Journeys pt 3

Journeys pt.3

In the bath that evening Mahrayne sat astride Kel's thighs, her hands cupping her lover's breasts as she nibbled along the lines of skin-beads under Kel's collarbones. It had been so long since she'd felt anybody else's beads Mahrayne found them irresistible, completely unable to keep her hands - or lips, tongue, teeth - to herself. Kel had managed to keep them a surprise too, the sneaky roinnugh waiting until Mahrayne was spending time with Zorun before going to see Peruro. Mahrayne had been disappointed when she seemed to have always just missed Kel these past couple of days, the warrior having had to go somewhere just as Mahrayne was returning to the suite. She was beginning to wonder if she'd done something wrong and Kel was avoiding her. But all disappointment was forgotten when Kel had stripped off for the bath and Mahrayne saw the beautiful, symmetrical patterns coiling along the line of her collar bones.
       "Do you think she likes them?" Leteeza smirked at the warrior.
       "Hmm, not sure," Kel smirked back, "I think she has mixed feel - "
      Mahrayne's mouth, hot and insistent, on hers stopped the warrior from finishing her sentence…

The females were alone in their bed. Mahrayne was snuggled into Kel's side, the warrior's arm wrapped around her shoulders, her tail looped under the Hassinan's waist, the tip stroking languidly over her thigh beads.
      Mahrayne's head rested on Kel's shoulder and she trailed her fingers over her lover's beads.
       "Did it hurt?"
      Kel snorted.
       "All right, stupid question." Mahrayne smiled. "Why didn't you use something to dull the pain?"
       "It wasn't that bad."
      Mahrayne shook her head; it still stunned her how much pain a Saiyan could withstand before they thought to do anything about it. She ran her fingertips over Kel's breast, lightly circling her nipple.
       "Are you going to get any more beads?"
       "Why? Would you like me to?"
      Mahrayne lifted her head and smiled predatorily down at Kelapa.
       "Heh, stupid question." Kel smirked.
      Mahrayne settled her head back on to her lover's shoulder.
      "Zorun has some down-time in a few days."
      "I suppose he's going to want you the whole time." Kelapa grumbled.
      "Yes, but I'm all yours until then."
      Kel sighed. "How long has he got?"
      "Ten days."
      The warrior sighed again. "Just so long as he realises I get equal rights with you when I've got down-time."
       "I'm sorry."
       "Why?" Kel kissed her hair. "It's not your fault he and I can't stand each other."
       "Why is that?"
      Kel hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "We've never got on."
      Mahrayne eyed her: she wanted to discuss something with Kel but she wasn't sure how it would be received.
       "Just ask me." Kel said ruefully.
      Mahrayne grinned self-consciously - one of these days she'd remember their sense of smell...
       "About Zorun's down-time, I was wondering - if I can get some time off too - would you mind if he and I went to visit your father?"
      Kel grinned lop-sidedly.
       "You're asking my permission?"
       "He's your father. I don't want to intrude."
      Kelapa laughed. "You'd hardly be intruding, baka! Kurumi likes you. You're interested in him and his stuff, you're well mated and happily breeding - you're the daughter he's always wanted. He'll be delighted to see you."
       "Really?"
       "Yes, really, and if the King's Guard came to visit too, well - that'd certainly be something for him to dangle in front of the other old farts on the council."
      Mahrayne smiled, she could understand that, Hassina's councillors were not above using other people's status in an effort to boost their own.
       "Pinattsu's invited me to visit with her as well. I'd like to."
      Kelapa smirked at her. "'Visit'?"
      Mahrayne nodded, lifting her head again so she could look into Kel's eyes, to more accurately gauge her lover's reaction.
      "Do you mind?"
      They both knew they were speaking of more than a simple social call.
      Kelapa frowned, considering.
       "No, I don’t mind." she said slowly. "Heh, given who she's mated to, it would be an act of charity." Kel grinned evilly. "It could be my 'thank-you' gift to her for taking the pressure off me."
      Mahrayne laughed. "When you put it like that, it would be unkind of me to refuse her, yes?"
      Suddenly Mahrayne found herself on her back, Kelapa over her, pinning her down by her shoulders.
       "Fuck Pinattsu if you want," the warrior's voice was low and darkly intense, "just don't… forget me."
       "I can't, jha-tunovahn," Mahrayne said seriously, caressing Kel's cheek, "you are always in my heart and thoughts."

