Naissance part 2
The water flowed over bare shoulders and down her back, pulling thick, white hair into a silky stream. Golden skin prickled and tingled in the cold: the river originated from somewhere deep in a mountain and it was freezing. Quite refreshing really.
Mahrayne saw the flash of movement amongst the submerged branches and pounced, lunging forward into the frigid stream to snatch at something fat and slippery before it could dart away. Laughing triumphantly the Hassinan surged to her feet and tossed the heavy, wriggling catch to the naked, smirking Saiyan waiting on the bank.
"Not bad for a beginner." Kelapa chuckled, easily dispatching the creature with a needle of ki to its brain.
Mahrayne beamed, bending to rinse her abraded hands. Like every other thing on Vejiitasei the omoi was built for defence. Its scales were actually streamlined spikes covered with a slippery, probably toxic mucus. It'd scratched her hands when she'd grabbed it, but no matter, they'd heal quickly and Kel swore blind the thing was tasty enough to make up for any discomfort. The Hassinan waded out of the thigh-deep water, plopping down to sit cross-legged on the mossy ground beside her lover. The omoi looked a lot less harmless out of the water. It was as long as Mahrayne's forearm, with a deep, streamlined body striped grey and red. As well as the scales it had a wide, gaping mouth filled with hundreds of tiny, razor sharp teeth. A bite from that would really hurt.
Kelapa neatly ki-sliced a chunk out of the dark-yellow flesh and handed it to her lover. Mahrayne nibbled experimentally then grinned and took a proper bite. It was good! Firm and just a little chewy with a subtle – for her limited palate – clean sort of taste. The Hassinan wondered if there were any omoi in the rivers near the Kamome settlement – her people would love it, especially if it could be dried or preserved properly. A real treat...
The Hassinan settlers had only been at the caves for a couple of hours before a delegation of sorts from the nearby Kamome township paid them a visit. Half a dozen young, male, low-class Saiyans and three Muruanians, one male, two females, arrived bearing gifts for the new-comers. The Saiyans had brought food – a few of the wild pigs and a brace of grittig – while the Muruanians presented a cluster of beautiful, intricately carved items made from the musky-scented wood native to the area. Mahrayne stood well back as Malum limped forward to greet the visitors: it was not her place to speak, this was her brother's Household after all. The young male grinned broadly, thanking them for their gifts before inviting them to stay for the midday meal.
It was a friendly start. The three races mingled a little awkwardly at first but the Hassinans' obvious delight in the gifts smoothed the way for open communication. After the meal the visitors stayed for a couple of hours to help ferry the supplies from the transport, and then they left, the Saiyans promising to return the next afternoon to assist the Hassinan in a hunt.
It'd been decided, at a 'household' meeting back in Vejiitamachi, to have the main access to the caves through the entrances in the cliffs. This was closer to the village than the forest entrance, and with the ground being more open along here it would be easier to get goods in and out. Kelapa, directed by the Effodios, spent the first afternoon ki-carving some wide, broad steps into the cliff-face and by the time the first sun had begun to set the Hassinan were able to walk down into their new home.
Kelapa was not happy being underground though she'd be damned if she'd let any of the aliens know! Mahrayne knew, of course, and resisted the urge to go deeper into the caverns with her kin. Instead she spent most of the time in the large chamber just inside the cliff-face, helping organise the supplies. Kelapa was easier being somewhere she could see the sky but still she spent most of her time outside, scouting for game. On their second evening Mahrayne sat with her mate on the newly formed steps, gazing out into the sheltered gorge. The light from the setting suns tinged the cliff walls a gleaming, dark gold as gliders of some sort wheeled in the sky overhead. She'd forgotten how beautiful it was here, and the waterfall spilling over the cliff into the lake below kept the temperature comfortable even during the hot season heat.
