Don't forget to check out Joules' companion Waning sequence!
Homecoming Pt 1
"Two hours 'til planet-fall."
Zorun sighed. "Hn. Just as I was getting used to having you to myself I have to share you again."
Mahrayne laughed and brushed a kiss over his lips.
"It was wonderful. Can we do this again next time you have some decent down-time?"
"I'm not going back to Hassina." Zorun warned her.
Mahrayne snorted. "Neither am I. No, I meant can we go somewhere by ourselves again."
"Yes." Zorun shrugged. "Though I don't know when that will be. The King was extremely generous in letting me have this much time, I doubt it will happen again soon."
Mahrayne smiled up at him and stroked her abdomen. "We can wait." She reached up and fingered the fastenings on his leather shirt a little wistfully.
"You'd better get changed."
Mahrayne wanted to watch the approach to Vejiitasei from one of the viewports - Zorun was less enthusiastic. He explained to her that as part of the off-world force he'd seen his homeworld from orbit numerous times, it wasn't that interesting anymore, but he willingly stood behind his mate and enjoyed her pleasure at the sight. Mahrayne leant back into him and smiled as the planet drew closer; Vejiitasei was beautiful, and it was home.
Zorun was in uniform again - blue bodysuit, body armour, pale blue cape, white boots and gloves - and with it had re-emerged the grim, implacable warrior. Mahrayne thought she was going to miss the easy, more playful side of her mate, but she knew it was there now, just under the surface… She was sure she could convince it to come out and play more often.
"Half an hour." Zorun glanced at the transport's chronometer mounted on the wall.
"Good." Mahrayne shivered in anticipation.
She was so glad to be going home, but also a little apprehensive. A trace of the insecurities that had plagued her on Hassina still lingered. What if the family didn't really need her anymore? What if Kel had found someone else over FullMoon? What if 'tiisaan preferred to study with Jeice? Mahrayne chided herself for the wasted energy worrying - what was fated would be, no matter her feelings on the matter, and whatever happened, she'd cope, as she always had.
Mahrayne was really looking forward to seeing Leteetza again. She was so happy for her friend! The little female must be so excited…
And she was going to meet the High King's hostlings!
Mahrayne had briefly contacted R'ren'nkh'ia before she and Zorun had left Hassina three days ago. She'd wanted to talk to Leteetza, but Ti'aasaan had said she was busy. With hindsight, the little zn'hre had seemed… evasive, and he'd looked relieved when 'tiisaan - followed by a fiercely proud Radittsu carrying two small bundles in his massive arms - had bounced excitedly into view. Being shown Zha'haabron's hostlings had made Mahrayne forget completely about wanting to talk to Leteetza, and when she'd heard the infants' names...
A small, rational part of her knew that the naming of a child may not have quite the same significance to other races as it did to the Hassinan, but still, she'd been close to tears and bursting with awed pride and happiness that one of the babies carried a part of her name.
They'd arrived on Vejiitasei to discover the family's transport was also in orbit: their shuttle would be landing within half an hour. Mahrayne tried not to fidget while Zorun stood beside her, his arms around her shoulders and his tail curled around her waist.
"It won't be long." The Guard sounded resigned.
"Thank you, Zorun," she murmured softly.
"For what?"
Mahrayne held the tip of his black tail gently against her belly and smiled up at him, her eyes alight with love. "For everything."
"'rayne! 'rayne!"
Zorun sighed and released her a scant second before she was engulfed in children. 'tiisaan had got to her first, unsurprisingly, the little dancer wrapping himself tightly around her on one side, Buahan doing the same on the other a moment later. 'ani and 'leen weren't far behind, neither were 'haavok, 'honee and 'fallon. The other children clustered close and Mahrayne gaped at them.
"You're all so big!"
All of the children had grown significantly – 'tiisaan's shoulders were level with her navel now, whereas before the family had left, he'd only come up to her waist. And the younger zn'hre were almost the same size as their older siblings had been last time she saw them. It was a bit much to take in.
