'haabron had taken Za'rayne and Ra'vahn to one of the small arenas for a lesson in ki-control. (The little hybrids were learning at a startling rate, but it was by far safer for them to explore the limits of their abilities outside the suite…) Mahrayne had spent several hours in the zhaneer project room with Leteetza, working on the translations of royal enclave records as the little warrior fed information into the database, correlating records with a speed and ease that quite impressed the Hassinan. But as the afternoon went on, and the heat increased, Mahrayne found herself wearying, and after a while she sighed and gave up.
"I am sorry, 'teetza. I need to rest."
The King's Companion smirked at her.
"Better get back to the palace, then. Want me to carry you?"
Mahrayne shook her head.
"I should exercise a little - while I still can, yes?" She gazed down at her swollen belly, a look of wry bemusement on her face.
Leteetza chuckled. Between the heat and the speed with which her brat was growing, Mahrayne was finding life something of a trial at the moment.
"Very well. But you'll take Apyo with you…" the Guard had been allocated to Leteetza for today, since Radittsu was needed elsewhere "… and if you get too tired, you ask him to carry you - understand? If I find out later you've over-extended yourself, there'll be trouble."
Mahrayne pouted - but Leteetza shook her head.
"I'm not asking you, I'm telling you, as representative of the Saiya-jin-no-Ou."
The Hassinan blinked, then bowed her head respectfully. Leteetza exerted her authority so seldom it was easy to forget her status - but it was hers to assert.
"Yes, my Lady."
The little warrior snorted, then grinned.
"And make sure you have a beaker of that meaty glop when you get back!"
Mahrayne nodded.
"I'll see you at the evening meal, yes?"
Leteetza nodded absently, her attention already back on the data she was processing.
Mahrayne managed to make it nearly all the way back to the palace, but the thought of climbing the stairs four storeys up to the family's suite made her feel quite faint, and she had Apyo fly her up instead. She wondered, absently, why they didn't have some sort of device to make moving about the palace easier - buildings in the city often had those boxes, like on G'gekagh, to transport people up and down between floors, but there was nothing like that here. Mind you, most of the people in the palace could fly, so it wasn't really necessary, she supposed…
Apyo landed on the balcony, inclined his head at her smiled thanks, then left to return to the library. Mahrayne stepped into the relative cool of the common room, eyes widening as she realised she was alone. The completely empty suite was an almost frightening place, bringing back memories of the pain of FullMoon…
Then Zha'haarak appeared from the poolroom, limping heavily, waterdrops glistening on his skin and in his hair - he'd obviously taken a shower. He smiled, a little nervously, at Mahrayne, who frowned slightly.
"Can I help, your highness? Do you need a drying cloth?"
He lowered his eyes and nodded shyly, raising his still-bandaged hands.
"I thought I could manage…"
Shaking her head, Mahrayne fetched a cloth from the poolroom and swathed the slender frame before the prince could get cold, rubbing gently at his back.
"Why didn't you wait until Hijau-sama came back?"
He sighed.
"I am enough of a burden as it is. I wanted to… be a little more independent."
Mahrayne brushed his hair back from his face.
"Wait a little longer, sinam. No-one thinks you a burden. And Vinas said you're nearly healed, yes?"
He nodded, eyes sad.
"But I am not strong. And it sometimes seems every time I begin to develop some strength, some way of giving back to the family some of the love and care they have given me, something happens to set me back."
She hugged him gently, careful not to cause any pain.
"But none of them mind, sinam. They love you. You bring delight just by being here."
He gazed at her, then shook his head.
"It is not enough."
And she knew, from watching the zn'hre, that there was little use in arguing with him. He could be as stubborn as the rest when he chose. She sighed and stroked his hair.
"Are you in pain?"
"… a little…"
That meant 'a lot'. She smiled.
"Shall I tell you a story?"
He stared for a moment, then smiled back.
"I would like that."
And she helped him settle comfortably on the sleeping platform, and told him the tale of a hunt for a particularly big and elusive ontibu through the warm underground lakes of Hassina, smiling to herself as his expression became rapt, his eyes eager, gleaming, aware, somehow, that he was living the tale as she wove it.
And as she finished the first story, she slid easily into the next, relishing his appreciation, his enjoyment of her storyteller's skills.
It wasn't until she was finishing the fifth tale - a very funny story from Ellim about a journey that happened almost by accident - that she realised Hijau was leaning against the wall, just inside the balcony doors, arms folded across his chest. Listening. Zha'haarak smiled sleepily at his bondmate: the captain moved to sit beside his zn'hre, stroking the bright soft hair and gazing down into the beautiful face.
*All is well?*
**Oh yes, zk'vissin. Mahrayne has been so very kind…**
Hijau regarded the Hassinan, who blushed and lowered her head.
"I… hope you don't mind, Hijau-sama… His highness seemed to need a distraction…"
"Thank you, Mahrayne."
She started: there was genuine warmth in the Saiyan's voice, for the first time since the 'argument'. She risked a glance into his face - he was smiling at her!
She smiled tentatively back, overjoyed to see Hijau's smile deepen.
"Weren't you supposed to be resting, though?"
She bit her lip. Leteetza would be angry - wouldn't she?
"Yes, Hijau-sama… But this was almost the same as resting, yes?"
"Hn." He rose and moved to the store, returning with a very big beaker and a jug full of Zh'leet and Vinas' nutritive drink. He poured a full measure and handed it to the Hassinan.