Getting time off wasn't a problem, in fact Mahrayne was a little hurt at Leteetza's poorly concealed eagerness when she asked. She wasn't bothering the little female that much was she? She was trying not to irritate her, but it was so hard ignoring her friend's pregnancy, especially when Leteetza was getting bigger every day. It probably didn't help that Mahrayne was finding the little female more attractive than usual. Leteetza may not be happy with the shape her body was assuming, but her very roundness was terribly appealing to Mahrayne. The Saiyan's breasts were filling out, her nipples were enlarged already and she glowed with health and vitality. She presented an engaging, tempting little package to the Hassinan…
Zorun had no objections to going to Pankuzu for his down-time, he even seemed pleased that Lord Kurumi had specifically asked them to visit. Likewise, he simply shrugged when his mate suggested they visit Pinattsu and Burajirunu while they were there. He didn't care what they did or where they went as long as Mahrayne was with him. Which was sweet, she thought, but she would have liked a little more help with the planning.
Zh'leet expressed her doubts about 'that mate of Mahrayne's' ability to look after her while she was away. Mahrayne swore faithfully she'd make every effort to eat enough and get plenty of rest, but Zh'leet conferred with Vinas and Ayva anyway, organising a supply of a concentrated liquid nutrient that Mahrayne could add to her drinks. The brood handed her the two large, sealed bottles with a stern admonition to follow the accompanying directions to the letter, then hovered when it came time for Mahrayne to pack, making sure the bottles went into the Hassinan's luggage. Mahrayne smiled fondly at the R'ren'nkh'ian; it was nice to be fussed over, but honestly, Zh'leet sometimes made her feel like an incompetent child.

The day they were leaving for Pankuzu, Zorun had arranged with Mahrayne to pick her up from the suite early in the morning. Over breakfast, Mahrayne was deep in discussion with 'tiisaan, and so didn't realise that Zorun had arrived on the main balcony until she noticed the look of wicked speculation on Ti'aasaan's face as he gazed outside.
      Mahrayne glanced over her shoulder and grinned, her pupils dilating, when she saw her mate dressed in the black leather outfit she found so… attractive.
       "I don't think I've ever seen him out of uniform." Kel smirked. "He almost looks reasonable."
      Mahrayne laughed, leaning forward to kiss her lover.
       "I'm going to miss you."
       "Miss you too." Kel said gruffly. "I'll get your bag."
      Mahrayne said goodbye to everyone, hugging 'tiisaan and 'viirel and Jeice, Buahan, 'haavok and 'honee.
       "Tell him he should wear that more often." Ti'aasaan smirked as he hugged the Hassinan. Mahrayne chuckled throatily.
       "Oh, I will."
      She smiled shyly when Zha'haarak brushed a kiss over her cheek, and blushed a little at Hijau's almost-leer, and his instruction to 'have fun'.
       "Take care of yourself." Leteetza said, stroking her cheek in farewell. Mahrayne kissed the little female, then quickly tickled the babies' tummies before inclining her head respectfully to their smiling parents. Kel carried her bag out to the balcony for her, handing it to Zorun without a word. Mahrayne hugged the warrior, kissing her deeply, missing her already.
       "Say hello to my father for me." Kel murmured, unwinding her tail from Mahrayne's middle where she'd instinctively placed it.
       "I will." Mahrayne kissed Kel again, then moved away from her lover towards her mate.

They met Bawang and Chikori, the two Elite guards assigned to them for the trip, at the spaceport. As when she'd travelled with Kel, Apyo and Chilek, the four of them had the front of the shuttle more or less to themselves; Mahrayne made herself comfortable on the wide seat, settling contentedly next to Zorun.
He let Mahrayne have the window seat, smiling, amused, at her delighted exclamations when they flew through a rain storm. Mahrayne snuggled in against her mate, trying to maintain some decorum and not grope him through his leather trousers. It was difficult. It'd been days since she'd been with him, not that she begrudged spending that time with Kel, but now she was with Zorun and he looked so - so edible in that outfit. All she wanted to do was lift her robe, climb onto his lap and impale herself on him.
"Soon." Zorun smirked down at her, his tail tip discreetly stroking her thigh beads through the fine fabric of her robe. Mahrayne took several deep breaths and tried for calm - in her current state of mind she wouldn't have been surprised if the Saiya-jin travelling at the back of the shuttle could scent her.

It wasn't raining when they reached Lord Kurumi's estate, but the heavy, slowly moving clouds up above promised more wet weather soon. Sure enough, big drops of almost warm rain began to splash down as the noble ushered them all inside.
       Kel had been right, Lord Kurumi was delighted to see her, and her mate, greeting the big male courteously but with unmistakable pleasure. Kurumi was very pleased, too, with the wall-hanging Mahrayne had made for him, asking her detailed, knowledgeable questions about Hassinan art. During the midday meal, Mahrayne self-consciously produced one of the bottles of nutrients Zh'leet had organised for her, giving Lord Kurumi a shortened version of why she needed to supplement her diet. The noble nodded, his expression serious and Mahrayne had the feeling that while she could sweet-talk the brood into being somewhat flexible with her diet, Lord Kurumi would give her no such option. It was, Mahrayne had to admit to herself, rather nice to have people concerned for her welfare.
       The midday meal seemed to go on for a pleasantly long time, Lord Kurumi and his guests chatting amicably while they ate their way through a small mountain of food. It was warm and humid, but not unbearable; the dining room walls had been folded back to help the air circulate but the deep eaves of the house protected the interior from the rain which was falling heavily outside. Mahrayne found herself feeling drowsy and she stifled a yawn as she listened to Lord Kurumi's summation of the Council's plans to extend the island's small transport facility. The noble gave her a rueful half-smile.
       "I realise this might not be the most interesting topic - "
       "Oh, no, Lord Kurumi," Mahrayne blushed, "it is very interesting, it's just that I'm quite tired - "
      The noble held up a hand. "It was a poor joke, Lady Mahrayne." He smiled at her. "Maybe a rest would be beneficial?"
       "An excellent idea." Zorun stood up, helping Mahrayne to her feet, the look in his eyes suggesting something other than merely resting though. Mahrayne lowered her eyes demurely but there was no disguising the flush on her cheeks.
       "Kekik will show you to your room." Lord Kurumi said with the shadow of a smirk.

