Relations
A'lestrel had woken up sneezing on the second day too, with the bed once more covered in feathers and Lutra looking even more bedraggled. He sighed and - in between sneezes - kissed her.
"I think maazi is right. Getting out into the fresh air for a while is a good idea…" He paused and frowned, stifling a sneeze and shaking soft white fluff from his fingers. "How do you manage? Do you… groom each other, I mean?"
"Yes," the tenshi grinned, absently reaching behind her to scratch at a wing root, wispy bits of soft white down coming loose under her nails. "It's one of the best parts of moult." She looked around at the volume of feathers lying about and frowned. "This... isn't quite normal though."
A'lestrel moved to kneel behind her, long strong fingers kneading at the thin flesh, combing through the feathers, long sharp nails scratching gently as more soft whiteness drifted down to the bed. Lutra groaned and leaned back into the pressure.
"Harder?"
Warily, not wishing to cause pain or injury, the hybrid scratched a little harder, long sweeping strokes that followed each wing-rib from top to bottom.
"I wonder why it's happening then…"
"I don't know, being on a different planet maybe?" Lutra leant forward and spread her wings out beside her. Bright blue eyes drifted closed in bliss as her hab'lan's strong nails magically seemed to seek out and give relief to the particularly itchy spots.
A'lestrel frowned.
"Hn. Perhaps we ought to have you see Vinas, just to be on the safe side. As this is a regular event, he'll want to be apprised anyway. You feel well? It's not causing you any distress - other than the itching?"
Lutra considered; there were a couple of niggly, trifling little problems, but nothing the tenshi considered worth mentioning.
"No, I'm fine, aijin."
He leaned forwards to kiss between her wings.
"Then, after first meal, will you come flying with me?"
She shivered, biting back a moan – damn that spot between her wings was so sensitive! Lutra lowered herself to rest comfortably on her elbows, peeking shyly back over her shoulder as she shifted to present her rump to her mate.
"Can first meal wait for a little while?"
A'lestrel nuzzled her face.
"You can open your eyes, you know. I won't drop you. And it is a fine view."
Lutra had closed her eyes tightly as her hab'lan had taken off from the balcony, her trembling body held securely in his arms. This was too unnatural! He didn't have wings…!
She cracked open an eye, peering around and down. He was flying very slowly, holding her effortlessly against his body: it felt very strange to be aloft without the wind and movement of beating wings. Unsure as to whether she liked it or not, for a while she was stiff, clutching at him, arms tight around his neck. But gradually she began to relax. He'd carried her quite safely on Maurilla, at the double moon celebration, after all - although she had to admit, there she would have been able to force herself into flight if necessary: here, with her wings in such a poor state, all she'd be able to do was break her own fall…
Which she wouldn't need to do, she told herself firmly. She was perfectly safe.
And A'lestrel was right, the view was quite something!
He flew them over the city, taking a slight detour so she could see some of the graceful architecture the capital could boast, then out towards a large wooded area on the outskirts. He landed lightly beside a placid lake, lowering her smoothly to her feet then pulling her into a tight embrace.
"…hab'lan…?"
He sighed and kissed her gently, smiling.
"This is a special place. All our bondmates come here, since papa first bonded to maazi."
She gazed around her. The place itself was pleasant enough, but nothing overly special - a mossy bank by a lake in a wood. And yet… There was a strange immanence to the place, a sense of watchfulness, patient waiting, though for what she couldn't say. She turned back to her mate.
"It's lovely."
He stroked her hair.
"You had to see it. It's become a kind of tradition." He kissed her. "Now, where would you like to go?"
Lutra couldn't have explained it, but, somehow, it wasn't quite right to leave here straight away.
*Could we stay for a little while, hab'lan?* She wrapped her arms around her mate, cuddling into his lean strength. A'lestrel blinked, then pulled her gently to him, cradling her close.
*It would be only apposite - zk'aida…*
And for long minutes they stood at the spot where Radittsu had found Zha'haabron weeping - and welcomed his fate, pulling his beloved to him never to let him go: where 'haabron and Kobis had watched the lake as the storm-clouds roiled overhead, their bond deepening with every moment: where Ti'aasaan had held the grief-stricken Zorun, his slight strength a powerful shield for the warrior: where Le'leen had sought solace, fighting his destiny until Ka'reysu had come seeking him… So many loves, so many fates…
The beach was deserted, and seemed to stretch forever.