Mahrayne noticed other differences, too. 'raadiin's hair was growing back, the soft green locks reaching just past his shoulders now, and both he and Kiraz had the beginnings of developing musculatures. And there was something about the way Kobis and 'haabron were standing together...
She looked up, teary eyed from the children to see that the rest of the family had caught up with the youngsters. Mahrayne spotted Leteetza behind Radittsu.
"'teetza!" she squealed and beamed at her friend. The little warrior's reaction was - unexpected.
"Oh fuck," she scowled, folding her arms across her chest while her tail lashed irritably, "how did you find out?" The little female glared at the smirking Zorun. "Don't bother answering. I can guess."
"May we greet Mahrayne now…?" Zha'haarak asked the children with soft good-humour. Mahrayne laughed and waded through the children to him. The gentle zn'hre looked radiant, but then, so did Hijau. She hugged Zha'haarak, then Hijau - who glanced at Zorun before returning the hug. Jeice grinned cheekily at her and she flushed a little as she briefly wrapped her arms around his small frame. The hug Ti'aasaan got wasn't brief at all, and his kiss on her neck made her shiver. Mahrayne peeped over the little zn'hre's shoulder at Zorun. The big Guard's face was a study in neutrality, and Mahrayne would have given a lot to know what he was thinking just then.
Zorun's curiosity had got the better of him on the return trip and he'd asked some subtle – for a Saiyan – questions about his mate's experiences with the little zn'hre. Mahrayne had not gone into a lot of detail, she wasn't sure just how much Zorun had wanted to hear, but she'd seen his hastily suppressed interest when she mentioned that Ti'aasaan probably wouldn't say no to an advance from him.
Mahrayne released Ti'aasaan and stood in front of the new parents, lowering her head respectfully while still grinning hugely. Radittsu towered protectively beside his bondmate, who was cradling both of his hostlings. The babies were alert and sitting upright in their host's arms, their tails curled around his wrists. They gazed at the Hassinan with completely unafraid curiosity.
"Welcome home, your majesty – Raditts'-sama." Mahrayne gazed hopefully up at Zha'haabron. "May I see them?"
Zha'haabron smiled, and inclined his head gracefully.
Mahrayne very gently stroked Ra'vahn's - the black-maned baby - little cheek, and offered her finger to Za'rayne's – the emerald-maned one – strong grip.
"Oh, they're beautiful!" she exclaimed softly, sniffling a little as her eyes filled with tears. "Thank you," she beamed at the bondmates and stepped back.
Mahrayne greeted Gh'veen and Zh'leet with a smile. The brood looked at her closely.
"Have you lost weight? How are you feeling?"
Mahrayne chuckled. "I'm fine, Zh'leet, thank you."
And that left Leteetza, who was still scowling at her. The little female suffered Mahrayne's hug for a moment before extricating herself with an impatient growl.
"Congratulations." Mahrayne smiled.
"Hn."
The Hassinan frowned at her friend, perplexed and ready to ask why, but Zha'haabron spoke at that moment.
"Let's not keep the reception committee waiting." the High King said with a smile.
Mahrayne kissed Leteetza quickly, which earned her a wintry smirk, then she went to stand with her mate. Zorun wrapped his tail around her waist and brushed his knuckles over her cheek.
"I'm on duty as soon as I walk through that door," he murmured.
"I know," Mahrayne smiled and brushed his mane away from his eyes. "I love you."
Zorun's tail twitched and he growled at her.
"Now you tell me." He leant down and nipped lightly at her neck, making her quiver, his voice lowered into that husky purr that she knew he knew she found arousing. "Are you sure you want that couple of days with the family before I see you again?"
Mahrayne resisted the pull towards him: she really wanted to see Kelapa first.
"Please."
Zorun searched her face, then sighed.
"Very well."
'tiisaan came to stand in front of them. The little dancer beamed up at the Saiyan.
"Thank you for bringing Mahrayne home."
The Guard looked surprised, but he inclined his head politely.
"It was my pleasure, your highness."
'tiisaan grinned and stood by Mahrayne's other side, slipping his slim, cool hand into hers. She squeezed his fingers lightly, then they walked with the rest of the High King's family away from the landing area and into the main entrance hall.