They stayed with the Hassinan for five days, during which time a rudimentary power system was installed. Fuelled by long-life battery cells, it was meant to be a temporary measure until someone with the appropriate knowledge could come and make a proper assessment of the settlement's needs. But for the moment they had light and hot water which went a long way towards making the caves a home. Mahrayne was curious to see how her people would arrange their living spaces. She knew Malum planned on staying with his females but they were the only 'family' group - how would the others distribute themselves? A little way in was a cluster of rough caverns of various sizes, interconnected by tunnels. Predictably, the remaining males and females clumped together in their own, separate areas, except for Lento who accepted Malum's invitation to share with his family. The apprentice Effodio didn't appear to be perturbed by the idea of living so closely with females and he was given his own curtained-off space to one side of his leader's area. Mahrayne believed the arrangement would work well, Lento was devoted to her brother and Malum had come to rely on the youngster's help.
Seeing as the group was so small there'd been a conscious decision to integrate the sexes, as far as was comfortable, within the day-to-day activities. The largest of the caverns in this area became the 'living' space - this was where the new household would cook, and eat, and interact. By consent though, bathing was still segregated, with separate facilities being organised for males and females. Mahrayne smiled to herself at this; as progressive and open-minded as this group appeared it couldn't be expected for them to do away with all the conventions just yet.
There was another, huge cavern, even deeper in to the cliffs, the ceiling and walls of which were swathed in glittering crystal formations. This was the 'ontibu' cave Mahrayne had discovered with Zorun. It became the Hassinan's place of celebration and on the third night after having taken up residence at Kamome, they held their first dance and feast there. A large proportion of the local Muruanians attended – this was a people who loved get-togethers! – as well as some of the less claustrophobic Saiyans. Mahrayne led the dancing, not surprisingly, watched all the while with a fierce, loving pride by her mate...
Two days later Mahrayne said her farewells then Kelapa scooped her up and flew them further inland.
*Where are we going?* the Hassinan queried as they flew fast and low over thick forest.
*You'll see.* Kel smirked, nuzzling her neck.
Some time later the warrior dropped them lightly into a cool, shady glade.
*This'll do.*
Mahrayne glanced around; there was nothing here except towering trees intersected by a fast-flowing stream. The small rustling sounds of animals surrounded them, and there were flashes of colour as fliers darted about in the canopy.
*Kel?*
The Saiyan smirked, enfolding her mate in strong arms and tail.
*Alone. Finally.*
Mahrayne laughed and kissed Kelapa's throat.
*No interruptions.*
The warrior's eyes gleamed.
*Exactly...*
Much later, Kelapa reached into their travel bag, pulling out one of her spare bodysuits. She tossed it to Mahrayne.
*You'd better wear this,* she suggested as she pulled on her own suit, *there's some thorny plants around and you can't hunt in robes.*
Hunt? The Hassinan blinked then grinned. Of course they'd have to hunt, they'd not brought any food with them...
It was primitive, primal even, but the next few days were wonderful. Completely alone, the females spent most of their time naked, except when they were hunting. They caught all their food, devouring the warm flesh raw for the most part, then splashed about in the icy stream. Mahrayne climbed trees and danced for her mate, and they made long, lingering love before falling asleep curled contentedly around each other.
Mahrayne's awareness of Hassina was always simmering just below the surface of her mind, but here alone with both of her heart's lights - Kel and Alida - Hassina seemed very far away.
The females returned to the Capital refreshed and relaxed, to find things had been happening in their absence.
Mahrayne couldn't decide whether to frown or smile. Apulyi, the second-class female who'd wanted so much to become a dance teacher, had defied her mate and applied to the Academy for entry. Bri'seiyis had been waiting to speak to Mahrayne before making a decision.
"In your opinion, Mahrayne, would she truly be suited for this? Would she truly be happy here?"
The Hassinan nodded firmly.
"Yes, Bri-sensei, definitely. Apulyi's a natural teacher if ever I saw one – she loves dance and she'll impart that love to her students."
The songwright tapped long, elegant fingers on the desk as he considered.
