Reverie

… cold smoothness under his fingers…
'zhasaan sighed and cuddled closer to his sire, one hand gently fondling the heavy pendant earring… cold and smooth and beautiful… filled with shifting stars…

'tiisaan snuggled more closely against the warm body behind him, sighing happily. It was nice to be back in the suite again, even if only for the night - so nice to be close to 'rayne…
      He frowned. No, that wasn't right, was it? Mahrayne wasn't here any more. There'd been that silly fuss between her and Zorun-san and Kel and 'rayne's dead twin who was still with her… He sighed. What was the matter with the grown ups? Didn't they understand there were more important things in life than arguing over who got to sleep with who?
      *It's not quite that simple, zk'vils…*
      'tiisaan twisted to lie nose to nose with his machii: Le'leen nuzzled him gently. The dancer pouted.
      **Well it should be!**
      Le'leen chuckled. Things were so simple for 'tiisaan - dance was his life, he had no interest in anything else, although he did dutifully learn his lessons with the rest of the students.
      The hybrid sighed. And he was so beautiful, and didn't even realise it, was completely oblivious to the yearning and occasionally lustful stares he attracted everywhere he went…
      Le'leen pulled him close, shifting so 'tiisaan's head was on his shoulder. He fitted so neatly… 'leen yawned and dozed off again, 'tiisaan's soft fragrance filling his senses…

**It was extraordinary**
      The suite was almost empty, the children at their morning activities, Zha'haarak down with Mahrayne for a dance lesson accompanied by 'jau and Kuri, and Zh'leet and Br'yaan on their regular trip to the Alien Quarter to check out the new comestibles. And Radittsu and Zha'haabron didn't have to be anywhere for three whole hours…
      The king stretched luxuriously and stroked his bondmate's tail: Radittsu shivered and nipped at a cool shoulder.
      *Beautiful. Never seen anything quite like it...*

Bri'seiyis had managed to find a moment to speak to his king at last night's reception after the Performance. The Academy's master had been quietly overjoyed at the event's success, his deep azure eyes sparkling.
      "Ssii'iin, I can never thank you enough. We've already had fifteen requests to join - three of them even sound promising! - and several beings have asked if we would be willing to travel to their homeworlds to perform."
      Zha'haabron raised an eyebrow.
      "An interesting idea. Your response?"
      Bri'seiyis shook his head.
      "We are not ready yet. And the security and safety of our performers must be paramount: we would need guards. But in general the idea is an excellent one." He turned his head as a tall thin being - aide to one of the alien ministers - bowed from the upper waist and indicated his master. The zn'hre nodded, then returned his attention to the king.
      "Excuse me, my Ssii'iin."
      "Certainly, Ssii'iir. We will talk more about this at a later time…"
      As Bri'seiyis had walked away, Zha'haabron glanced around the room. Radittsu was hovering protectively over 'tiisaan, making sure the little dancer wasn't too overwhelmed with questions and demands for his attention: at the other end of the chamber Jagung - with Merica behind him glaring destruction at anyone who tried to be too familiar - was talking about Saiyan dance with a small group of evidently fascinated beings. Over by the broad window stood Jeice, deep in conversation with a handful of stocky, pale green, elaborately attired aliens. Vejiita himself was seated on the low dais at the end of the chamber furthest from the door, Manzano beside him introducing each guest as they approached. And there was a large group of beings clustered around the expansive buffet table, enjoying the palace's finest fare.
      Vejiita looked smugly satisfied: their guests had nothing but praise for the event, the setting, the dancers, and the princely way they'd been treated. They'd all go home full of admiration for the Empire and its rulers, and no doubt the diplomatic corps would be flooded with requests for membership, trading agreements, the exchange of information… It was all most satisfying…
      He frowned as 'tiisaan suddenly seemed to droop: Radittsu swept him up into strong warm arms and carried him over to Zha'haabron.
      "This little one is exhausted. Shall I take him home?"
      The Saiyan's deep voice carried through the room: there was stir as various individuals pressed a little closer to express their appreciation of 'tiisaan's skills and urge that he be allowed to rest, he was far too precious to be allowed to push himself too hard… 'tiisaan smiled tiredly and wished them all a good night. As Radittsu made for the door, Vejiita rose to his feet.
      "I believe this is an appropriate time to call a halt to proceedings for now." He glanced at Leteetza, inclining his head towards the door - time for them to retire. "I trust you will all sleep well…"