Lutra stood on the white sand, A'lestrel behind her, his arms around her holding her loosely as her gaze moved slowly from sunsup to sunsdown.
*Hab'lan… it's… so flat…*
He chuckled and nuzzled her neck.
*It is, yes… Come, I'll fly us down to the water's edge, we can walk for a while.*
She turned to him, jaw dropping as he stripped out of his brief bodysuit and boots, dropping them on a convenient rock.
"… 'lestrel?..."
He smiled.
"It's warm, zk'vissin. And -" he shrugged "… there's no-one else here…"
Lutra still wasn't used to her mate's ease with nakedness, his own and everyone else's. But it would feel nice to have the sunsslight on her body, and there really wasn't anyone else around… She peeled off her trousers and top - smirking as the sight of her body aroused her hab'lan. She spread her legs slightly and stood with her hands behind her back, peering up through her lashes from lowered eyes. 'lestrel blinked for a moment, then dropped to his knees, hands cupping her buttocks as his tongue teased and tantalised, then pulling her down onto his erection, licking and nuzzling and thrusting until they came together…
Lutra slumped against him, panting, as he brushed kisses over her face.
*Zk'vissin… you really are delicious…*
She shivered happily and nipped his neck, blushing and unable to repress a giggle.
*Oh, aijin...* Lutra shook her head ruefully and kissed the corner of his mouth. *I don't have the words.. 'I love you' doesn't begin to describe what's in my heart.*
He sighed happily, standing smoothly upright and pulling her with him.
"Come with me…"
With two moons and a largely water-covered surface, Maurilla's tides were furious, its waves huge and often frightening things. On Vejiitasei the sea rippled in sedately, barely marking the sand…
Lutra walked into the water, the wavelets tickling her feet, the enveloping serenity of the place filling her and overflowing to her mate. A'lestrel paced at her side, his expression - his whole body - at ease, relaxed, happy. He smiled gently.
*Papa loves the ocean. I do too.*
He took her hand and together they walked through the rippling surf, pausing every now and then to hold each other close, soul reaching to soul through lips and eyes and *minds*… and time ceased to exist in the deep-swelling hiss and murmur of the ocean at their side.
It was mid afternoon when they returned to the palace, Lutra happily cradled in her hab'lan's arms, both of them hungry. Br'yaan prepared a large platter of seared meats and a big bowl of fruit, smiling as they sat at ease on the main balcony to eat.
Lutra sighed happily.
"It's lovely here."
A'lestrel eyed her, smiling.
"The palace, or the planet?"
She giggled and popped a juicy red berry into his mouth.
"Both, hab'lan. I'm so happy…"
A'lestrel stroked her face.
"As am I… What would you like to do now?"
She thought for a moment. If Ti'aasaan was right, days like this, when they could spend time doing anything they wanted, were going to be in short supply: it would be a shame not to take advantage of them. And there was so much she hadn't seen; Vejiitamachi's museums and galleries were famed across the galaxy, and she still hadn't had a chance to explore the Alien Quarter… But she was feeling tired, and there would be time enough to see everything, little by little. She could plan ahead for when her mate next had down-time… She took his hand, smiling slowly at him through her eyelashes.
"We could always go back to bed…"
Early the following day Zyelenyi spirited the prince away for a diplomatic reception that went on into the early hours of the following morning: A'lestrel arrived back weary, slid into Lutra's embrace with a sigh, and managed four hours sleep before Ti'ani apologetically woke him: there was some sort of crisis at corps headquarters and his particular 'pathic abilities were needed…
Lutra waved him off from the balcony, her wings drooping, and turned to Ti'aasaan.
"Is it always going to be like this?"
The little zn'hre grinned, keeping his voice low to avoid waking the rest of the family.
"It's certainly not unusual, though it's not always quite this hectic. Don't worry, you'll get used to it."
Lutra sighed.
"It seems terribly unfair."
Ti'aasaan shrugged.