"I would like you to speak with her first, to make sure she is serious." The zn'hre smiled. "And then I would like to speak with you about how, exactly, you teach someone to be a teacher. If this is going to be a regular occurrence in the future we'll need to think about a specific, dedicated syllabus."
Mahrayne returned his smile, already mentally organising subjects and class-structures.
"I'll go and see Apulyi as soon as possible, Bri-sensei."
"She did what?!" Kelapa gaped at her mate. "She can't just go off and do what she wants!"
"You did." Mahrayne smirked.
"That's different!" the female argued, "I'm Elite! Apulyi's a low-class female, she has to do what her mate wants her to."
"Why?"
"Why?" Kelapa echoed, tail lashing, "Because... because she has to. It's – "
"Traditional?" Mahrayne quirked an eyebrow.
"Well, yes. I mean, no, it's not traditional it's just... the way we do things."
"Traditionally." The Hassinan half-smirked at her lover's growled indignation. She snuggled closer to the Saiyan. "Why can't Apulyi do what makes her happy? It's not going to hurt anyone."
"Except her mate." The warrior scowled. "He's going to lose face if he can't control her."
"What if he gives her permission?"
"That might be acceptable," Kelapa reluctantly acceded.
"Even if he doesn't," Mahrayne shrugged, "how is one lone, low-class female's defiance going to affect the Saiya-jin as a whole?"
"Hn." There was a flaw in that argument, Kel knew there was, she just couldn't pin it down...
"Welcome to the Academy, Apulyi," Bri'seiyis smiled down at the happily smirking female, "I hope you enjoy your time here."
"Thank you, Bri-sensei," she inclined her head, dark eyes gleaming, "I plan to."
Apulyi's mate was still not happy with this 'mad idea' of hers but in reality, short of physical damage, he couldn't have stopped her. The small female had glared at Leeyek, in Mahrayne's presence, and told him if he wasn't prepared to let her do this she would simply leave him. That had settled the argument once and for all: given the choice between this undignified thing and losing his much-loved mate, Leeyek gave in more or less gracefully. It helped, a little, that she wouldn't be living away from him, and that there was a lot of prestige in being attached to the Academy.
*Leeyek's quite proud of his mate, really,* Kelapa informed Mahrayne later. *She's proved she's strong.*
The Hassinan chuckled and shook her head – she'd never understand Saiyans.
Apulyi slipped into the Academy's routine easily and Mahrayne had the pleasure of watching the rough-maned female blossom in her chosen field.
Kinu and 'jau returned from their holiday full of enthusiasm for Rumput. Mahrayne kept the smile on her face as the bright-eyed bondmates told her all about Hijau's family home and the plans for them to stay there more often. She'd resigned herself to losing her son a while ago but it hurt knowing it wouldn't be long now before he began to draw away from her. Later, when she was alone in the suite, Mahrayne longingly thought again about having another child. It wasn't likely though, as Kelapa had pointed out with gentle gruffness ages ago, neither Hassinan or Saiyan males would come near her. To the Hassinan Mahrayne was an ineligible female and to the Saiyans she still belonged to Zorun. Add to that the shadow of her and Kel's disgrace... The Hassinan squared her shoulders, pushing aside the momentary unhappiness. What did it matter if she couldn't have another child? No – Mahrayne affirmed to her ghostly twin - she wasn't going to wallow in this, she'd already been blessed with Kinu and Korena, and there were many, many other things she had to be thankful for.
A few days later Mahrayne was surprised, and admittedly a little unnerved, to receive a message from Hijau requesting a meeting. Other than Kel, and Buahan – who still attended the language classes – Mahrayne had very little to do with any of the Elite Saiyans. She thought back to her son's enthusiasm for Rumput – but that wasn't what the Captain wanted to speak to her about.
"Have you given any thought to Kinu's future?" the flame-haired Saiyan was direct.
"To be honest, I haven't, Hijau-sama," Mahrayne half-smiled, "I've not wanted to think of my son's growing up."
The corner of his mouth twitched upwards – a sign of amusement, Mahrayne remembered.