"If you drink all of this, I won't tell anyone. Agreed?"
Zha'haarak blinked.
**But, zk'vissin…She was helping me. You wouldn't get her into trouble, deliberately - would you?**
*Of course not. But it's a good way to have her take the nourishment she needs.*
Mahrayne took the beaker and drained it, her eyes not leaving the captain's face. He poured another, and she managed that too, but as he reached forwards to refill the beaker a third time she shook her head with a groan.
"Please, Hijau-sama, I can't manage any more…"
He smirked.
"Very well. Now I suggest you have a nap. The rest of the family should be back for the evening meal in an hour."
She nodded - then yawned, surprising herself. She'd been so wrapped up in her storytelling she'd completely lost track of time. She pushed herself unsteadily upright, startled but grateful when Hijau lent a hand to support her while she got her balance.
"Thank you, Hijau-sama…"
He inclined his head, glancing back at the platform, where Zha'haarak was settling into a light sleep.
"I appreciate your helping the Ssii'irin."
"It was my pleasure, Hijau-sama. I enjoy telling tales. And it helped him forget the pain for a little while, yes?"
He nodded.
"And the zn'hre love stories."
Mahrayne blinked. They did?
"Would you be prepared to do this again? Just every now and again, when you have no other duties and aren't too tired..."
She beamed.
"I would be honoured!"
Later, after the evening meal, she asked to speak with the high king. Zha'haabron waited until the rest of the family were in the pools, then inclined his head to the Hassinan.
"Your Majesty, do you think… might you be prepared to see if the G'gecks could help his highness? If they could repair his hip, make it as good as new…"
The zn'hre frowned to himself.
"We had not considered it… Would it be possible? I would have thought the artificial hip would have to be removed while the new one… 'grew'…" He inclined his head. "Which means more pain, and the necessity of remaining immobile until the entire socket and femur head were complete…"
He shook his head.
"I will speak with Zh'leet and Vinas - though I am not at all sure it's feasible. But thank you for thinking of it."
She smiled shyly and followed him through to the pool chamber to bathe.
Vejiita sent Zorun to collect Leteetza, and the young Saiyans, halfway through lessons a couple of days later. The little warrior had glared at the King's Guard from her place at the master terminal in the spacious zhaneer project room.
"He can wait until the class is finished."
Zorun shook his head regretfully.
"I'm sorry, Guardsman, but he wants to see you all now…"
She blinked. How long had it been since anyone had called her Guardsman? Far too long… She sighed.
"Oh, very well. Let's go collect the little monsters…"
"What's this all about, 'teetza?"
Kobis was nervous, and she ruffled his mane, earning herself a scowl.
"I don't know, brat. But I'm sure it's nothing to worry about?"
She glanced up at Zorun, who shrugged infinitesimally. No help there, then.
The Saiya-jin-no-Ou was in his office in the royal wing. He looked up from his terminal as the small party entered, and smiled, holding his arms open: Buahan immediately flung herself into his embrace. The two young males - breathing quiet sighs of relief - and Leteetza - frowning suspiciously - stood before his desk but the king rose, his daughter still in his arms, and gestured to the chairs ranged around the empty fireplace.
"Sit. We'll be more comfortable."
Zorun moved to stand in his customary place behind his king, but Vejiita raised a hand.
"This is family business."
Nodding, the big Guard bowed his head and left, taking up position outside the door to the office…
The children had been fractious with the sudden departure of their classmates, and Mahrayne - who was feeling weary herself - decided that letting them have the rest of the morning free would be a lot less stressful than trying to continue the lesson. Back in the suite 'tiisaan collared Jeice and asked for another bell-dancing session: the hash'shavven readily agreed, then smiled over the little dancer's shoulder at 'haabron.
"May I come too?"
'tiisaan sighed and glowered at his sibling.
"You don't want to learn bell-dancing."
"No, but I'd like to practise that hvassah Ja'isuu showed us last time."
Jeice tapped lightly on their shoulders.
"Children - Common, please."
'tiisaan grinned.
"Sorry, Jeice-sensei."
The hash'shavven smirked and inclined his head to 'haabron.
"Of course you may, young prince. We'll use the playroom - it has plenty of space." He glanced at Mahrayne, who smiled wearily and nodded.
"I'm going to rest. I should be awake enough to take this afternoon's lesson, yes?" As the zn'hre followed Jeice into his room to collect the bells and audio chips they needed, she glanced at Ti'aasaan, wondering if he could be tempted into her room…
The little zn'hre, his arms full of sleeping hybrids, was on the platform close to Zha'haarak, watching as Tane's motionless hands fed soothing, warming ki into the prince's hip. Dari held one thin green hand, stroking softly, her eyes more on the sleeping infants than the zn'hre below her.
The Hassinan sighed irritably. Hijau and Kelapa were on duty, Jeice was taking the dance lesson, Radittsu had re-scheduled to train the children early, and she had no idea where Zha'haabron was. Which, with Zha'haarak still incapacitated, meant that Ti'aasaan had to tend the babies until someone else came back. And she really, really wanted to make love to someone…
The twins were very pretty. Someone - Zh'leet, most likely - had found them some better clothes than the shabby, threadbare things they'd been wearing that first time, close-fitting trousers and cool tunics: they looked so much more attractive now. And those gorgeous manes, not as long as Radittsu's but almost as thick, and with those intriguing blue highlights: she itched to bury her hands in them. And those beautiful long slim tails… Kel had mentioned, just in passing, that the longer the tail, the more desirable the Saiyan was to others: short tails simply weren't sexy. And from watching the way the Saiyan half of the family moved and used their tails, Mahrayne had come to appreciate the notion.