"All part of being a member of the Empire's top diplomatic team." He patted her arm. "You should rest, torii-chan. There's no telling how long this might last, and he'll need a calm and restful atmosphere to come back to."
Nodding, she returned to their room - but it was quite a while before she was able to sleep.
Lutra had been feeling tired and out of sorts for several days now. She hadn't said anything, had gone out of her way to be her usual bright and cheerful self, but it was getting harder to keep up the pretence. The tenshi had finished moulting – there were still little bits of soft white down turning up in odd corners - but her malaise had nothing to do with that. Zh'leet had scared her half to death earlier that day when she'd enquired sharply if Lutra was hosting! There'd been a moment of blind panic, admittedly shot through with a rosy, half-wistful joy at the thought, until reason prevailed and she realised she couldn't be pregnant, her body had already produced the dark glob of thick goop which indicated fertilisation hadn't occurred. Not that, then.
The tenshi sighed. No doubt the problem would resolve itself in time.
The comm-link chimed softly and Ti'aasaan darted over to answer it.
"Call for you, torii-chan," the little zn'hre smiled at her, "from Maurilla."
Mystified, Lutra seated herself comfortably then activated the call.
"How are you Lutra?" Turlan's gentle face smiled out at her from the monitor.
"Very well, thank you, Highness. How are the winter celebrations?"
Turlan chuckled.
"Oh much the same as always, lots of food and drink being consumed, lots of inebriated tenshi falling all over the place. Everyone's enjoying themselves." The noble female smiled ruefully. "But there's a purpose to my call."
"Yes?" Lutra said warily: she hoped she wasn't about to be recalled.
"The official paperwork is on its way to you now, but I thought I might pass on the good news personally."
"Highness?"
"Congratulations, Lutra, the Suzerain has adopted you into his family."
The tenshi could only gape.
"What?" she squeaked.
"My brother has adopted you," Turlan's face was pleasant, but unreadable, "you are now officially his kin."
"But – but – " Lutra was bewildered, then she scowled. "This is only because I've bonded with 'lestrel, isn't it? I mean -" she rubbed her throbbing temples, "I'm honoured of course..."
Turlan laughed.
"It can't be denied that Natil's motivation was the benefits of having a member of his family mated to one of the Alliance's Princes."
Lutra's wings quivered her trepidation.
"I – I won't have to do anything official, will I, Highness? I'm not noble - I don't know how to behave..."
"I shouldn't worry about it, child," Turlan smiled, "the Suzerain isn't likely to ask you to perform any duties, other than accompany your mate, and as for behaving like a noble? You've been serving us for most of your life, you know what we're like, I don't doubt you could acquit yourself in noble company."
Turlan signed off, leaving Lutra to sit in stunned silence.
"I believe congratulations are in order, Highness?" Ti'aasaan grinned from beside her.
"Oh please don't, Tia-chan," the tenshi quavered, "I'm not royalty, I'm just a servant!" She broke off, lips parted and eyes wide as something delicious occurred to her: Veran was going to be furious.
"How will your own family feel about this?" the little zn'hre's question pulled Lutra back from her contemplation. The tenshi shrugged.
"I'm all that's left of my family. My immediate family that is." Her smile was wry. "And I doubt the rest of my kin will object to having someone of their blood adopted by the Suzerain." And they'd probably be glad to be rid of the responsibility of her, Lutra thought sourly.
"What happened to your family?" Ti'aasaan's eyes were sympathetic, his cool hand gentle on her forearm, then he grinned. "You can tell me to mind my own business."
Lutra bent down to brush a kiss over his smooth forehead.
"It's all right," she smiled, "they were killed in an accident years ago. A tree was uprooted during a storm – it fell onto our dwelling."
"That must have been terrible for you?"
"I was very young, little more than a baby." Lutra's smile was wistful. "I don't remember much of anything." Suddenly she yawned, a wave of fatigue washing over her.
"Are you all right, torii-chan?" Ti'aasaan asked, his brow furrowing in concern.
"I'm just… a little tired," Lutra smiled reassuringly at the worried zn'hre. "I'll go and have a nap. If that's all right?"
"Of course," Ti'aasaan smiled, patting her arm. "Do you want me to call 'lestrel?"