The elderly servant took them up to the second storey, leading them down the wide, central corridor to the same room Mahrayne had been given on her previous visit. She smiled her thanks at Kekik as Zorun pushed open the door.
       "Are you still tired?" Zorun smirked as he shut the door behind her.
      Mahrayne grinned. "A little, but I'll rest all the better if I'm worn out first."
       "Hn. The day I wear you out is the day I'll resign my post."
       "Looks like you'll be King's Guard for a while then, yes?" Mahrayne giggled, cupping her palm over the growing bulge at Zorun's groin, kneading gently.
       "Just as well I like my job." Zorun murmured, pulling her close.

The weather had cleared a little when they came downstairs from their 'nap' a couple of hours later. Zorun offered to take Mahrayne flying and she readily agreed, asking Kekik to tell his master that they'd be back before the evening meal. Bawang and Chikori accompanied them, not that Mahrayne really noticed the guards, she was still humming from her and Zorun's love-making, her sensitised skin tingling at the feel of his leather clad hard heat and the slight chill of the wind as they flew over the island and along the coast.
They returned in plenty of time for the evening meal. Mahrayne and Zorun showered leisurely together before joining everyone downstairs in the 'open' room. It was an enjoyable evening, the meal went for hours and they talked well into the night with their host. As she suspected he would, Lord Kurumi made sure Mahrayne ate enough, the noble gently but firmly reminding her to take the supplement, and keeping an eye on how much food she managed to get down. Zorun was attentive as well, and Mahrayne basked in the care of the two strong males. She and Zorun eventually retired for the night, long after Bawang and Chikori had excused themselves. Lord Kurumi smiled and bade them goodnight, and they headed upstairs to their room.

The next few days followed a similar pattern. They ate their meals with Lord Kurumi, occasionally dining with other guests of the noble, then invariably headed down to the ocean to swim and hunt and make love, and - this was more Mahrayne's idea - to explore the jungle. Mahrayne loved being surrounded by green, growing things. She loved being able to sit motionless in the middle of it all and listen to the noises of life around her. It was deeply satisfying for her, and she was grateful for the opportunity to experience it. Mahrayne was mildly annoyed though, when she discovered the growing bulge of her child prevented her from climbing easily. Fortunately Zorun was inclined to indulge her. She couldn't persuade him to climb the trees himself, but he floated closely behind her as she carefully pulled herself up through the branches, his tail wrapped snugly around her ribs, ready to support or catch her as necessary.
       Zorun took her flying in a storm. He'd worn a black bodysuit for that rather than his leathers, explaining with a smirk when Mahrayne pouted, that wet leather was no fun.
      Mahrayne had been exhilarated, and a little frightened, as they flew through the downpour; the rain stung as it lashed them and the winds that whipped her sodden hair away from her face were cold enough to chill her slightly. It was warm inside the ki-shield Zorun erected around them as they flew home, though, as was the shower they took before tumbling together onto the wide bed.
       Mahrayne was having a wonderful time, but Kelapa was never far from her thoughts…

On the evening of their fifth day, Lord Kurumi mentioned he had business to discuss with councillor Hezerenattu tomorrow at his home, why didn't they accompany him? Mahrayne happily agreed, she'd been thinking it was time to visit Pinattsu.