Zha'haabron sighed and licked along the Saiyan's throat as big warm hands stroked his back. Radittsu kissed the corner of his mouth.
      *Shall we stay here, or use the bath?*
      The zn'hre gazed at him from beneath long green lashes.
      **Why not both?**
      Radittsu laughed soundlessly, kissing his way slowly down the cool muscular body below him, tail between strong thighs teasing the entrance to the king's chitsu. Zha'haabron gasped as his erection was engulfed by a hot wet mouth, his elegant hands tangling in his bondmate's thick, heavy mane…
      Gods, Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu was so good, smooth broad tongue licking slowly up his cool inkei, varying the pressure he used, twining around the solid column of dark blue flesh and slicking over the top, sliding under the protective skin to tease the sensitive flesh underneath… Zha'haabron moaned quietly, trying not to thrust into his bondmate's throat, head arching back as his eyes closed. The Saiyan laughed deep in his throat, sending quivers through the zn'hre as he slid both large hands under the king's body to cup his buttocks, pulling lean hips upwards as his tail flicked and fondled the swollen nub, then taking the throbbing inkei deep into his mouth…
      Zha'haabron bit back a cry as he came, back arching off the sleeping platform… Long moments later Radittsu let the still pulsing inkei slide slowly from between his lips, licking his zkai'da erect again and kissing the glistening head.
      *Ah, beloved…*
      The zn'hre unclenched his hands, panting quietly as the Saiyan slid up his cool body, eyes opening to meet his bondmate's nightdark gaze. Radittsu smiled gently, his eyes very bright, and tenderly brushed a lock of silky emerald hair back from his love's face. Shifting to lie between Zha'haabron's legs, he eased strong thighs wider apart and very slowly slid into the welcoming chitsu…
      Zha'haabron shivered. Even now, after all this time, the big Saiyan never failed to arouse him, that big, solid penis stretching him, the skinbeads flicking over barbs sparking little jolts of pleasure right to the core of his being. And when Radittsu was fully seated, filling and overfilling the sensitive channel so that it felt as though he was nestled under his bondmate's heart, he suckled on his claim mark and began to shift…
      To Zha'haabron it was as though he were inside both bodies, feeling both Radittsu's faint thrusts, the slight pain of the barbs prickling on his skin a darkly erotic delight, and the way the skinbeads tugged very gently at his barbs, catching and pulling, leaving him gasping with pleasure. And in his mind… He could *feel* and *see* and *hear* Radittsu's love cascading from deep within, *meshing* with his own adoration for his bondmate. It was too much to bear for long: the double-climax always left him limp and sated - for a second or two…
      And then Radittsu began to thrust in earnest, long powerful strokes that caressed the blunted barbs, spearing along the nerves at the base of each to fill Zha'haabron's body with a trembling warmth and his mind with stars. Holding his beloved close, he was unaware of the tears of joy brimming in his eyes…
      Radittsu kept him - kept them both - soaring higher, minds *blending*, bodies in perfect accord, until they could no longer contain the ecstasy, climaxing in an ascending transcendent *starburst* that was almost visible in the grey light of the snow-filled afternoon.
      Long moments later Radittsu stirred, his arms tightening around his bondmate, big body still loose and quivering, hard again, his whole body sensitised and sparkling. He kissed Zha'haabron, licking remorsefully at his claim mark. In his…'enthusiasm' … he'd broken the skin: Zha'haabron was bleeding. The king *chuckled*.
      **Baka. As if it matters…**
      *I love you.*
      Zha'haabron sighed, shivering with pleasure.
      **And I love you, more than I can say**
      They lay, basking contentedly in each others' happiness, as the snow fell silently outside, muting the faint sounds of the city. After a while Radittsu nuzzled the king's neck, tail stroking gently over his abdomen.
      *I never asked - and if it's too painful just say - but… how many hostlings did you have? Altogether, I mean?*
      Zha'haabron blinked, then frowned.
      **No, I don't mind talking about it… But why do you ask, now?**
      The Saiyan lowered his eyes, face reddening, and the zn'hre grinned. 'vahn and Za'rayne, 'jau, and now Ti'aasaan's hosting - it was easy to see where this had come from and to what it was leading.
      **You're thinking about us trying again, aren't you?**
      Radittsu nodded, still avoiding his bondmates' eyes. Zha'haabron placed cool fingertips under his chin and pushed gently until he could see the Saiyan's face.
      **I'd like that - but not just yet**
      Radittsu sighed happily, pressing a kiss to the corner of the zn'hre's mouth.
      *Whenever you're ready, zkai'da…*
      Zha'haabron snuggled closer, resting his head on the Saiyan's shoulder and gazing pensively at the drifting snow.
      **How many hostlings… A lot** He frowned. **I'm not sure I can remember. After the first five years the drugs began to play tricks with my mind - and I never saw the hostlings, they were all taken away as soon as they'd been removed. And I was usually too… disorientated from the anaesthetics - and later the pain - to think to ask about them**
      Radittsu winced.
      *If this is too hard, aijin, just stop…*
      Zha'haabron sighed, then smiled sadly.
      **It might be best to talk about it… Let me think… I was hosting for about twenty-six years… Zha'geekaan allowed me only ten days or so to recover before forcing me again** He closed his eyes, mentally calculating. **That would make around forty-seven or so broods - and in excess of two hundred and thirty hostlings, assuming an average of five each time. I don't know how many survived… I do know there were more than five sometimes - I remember there being eight on one occasion…** Eyes wide but unseeing, he shook with remembered pain, and Radittsu cradled him closely. After a moment he swallowed and continued. **It was a nightmare. I was too young and too small, and they developed at different rates… they were cut from me in two stages…**
      Radittsu's fists clenched, wishing he had Zha'geekaan in his hands again. Zha'haabron sighed and kissed his shoulder.
      **He suffered, zkai'da. After the research team had done all they usefully could, they tethered my sire and Dhr'ovaanon to a rock close to the enclave and left them to the gich'klis. Firn'hir took them food and water every day, to make sure they survived to experience the larvae hatching and eating them, alive, from the inside out…**
      The Saiyan growled.
      *…too good for them…*
      Zha'haabron stroked his mane.
      **An unpleasant fate, nevertheless**
      *I suppose…* Radittsu stretched and nestled closer, relishing the peace and a little time for them to be alone together. The zn'hre nuzzled his neck.
      **Eventually my body… wore out, I suppose is the best way to describe it. I could no longer host: it would have killed me. And my sire didn't want that…" He swallowed, eyes hazy, refusing to let the memories hurt… "After I had recovered from the drugs, Zha'geekaan had me sire hostlings instead. And not often - he wished to keep me as a reward for his most favoured associates** He frowned again. **Perhaps fifteen times over the next twenty eight or so years?** He smiled ruefully. **I really don't remember. I'd much rather not try to remember…**
      Radittsu stroked soft green hair, wishing he hadn't started the conversation.
      *What did you do in between times?*
      **I trained, and spent time in the library, learning Formal R'ren'nkh'ia-go amongst other things. At council meetings Zha'geekaan had me kneel at his feet - or between his legs, sucking and fondling him…** Zha'haabron shook his head as if trying to dislodge the image the memory summoned. **But I learned a lot in those meetings, about R'ren'nkh'ia, about my sire's version of statecraft, about the positions and politics of the various clans. That at least has served me well**
      *Beloved…* Radittsu held him close, protectively, shaking with anger and grief. Zha'haabron sighed.
      **Those days are over, zkai'da. We will never let them return** He shifted, long tongue rasping gently over a nipple, making his bondmate shiver, then smiled up into the much-loved face. **Shall we bathe?**
      Radittsu grinned, gathered him close, and flew them both to the pool…