She shook herself. She'd promised Leteetza she wouldn't do anything to hurt Kel, and she would keep her promise - she loved the tall warrior too much to do otherwise. Then she bit her lip. The twins were staring at her, deep unease clear in their faces, and she cursed herself. Dammit - when would she learn to remember their sense of smell? No doubt they could scent her arousal…
She rose from the floor cushion and smiled as mildly as she could, bowing briefly to Zha'haarak and Ti'aasaan before heading for her room.
"If you will excuse me…?"
It was a long time before she managed to sleep…
Dari glanced at her twin.
*She wants us.*
Tane smiled nervously.
*I know. But Kelapa-san would kill us…*
Dari's eyes widened.
*You mean… You'd consider it?*
*Only if you were with me, koishii. She's very attractive, after all. I wonder what those beads feel like - and if there are any more, further down…*
Meanwhile, down in the playroom, 'tiisaan, 'haabron and Jeice had stripped and were working hard…
The hash'shavven and the little dancer had decided that it would be easier, for the moment, for 'tiisaan to have the little bell-covered straps Jeice had devised out of one of his own leather harnesses, fasten around his slim hips: there was no getting away from it, right now he was simply too small, and too inexperienced, for it to stay in place on his penis without some kind of help. He'd accepted the fact with good grace, however - and Jeice had been at first taken aback, and then envious, when they'd both discovered that the muscles underlying the zn'hre's groin also ran down the length of his shaft in discrete 'groups'… The amount of control that allowed was phenomenal, although it was taking a great deal of practise to acquire the discipline necessary to make their ideas work. Still, 'tiisaan had made considerable progress, and was now able to attain what to all intents and purposes was an erection - though there was no accompanying sexual urge - which he could move consciously from side to side, and up and down, either in a series of small jerks or in a smooth motion that had the sweetly mellow small bells carolling or pealing tunefully as he swayed very slowly and gently from side to side.
'haabron had watched, open-mouthed in amazement, the first time he'd seen his host-sib dance with those bells attached - and demanded, in a hushed voice, that they teach him how it was done. No, he didn't want to bell-dance - but what a wonderful skill that would be, to surprise and pleasure a lover…
Jeice had grinned and the three of them discussed the matter, and slowly 'haabron learned control, too.
But his main aim was to learn the hvassah. He wanted to dance for Kobis.
A Buahan-shaped bundle of fury stormed out of Vejiita's office and flew wildly down the corridor: Zorun, at the king's shouted order, tried to follow her - but lost her in the maze of corridors leading off from one of the main stairwells. It was several minutes before he was able to pick up her scent again - by then she'd suppressed her ki - but the clever little brat had flown through one of those rare throughflows where air from all areas of the palace mingled together and was drawn into a bewildering mix of scents…
He arrived back at the office to find Vejiita scowling, Leteetza looking furious, Kobis trying very hard and unsuccessfully to hide his delight, and Kiraz looking - confused. Zorun saluted.
"I'm sorry, Sire. I lost her."
The Saiya-jin-no-Ou grunted and glared at Leteetza.
"She'll head back to the suite?"
The little warrior shrugged.
"She might do. She might go and hide somewhere. You can hardly expect her to react rationally after you drop that kind of proclamation on her head."
Vejiita glowered at his Guard.
"Get Lady Leteetza and the princes back to the suite. Then take some of the Guard and scour the palace for her. I want her found."
As soon as Zorun left the suite Kobis, his smile threatening to split his face, dived for the door and flew down to the playroom, slipping inside - and coming to a dead halt, eyes wide at the sight that greeted him.
The dancers were oblivious to his presence, their movements slow and graceful. Kobis blinked briefly at 'tiisaan, intrigued by what the little zn'hre was managing to do with his inkei - but his attention was wholly caught by his koi…
'haabron had loosed his hair from its usual plait, and it hung down to his thighs, a thick vibrant shining veil that slid across his skin, allowing tempting glimpses of his slim body to show through. He was naked, his eyes closed, his dance eloquent of yearning and love.
Kobis bit his lip, feeling tears well in his eyes. 'haabron's scent - his koi was thinking of him, dancing for him…
He sank down onto a floor cushion and watched breathlessly, one hand pressed to his groin as the zn'hre's graceful hands made expressive gestures in the air, his body twisting and swaying in time to the delicate, breathy R'ren'nkh'ian music on the audio chip. He vaguely noticed that Jeice had paused and was watching him, a gentle, understanding smile on his face, but was too wrapped up in his koi's dance to care.
The music came to a close: 'haabron dropped lightly to one knee, head and shoulders bowed and his arms crossed over his chest, his fists pressing firmly against his collarbones, his attitude one of submission, and Kobis groaned silently, biting his lip. 'haabron's head came up, his eyes fluttering open - then he saw the Saiyan and blushed deeply.
Kobis stood fluidly and was before him in less than a second, pulling him upright and into a fierce hug. After a moment's hesitation, 'haabron hugged back.
*I'm sorry - I didn't mean to embarrass you. That was so beautiful!*
'haabron smiled, almost shyly.