They breakfasted early the next morning, then flew the little way down the coast to Hezerenattu's enclave shortly after second sun's rise. Zorun carried Mahrayne and the travel bag she'd insisted on bringing with her, even though they were only going to be there for a day. Zorun was wondering, Mahrayne knew, about her anticipation of the visit. If he asked she was prepared to tell him it was because she was looking forward to seeing Pinattsu again, and meeting her children. Which wasn't a lie, but Zorun didn't need to know about the small, carved sex-toy she carried with her in her bag. It was Mahrayne's hope that she'd be able to introduce Pinattsu to its pleasures.
       Hezerenattsu greeted them all cordially, though his son, Burajirunu, seemed stiff and ill at ease. Pinattsu beamed when she saw Mahrayne, stepping forward lightly to embrace her.
      "I'm so glad you could visit, Lady Mahrayne." Out of sight of the males, Pinattsu's long, slim, red-brown tail stroked slowly over the inside of Mahrayne's ankle.
       "So am I." Mahrayne smiled down at the tiny female. "Please call me Mahrayne."
      Pinattsu smiled, withdrawing her tail from under Mahrayne's robe before deferentially addressing the males.
       "With your leave, I'll give Lady Mahrayne a tour of the house."
       "As you wish." Hezerenattu smiled fondly at the small female, then turned his attention back to his guests. Mahrayne flashed a look at Zorun, who shrugged minutely, she could do as she wanted. Pinattsu headed purposefully inside, Mahrayne walking beside her.
       Councillor Hezerunattsu's house was a similar construction to Lord Kurumi's, only a little smaller, the furnishings not quite as fine. True to her word, Pinattsu took Mahrayne through her mate's father's house, giving a running commentary as she went. But soon enough they were on the second storey. Mahrayne grinned, she could hear the children long before they got to the door.
       "Mama!" A small Saiyan male, about the same age as the heirs had been the first time she met them, flung himself at Pinattsu. The female laughed and cuddled him to her.
       "Mahrayne, this is Nikuzuku, my eldest." The little male regarded Mahrayne fearlessly from the circle of his mother's arms.
       "Niku-chan," Pinattsu addressed her son, "this is Lady Mahrayne."
      Mahrayne smiled at the child, inclining her head politely.
       "I'm pleased to meet you, Nikuzuku-san."
      The young male grew visibly taller under the 'adult' treatment he was being accorded. He pushed away from his mother and bowed slightly towards the Hassinan, his grey-brown eyes never leaving her face.
       "Welcome to our home, Lady Mahrayne."
       "And this - " Pinattsu grinned as she took a baby from one of the two servant females, " - is Donguri."
      Mahrayne smiled but made no move to touch the infant, she was well aware of Nikuzuku's protective stance.
       "May I hold your brother?" she asked the child.
      Nikuzuku glanced at his mother, who nodded, smiling. He nodded his head decisively, but hovered as Mahrayne took the baby from his mother's arms.
       "He's lovely!" Mahrayne cooed, "How old is Donguri now?"
       "Twenty days." Pinattsu beamed, sitting down on the low bed, and pulling her eldest son to sit next to her. "He's almost finished weaning."
       "Already?" Mahrayne again felt that pang of sadness at how little time it took for Saiya-jin children to grow up. She sat down on the bed next to Nikuzuku.
       "Babies are a lot of work, aren't they?" she addressed the small male, who nodded solemnly, still watching her warily as she rocked the baby in her arms. Both of the children had their mother's beautiful eyes, and Donguri had her full, and long, red-brown mane; Nikuzuku took after his father, having his shorter, darker mane.
       "I have to admit I was surprised to see you still pregnant." Pinattsu smirked. "How long have you got to go?"
       "The latest estimate is around two-hundred days."
       "That's a long time! Are you getting impatient?"
      Mahrayne laughed. "Oh, yes."

Mahrayne spent a lovely few hours in the female's rooms, she hadn't realised how much she missed having children around. Nikuzuku was delightful, chatting away to her about everything, once he'd gotten over his initial mistrust of the stranger, and Mahrayne taught him a few clapping and counting games. Nikuzuku was very bright, and he quickly picked up the games, soaking up the knowledge like a thirsty tarips. Mahrayne made a mental note to speak to Pinattsu later about her sons' education.
      They ate the midday meal with the males, and Burajirunu went up a tiny notch in Mahrayne's estimation when he picked up his eldest son, allowing the child to cuddle into him for a short while before sitting him down at the table. He ignored Donguri though and Mahrayne asked Pinattsu about that later, when they were walking with the children around the compound.
       "Burajirunu isn't good with little children, he - doesn't know how to behave with them. He wanted nothing to do with Nikuzuku until he was walking and - " she imitated her mate's low, sulky voice, " - 'he could hold a decent conversation with the brat'."
      Pinattsu shrugged. "He's better with Nikuzuku now, though, and no doubt he'll be the same with Donguri when he's older."
       "That's sad," Mahrayne said, "males have no idea how much they miss out when they have little to do with their children."
       "Will Zorun want to have much to do with his child?" Pinattsu was curious.
       "I hope so," Mahrayne said sincerely, "and if he doesn't, I'll make him."
      Pinattsu laughed and handed Donguri to her so she could chase her eldest son around the fruit trees.
       Burajirunu's deficiencies as a father were made up for by Hezerenattu, who was a fond grand-father, the elder male happy to hold Donguri and play with Nikuzuku for a time. Nikuzuku was fascinated by Zorun and Bawang and Chikori. The three males were all much bigger and stronger than his father and grandfather - not surprising really, Hezerenattsu's family were first class, not elite - and even more better, the impressive males were all Elite Guards. The guards good-naturedly answered Nikuzuku's questions, Chikori - to Mahrayne's surprise - demonstrating a natural easiness with the curious child.
       After the midday meal was finished, Mahrayne, Pinattsu and the children didn't go back to the female's rooms, but stayed downstairs with the males. Mahrayne was a little surprised; from the way Burajirunu treated his mate, she'd expected them to be banished from the males' company. But Hezerenattu wasn't like his son, and it was obvious he enjoyed having the little ones around him.

Towards the end of the afternoon, the clouds rolling in from the ocean were thick and roilingly black, and Mahrayne could almost feel the wind gaining strength. Hezerenattu frowned at the sky with concern.
       "It's going to be a bad one," he said to Lord Kurumi, "you're all welcome to stay here for the night."
      Lord Kurumi glanced around at his visitors, and seeing no objections, gladly accepted the councillor's offer.
       By the time the evening meal was finished, the atmosphere was oppressive and thundery. Mahrayne hoped the storm would break soon, she was beginning to feel edgy.
      She was happy to offer her help with getting the children ready for bed, it would keep her mind off her vague fears…

Pinattsu smiled across the small bath at Mahrayne, she was very, very glad she had come to visit. The alien female had had no hesitation in stripping off and climbing into the bath with her and her children, expertly washing Donguri and making the child wriggle and squeal with delight when she blew bubbles on his tummy. Pinattsu had been intrigued to see more of the small bumps that adorned Mahrayne's face patterned over her body. She'd wanted to feel the beads on the female's breasts, but had made herself wait; the children would be in bed asleep soon and then she'd see if Mahrayne was as receptive to the idea of sex as Pinattsu thought - hoped - she was.