"Oh no," Lutra concentrated her energy on stopping her words slurring together, "there's no problem. I just have to go to sleep." She smiled wearily at the little zn'hre. "Wake me if you need me?"
Lutra made it to the room she shared with her hab'lan without stumbling, but it was a near thing. The tenshi lay down and immediately sank into a deep, dreamless sleep.
A'lestrel shoved his fringe back from his eyes, rubbing at his forehead: he could feel the incipient headache just waiting to pounce. He really needed a break, this last round of talks, emergency meetings and diplomatic crises narrowly averted had left him feeling drained. Ti'ani and Za'rayne, too - the elder hybrids had been forced to call on all their powers of persuasion to smooth the diplomatic incident that had nearly sent the Eehereehs to war against the Filngs…
A hand reached over his shoulder and placed a large beaker of stimulating chee in front of him. He glanced over his shoulder: Mangga bowed his head.
"Why don't you finish there, highness? It's been a long day. You need to rest."
The big Saiyan was right. They'd been working at the problem since yesterday afternoon and it was now nearly noon… A'lestrel's growling stomach suddenly reminded him he'd had nothing to eat since mid-day yesterday. But the situation had been resolved, and he wasn't needed to deal with the minutiae.
Lutra would be waiting for him. They could eat, then make love, and then he could sleep… Wonderful idea…
He nodded, then yawned and stood.
"Thank you. I am tired." Draining the beaker, he turned to leave, smirking over his shoulder. "And if Zyelenyi discovers any further crises in the next forty hours, tell him to wake someone else!"
Mannga grinned, knowing full well the prince didn't mean it. One thing you had to give the Zasshu credit for, they all had the keenest sense of duty…
A'lestrel landed on the balcony and stepped through into the warmth, smiling sleepily at Zha'haarak, who was serving a light meal to the hostlings. The gentle zn'hre nodded towards the mates' sleeping chamber.
"Lutra-chan is asleep."
A'lestrel frowned. Asleep, at this hour? That was most unlike her, she normally helped Zha'haarak keep the hostlings occupied when they were in the suite…
"And she has some news for you."
A'lestrel nodded absently, opening their door to see his tenshi sprawled on the bed, deeply asleep. He slid to sit beside her, and stroked her hair.
*Zk'vissin?*
There was no reply. He pulled her carefully into his arms.
*Lutra - time to wake up, sinam…*
No response. Alarmed, he hurried through to the common room, his bondmate in his arms.
"Call Vinas. Tell him we're on our way…"
As Zha'haarak hastened to the comm unit, A'lestrel took off, flying swiftly to the medlabs…
Lutra grimaced and moved her head in irritation; there was an annoyingly bright light trying to seep in past her eyelids. The light went away and for a brief moment she considered drifting back down into sleep – she was so tired – but then she heard 'lestrel's voice:
"Well?! Why isn't she waking up?"
Her hab'lan sounded upset; Lutra ignored her tiredness and forced herself up to consciousness.
"..'l… 'lestrel?..."
The tenshi dragged her eyes open to stare bemusedly into a thin face that wasn't her mate's. She blinked, confused, trying to place its owner...
Ah, yes, Vinas...
She blinked again. What was Vinas doing here?
A'lestrel felt suddenly limp with relief. Vinas frowned.
"Why did you not tell someone you weren't well?"
Lutra blinked at him, bewildered: A'lestrel hissed at the biotech. Vinas scowled back.
"Your highness, there's no way she could not have known there was something wrong. As it is, it will take longer to put the damage right."
A'lestrel blanched.
"What damage?"
Vinas pressed a monitor to the tenshi's neck.
"Reduced immune system, low blood sugar, borderline malnutrition…" He frowned, glancing at Lutra. "What is your normal diet?"
Lutra blinked wearily, the question a little beyond her right now: her hab'lan answered instead.
"The tenshi-jin eat a variety of foods. Meat of all kinds, some sort of tuber, fungi, herbs…"
"Tuber?"
A'lestrel nodded.
"Grows underground. Dense, very filling."
Vinas pursed his mouth.
"Hn. A carbohydrate source, from the sound of it. That would explain much…" He turned back to Lutra, a small half-smile on his mouth.