**I'm glad you liked it**
*Liked it…? It was… will you dance for me, later?*
**Of course I will. Only for you. Only ever for you…**
Overcome, Kobis buried his face in fragrant emerald hair and nipped gently at the cool neck beneath. Long moments later he pulled back slightly, grinning dazedly.
*I almost forgot what I came to tell you…*
'haabron gazed at him, warily hopeful.
**What did your papa want?**
*He said that now that 'teetza's having a strong heir, I'm 'excused'. I can stay with you, be with you for always. I can be your partner, like Raditts'-san is your papa's partner.* He paused for a moment, suddenly uncertain. *You… that is what you want, isn't it?*
'haabron pulled back and took the warm face between his hands, his eyes glowing.
**More than anything, aijin…**
Kobis closed his eyes, quietly sighing with relief and happiness, then slid his hands down to cup his young lover's small buttocks under the cold, heavy fall of hair and pull him closer, rubbing his erection gently against 'haabron's groin.
*Shall we get back to the suite?*
Grinning, 'haabron grabbed for his bodysuit and was dressed in record time…
Ti'ani and Le'leen, with the shr'en'an Fa'broya watchful at a little distance, were lying in the sun. They were supposed to be studying the Formal R'ren'nkh'ia-go exercises on the scribers they'd taken with them into the palace gardens. In reality they were *talking*.
It was probably just as well no one else was privy to their *conversation*.
*We simply do not fit. We're neither Saiyan nor R'ren'nkh'ian.*
*I know.*
Le'leen scowled into the distance. Ti'ani sighed, silently and laid a hand on his twin's wrist.
*Skai'tan…*
Le'leen pulled away, his head swivelling to glare at his sibling.
*I'm tired of pretending to be child-minded. I'm tired of having to hide my abilities, my intelligence. And I'm very tired of lying to everyone…*
Ti'ani lowered his head.
*They'd probably view us as freaks if they knew what we are. You like that idea?*
*Of course not!!*
*But we can't hide it for much longer. Jeice is already picking up on our emotions and wondering what the hell is going on. And I don't know about you, but I'm finding it hard to control my scent.*
Le'leen grimaced and nodded. Ti'ani glowered at his twin.
*Then why don't we just tell them?! Ask for help with coping with this!*
Le'leen's tail lashed from side to side.
*And have Vejiita try to find some way to use us as weapons, like he wants to use the hash'shavven? No thank you.*
Ti'ani rubbed a hand tiredly across his eyes.
*Won't happen. Maazi won't let it. Papa won't let it. Dadda Radiz and the Ssii'iin most certainly won't let it. Worst comes to the worst, we simply refuse: he can't make us.* He sighed. *We need to talk with them. We need to know where we stand, and what we can expect in the future…*
Le'leen snorted.
*Yeah, great, isn't it. The only two beings of our species…*
*What about Ra'vahn and Za'rayne?*
*What about them?*
*They're like us.*
*Haven't seen much sign of it so far…*
Ti'ani hissed angrily.
*That's because you never fucking pay attention!!*
Le'leen smirked mirthlessly.
*Language.*
Ti'ani *snaked* a quick mental *blast* across the surface of his twin's brain. Le'leen yelped, winced and raised his hands.
*All right, all right! I'm sorry. I was facetious.* He paused for a moment, then frowned.
*They're like us? Truly?*
Ti'ani nodded.
*Close enough.*
Le'leen pulled his knees up to his chin and wrapped his arms around his shins, glancing at his twin.
*Then I suppose we ought to try to keep an eye on them -* talk* to them when they're a little older…*
Ti'ani would have nodded enthusiastically - but at that moment a Buahan-shaped streak of fury landed in front of the pair and flung herself into their arms, angry tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I HATE him!!"
Startled, the twins blinked at each other over her head, then Le'leen pushed her back a little, frowning.
"What has happened, princess?"
"My fucking papa! He's… he's…" she choked on an angry sob. Ti'ani stroked her mane.
"Come now, little princess. Be calm and try to tell us what's happened."
She took a deep, trembling breath and sat back, tears still trickling down her face.
"He's giving me away."
"… what…?"
"Papa's giving me away."
Le'leen laid a hand against her face, frowning.
"We don't understand…"
Buahan pulled away from him, scowling irritably.
"He says he's giving me to some northern male as a mate."
"… Can he do that?"
"He's the king. He can do anything he wants."
Ti'ani pulled her into a hug.
"Tell us what he said…"
Gradually, with Buahan taking several verbal detours to state ever more firmly how much she hated her father and wasn't going to do what he said, they managed to piece together the story.
Vejiita wanted an alliance with one of the more powerful northern lords - Abricotto - and had negotiated an arranged 'claiming' between Buahan and Abricotto's youngest son Peyaru (who was, according to Buahan, ancient, at least twelve years old…)
The princess had pushed herself upright and was pacing back and forth a few paces, her tail lashing furiously.
"I won't. I won't be… given away like this! I don't know him. I don't want to live up north. It's cold all the time. I'm not just a… a… thing to be treated like this!!" She stood in front of Le'leen, chin lowered, arms crossed, her feet apart - the very image of her father at his most stubbornly pig-headed - and glowered at the twins. "I want to be queen. I will be queen." She looked down at them imperiously. "And you will help me."
They blinked, and Ti'ani frowned.
"Buahan, you're angry. You'll feel differently when you calm down."