"This is just an idea but I think Kinu is well suited to the Diplomatic Corp."
The Hassinan considered the suggestion. Her son was intelligent, he had the necessary language skills and an innate curiosity about other races. He seemed to like and respect Manzano...
Mahrayne nodded.
"I think that's an excellent idea, Hijau-sama. Shall I speak to him about it?" she hesitated, "Or would you rather...?"
The Captain lifted his eyebrows.
"He's your son."
"I know, I – " she faltered, how to explain this feeling she had little part to play in Kinu's life? "Have you spoken of this with... his sire?"
Hijau nodded.
"I have – Zorun's amenable."
"In that case," Mahrayne smiled, "I think it's an excellent idea."
"Good." Hijau inclined his head slightly. "You broach the subject with Kinu and I'll talk to Manzano." He stood up to leave.
"Hijau-sama," Mahrayne began, hesitant, "Did... did Korena enjoy the trip?"
A look, almost sympathetic, flashed over the Captain's handsome face: he couldn't help but be aware the female hybrid hadn't been to see her mother since returning from the islands.
"She did, yes; Lord Kurumi was very taken with her."
"Thank you, sir," the Hassinan bowed her head. "I will speak with Kinu."
The silver-maned cub was intrigued with the idea. He liked being around the Diplomatic staff, finding out about the other races within the Empire - it was exciting! And so, even though it meant he couldn't be with his bondmate all day, every day Kinu began to spend his afternoons with Manzano, or more often Zyelenyi, acting as the deputy's assistant and learning the 'business' from the ground up. The hybrid could see himself being very happy attached to the Diplomatic crop, and was content to take these first steps in his future career. There were other aspects of his life, though, that were less clear cut.
After seeing what Ti'ani and Le'leen had gone though, 'jau was concerned about his own, inevitable first shizun. He didn't want his first sexual experience to be with a stranger, no matter how attractive. Kinu was *aware* of 'jau's anxiety and he wanted to help his bondmate, he really did, but so far he'd not experienced anything like arousal and he wasn't sure when he was likely to. He'd spoken to his bemused maazi but she'd not been able to enlighten him. Hassinan females could become sexually active from as early as five of their years, Mahrayne had said, but she had no idea if it was the same for the males. Pirum and 'selaan were more helpful - they had access to the G'geckans' studies of the Hassinan.
The young researchers had eagerly pounced on the question. With Kinu's racial heritage there were variables that had to be taken into account, permutations of genes that could affect the outcome, but what about environmental factors...?
The hybrid had growled at them at that he wanted an answer not endless speculation. Pirum looked affronted but 'selaan smiled in understanding, stroking the cub's mane back from his face. The short answer, the pretty zn'hre said, was that they didn't know, but according to the G'gecks observations – both physiological and anthropological - Hassinan males were able to function sexually from around eight years of age. Kinu was dismayed: that was such a long time! 'selaan knelt down to pull the hybrid into a cuddle, pointing out that Kinu wasn't a full-blood Hassinan, and that Saiya-jin matured almost as quickly as the zn'hre. He reassured the cub that even though he couldn't say for certain when he'd be able to make love with 'jau he was certain they wouldn't have to wait too much longer...
Outside, unseen on the balcony, Leteetza listened open-mouthed as Korena related an episode of the warrior's life – a very personal episode – to an enraptured gaggle of youngsters. The King's Companion wasn't sure what discomfited her most, that 'rena was retelling the story in the first place or that she was making her out to be someone heroic.
Even though it was excruciating to listen to, Leteetza didn't come storming in to put a stop to it. She didn't want to embarrass Korena - though she would certainly have words with the little brat later.
The hybrid's audience had dispersed to their afternoon activities; there were just Leteetza, Korena and Zha'haarak left in the suite. Leteetza scowled down at an uncertain little female.
"All right, where did you hear that story?"
"Tamata told me." Korena bit her lip. "Did I do something wrong?"