At first glance, it seemed half of Vejiitamachi was there to greet them. The Saiya-jin-no-Ou stood prominently at the front of the crowd, surrounded by his Council, a good proportion of the diplomatic corps and about thirty of the Guard. Mahrayne squinted, raising a slim hand to shade her eyes against the painfully bright light flooding in through the huge windows. The Hassinan scanned the crowd for the other person she'd missed as much as she'd missed Zorun. Where was Kel?
"Papa!" Buahan's joyful shriek as she flung herself into her father's arms caused a ripple of amusement amongst those watching. Vejiita almost smiled at his daughter before he tried to set her down beside him. Buahan wouldn't budge, winding her arms around her father's neck and coiling her tail tightly around his arm. The King quickly gave up the struggle; his dignity was less impaired by having his daughter hanging from his neck as he gave a short, welcoming speech to the High King's family than it was by trying to futilely dislodge her. Mahrayne glanced at Leteetza; the little warrior's expression was one of gleeful malice at the King's inconvenience. The Hassinan's eyebrows lifted in mild surprise; what was that all about? She obviously had a lot of catching up to do with her friend.
Zorun faced Mahrayne, and without a word he leant down and kissed her, a gentle lingering kiss that seemed to lift her off her feet. The big male half-smiled at her and stroked her cheek with his tail before he turned and strode off towards the Saiya-jin-no-Ou. Mahrayne smiled after him, a flush spreading over her cheeks as she realised that a number of the Guard were smirking at her.
Leteetza made an irritated sound.
"I think they understand she's spoken for, baka." The little warrior directed her acid comment towards the male's broad back. Zorun gave no indication he'd heard Leteetza speak as he went down on one knee before Vejiita, and saluted his king. Mahrayne watched as Vejiita acknowledged his guard and Zorun rose and moved to take up his customary, watchful, position behind the Saiya-jin-no-Ou. She sighed wistfully - the holiday was officially over.
The crowd began to disperse. Several of the Guard approached the family and saluted: Mahrayne gathered some of them at least were the family's official guards, but they were all welcoming their friends home. Vejiita, still carrying Buahan, came over to Leteetza and smirked. Leteetza didn't seem all that happy to see the father of one of her children - she folded her arms tightly across her chest and her tail around her waist, and glowered at him. Mahrayne also didn't miss the intriguing scowls Vejiita and Radittsu gave each other over the little warrior's head. She would have to find out what was going on, but first - Mahrayne looked around - where was Kelapa?
One of the Guards, a tall, lean female with a long, dark-red mane, approached. Kyuri - Mahrayne had met her a couple of times - smiled.
"Kel said she'd meet you in the suite."
"Thank you!" Mahrayne beamed at the warrior and Kyuri smirked, scenting the Hassinan's relief, and her budding arousal.
"Yeah, she's missed you too."
It was a beautiful, clear day so the decision was made to forego using the surface shuttles from the spaceport, and fly back to the suite. Zha'haarak was held securely in his bondmate's arms which left only Mahrayne needing to be carried. She stood indecisively watching the family and their guards getting ready to take off - Kelapa, or Zorun, usually carried her, and neither of them were available.
"Need some help?" Kyuri asked.
"Please." Mahrayne said shyly.
The red-haired female scooped her up carefully then took off into the air with the rest of the family.
It was very pleasant being carried by Kyuri, but Mahrayne knew she would have appreciated it more if she wasn't so eager to see Kel.
The children exploded into the suite from the balcony, followed by the laughing, smiling adults.
It was good to be home.
Kyuri placed Mahrayne gently on her feet. The Hassinan thanked the Guard, quickly, she'd just spotted Kel - the warrior stood outside their room. Mahrayne's breath caught in her throat, then even before she'd realised she'd moved, she was hugging her lover tightly.
"I have missed you so much…" she whispered to Kel.
Kel smiled down at her, then holding Mahrayne's hand, lead her into their room.
"Oh, Kel... it's lovely!" Mahrayne gazed around, wide-eyed. Kelapa must have denuded the palace gardens because there were flowers everywhere, their mingled fragrances filling the air and the multitude of colours creating wonderfully random patterns that delighted Mahrayne's eyes.