"No I won't." She dropped abruptly to sit cross-legged, her lips trembling. "How could he do this to me? I thought he loved me."
"He does. He's just… doing what he thinks is best for you."
She scowled.
"No he's not - he's doing what he thinks is best for him."
*She's right…*
Ti'ani sighed.
"Little princess, the prince Leteetza's going to have will be king after Vejiita. You know that. He'll be high ki, he'll be trained to rule."
"I can still be queen - with him."
Ti'ani glanced at his sibling.
*Is that possible?*
*I don't know. Mahrayne might - she's been studying Saiyan family records and history…*
Le'leen stood, pulling Buahan upright.
"Let's get back. We need to ask a grown-up about this. Not a Saiyan," he added quickly as the princess opened her mouth to object. "Let's ask 'rayne. She knows all about this sort of thing…"
Their guard trailing, the three flew back to the palace.
Leteetza opened her arms as the trio landed on the balcony, beckoning them in, then pulled Buahan into a hug.
"Are you all right, little one?"
"'Course not, 'teetza."
The little warrior sighed.
"I promise, if I'd known what he'd decided I'd have spoken to him first, at least tried to make him think twice about it."
Buahan sniffled and wrapped her arms around the female's neck.
"I know."
The princess allowed Leteetza to cuddle her for a minute or two, then wriggled out of the embrace. The little warrior frowned, and Buahan shrugged apologetically.
"I need to talk to 'rayne."
"She's in the classroom…"
The little Saiyan flashed a fleeting grin and dived for the door. A puzzled Leteetza regarded her offspring - who were standing with their hands behind their backs and their tails twined around each other. Looking entirely innocent. She sighed.
"And of course, you aren't going to tell me what that's all about…"
They smiled identical, wide-eyed, innocent smiles and she grabbed them both into a hug.
*Little monsters.*
*We love you too, maazi…*
Mahrayne was just finishing Pirum's lesson when Buahan tumbled into the room. The Hassinan smiled.
"Just a moment, sinam, then you can talk to Pirum. She has something to tell you…"
Mahrayne quickly brought the lesson to an end, and made herself busy at the other end of the classroom while the two young females talked - though that didn't last long. A delighted squeal from Buahan had the Hassinan teacher smiling, then the children chattered excitedly for a few minutes longer before Buahan said farewell and turned to her tutor.
"'rayne, I need your help…"
The Hassinan had been sympathetic towards the princess' tale, and promised to see if she could find out if there had been any queens - or joint rulerships - in Vejiitasei's past, then accompanied the young Saiyan back to the suite to get ready for the evening meal. As she watched everyone assembling, she suddenly realised how Leteetza must have perceived her outrage over being claimed by Zorun: after all, Hassinan were gifted to their future males at an early age, and had no say in the matter, so Buahan's being promised to a stranger was nothing unusual to Mahrayne. In exactly the same way as being claimed was nothing unusual to a Saiyan.
She sighed. As well as checking the ruling family's records, she'd look into Lord Abricotto's records, see what sort of family Buahan had been pledged to. It was the least she could do for the princess.
Kiraz made his way slowly to the outdoor arena where Radittsu was training the hostlings. 'raadiin had been watching for his friend: he excused himself and flew down to the young Saiyan, frowning. Kiraz looked - bewildered.
"What's wrong?"
"Papa says I'm not ever going to be king - 'teetza's baby is."
"Oh. You're angry?"
Kiraz frowned.
"No. I just… I never thought I might be king in the first place!"
"Oh." 'raadiin grinned. His friend's bafflement was almost comical. "What did you think you were going to be, then?"
"The best warrior in the universe, of course!" He inclined his head, adding as an afterthought, "And Captain of the Elite Guard, when I'm old enough."
The zn'hre nodded sagely.
"Then you'll have to fight me for it."
"Huh?"
'raadiin smirked and flicked the Saiyan's nose.
"'cause I want to be the best too. And when I'm Captain, you can be my second in command."
It took Radittsu ten minutes to separate the fiercely battling young warriors…
Life continued as normal. Tane and Dari visited the suite every day to tend to Zha'haarak: the gentle zn'hre's hands had healed, but his hip was still a cause for concern. Vinas had contacted the G'gecks, and transferred all the data he had regarding the zn'hre, and the prince in particular, and they'd assured him they would look into the matter. In the meantime, Zha'haarak resumed his midday meals with his bondmate at the Guard messhall - only now he had his own Elite Guard to escort him to and from the complex, with orders from Hijau to pick him up and carry him if it became evident he was faltering. And the twins became an accepted part of the life of the family, often staying for the midday meal, and occasionally even helping out with the younger hostlings - there was always long bright emerald hair to be combed and plaited…
And Cendawan's punishment was - finally - determined.
Nappa had been in a foul mood. He'd had to authorise Merica and Jagung's transfers to the planetside Guard, something that had enraged him: he hated losing any of his force, took it as a personal insult. Vejiita, knowing this, had presented him with the report of Cendawan's actions at the same time - invoking a flood of the most inventive invective he'd ever heard - and pointing out that she had endangered the Alliance. The High King was calling for her execution…
The Commander-in-Chief had snarled something only partly comprehensible about 'fucking aliens', and told the king to do what he wanted: as long as he got the female back still fully able to fight, he didn't care about the rest.
The Saiya-jin-no-Ou wondered briefly what Cendawan had done to Nappa to make him so unconcerned about her fate. Then he smirked to himself. It really didn't matter: he now had Nappa's all clear to punish the female in a fitting manner.