Things were subdued in the Academy for a couple of days after the performance. Everyone was still slightly stunned that everything had gone according to plan, and been received with such acclaim. Bri'seiyis had decreed a few days holiday for everyone to do as they wished, to celebrate their success…
      Deep winter, and a much less vicious one than last year. Heavy snow, and it was bitterly cold, of course, but there'd been no blizzards, and the winds were less ferocious than usual. 'tiisaan watched the snow from the warmth of the shared room, curled up at his place by the big window. There was something so soothing about the silent whiteness drifting down so softly, softening the harsh lines of the bare trees. The lake had frozen: some of the hardier students were out sliding on it… he frowned, peering more closely. No, not sliding; they appeared to be trying some sort of dance, using long sliding motions on the ice. It looked, the young zn'hre thought with a stab of jealousy, very graceful, fluid and elegant…
      He sighed. It was so unfair that the zn'hre couldn't endure the cold! It meant there were so many things he couldn't try - swimming, for example, and visiting the mountains (by himself, that was: he could always ask papa to have one of the guards take him there, ki-shielded, but that wasn't the same…), and now this 'ice-dancing'… Why couldn't he be more like the hybrids? The cold didn't bother them…
      He frowned, chewing at his lip. The other zn'hre students were at the eatery with Repa and Mirkev, eating and talking; after Jagung's performance they all wanted to learn Saiyan dance. 'tiisaan hadn't gone with them: 'viirel had nodded understandingly - 'tiisaan got these melancholy, solitary moods every now and then - and they'd all left him alone. Alone. And the Academy was half empty right now, a lot of students had taken advantage of the holiday to return to their homeworlds for a brief visit.
      'tiisaan looked at the snow again.
      This would be the perfect opportunity for him to experience the winter cold, to learn what it felt like, to taste and touch the snow... He couldn't create his winter dance until he'd known it properly…
      Quickly and quietly, knowing he'd be stopped if anyone realised what he was about to do, he pulled on a warm fur bodysuit (but not his heaviest and warmest, he needed to be close to the elements in order to learn them), suppressed his ki, and slipped out of the building…