The bath was small enough that sitting opposite each other, the females' legs overlapped, Mahrayne's longer legs bringing her feet half-way up Pinattsu's thighs. Under the water, unnoticed by Nikuzuku who was happily splashing away, Pinattsu snaked out her tail and stroked up Mahrayne's leg to her knee. Mahrayne half-smiled at her through lowered lashes, gently insinuating one of her legs between Pinattsu's, her toes tickling the sensitive skin of her inner thighs. The small female grinned and opened her legs a little, angling her pelvis forward so that Mahrayne's big toe could just reach her body. Pinattsu shivered as Mahrayne's toe rubbed slowly along the length of her groin – it felt very good; Burajirunu hadn't been near her since her last heat.
       "Time to put the children to bed, yes?" Mahrayne said softly, her dark golden eyes holding Pinattsu enthralled with sultry promise. Nikuzuku looked as if he was going to make a fuss and Mahrayne smiled at him, promising him a story if he behaved well. The Hassinan's hold over Pinattsu lessened with the loss of eye contact, but didn't break, her toe gently teasing the Saiyan's nub made sure of that.
       When they were all dry and the children dressed in their loose sleeping clothes, the four of them lay down on the broad bed, the children nestled comfortably between the two naked females. Nikuzuku was next to Mahrayne, looking expectantly up at the alien while Donguri was content tonight to snuggle into his mother and fall asleep without nursing first. Pinattsu dismissed her servants as Mahrayne began her story.
       Both of the children were asleep before the story finished, Nikuzuku's tail curved protectively over his little brother, his fingers curled into loose fists as he slept. Mahrayne finished the story, despite its intended audience falling asleep, which pleased Pinattsu, she'd wanted to hear the end of it as well. When the story was complete, Mahrayne brushed a gentle kiss over Nikuzuku's forehead then looked at Pinattsu. The small female all but trembled under the alien's gaze; the colour of Mahrayne's eyes and skin making her feel like she was being hunted by a great, golden predator.
       "Now, where were we?" Mahrayne said, her voice invitingly soft and low.
      Pinattsu wriggled away from her children, beckoning Mahrayne to follow. She led the tall alien out of the bed chamber and into the ante-room. Like the rest of the house, it was dim in here, the wooden shutters fastened tight against the coming storm. Mahrayne ran long fingers down Pinattsu's face, her neck, her breasts, smiling at the small female's involuntary gasp as she gently pinched her still nursing-sensitive nipples. There was a low, padded couch near the door: Mahrayne grabbed Pinattsu's hands and walked her over to it. She seated herself on the couch, pulling the smaller female in close to stand between her open thighs. Sitting down, Mahrayne's face was level with Pinattsu's small breasts, a fact she made good use of, licking and nibbling until the Saiyan quivered with lust.
       "What if Burajirunu comes along?" Mahrayne asked, glancing at the door while her sure hands stroked slowly down Pinattsu's flanks and over her hips to the base of her tail.
       "He doesn't come here," Pinattsu said, pressing herself close to the Hassinan as one of the female's hands slid between her buttocks. "He sends for me if he wants me."
      Pinattsu couldn't see Mahrayne's face - she was kissing the smooth skin between her breasts - but her scent betrayed her. Mahrayne didn't think much of Burajirunu and was angered by the way he treated his mate.
       "It's all right," Pinattsu whispered, carding her fingers through the alien's thick, white mane. "I've become proficient at pleasuring myself."
       "You shouldn't have to." Mahrayne looked up at Pinattsu and the little female was surprised to see her lovely golden eyes glistening with tears. She didn't know what to say, no one had shown concern for her satisfaction before. Mahrayne ruffled the fur at the base of her tail with one hand, bringing the other around to the front, slipping between Pinattsu's parted thighs and easing a couple of fingers into her. Pinattsu moaned softly as Mahrayne stroked inside her, relishing in the sensations the alien was teasing out of her body. Because of that, she was well on her way to coming before she scented someone in the corridor outside.
       Oh fuck! Zorun!
      Pinattsu froze, unsure of what to do. She looked down, Mahrayne was watching her, head tilted to one side in inquiry.
      "What's the matter?" The Hassinan asked.
      Pinattsu simultaneously realised two things: Mahrayne didn't know her mate was outside, and Zorun didn't want her to know. The Guard's scent was a confusion of reluctant curiosity, arousal and embarrassment; Pinattsu was certain he wasn't going to disturb them.
       "Nothing." Pinattsu smirked, leaning down to kiss Mahrayne. Knowing that Zorun was listening to them, scenting them, had put a delightful edge on the encounter. She rocked her hips against the Hassinan, encouraging her to go back to what she was doing. Mahrayne grinned and obliged, her talented fingers quickly bringing the little female back to where they'd left off.