He considered the matter. Cendawan was very, very attractive, and knew it, and played on it, used her beauty to get pretty much anything she wanted.
To spoil that beauty would be an appropriate punishment.
But Vejiita liked beauty, and was reluctant to damage it, even under such circumstances. He pondered the matter that night - he had little else to do right now, Leteetza was still refusing to have anything to do with him after his pronouncement about Buahan's future (and more specifically because he'd not involved the princess' mother, and herself, in the decision) - and finally came up with a solution that seemed fitting.
He called Radittsu, Hijau and Zha'haabron into conference the following morning.
They left, a scant quarter of an hour later, with satisfied smirks on their faces. And as the Saiyan most injured by her actions, Hijau was granted leave to carry out the sentence…
Cendawan rejoined the offworld forces cowed, shamed and humiliated, her long, elegant, bewitching tail cut to nothing but a mid-thigh-length, ugly stump, long enough for her to transform to ouzaru, but too short to do anything else. Her harem dispersed, anxious for their own safety: only the most desperate of males now showed any interest in her at all.
And her brother disowned her. That probably hurt more than anything.
But Cendawan was a survivor…
Ra'vahn and Za'rayne had climbed Radittsu's mane and were draped over his shoulders, beaming, as Mahrayne dragged herself sleepily from her room. She frowned.
"Raditts-sama? You aren't training the children?"
"Finished for the day." He smirked. "It's only a couple of hours until the evening meal."
Mahrayne blinked. She'd really slept that long? Radittsu inclined his head, scowling.
"I want to see you drink at least a beakerful of Zh'leet's… 'glop'. You're exhausted, and you aren't eating nearly enough."
She bowed her head and poured herself a beaker, sighing. The liquid did the trick - she felt much better for imbibing it - but it was so boring. Zh'leet had tried to make it tastier for her, blending different meats, even having Kel have some of those grub-things transported from Pankuzu to see if that helped, but no matter what went into the mix, by the time Vinas had finished chemically increasing its nutritional value it always tasted the same. Bland.
She stroked her belly, feeling the child move against her hand. Ah well. At least it was working. He was strong and healthy. And she was coping.
Radittsu was watching her: she smiled at him, and he inclined his head.
"Have you been able to contact Hassina yet?"
Mahrayne sighed. Just recently Radittsu - and Hijau, every so often - had begun to badger her, quietly but persistently, about how soon they could have their skin-beads set. The Hassinan was aware of how… keen they were to have another way to pleasure their bondmates: what she couldn't quite get them to understand was that for Hassinan, no matter how adventurous, to leave their home wasn't something to be undertaken quickly. And certainly not in the hottest part of the Vejiitasei year. And that was without taking into account the fact that they had to work around the frequency of the transports…
"I will make an appointment tomorrow to see Manzano-sama as soon as possible, yes?"
He nodded, then smiled as Zha'haabron entered, looking weary, rubbing at the back of his neck.
*Tired?*
The king nodded.
**I do not like the Omanir**
Some understatement! The big Saiyan regarded him sympathetically. The diplomatic corps had invited one of the senior Omanir Soutans to Vejiitasei to discuss the matter of Ghrakigh, and as the partner in the Alliance Zha'haabron had to be present at the meetings. He found it stressful and fatiguing, as much because he had to maintain a calm and equitable façade as because the acquiring of the hash'shavven homeworld was a matter of urgency. Radittsu gently shifted the hissing hostlings onto the sleeping platform and pulled his bondmate into a tight embrace.
*Should I come with you tomorrow?*
**It's not necessary - but I would like Jeice to attend**
*Is that wise?*
**Probably not. But I would still like him to be there. I want to gauge the emotional states of the Soutan…*
In fact, it was another few days before Zha'haabron was able to take Jeice with him - and in the meantime…
Mahrayne had spoken with Manzano, and with Marldus, and Peruro and Dignusia's emigration to Vejiitasei had been organised. Pirum would come with them, under the protection of the Lead Speaker and a select few of his staff, travelling to speak with the Saiya-jin Council about the damage being inflicted on their world by the mining operations. Satisfied, and happy that she could give Radittsu and Hijau a date for the setting of their beads, Mahrayne had arrived back at the suite to find Leteetza there, dozing, stretched flat on her back on the sleeping platform with Ti'aasaan stroking her face…
"You can't hide up here forever, you know!"
Leteetza scowled at Kelapa from her place on the palace roof.
"I'm not hiding. I'm sunbathing."
"Suuure you are…"
The King's Companion sat up, glaring at her fellow Guardsman.
"It's safer for Mahrayne if I avoid her. If she… squeals at me one more time I swear I'll hit her…"
Mahrayne had positively leapt on her friend, hugging her tightly and squeaking inarticulately as she stroked at Leteetza's belly. At the little warrior's rounded belly: Leteetza's pregnancy was finally showing.
Leteetza had been very, very pissed off. She still was. Kel sighed.
"She's just happy for you…"
"She wants to mother me. I've never let anyone mother me, not even my mother. I want her to stop, Kel. I mean it."
The taller warrior sat cross-legged beside her friend and stroked her mane.
"I've already told her not to make a fuss, and she said she'd try… I'll speak to her again."
"Thank you."
"Now, are you coming down? It's nearly time for evening meal."
"Will you go and speak to her first? I can't eat with her… fussing over me, it ruins my appetite."