"Thank you…" Mahrayne was overcome by the warrior's gift, and there were tears in her eyes as she hugged Kel again.
"I've missed you too." Kel whispered hoarsely, then kissed her softly, with a tenderness that was completely unlike Zorun's…
The balcony door was wide open, letting a slight, warm breeze brush over the females, cooling them and drying the sweat from their love-making. Kel and Mahrayne were lying on their sides, facing each other, their legs tangled comfortably together while the warrior's tail stroked languidly over Mahrayne's new beads. The females held hands and smiled, rather fatuously, at each other. Mahrayne was supremely happy and content - the only thing that could make her happier, she thought, was to have Zorun there as well, cuddled up behind her.
"Heh," Kel said with a smirk, stroking a hand over Mahrayne's belly, "no denying this now." Mahrayne laughed and smiled with self-conscious pride.
"What's it feel like?" the warrior asked, "having that - " she gently prodded the bulge, " - thing inside you?"
Mahrayne grinned. "Odd, but wonderful." Right on cue, the baby moved. Mahrayne grabbed Kel's hand and pressed it to her abdomen.
"Can you feel that?"
Kel nodded, the expression on her face a beautiful mixture of delight and distaste.
"No, it doesn't hurt," Mahrayne smiled, anticipating Kel's question, "though the movements are getting stronger now; it will probably be quite uncomfortable before we're finished."
Kelapa grimaced and Mahrayne laughed.
"Not interested in trying this for yourself?" she asked innocently.
"Fuck, no!" Kel snorted. "I don't want my body taken over by a parasitic lifeform!"
Mahrayne laughed again, then quieted remembering Leteetza's reaction to her delight.
"'teetza's a little… moody."
"'Moody'?" Kel snorted. "She's fucking furious."
"Why?"
The warrior kissed the tip of Mahrayne's nose.
"Not every female is desperate to be a mother."
Mahrayne frowned, not understanding. Kel tried to explain.
"Leteetza never wanted brats. 'ani and 'leen were an accident, so are these two. Leteetza's feeling - betrayed I think, by her body."
"That's sad," Mahrayne sighed, "but she loves 'ani and 'leen…"
"And, no doubt, she'll love these two as well when they're born - she just doesn't want to be pregnant again." Kel regarded her lover seriously. "Can I give you some advice?" Mahrayne nodded. "Don't make a fuss of 'teetza, just let her cope in her own way, neh?"
"I'll try," Mahrayne smiled, "but I'm so happy for me, I can't not be happy for her as well."
"Be as happy for her as you like," Kel smirked, "just don't expect her to be as happy as you are."
They made love again then drifted together in a languid doze until a knock on their door woke them. It was Leteetza; the little warrior smirked at the pair of them.
"Want some food?"
Mahrayne smiled. "We'll be out soon."
"You'd better get a move on or there'll be nothing left!" Leteetza said as she closed the door.
When they were alone in the room again, Mahrayne turned to Kel, her expression soft.
"Do you know, jha-tunovahn - " she stroked Kel's neck, " - how much I love you?"
Kelapa stared at her, then grinned lop-sidedly.
"Really?"
Mahrayne giggled. "I think the proper response to that was supposed to have been, 'how much'," she kissed Kel lightly, "to which I would have replied, 'to the stars and back.'"
"Oh." The warrior sniffled a bit, and wiped her eyes. "I do too. Love you, I mean."
Mahrayne smiled and went to kiss her again: Kel's hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"Would you still be seeing Zorun if you weren't carrying his brat?"
Mahrayne considered that for a moment. Would she? The answer came very easily - yes. Mahrayne nodded.
"You love him as well, don't you?" Kel asked.
"It's different to what I feel for you, but just as deep."
"Guess I'll have to share you then." Kel said with a sigh and a tremulous smile.
The family was busy getting unpacked and settled in and Mahrayne felt a little guilty for not having helped them. She went to mush, though, at the sight of Radittsu on the sleeping platform with the sleeping babies snuggled into his mane. Just for a moment, she felt an overwhelming urge to crawl into the ebony mass with them, but she hastily shunted that thought aside.