"It's private, baka! Didn't you think I might not want it bandied about?"
"'m sorry, 'teetza-sama," Korena hung her head, scent genuinely remorseful.
The Saiyan grunted, trying to stay annoyed.
"Why did Tamata tell it to you anyway?"
"I – I asked her about you." Big, dark eyes glanced up at the little warrior. "She tells me lots of things."
"Does she?" the Saiyan's tail snapped from side to side - looked like she'd be having words with her friend as well.
Korena quailed at the ferocious snarl and Leteetza relented a little.
"I'm not angry with you, 'rena-brat, but please think before you decide to turn any part of my, or someone else's, life into an adventure, ne?" 'rena nodded, relief edging out the anxiety in her scent. Korena adored Leteetza, almost as much as she adored papa, and she didn't want to do anything that would upset her idol. The King's Companion smirked, ruffling the cub's gold-splashed mane.
"You did a good job of it though, brat – it sounded just like one of Mahrayne's stories!" Leteetza threw Zha'haarak a wave then loped out to the balcony, springing into the air and heading back to the Council.
Zha'haarak regarded the female hybrid thoughtfully – he hadn't missed the look that flashed over her face at the mention of Mahrayne's name.
"Do you like story-telling, Korena?"
The cub nodded reluctantly.
"I think you have a gift for it," the gentle zn'hre smiled, "please don't put it aside because it's something you share with your maazi."
Korena flinched – that was exactly what she'd been thinking. Zha'haarak sighed and beckoned her towards him. She climbed into his lap, cuddling close to the cool, smooth body.
"Why does it disturb you to be likened to your maazi?"
"Because.." the cub struggled to express herself, "because I don't like her."
Zha'haarak's slender arms tightened comfortingly.
"You don't like her, or what she did to your papa?"
Korena gnawed her lip, seriously trying for the first time to sort out her tangled emotions regarding her mother. The Hassinan had betrayed papa with Kelapa before 'rena's birth and the cub had been *feeling* her papa's pain all her life. As well as that she'd always been horribly conscious of the anger and disgust other Saiyans had felt towards her maazis. It'd frightened the cub and in defence she'd done the only thing she could think of – distance herself from the source of the discomfort. But then again she had happy, warm memories of being surrounded by her maazi's love, of the affection and giggles, and of drifting off to sleep as the Hassinan sang to her...
'rena squeezed her eyes shut, forcing back tears as she reached for the flower pendant her mother had given her, the one piece of jewellery she always wore.
"'rena-chan?" Zha'haarak enquired gently.
"I don't know what I feel!" she sobbed, "I love papa and I should hate maazi for what she did to him but I don't. I can't!"
The gentle zn'hre hugged the cub, offering wordless comfort as she wept her confusion.
"It's all right, zvi'ch," he said at last, softly, once the initial storm had passed, "Your papa's pain is healing, as is your maazi's..." Korena went to protest – it wasn't her mother who'd had her heart torn out! – but stopped as it occurred to her that Mahrayne had suffered too, not in the same way as papa of course, but still...
"You don't have to choose between them, little one," Zha'haarak went on, "Neither should you feel you should love one more than the other because of what happened."
Korena nodded slowly; she thought she understood what he was saying but she needed time to absorb all this. The little female brushed a kiss over the prince's smooth cheek then climbed out of his lap.
"Thank you, Zhak-sama," she bowed to the zn'hre. "I feel better now."
"I'm glad." Zha'haarak smiled, "but please, Korena, don't give up something you enjoy simply because it's associated with someone you're... not sure about."
The cub forced a smirk.
"That'd be silly, ne?" Zha'haarak chuckled and her expression stretched into a genuine smile.
"Your training session has already started, zvi'ch," the zn'hre gently reminded her. Korena squeaked in alarm – she couldn't be late, that was completely... unprofessional! She leapt into the air, pausing to swoop down and plant another kiss on the prince's cheek before darting out of the suite and towards the military training facility...
© 2004 April 25th Amanda Mullane