"I assume you've never really considered your diet?" Not waiting for her to respond, he swung his head to A'lestrel.
"I'll have an emergency substitute made up for her. But I suggest you arrange to have some Maurillan plants imported. They should grow well here."
Lutra watched her bondmate: A'lestrel looked confused.
"A lack of this… carbohydrate… has made Lutra ill?"
The Feeodoreean nodded.
"Our gravity is a little heavier than Maurilla's: she requires the extra energy the plants provide."
"Will she be all right?"
"Oh yes. Tired for a while - she should rest." He glowered at the prince, his eyes twinkling. "Rest completely."
Lutra couldn't make sense of any of this.
"Hab'lan?"
The Zasshu smiled down, stroking her face with long, cool fingers.
"You haven't been eating properly: it's made you unwell."
"...Oh..." A thought struggled to the surface. "Is that why my feathers fell out so quickly?"
A'lestrel glanced at the biotech, who nodded.
"That's entirely possible." Vinas confirmed.
"Right..." Lutra sighed out deeply, relaxing, her eyes drifting closed.
"Don't go to sleep yet," 'lestrel urged her awake again. "Have something to eat - then you can rest."
Lutra groaned softly; she was so tired she doubted she had the strength to sit up let alone eat...
"Don't worry, aijin," A'lestrel smirked. "I'll feed you..."
Vinas hadn't wanted her to return to the palace - he wanted to keep her where he could monitor her constantly - but A'lestrel had insisted, and the biotech had to give in. He'd given the Zasshu a vial of bland-smelling nutritive paste with the instruction to make sure a small amount was added to each meal: he was to be contacted if there was no change in her condition within two days, and he wanted to see her in three anyway for a check up. A'lestrel had nodded and flown his bondmate back to the suite, where Zh'leet was waiting, large beaker of warm glop at the ready…
Tucked up in bed, resting back on her bondmate and a pile of pillows, Lutra obediently took sips from the beaker of fruity liquid A'lestrel held to her lips. It was a struggle to keep her eyes open, but she had to admit the drink was going down easily, leaving her feeling warm, relaxed, the general malaise of the last few days easing fractionally. The prince *felt* it, and nuzzled her hair.
"Why did you hide it, zk'vissin?"
She closed her eyes with a sigh.
"I thought… it was maybe connected with the heavy moult - or maybe just the strangeness of it all…"
"Being bonded and living on a new world, you mean?"
She nodded wearily.
"And everything being different… not being a servant any more, having the family around, your work…"
He frowned.
"That troubles you?"
She rolled her head to kiss his jaw.
"No, hab'lan… well, not much. It's just going to take me a little while to get used to, that's all."
A'lestrel chewed on his lower lip, reflectively.
"I… could try asking for lighter duties…" not that Zyelenyi would agree to it. And sympathetic as maazi was, he was still High King of R'ren'nkh'ia and partner in the Alliance. And papa's sense of duty was about as strong as maazi's. No point even thinking about asking Vejiita, foregone conclusion what his answer would be…
Lutra was obviously considering it. Fortunately she, also, understood the concept of duty.
"But you're needed, aren't you?"
He nodded. It was nothing more than the truth. The tenshi sighed.
"Then you mustn't. I can cope, there's plenty to keep me occupied." Which was also the truth: the current brood were handful enough to keep anyone busy!
He kissed her forehead.
"Thank you, aijin. I'll try to spend more time here."
Lutra sighed and cuddled back into him, feeling sleep swamping her. But it was important to let 'lestrel know she understood…
"Y'r work's important, hab'lan. Mus'n… musn't fail them…"
A'lestrel smiled and settled her down on the bed as she fell asleep - then yawned himself. And remembered, as his stomach growled, that he still hadn't eaten. Kissing Lutra's forehead, he rose and prowled off to the cold store in search of food…
"Ssii'irin?"
A'lestrel groaned and flung his arm over his face. Then the mouth-watering scent of seared meat in a spicy sauce hit his nostrils and filled his mouth with saliva. He was sitting upright before he was properly awake.
Zh'leet grinned as he forced open tired eyes, and thrust the platter into his hands.