Kelapa chuckled.
"Right. I'll see what I can do. Give me ten minutes?"
Leteetza relaxed slightly and nodded, already knowing it would be an uphill battle to keep Mahrayne under control.
It was going to be a very long pregnancy…
Vejiita and Zha'haabron - accompanied by Jeice, formally dressed for the occasion in sleek black silk with gold embroidery on the cuffs of his long-sleeved tunic and down the seams of the loose trousers - were in Council with the Omanir Soutan and Manzano and his team. Zorun had been dismissed for the morning, and had headed to Guard Headquarters to find someone to spar with: Mahrayne wouldn't be free until after the brats' lessons.
Radittsu, his first choice of sparring partner, was back at the suite, taking care of his children. Muz was available though, and Zorun was anticipating a good workout, when Hijau arrived at the arena.
"We need to talk."
Zorun flinched, then glowered. So far he'd managed to avoid the younger Saiyan, and hence having to face what had happened at FullMoon, and he'd hoped that state of affairs would continue. Hijau obviously had other ideas.
"I have a training session scheduled."
"Re-schedule it."
"Is this really necessary?"
Hijau was unsmiling and determined.
"Yes."
Snarling, the King's Guard followed the Captain of the Elite Guard to his office.
Hijau gestured him to a seat before the desk - then pulled a couple of beakers and a large flagon of strong dark ale from a cupboard set into the wall. He handed a brimming beaker to Zorun.
"Drink."
Staring suspiciously, Zorun took a large swallow, watching as Hijau drained his beaker in several gulps, then rested his forearms on the desk and regarded his fellow Guard. For a moment there was a strained silence. Then Zorun stirred, uneasily.
"Are you going to say anything?"
Hijau closed his eyes.
"Can you *read* me?"
Zorun blinked.
"… what…?"
"At FullMoon… when we - *connected*... I can still *read* you, still *know* what you're feeling. Is it the same for you?"
Zorun stared blankly at the younger male, then shook his head - his eyes suddenly widening as he realised the full implications of what the captain had said.
"You can… Everything?"
"To some extent. Strong emotions are worst."
Zorun grimaced.
"You *knew* what happened on G'geckah. And when we met again, on Hassina, after FullMoon…?"
Hijau nodded.
"… fuck…"
The captain winced, remembering, staying silent as Zorun thought his way through the ramifications. After a while the King's Guard shook his head.
"I can't *read* you. At all." Thank all the gods, he added silently. Then his expression softened.
"I'm sorry."
His voice was quiet, sympathetic, and Hijau sighed.
"I don't know what to do about it."
"Why did it happen in the first place?"
"I don't know. Maybe it has something to do with being bonded…"
Zorun nodded thoughtfully.
"Or being bonded to an alien. The lizards are skilled mindspeakers, aren't they?"
Hijau frowned. He hadn't really thought about it, but that might very well have a lot to do with it. Zha'haarak had said something about Zha'haabron helping Radittsu in the past: the captain hadn't been in any fit mental state to follow up that line of thought at the time, but the situation wasn't getting any easier… In fact, he was pretty sure it was getting worse, he was far more *aware* of Zorun's emotions, his thoughts, now than he had been before. He *flashed* a quick question to his bondmate, received an affirmative reply, and nodded.
"I can ask the king for help. But if I do…"
"… he'll find out all about me." Zorun smiled grimly. Hijau nodded.
"I wouldn't be able to keep any of it hidden."
Zorun shoved a hand through his mane, then took a long, deep pull of his ale.
"It's affecting you? Your performance of your duties?"
"And my relationship with Zha'haarak, a little." He sighed. "Sometimes it feels like I'm being pulled in two. When you're with Mahrayne, when you two make love… And I'm constantly *aware* of Zha'haarak, and to a lesser extent Ti'aasaan and Zha'haabron, and through him I can *sense* Radittsu, with the brats' emotions as a faint... backdrop to it all. Sometimes I can't even tell what I'm feeling, myself, I'm swamped by everyone else's emotions…"
Zorun shuddered inwardly. It sounded like the closest thing to a waking nightmare he could imagine. He poured them both another beakerful, more to give himself time to think than anything.
Hijau knew him, intimately, his body and his mind, his history, his emotions. The King's Guard couldn't *read* the captain now, but he had been fully aware of the *transfer* that had happened. It had left him feeling wholly naked and exposed and vulnerable and hating himself because of it…
Hijau could have used that against him, as blackmail, as payback, as - a way to torture the male who'd hurt him. He hadn't. Instead, he'd kept Zorun's secrets, even comforted the big male, made it clear that he wasn't blamed for what had happened - that it wasn't his fault.
How could he hurt someone who'd done that? He sighed.
"I don't want anyone to know. About me and… Nappa. About my life."
Hijau closed his eyes, his expression bleak.
"Then I will stay silent…"
"… but I won't have you suffer."
The captain's eyes flew open.
"You…"
Zorun scowled.
"You made FullMoon tolerable for me. You - cared. And your behaviour is exemplary - and you're a fine officer, tolerant, proficient, and admired and respected. You've already repaid the trust the Saiya-jin-no-Ou and Radittsu place in you. Should I do anything less?"
As Hijau stared, lips parted in shock, Zorun growled, smirking wryly.
"Do you have any idea what a fucking pain it is being surrounded by honourable people?"