Zorun was looking for his mate. She'd gone upstairs with the little female and the brats hours ago, it seemed. He could feel the storm brewing, the static in the air was making his tail itch and he was... restless. He needed to know that Mahrayne was all right, he needed her with him: and so Zorun prowled along the darkened upper storey looking for her.
       He found her.
      Zorun stood indecisively in front of the door, his tail twitching in disbelief. His mate was in there fucking Pinattsu! Or whatever it was females did with each other, anyway... Zorun knew he should go - Mahrayne was in no danger and she'd come back to him eventually – but he couldn't move, too caught up in guilty fascination. Zorun suddenly realised, with a deep embarrassment, that Pinattsu knew he was there. He froze, waiting to see if the little female would tell Mahrayne.
      She didn't and Zorun stood there rooted to the spot, listening to his mate making another female come.
       It took a long time for the little female's breathing to return to normal.
      Zorun thought seriously about leaving them to it, but then Pinattsu spoke - it was deliberate, he was sure - just loudly enough for him to hear.

"Are you happy with Zorun?"
      Zorun tensed, half-afraid of what he'd hear; he shouldn't be listening to this, but he still couldn't move away.
       "Yes." Mahrayne's voice was soft, he could hear her smile, and her scent was sweetly musky.
       "Hn. You're lucky."
       "You're not happy with Burajirunu?"
       "'Happy' was never part of the deal." Pinattsu sighed gustily, "But I am content, I suppose. I have my children." Zorun's sensitive hearing caught the small sound of bodies moving slightly together; he scented his mate's slow arousal, heard her sigh.
       "Lord Kurumi's daughter - Kelapa - you're lovers aren't you?"
      Mahrayne murmured an affirmative, her breathing picking up speed, her scent heavily musky now; Zorun absently rubbed his burgeoning erection through the bodysuit.
       "How does your mate feel about that?" Pinattsu asked softly.
      Mahrayne paused and her scent changed, became tinged with sadness.
       "Neither of them are happy with the other."
       "Problem?" It sounded like the small female had her nose buried somewhere.
       "I try to spend equal time with them both, but it's hard." Mahrayne's moan made Zorun tingle, "I want to have them both with me all the time, but they'd never agree."
      His mate was making the small sounds she did when she was becoming helplessly aroused - and her scent… Zorun shook himself; he shouldn't be doing this. The big male padded silently away from Pinattsu's rooms, his erection subsiding as he thought about what he'd heard.
       A short time later he was lying on the wide bed in the room he and Mahrayne had been given for the night, hands behind his head, frowning at the ceiling. He couldn't ignore it anymore, Mahrayne loved Kelapa – as she loved him. Dammit, it wasn't natural.
       Fucking aliens!
      And his mate wasn't happy with dividing her time between them, she wanted him and that – female with her all the time. Really wanted it, he'd scented that easily enough just now when Pinattsu had asked her about it. Mahrayne must have felt like that for ages – how had the little ama managed to keep it secret? Zorun didn't squirm as an uncomfortable thought intruded; maybe she hadn't made a secret of it, but he'd chosen to ignore it. He scowled; in the privacy of his own thoughts, Zorun could admit the vaguely shameful truth that he'd do anything Mahrayne asked of him, to make her happy. Almost anything anyway. But she hadn't asked about that, had she, so he couldn't be blamed for not considering it, could he? His rationalisation sounded reasonable to him, but it didn't stop the annoying, unwelcome, flare of guilt.
      Zorun's scowl deepened as he considered his rival. Kelapa was only a year or so younger than him, they'd gone through cadet training together. He remembered very clearly his first sight of the odd islander female, and her of him – the antipathy had been instant, and mutual. Piturun, a friend from his childhood who'd joined the cadets with him, had pushed him to admit one night - after they'd imbibed a quantity of alcohol together – that, yes, Kelapa wasn't bad looking and he'd consider fucking her, if she didn't irritate him so much. After a few more drinks he'd told the brawny male that fucking Kelapa would be bearable if he was desperate, and she was unconscious. At the time, the thought had been arousing, but he'd sparred with Piturun instead, easily subduing the less-skilled male and fucking him 'til he bled.
      Kelapa had been in the off-world forces for a while, her service coinciding with his. They didn't see much of each other, thankfully - Zorun had the nasty thought he might have taken out some of his frustrations on her. As it was, he wasn't proud of the number of alien females that had borne the brunt of his anger.
      Zorun wrenched his mind away from the past, pulling away from the dark memories of Nappa's brutality, and his older brother's barely hidden gloating satisfaction at the sight of Piturun's mutilated body...
      And Hijau knows all this....
      Zorun shrugged off the despair, knowing that the Captain would keep his promise of silence, and turned his thoughts instead to his mate, smiling without realising it.
       He still didn't like Kelapa much, they still rubbed each other the wrong way, but for Mahrayne's happiness he could at least consider the thought of allowing the female closer.
       But not right now, he could scent Mahrayne outside the door...