Tion stretched widely, clawed feet sure on the thick green ice as the other students slid, slithered and fell over all around her. All except the Shimosein, of course, they were used to the ice. But the rest….
      Undosus flinched at the deep rumbling laugh the Kori-jin loosed as one of the Tardans slipped and went sprawling, legs out in all directions. The Hassinan was still feeling fragile after her break up with Inaratus, wondering if she'd made the right decision. Lefelial wrapped a thin arm around her shoulders, several cranial tentacles stroking the side of her face.
      "You are well?"
      She shivered again at the sound of his voice, low, sweet and musical. It had been the second thing she'd noticed about him - the first had been his eyes, large and silver-turquoise and sparkling like crystal under long pale lashes - and she'd fallen in love with it immediately: her feelings for its owner were almost an afterthought. Lefelial was beautiful, though, and affectionate, and… he'd tugged at her from that first moment. It was a completely different feeling from that she felt for Inaratus - unfamiliar, strange, compelling… she wanted to be with him, touching him, all the time. She twined her fingers with his, still not used to the shape of his hands, with their two fingers and two thumbs, his skin cool and silky to her touch. Smiling up into his angular face, those beautiful eyes that gazed at her with such glowing tenderness, she was almost certain she had chosen wisely.
      "Yes, sinam. All's well."