Hijau gasped out something part laugh, part sob, and Zorun laid a hand against his face.
"Do what you have to do. Just ask the lizard king to keep it to himself, if he can, yes?"
As Hijau slumped with relief and nodded, Zorun touched the claim mark on his neck.
"Does that mean you're off-limits now?"
Hijau blinked, then smirked.
"If I so choose. To whom I choose. I belong to Zha'haarak - but I haven't lost my freedom. And he will not begrudge me, not after your help while we were parted…"
Zorun leaned forward, kissing him gently, smiling as the captain responded. They pulled apart, slowly, Hijau able to relax for the first time since FullMoon. He regarded Zorun for a moment, then inclined his head.
"Thank you…"
Jeice sat demurely at Zha'haabron's side, his eyes lowered deferentially, hands clasped lightly together. Trying everything in his power to calm his breathing and retain control of his feelings.
Soutan Maagarin argued eloquently, putting forward reason after reason why the hash'shavven and their homeworld should remain in Omanir possession. Manzano had argued equally eloquently that the price the Empire was prepared to pay for the world, and its people, was surely enough to overcome any objections - whether social, cultural or ethical - that the Soutanate might have. Vejiita listened, apparently impassively: Zha'haabron controlled his contempt and loathing with difficulty. Jeice heard none of it, lost as he was in surreptitious contemplation of the figure kneeling at the Soutan's side…
A hash'shavven slave. A female hash'shavven slave… It had been so long since he'd seen a female of his species.
Petite, slim-waisted, her skin a deeper red than his own, her hair a slightly creamier white, the rings through her large nipples golden and beaded. A brief leather loincloth covered her groin, attached to a golden ring at her navel: a leather strap looped through the ring and extended upwards between her large breasts, attaching to a golden torc around her slender neck. Her wrists and ankles sported fine golden bangles, and long, heavy golden earrings hung from her ears. Her head was lowered, but he'd caught a fleeting glimpse of a delicate, beautiful little face, with dark, green-flecked eyes.
And now they sat at their respective masters' sides - yes, he knew the Ssii'iin wasn't his owner but the habit of a lifetime was hard to break… - separated by the width of the conference table and gently, tenderly, feeling each other, exploring each other while their future was debated around them.
Her talent was for vegetation, grass, moss, clinging and climbing plants. She was just a little younger than him, and the Soutan was her third master. She had borne no offspring.
And she was lonely…
He was aware of Vejiita's confusion: the Saiya-jin-no-Ou was glancing at both hash'shavven obliquely and rapidly, wondering what the hell was happening between them. Jeice was quietly, heartily thankful that the Omanir's sense of smell was poor, and they had no 'pathic skills whatsoever… he wondered if Zha'haabron could arrange for him to meet the female, just for a few minutes, just to speak together, feel together…
He jumped slightly as the zn'hre rested a hand on his shoulder, and glanced up into the Ssii'iin's face. The discussion had apparently finished, and Zha'haabron looked concerned.
"There is something wrong?"
Jeice shook his head.
"No, Ssii'iin… But… do you think… I'd very much like to have a few words with the Soutan's hagarch…"
"I will request it…" He stopped as Jeice shook his head and placed a small hand on his wrist.
"He will refuse, Ssii'iin. But if you command me to prepare drinks for you and the Saiya-jin-no-Ou, he may feel compelled to order the female to assist me, for courtesy's sake…"
"You are not my servant."
"The Omanir will not see it that way."
Zha'haabron gazed at the little alien for a moment, then sighed quietly.
"Very well…"
Luck was with them: Maagarin sent the female to join Jeice in the antechamber. He smiled tentatively at her, and was rewarded by a tiny smile, quickly quashed as she lowered her head. Greatly daring, he touched her shoulder, relieved when she flinched but did not pull away.
"I'm Jeice."
For a moment he thought perhaps she didn't know the ancient tongue, or maybe hadn't heard his low murmur, but then she peeped up at him through her long fringe.
"Veiyan. Why are you clothed?"
"I am no longer a hagarch, Veiyan."
Her head came up, and she stared, lovely eyes startled.
"That's not possible."
He nodded.
"The lizard king bought me - and set me free."
She bit her lip, eyes brimming.
"Could he buy me too?"
"I will ask him…"
There wasn't time for any more - they had to return with the drinks or raise suspicions…
In the suite, later, Zha'haabron gently stroked the hash'shavven's hair.
"Of course I will try, Jeice. But the Soutan is recalcitrant - and very possessive."
Jeice nodded sadly. Much the same as all Omanir. But at least the Ssii'iin would do what he could.
The talks dragged on and on and Zha'haabron grew more irritable and tense, his loathing of the Omanir reinforced and intensified by the complacent arrogance of the Soutan. Maagarin refused to consider any of the Saiyan's offers, and none of the diplomatic team could understand why: what was being offered was worth far more than the planet, in physical terms - unless, of course, the Omanir had discovered the hash'shavven's secret.
But they were all convinced this wasn't the case. The Soutan's scent remained the same when he spoke of the 'subos' so disparagingly, and Jeice was absolutely certain his people would not reveal something so precious to those who had taken everything they owned and enslaved them.
There was a bright spot in the proceedings, however. The R'ren'nkh'ian contingent of Saiyan warriors was coming home for some well-deserved down-time - and Bri'seiyis was coming with them…
© 2002 July 14th Joules Taylor
Confusion, muddle, mess, chaos!
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