Mahrayne stepped out of the shower, accepting the drying cloth Pinattsu offered her with a grateful smile. The Hassinan quickly slipped into the light robe she'd been wearing earlier, and padded barefoot out of the bathroom, followed by Pinattsu, through to the ante-chamber.
      The little female hugged Mahrayne at the door. "Thank you."
      Mahrayne gently stroked her cheek. "My pleasure." She bent down to brush a swift kiss over the female's lips. "I'll see you in the morning."
      Mahrayne let herself out of the female's rooms and headed down the corridor to the room she and Zorun had been given. She smiled to herself. That had been fun, it was a pity they were leaving tomorrow, she would have liked to stay and play with Pinattsu some more. Mahrayne hadn't had the chance to use the toy on the little female – it was still in her travel bag which was in her and Zorun's room – but a long Hassinan finger had worked just as well she discovered. Mahrayne almost giggled aloud – Pinattsu's reaction to the stimulus had been very satisfying.
      The predicted storm hit just before Mahrayne reached her room. The building shuddered with the force of the winds and Mahrayne resisted the urge to run the last few yards. The feel of the floor moving beneath her feet, even slightly, was frightening; it was much too like an earth tremor for her peace of mind. She was profoundly glad to find Zorun waiting on the bed for her, treating him to her warmest, most loving smile as she scrambled over next to him, snuggling into his reassuring solidity.
       Mahrayne spent a wonderful night with Zorun, happily grabbing the distraction he offered with both hands, wrapping herself – and him – in a blanket of warm sensuality that kept the unease she felt at a distance. At some point, deep in the night, they'd been lying on their sides facing each other, pressed close enough they could both feel their baby moving gently between them. Mahrayne was sated, completely relaxed, almost asleep... She gently pulled away from Zorun's kiss – her mate falling asleep as she did so - and opened her eyes to find the three of them bathed in a subtle, golden glow that was oddly, comfortingly familiar. Too drowsy to do more than smile at the wonderful trick her imagination was playing on her, Mahrayne slid down into sleep, her last – barely conscious – act a *whispered* 'I love you' to Zorun and their child, and to Kelapa who Mahrayne imagined she could sense distantly at the end of the fine, glimmering thread that spun off from the glow surrounding her.

The storm had blown itself out by morning, leaving an almost eerie calm in its wake. Mahrayne woke up just before first sun's rise, bursting with energy.
"Is there time to go flying today, before we have to leave?" she asked Zorun as soon as she'd kissed him awake. Her mate grunted something which could've been taken as a yes and she kissed him again, stroking his tail where it lay across his thigh. She giggled as he growled at her 'to let him fucking sleep' even as he surged erect; not liking to be woken early was something else her Saiyans had in common...
Mahrayne knew that Saiya-jin weren't comfortable with public displays of affection, but she felt so close to her mate that morning she couldn't help herself. She didn't behave too badly over the morning meal, she thought, it wasn't like she was sitting in his lap or anything, but Mahrayne felt compelled to touch Zorun, to keep the physical distance between them to a minimum. Zorun didn't seem to mind her sitting so close that she may as well have been in his lap, and to her absolute, unhidden, radiant delight, as they ate he curled his tail around her hips, draping it across her thighs. The look of fond indulgence Lord Kurumi gave them was quite subtle, as was Councillor Hezerunattsu's faintly amused gaze. Bawang and Chikori, as befitted the dignity of Elite Guards, kept their expressions neutral, but the pudgy Burajirunu looked distinctly uncomfortable. Mahrayne wasn't so caught up in her mate that she failed to notice the sly looks Pinattsu was giving him as she delicately nibbled on slices of fruit. Zorun, outwardly, was ignoring her but there was a studied deliberateness about it. Mahrayne was intrigued - what was going on?

After the meal, Zorun excused himself and his mate, informing their host they probably wouldn't be back before the midday meal; then he led Mahrayne outside, picked her up gently and took off into the air.
      He flew them low and slowly over the jungle, followed discreetly by their guards, until they encountered one of the many rivers that cut through the island. They dipped down to fly just above the water as they followed the waterway out to the sea. The suns light wasn't quite so bright at this time of year, and the cloud cover cut down a lot of the glare, so Mahrayne was able to see much more detail. She was wide-eyed at the storm damage, having never seen anything like it before. Mahrayne asked Zorun to stop so she could take a closer look at one of the uprooted trees. She picked her way gingerly around the bared roots, peering into the dark spaces, fascinated by the rich smell of the freshly exposed earth. There was an amazing assortment of insect life to see including some tasty looking grubs. Mahrayne used a fine stick to pick one out of a hole in a thick root. She examined it closely, it wasn't the same sort as the ones Kel had found for her. It was more pink-grey than blue-grey, its pincers weren't as large, and up near its head part - that she neatly twisted off and discarded - it had four, thin, segmented legs that looked quite crunchy...
       "What the fuck are you doing?!" Zorun demanded as she bit into the grub. Mahrayne chewed and swallowed quickly, startled by his exclamation.
      "What?"
      "That could be poisonous!"
      "Don't think so." Mahrayne said cheerfully popping the rest of the insect into her mouth and chewing with satisfaction. Zorun looked ill.
      "That's disgusting."
      Mahrayne swallowed, then grinned at her mate.
       "Why? It's just an insect. Tasty too, very meaty." She smirked at him as she half-turned back to the tree. "Shall I see if I can find one for you…?"
       "No." Zorun said firmly, striding forward and scooping her up again.
      Mahrayne giggled as they took off into the air.
       "Kel said northerners prefer their food to have bones."
       "That's because northerners have evolved past the 'grubbing-in-the-dirt-for-our-food' stage." Zorun muttered.
      Mahrayne laughed and kissed his cheek as he flew them quickly out of the jungle, speeding his mate away from any more unsavoury culinary explorations.