Zaheen stood in the snow, thick fur fluffed out to protect her from the cold. She'd visited the Academy at Bri'seiyis' request, to discuss the Hyoujin performing arts - such as they were - with an eye to possibly introducing some into their curriculum. It had been an intriguing couple of hours; the zn'hre had done his best to set her at ease, and was clearly quietly passionate about the Academy's work. Zaheen had left his office with a promise to request permission for some of her people's most noted tale-makers and dancers to visit.
But before she returned to the palace she stopped by the lake, watching the activities with fascination. Tion was dancing on the ice, her massive form astonishingly graceful, while her fellow Kori-jin were on the flat far bank having some sort of mock battle with a group of mixed aliens, wadding snow into balls and throwing them at each other, accompanied by whoops and hisses and assorted other sounds of amusement. Nearer, a pretty young Hassinan was walking slowly with her alien lover, a curious and attractive sight.
Zaheen smiled to herself: this was a most fascinating world. Then she shivered and frowned at the sky. The wind was picking up, gusting heavy storm clouds towards the city from the south. Time to get back into the warm.

'tiisaan had hurried away from the Academy building into the wooded area to the sunsrise side, then out into the wide open space beyond, making his way through the rough grass to the edge of the shallow ridge on which the Academy sat. The wind was stronger here: he watched it blowing the snow in veils across the shallow valley, tangling with the empty branches, swirling along the surface of the broad river that looped around the city.
      Grey… grey and white and frosty silver. He pulled his hood back and closed his eyes, focussing on the sensation of stingingly cold snow against his skin, the rising icy wind that tugged his hair backwards and ran freezing fingers over his scalp; listening to the sounds, the high-pitched keening of the wind, the faint creak of snow-laden branches… He pulled off his gloves and dropped down to kneel, burying his hands in the snow, almost immediately losing all feeling in his fingers. He raised a hand to his face, intrigued by the pallor… The air was so cold, against his skin, in his lungs, he could feel it seeping into his body… Just a little longer…
      He closed his eyes, memorising, feeling the dance take shape in his bones, in his body. This was winter. This was Cold. Ice, the snow that swept in waves across the valley, obscuring everything in its wake, the screaming wind…
      He blinked painfully and looked around him, suddenly afraid. He'd lost track of time. Where had the blizzard come from? He struggled to force numb hands back into his gloves, losing one to the wind before giving up and tucking his hands inside the collar of the fur bodysuit. Not that that had much effect - kuso he was cold… He forced himself to his feet, stumbling backwards as the wind nearly knocked him over again, and turned to retrace his steps. And dropping painfully to one knee as his half-frozen body refused to obey him.
      He gritted his teeth, cursing himself. He'd been out here too long… Dragging himself back upright he managed a couple of steps, forcing his way through knee-deep snow, before collapsing again - and this time he didn't have the energy to rise. He curled in on himself and tried to *call* for help…
      Too weak. He'd waited too long. As he huddled in the snow, still trying to *reach* 'viirel, his last conscious feeling was anger, anger that he'd never finish the dance…

"Are you coming in?"
      Kisarial gazed up at Tion through the flurrying snow, raising his voice to be heard above the steadily-rising shriek of the wind: the storm had rolled in and driven most of the students indoors. Tion grinned and nodded, it would be pleasant to find something warm to drink. She accompanied the Shimosein part-way to the Academy - then paused, frowning, sniffing the air. Kisarial eyed her enquiringly.
      "What is it?"
      "I… don't know…" There was something unlikely on the wind, something off, she knew it… "I'll follow you shortly."
      Kisarial blinked and brushed snow off his eyelashes.
      "Shall I come with you?"
      The Korijin shook her head.
      "Thank you, but no. But it would be very nice to have a drink waiting when I return. I will not be long."
      The Shimosein chuckled and nodded.
      "Very well. I will see you shortly…"
      As the slender alien hastened into the warmth of the building, Tion paced deliberately in the direction of that faint, elusive something, part scent, part… something else…
      A wisp of bright green against the snow. And the faintest spicy-sweet fragrance on the wind…
      Tion raced to the small, snow-covered mound, huge claws quickly but carefully digging the unconscious zn'hre out and pulling him up into her arms, snuggling him as closely into her thick fur as she could and turning her back to the wind.
      His heart was beating, slowly, and he was still breathing, if shallowly. She began the trek back to the Academy, hurrying through the blizzard, loosing a deep, low roar onto the wind.
      A roar that was heard by the other Korijin, who immediately let Bri'seiyis know there was some sort of emergency. Natan was just leaving the zn'hre's office when 'viirel raced in, eyes frantic.
      "Bri-sama, we can't find 'tiisaan…!"
      Bri'seiyis blinked, then frowned - and reached for the comm unit. As Tion arrived, her half-frozen burden protectively held close, Vinas was already on his way…