The family ate together, spread out comfortably over the floor cushions and sleeping platform. With Kel on one side, her tail curled lovingly around Mahrayne's waist, and 'tiisaan on the other, happily chattering about Bri'seiyis, Mahrayne felt a deep peace settle over her; the loneliness she'd felt on Hassina finally slipping away.
"You'll have some down-time soon, won't you Kel?" Leteetza asked the warrior.
Kel smirked. "Twenty days, starting today."
"What are you planning to do with it?"
Kel shrugged. "Don't know." She glanced at Mahrayne. "Thought I might go home for a couple of days."
"Could I come too?" Mahrayne asked impulsively, then frowned. "Though, I've only just returned. I really should be getting back to teaching."
"It won't hurt the brats to have a day or so to settle in," Leteetza said thoughtfully, "and Ubi is more than capable of taking the classes. But Zorun might not like the idea."
"Oh," Mahrayne looked crest-fallen, "I'd forgotten about that."
"Well you shouldn't," Kel said, "not always being able to do what you want is all part of being claimed - "
"I didn't want to be claimed, remember?" Mahrayne said with asperity, "I'm resigned to it, not happy."
"Sorry," Kel said apologetically and kissed her cheek.
"But," Leteetza continued, "if it’s not for too long he might be willing to let you go."
"He's had you to himself for days," Kel growled, "it's my turn."
"I'll speak to him about it," Mahrayne said decisively.
Buahan knelt in front of Mahrayne, then reached out and patted Mahrayne's abdomen lightly.
"Do you know if your baby is male or female yet?" she asked, her honey-brown eyes wide and hopeful.
"He's male, sinam," Mahrayne smiled, stroking the young female's hair when she pouted, "what's the matter?"
"I want a sister."
Mahrayne's heart went out to Buahan - it must be hard for her being the only female child in the group. The Hassinan leant close to her and whispered conspiratorially:
"Don't say anything to anyone yet, but I'm trying to get Pirum out here for a visit."
"Really?"
Mahrayne nodded, "It depends on whether her mama and papa will allow it, but - " she forestalled the little princess's next comment, "in the meantime you can talk to her over the vid-link." Buahan looked a little happier as she went back to sit with 'ani and 'leen.
"How do you know your baby's male?" Leteetza asked curiously, "did you see on the scan or…"
"You'll laugh." Mahrayne said a touch defensively.
Leteetza blinked. "About what?"
"About how I know."
"Why would I - " Leteetza looked puzzled, then the little female smirked, "this is some Hassinan mysticism thing, isn't it?"
Mahrayne nodded. Leteetza was indignant.
"I've never laughed at anything you've told me."
"No," Mahrayne countered, " but you get this look on your face which says 'this is complete nonsense but I'll be polite and listen'."
"Hn," the little female grumped, "well, go on and tell me anyway."
Mahrayne grinned, knowing what her friend's reaction was going to be.
"I threw the stones."
"What?"
"It's a method of divination," Mahrayne said calmly. "You ask a question, throw the stones - which are a centuries-old design, specially crafted, not just a handful of gravel you've happened to pick up - and the way the stones fall give you your answer."
You had to give Leteetza credit for trying, Mahrayne thought as she watched the Saiyan struggle to compose her face to an expression of polite interest.
"I threw the stones three times asking the sex of my child," Mahrayne went on, "and each time the answer was male."
"So you don't know for sure?" Kel asked her.
Mahrayne laughed. "Yes, I know for sure. The stones are never wrong. Well, hardly ever." She added as an afterthought.
Leteetza looked doubtful but Mahrayne knew the little female would be damned now before she voiced it.
Lying back in Kel's arms as they floated in the bath was wonderful. Mahrayne sighed contentedly - this was one of the things she had really missed. Everyone else also seemed lazily content, even the children were relaxed. Mahrayne smiled at the two little bodies splashing happily in the water in front of their sire. The babies were swimming already! Mahrayne felt herself going gooey again as she watched them play; Ra'vahn and Za'rayne were just adorable, but then she doubted that Radittsu and Zha'haabron could produce anything that wasn't, at the very least, cute.