The weather was still warm, and the rain had made it humid, but the strong breeze whipping in off the water was wonderfully cool and refreshing. Zorun flew them almost to the water's edge, dropping Mahrayne lightly onto the damp sand.
"Swim?" he asked her with a smirk, peeling off his bodysuit.
Mahrayne glanced around; Bawang and Chikori would be around here somewhere, but, she couldn't see them, so she could pretend they couldn't see her. She flashed a grin at Zorun as she turned her back on him, lifting her hair away from her neck so he could undo the ties holding her halter-neck robe closed. Zorun obliged, running a blunt finger down his mate's spine as the garment fell away to the sand, smirking as she shivered and threw him a sultry glance over her shoulder. Mahrayne reached for his hand and they waded out into the water together.

It started to rain again as they swam. Mahrayne floated on her back in the water with her eyes closed, enjoying the cool drops pattering over her skin. Zorun swam close, winding his tail around her thigh, and kissing the scar on her neck. She opened her eyes, turning her head to smile at him; Zorun smirked as he held up several large fish.
      "Hungry?"
      She was a little, realising it had been several hours since she'd last eaten. They swam back to the shore, Mahrayne picking up their clothes and heading towards the shelter of the jungle while Zorun cleaned the fish.
       Mahrayne sighed happily. Lying naked with Zorun, eating freshly caught fish and watching the patterns made in the rain by the wind would have to be one of the best ways to spend a morning. The only way she could think of to improve on it would be by having Kel here as well, or adding sex to the mixture. Well, Kel wasn’t here, but the sex part shouldn't pose a problem… She looked up at her mate – to find him smirking at her. Mahrayne grinned, levering herself out of his lap then placing the palms of her hand against his broad chest, pushed at him, encouraging him to lie back on the dry sand and leaf litter under the trees. Zorun's tail teased between her thighs as she licked and nibbled down his chest and stomach towards his groin...

When they returned to the councillor's enclave they had just enough time for a quick shower and something to eat before leaving. Mahrayne thanked Hezerenattu for his hospitality, remembering to acknowledge Burajirunu as well, before turning her attention to Pinattsu and the children. Nikuzuku allowed her hug him briefly, but he wriggled, unwilling to be coddled like a baby in front of the elite males. Mahrayne understood, and she stepped back, inclining her head towards him politely. The young male suppressed his beaming grin, offering the alien female a dignified nod instead. Mahrayne cuddled Donguri, kissing the infant's nose and letting him grab at her hair. She handed him back to his mother, then hugged them both.
       "Come and visit again soon." Pinattsu whispered.
       "I will." Mahrayne smiled down at the little female, then grinned as she remembered something. She rummaged around in her travel bag, trying not to be too obvious. Her fingers closed around the sex-toy and she smirked. Mahrayne stood in front of Pinattsu, shielding them both from the males' view, and she handed the toy to the little female. Pinattsu looked at it, puzzled, then her eyes widened in comprehension and she grinned.
       "Thank you." she murmured, tucking the slim rod out of sight in her robe.
       "My pleasure." Mahrayne kissed Pinattsu's cheek then went to stand with Zorun. He scooped her up, and followed Lord Kurumi into the air and back to the noble's enclave.

The next morning, shortly before the midday meal, Kekik showed some visitors into the 'open' room. Lord Kurumi hid his surprise – just - the noble standing and inclining his head towards the female and the two young children.
       "Welcome, Lady Mayis, would you like to join us for the meal?"
      Mahrayne studied the female with interest. She was as tall as Zorun, her mane was a rich, lustrous brown that spiked softly over her head, falling past her shoulder blades and – Mahrayne was intrigued to see – she had small gold rings crimped over the ends of some of the spikes of hair. The noble female's face was angular, her dark eyes glittered, and she was wearing dark leather sandals, a short leather loincloth (that highlighted the lean length of her legs) and a short leather top. She looked – wild.
      The female smiled coolly, fleetingly at Kurumi, but her attention was on Zorun.
      Mahrayne's mate had also stood up when the female came into the room, and though his face was impassive, his body was rigid with – shock?
       What was going on?
       Mahrayne glanced at the young males standing by their mother's – she assumed – side. The elder she judged to be the same age as the heirs, and the younger a little older than Nikuzuku.
       "Hello, Zorun," the female faced the big male as if he were the only thing in the universe.
       "Hello, Mayis," Zorun sounded wary.
       "It's been a long time since we've heard from you." Lady Mayis said, laying a hand along her youngest child's shoulder. The movement brought Mahrayne's attention back to the young male and she stared at him, wide-eyed.
       The child bore an uncanny resemblance to Zorun...