"Eat." It wasn't a request. He smirked at her and took a mouthful, twisting to gaze at Lutra.
Who wasn't there.
Zh'leet laid a clawed hand on his arm before he could move.
"She's bathing. She didn't want to disturb you."
A'lestrel frowned.
"Is she strong enough?"
"Ti'aasaan's helping."
The prince nodded: in that case she'd be fine. Though he should perhaps join them… Zh'leet glowered as he made to stand.
"Oh no you don't!" She pointed at the platter. "Eat!"
He settled back, eyeing her with amusement.
"Were you this bossy with maazi?"
She smirked.
"Oh, far worse, ssii'irin. You have it easy…"
He raised an eyebrow, lips quirking wryly.
"I'm sure we do…"
Twelve days on and Lutra was feeling much better; a shipment of the tubers, plus a good supply of seed plants, had arrived from Maurilla several days ago. Lutra had no idea how much she'd missed the food staple until she'd bitten into that first one and - it was probably her imagination – had immediately felt her energy levels rise. She was still weary though and between Zh'leet, Ti'aasaan and her hab'lan she was never given a chance to get tired before she was chivvied off to bed. Of course, it was always more interesting when 'lestrel was the one doing the chivvying...
Lutra half-dozed on the balcony in the sunsshine, waiting for her hab'lan to return from a meeting. Alestrel had the afternoon off, a rare treat for them both, and they'd planned for him to fly them both down to the beach. The tenshi stirred, spreading her still ragged wings to catch the warmth of the suns. She could feel the beginning itch of new feathers prickling beneath the soft skin of her wings and she wriggled, looking forward to Alestrel's arrival – he was an excellent wing-scratcher…
Zyelenyi smiled around the table.
"Any further questions?"
The head of the diplomatic corps had been his usual concise and thorough self, however, and there were none. Everyone knew what to expect and what was expected of them - in general, at any rate: the series of conferences they'd be overseeing between the ki-wielding member races was unlikely to go particularly smoothly… Then again, their ability to deal with the unexpected and unpredictable was why they were the corps' best teams. Zyelenyi smirked and stood, bringing the meeting to a close.
"Very well. The summit starts tomorrow: get as much rest as you can between now and then, all of you. There'll be no downtime until after it's finished, and we're estimating a duration of at least six days."
Dismissed, the team rose to return home. A'lestrel stretched and grinned at his twin, then paused at Zyelenyi's quiet voice at his side.
"A'lestrel-sama, I've received a communication from Maurilla, for Lutra. Would you like to deliver it?"
The prince nodded, eyeing the wide vellum wrapped packet curiously. It was probably the confirmation of her 'adoption' by the tenshi-jin Suzerain… A'lestrel grimaced. The sheer cynical expediency of Natil's actions had rubbed his tail-fur the wrong way. Still, Lutra deserved the increase in her status…
Zyelenyi grinned and patted his shoulder.
"Enjoy the afternoon. We'll see you first thing in the morning."
Lutra was stretched out on her front, wriggling every now and then and scratching at her poor half-denuded wings, when he dropped down onto the balcony. Straddling her hips he immediately started stroking and scratching, smiling as she sighed and relaxed.
"Oh, thank you hab'lan… That's so good…"
He kissed between her wings, then laid the packet in front of her.
"From Maurilla."
She sighed, irritably this time, and propped herself up on her elbows.
Oh well, no point delaying the inevitable. Lutra broke the seal and unfolded the missive.
"Oh, no!" She growled, slamming the exquisite piece of calligraphy down.
"What is it?"
"I have to go back to Maurilla for the adoption ceremony." Lutra grumbled, scowling.
A'lestrel blinked, then frowned.
"When?"
The tenshi studied the document again, mentally making the calculations.
"I'll need to leave tomorrow!" Lutra said, dismayed, then grumpy, "A little more notice would've been nice." She peered back over her shoulder hopefully. "I don't suppose you could come with me...?"
A'lestrel gritted his teeth.
"I can't. I want to, but I can't - I have to oversee a major diplomatic event for the next six days." He frowned. "How long will you be away?"
Lutra frowned.