"'rayne's got some new beads." Kel announced, urging Mahrayne to stand up and show everyone. Mahrayne laughed and pulled her hair away from her back.
"Oh, they're lovely," Ti'aasaan exclaimed, "how long did that take?"
"Three days to set them, then several more days before the swelling went down."
Radittsu, Hijau, and even Ti'aasaan, showed an interest in getting some skin-beads. They weren't specific about where they wanted them, but given the Saiyans' references to the sex-toys, Mahrayne could hazard a guess. Well, she knew Peruro would be delighted to set the beads for them. The female had confessed that she really enjoyed working on males, especially the young males getting their penis beads. She wasn't likely to be timid or shy with the Saiyans either - first, Peruro just wasn't the shy type, and second, despite being an ineligible female, she'd had a lot of experience handling males. Bead-setters were recommended by word of mouth, and as Peruro was very skilled and quite pretty, she had a high proportion of males in her clientele. Mahrayne grinned to herself, it had been Peruro who'd asked - after seeing Zorun - if all Saiyan males looked like him. Mahrayne would love to see Peruro's reaction when she met Radittsu.
The day wound on. It was quite warm, but not uncomfortably so for Mahrayne, and nowhere near the heat she'd endured in the suite during winter. After the bath, everyone settled down for a rest before the evening's entertainment. Mahrayne managed to stay still for a little while, but she was feeling too alert to rest properly. She wondered what she was going to wear to the feast, and then her gaze brushed over Leteetza, and she grinned. More importantly, what could she get the little female to wear…
"Ye gods," Leteetza smirked when she saw all the flowers Kel had collected for Mahrayne, "no wonder the place reeks."
Mahrayne laughed, her eyes shining. "It's wonderful, yes?"
"You're fond of Kel, aren't you?"
The Hassinan quirked an eyebrow. "I'm more than just fond of her." Mahrayne's expression softened. "And Kel knows it now."
Leteetza absorbed the implications of that for a moment, then put her hands on her hips.
"So, why did you drag me away from my rest and into this - " the little female glanced around, " - indoor garden?"
"I need some help deciding what to wear tonight."
Leteetza rolled her eyes. "Just pick something and wear it."
"Well, actually," Mahrayne grinned, "I want to make sure I don't clash with what you're wearing."
The little female eyed her suspiciously, then she growled.
"You are not getting me into a robe again!"
Mahrayne pouted. "But you look so lovely in them."
Leteetza folded her arms across her chest.
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Please?" Mahrayne added 'tiisaan style big, wide-eyes to her appeal, and the Saiyan scowled at her.
"This is absolutely the last time."
Mahrayne squeaked happily and hugged her grumbling friend.
"I've got something that's the perfect shade of green to match your eyes..."
Leteetza's patience was strained by the time Mahrayne was finished with her - the Hassinan could easily spot the warning signs - but the little female looked exquisite. The embroidered robe fitted closely to Leteetza's lithe body without hindering her movement, and the minimal amount of jewellery she'd let Mahrayne adorn her with added to the overall effect of grace and exotic beauty. Leteetza would never admit she was beautiful, Mahrayne thought, but the look on Radittsu's face when he saw the little female said it all.
It was a fine and warm evening. The reception room's large, external doors had been opened up and the room faced out onto a beautifully landscaped garden. From her position near the opened doors, Mahrayne looked out over the lawn and watched the younger hostlings playing together, in between dashing inside for another mouthful of food. She lay back and gazed up into the darkening sky, and smiled; she loved this planet.
The feast was a very relaxed occasion, the guests sat or reclined on large cushions and furs and rugs, chatting amiably while the servitors brought round platters of meat and fruit, and a variety of drinks. Vejiita had even given the guards leave to sit and eat, and Zorun sat with Kel and Mahrayne for a time. While the atmosphere between the strainingly polite Saiyans wasn't comfortable, it was at least a start to Mahrayne's fantasy of having them both with her all the time. Mahrayne smiled at Kelapa, and ran a finger softly down her cheek.