He dragged his eyes open to meet Vinas' angry yellow and purple gaze and immediately knew he was in trouble. He braced himself for the explosion - then realised he was no longer cold. Not exactly warm, either, but he was out of the snow, and had feeling back in his body. He sighed and bit his lip, eyeing the Feeodoreean warily.
      "I needed to know, Vinas-sama…"
      "And I suppose if you needed to know what it felt like to be run over by a herd of stampeding bighorn you'd go out and try that, too…"
      'tiisaan blinked, wondering for a moment if Vinas had grown a sense of humour before deciding no, that was impossible.
      "Well, no, of course not - I couldn't dance with broken bones, could I…?"
      Vinas stared at the young dancer, his skin turning darker and darker as his anger grew, then crossed his arms over his thin chest, swearing volubly in his native tongue. Bri'seiyis raised his hands.
      "I deeply regret what has happened, Vinas-sama, and I take full responsibility. I will ensure such a thing does not happen in future."
      "You'll tell his Majesty."
      The songwright hesitated.
      "Will that be really necessary?"
      Vinas' eyes half-closed as he glared.
      "Yes it will. Either you tell him or I will…"
      Bri'seiyis glanced at the anxious 'tiisaan and nodded.
      "Very well. I will speak with the Ssii'iin." He paused while Vinas nodded, then asked, "Has any serious harm been done?"
      The Feeodoreean grunted.
      "No, luckily. And I do stress luckily. If the Korijin hadn't found him it would have been a very different matter. As it is, he may feel feverish over the next few days, but otherwise everything should be fine. Make sure he stays in the warm, drinks extra nutritive mix, and doesn't exert himself." He glowered at the young dancer. "That means you do not dance for at least four days." Ignoring 'tiisaan's hissing pout, he turned back to Bri'seiyis. "If there's any change in his condition, or if anything worries you, contact me immediately."
      The elder zn'hre nodded.
      "Of course, Vinas-sama."
      Vinas humphed and gathered his equipment together, ignoring his patient as he walked with the songwright to the door. 'viirel slid into the bed and snuggled close to his sire-sib to share some warmth.
      "That was very selfish and very unkind of you."
      'tiisaan blinked.
      "Selfish…?"
      "You got us into trouble too - Vinas says we're all supposed to look after each other."
      'tiisaan's stared at the little songster - he'd simply never thought of that point of view before… He bit his lip, feeling suddenly tearful.
      "I'm sorry… I didn't mean…"
      'viirel cuddled him.
      "We know you didn't. But honestly, ssa'an, it was a bit thoughtless, wasn't it? You should at least have told someone where you were going! You could have died…"
      Yes, he could have, couldn't he? 'viirel was right, it had been a very stupid and very selfish thing to do. Even if he had managed to accomplish what he'd set out to do. He nestled closer to his sire-sib.
      "I promise I won't do anything like that again… I'll think next time…"
      Which, 'viirel realised, resignedly, meant that there would be a next time. He licked 'tiisaan's shoulder.
      "I'll hold you to that, so make sure you do."
      The dancer smiled tremulously and nodded, shivering and cuddling closer to his sire-sib. He still felt cold… Your own fault, he reminded himself - then sighed as 'vadin snuggled into his back, wrapping his arms around his friend and kissing 'tiisaan's neck.
      "… I'm sorry… really sorry…"
      'vadin sighed.
      "Just don't do it again, ne?"
      And 'tiisaan nodded as he slid into sleep…