"Three days there, and back... minimum of four days, probably five on planet for all the – " she humphed, " – details to be sorted out." She gazed apologetically at her mate. "Eleven days, hab'lan, at least. I'm sorry." Then she groaned again, loudly. "Oh no!"
He clutched at her shoulder.
"What? What is it?"
"I have to have gifts for everyone!" Lutra wailed, "What the fuck do I get the Suzerain?!"
A'lestrel blinked, then swatted her backside with his tail.
"Do not do things like that to me!"
Lutra yipped in surprise, then frowned, perplexed.
"What?"
"I thought there was something wrong." He sighed. "Give me the names of those who require gifts: the corps will organise that part of the affair. And you will be escorted by an honour guard: do you have any preference as to whom should be included?"
"An honour guard?" Lutra smirked slightly, she could see her cousin's face now... "How many will go with me?"
A'lestrel inclined his head.
"Let's see - member race, your homeworld… four would be appropriate. Of which one should be a member of the family guard - Sasa or Jahonda."
"Right." Still between 'lestrel's thighs, Lutra wriggled and twisted around onto her back, a little awkwardly because of her wings, while she considered. "Jahonda, I think, and Mannga?" She was half-tempted to request Ry, but decided not to, knowing that it was a childish impulse to keep him away from her mate. "Any other suggestions, hab'lan?"
A'lestrel shook his head.
"Mannga will be needed here. I'd suggest Yamaimo, Mikan and Kirec."
The tenshi nodded thoughtfully, relieved that the guard wouldn't all be male: she'd met Mikan, briefly, and liked the quiet, reflective female. She gazed up at her mate woefully.
*I'm going to miss you so much…*
He sighed and shifted to kneel between her legs, tail wrapping around her waist to raise her hips as he slid into her, stretching out along her body. She squeaked and glanced nervously around, but there was no-one in sight… He thrust hard and fast, tail tip caressing and rubbing her mound, one hand cupping a breast, thumb stroking the nipple, and she came quickly, panting and clinging to him as he climaxed more slowly, pulsing inside her. Sighing, he brushed a kiss across her mouth.
*Do you still want to fly down to the beach?*
For a moment she was torn: yes, she'd love to - but she'd love to spend the afternoon in bed with her mate, too. And she should really get herself organised for the trip…
A'lestrel pulled out of her warm body, still hard, and rearranged his clothing.
*Zh'leet will pack for you. I'll contact the corps now. You have nothing to worry about other than what will happen on Maurilla.*
She hugged him tightly.
*I'm not used to being looked after, hab'lan! I've spent most of my life looking after other people...*
*Not any more, zk'aida.* He smirked. *Let's spend a little while at the beach, at any rate.* He stood and extended a hand, helping her to her feet and ushering her into their room to dress…
Her cruiser left at midday the following day, and A'lestrel persuaded Zyelenyi to let him leave the conference a little early so he could be at the spaceport to say farewell. Her new status had suddenly become real to her as she'd inspected what Zh'leet had packed, that morning, and she'd dressed for the occasion, the loose silk underdress a soft gold, the overdress a rich blue with matching slippers, a triangular cope in deep golden silk settled over her shoulders and between her wings and caught between her breasts with a delicate brooch, a spray of gold and sapphires. She looked beautiful, but nervous, and he almost gave into the urge to simply board the cruiser with her…
But he couldn't. And she knew that, and hugged him hard.
*It's not for long, hab'lan. And I'm glad you'll be spared the 'festivities'… And just think, I should be able to fly again by the time I get back.*
He sighed.
*I'm going to miss you.*
She kissed him, holding him tightly, fingers buried in the fur of his tail.
*I'm going to miss you too. But I'll be well looked after.*
He buried his face in the crook of her neck, not wanting to let go, and she nuzzled his mane, breathing in his spicy scent. Then she sighed and pulled back gently.
*Be well, hab'lan. I will see you soon…*
He watched as the cruiser took off, feeling something tugging inside… But she was right. It wouldn't be long. And once it was over she'd be home for good.
Sighing, he rose from the ground and flew slowly back to corps HQ. With luck, the conference would keep him so busy he wouldn't have time to miss her too badly…
© 2003 May 5th Joules and Amanda