"Kel, could I have a few minutes with Zorun, please?"
The big male visibly relaxed when Kelapa moved away and he smirked at his mate.
"Have you changed your mind about staying in the suite?"
"No." Mahrayne laughed and lightly stroked the tip of his tail as he brushed it over her belly. She looked up at him. "Zorun, Kel's going away for a few days and I'd like to go with her."
Her mate growled low in his throat.
"No."
"Please? I'd really like to."
Mahrayne could see he was wavering, caught between wanting to make her happy and not wanting her to go away with someone who was - even if merely a female - his main rival for her affection.
"Where will you be going?"
"To Pankuzu, to her father's estate."
"Who is her father?"
"Lord Kurumi."
If she hadn't been watching her mate's face so closely, she would have missed the tiny lift of his eyebrows at the noble's name.
"How long will you be gone?"
"Three nights, from tomorrow, and returning early the fourth morning."
Zorun scowled.
"All right." He growled grudgingly. Mahrayne beamed at him, pulling herself up on to her knees to kiss him.
"But - " he regarded her sternly, " - you will take extra guards, and - " he pulled her close, suddenly – disarmingly - tender, nuzzling her neck and shoulder, " - I get you to myself for a few nights when you return. Agreed?"
Mahrayne nodded happily. "Agreed." She kissed him softly, winding her arms around his neck. "Thank you."
Zorun went back to his duty with the King, and Kel returned to Mahrayne.
"So?"
"He's agreed that I can go with you," Mahrayne smiled, "as long as we have more guards, and I spend a few nights with him when I return."
"Hn. Generous of him."
"Kel, please…"
The warrior sighed then smirked. "Why couldn't you love someone I liked?"
Mahrayne laughed. "Why couldn't you like the other person I love?"
Hijau and Zha'haarak had snuck off somewhere - and while Radittsu and Zha'haabron didn't leave, the big Saiyan very much looked like he wished they could… Mahrayne was not surprised couples were heading out into the gardens for some privacy - it was a very romantic setting! Earlier on she'd seen the Saiya-jin-no-Ou lead his Companion out of the reception room, and away from the general view. Mahrayne had smiled warmly when he'd gently touched the little female's face with his hand and wound his tail around her waist. She hoped Leteetza would respond in kind, it would be so much easier for her friend if she was on good terms with both of her children's fathers.
Mahrayne frowned, though, as she watched Kobis and 'haabron disappear into the garden. She was sure there was something developing there, but was uncertain how to react to it. They were so young! Too young, surely to be engaging in sex-play? But then, if she hadn't known how old they actually were she'd assume they were close to Pirum's age and Hassinan females were generally experimenting sexually with their friends before they were seven. Mahrayne sighed; Pirum hadn't begun experimenting yet - mostly because her little sister's sometimes acid intelligence had frightened off the more timid young females, and alienated the rest. And while the precocious child had a number of adult females as friends, sex with them just wasn't an option until Pirum was an adult herself. Oh well, no doubt that problem would resolve itself when it was the right time.
A little later Mahrayne and 'tiisaan danced together on the lawn, tirelessly, gracefully, until well into the night. As usually happened when they were dancing for themselves, they focused so intently on each other they were mostly unaware of their surroundings. They didn't notice the loving smiles of the family as they watched the dance, or the interested looks from the alien Ambassadors that were attending the feast.
Mahrayne laughed with pure joy – to be dancing with the little zn'hre again was deeply satisfying. There was no awkwardness between them, no need to readjust, just an easy, seamless, slipping back into the rapport they had before they were separated. 'tiisaan was stronger now, Mahrayne noticed, more sure in his movements: she believed he was ready to begin the rigorous training required for bell-dancing. There were other things she wanted to try with him as well, things that she could only visualise, but that 'tiisaan could do - like using his ki to dance in the air...
Jeice joined them, and the trio spun and whirled around each other in something approaching - for Mahrayne - the trancing bliss.
She was very happy.
It was late when the family returned to their suite and some of the younger, half-asleep hostlings had to be carried back. There was no arguing from any of the children as they were made ready for bed, and in very little time the lights in the suite were dimmed, and all was quiet.
Mahrayne smiled at the tangled heap of young ones - it had been a long day for them, no wonder they'd mostly fallen asleep without a murmur. She lay on the sleeping platform with the young hybrids - Zha'haabron had asked her to watch the hostlings for a little while so he and his bondmate could spend some time together - and gently blanketed the babies with her hair, feeling completely content.
"They are lovely aren't they?" Leteetza whispered, sitting down next to her.
"They are." Mahrayne murmured agreement.
The little female stroked her hair.
"You're very pleased with Za'rayne's name."
Mahrayne lifted her head to look at her friend.
"More than you'd know."
Leteetza tilted her head enquiringly.
"On Hassina we name our children after those we love or admire, those we want our children to emulate."
The Saiyan's eyebrows lifted as the implications sunk in.
"I know it's unlikely Za'rayne has been named for me," Mahrayne said, "but still," she gazed down at the infant, "I am honoured." The Hassinan brushed a soft kiss over first Za'rayne's, and then Ra'vahn's cheeks.
"Who were you named for?" Leteetza asked.
Mahrayne's expression didn't change, save for a slight drop to the corners of her mouth. Her naming was an old hurt now but it hadn't lost its sting.
"Nobody important." Mahrayne said softly, silently willing Leteetza not to ask any more.
The Saiyan watched her for a moment, then leant down and kissed her cheek.
"I'm going to get out of this ridiculous outfit," she murmured, forcing a level of crossness into her voice, before pushing herself off the bed and leaving Mahrayne alone with the babies. Mahrayne curled around her charges, forcing everything out of her mind except her current duty, and dozed.
The glowingly-sated bondmates returned after an hour, and Mahrayne gently pulled herself away from the young hybrids. Radittsu gave her a heart-stopping smile as he and the High King slid into bed, nestling their children between them.
"'rayne?" 'tiisaan, 'viirel cuddled into him, lifted his head and sleepily blinked at her. "Will you sleep with us tonight?"
"I will, sinam," Mahrayne smiled at him, "but there's something I want to do first."
'tiisaan nodded, and yawned, and was asleep again before his eyes had closed properly.
Mahrayne kissed Kel softly, waking the warrior out of her light sleep.
"I won't be long," she stroked her lover's cheek, then padded barefoot out of the suite.
Kelapa waited a couple of minutes then headed for the balcony.
"Where are you going?" Leteetza whispered from her place between Ti'aasaan and Radittsu.
"Where do you think?" the warrior smirked.
"I think she wants to be by herself."
"She won't know I'm there," Kel said, then grimaced, "besides, the big shit will rip off my tail from the inside if I let anything happen to her."
"Hn, good point," Leteetza frowned, "but don't crowd her. Mahrayne's less moody than she was, but - "
"Yeah, I know." Kel stepped out on to the balcony then smirked over her shoulder at her friend. "You know, it's going to be hell around here with all the moody, broody females." Leteetza growled and Kelapa took off before the female could throw something at her.
Kelapa drifted just above the treetops, making straight for where she knew Mahrayne would be. Sure enough, the Hassinan was sitting cross-legged and naked in the centre of 'her' glade, hands resting lightly on her abdomen, her exotic, beautiful face turned up to the sky. Kelapa landed silently behind a tree and crouched down out of sight as Mahrayne stood up gracefully, stretched luxuriously, then began to dance. Kel smiled, she always liked to watch her lover dance...
Then the warrior's eyes narrowed: they weren't alone in the glade. She scented the air carefully.
Zorun.
Of course. He knew Mahrayne as well as she did, he'd know perfectly well where she'd be on her first night back. Kelapa smirked mirthlessly; no doubt he knew she was here too. Kel suppressed a growl – the kusoyaro had had Mahrayne to himself for days, and he'd agreed to let his mate go away with her - she'd have something to say if he tried to reclaim Mahrayne when it was supposed to be her turn with her now.
Mahrayne danced on, her scent rippling with joy, oblivious to the two Saiyans caught in orbit around her.
© 2002 June 18th Amanda Mullane
