Coda
'tiisaan stretched, then leaned back against Lento, letting himself completely relax. Lento smiled and nuzzled the fragrant bright green hair.
"It was wonderful, sinam. Surely you have reached perfection..."
'tiisaan twisted to gaze up at him, frowning slightly.
"Oh no... I'll never be perfect, that's not possible. And there's so much still to learn." He sighed happily then snuggled into his mate's embrace. "But it did go rather well, didn't it?"
'Rather well' was something of an understatement. It had been another superb Summer Performance, with several of the pieces based on Ti'maala's poetry - and Jeice and five other hash'shavven had travelled to Vejiitamachi to dance, much to everyone's delight. Bri'seiyis had been almost overcome with pride for his students and staff. The event had been broadcast all over Vejiitasei and far beyond, to each of the Empire's member-worlds, and no doubt the Academy would be inundated with requests for admission over the next few tens of days...
Lento cuddled his zn'hre, nodding, and 'tiisaan kissed him.
"I'm so lucky..."
It was a quiet murmur, and Lento stroked his hair, smiling down into the loving golden eyes. Tired golden eyes, he realised, gathering the zn'hre into his arms and nodding at Tion. The Korijin and the Hassinan had become 'tiisaan's protectors as well as his friends - and lover, in Lento's case - and took their responsibilities very seriously. They had to, because 'tiisaan was simply too intent on his art to pay much attention to himself...
"Time to rest, sinam."
'tiisaan slid slender arms around the Hassinan's neck, then smiled at him, the sort of smile that had Lento instantly aroused. He groaned quietly.
"Are you not too tired?"
"Never too tired for you, zk'aida..."
The morning after the Summer Performance, and after only a few hours sleep on top of the frantic days leading up to the event, Mahrayne was running mainly on nervous energy. There was so much to do before they left for Kamome but the Hassinan assumed she could rest once they'd finally boarded the transport. It had become traditional for the Academy to shut down for ten days holiday once the Summer Performance was concluded and Mahrayne had to admit the break was welcome. She peeked into the bed room: 'maala was still asleep, as were Ti'lida and Kelapa, the three of them sprawled naked together over the sleeping platform. Good, she'd be able to get so much more accomplished without her family underfoot…
Mahrayne was delighted Ti'maala had agreed to come with her on the trip to the coastal settlement this year, and his sireling was beside himself. Ti'lida really wanted his papa to meet Ti'nesia, and Donato, and Malum, and everyone else in his extended family. The little hybrid adored being part of such a diverse family, he'd spent hours tracing and recording his sometimes tangled genealogy. He'd even managed to find the ancestor his sire and Tia-chan shared and then been able to trace both blood-lines through to the present. Zh'nast, the female R'ren'nkh'ian overseeing the archive project, had been impressed. It'd taken time and determination to hunt down all the relevant documents and Ti'lida, it seemed, had an aptitude for that sort of thing. The old female had already discussed with the hostling what subjects he'd need to study in order to ease his way into the Project.
The Hassinan smiled, 'lida knew where he was going and finally, so it seemed, did Kuri. Kelapa's son had followed his parents into the military as a matter of course, training hard and winning a place in the Elite Guard despite the loss of an arm in the war. There was no argument the male loved to fight but as time went on he'd come to realise that wasn't enough to base a career on. In something of a dilemma he'd spoken to Hijau who'd suggested he take some extended downtime, give himself the opportunity to think things through. Kuri had taken the Captain's advice, gone to visit his Grandsire on Pankuzu… and not returned. Kuri had always loved the Island, right from the very first time he'd visited as an infant. He loved and respected Lord Kurumi also, and though the elder noble hadn't said anything Kuri knew he was concerned about the future of his family. Kelapa had no interest in taking over the responsibilities as head of the noble clan - between her career and life with Mahrayne she was perfectly content - but Kurumi was approaching middle-age and he needed to know the succession was assured. Kuri wasn't sure if he was Lord material either but he wanted to help his grandsire so he'd made the decision to stay on Pankuzu. Currently he was working as Kurumi's aide, learning the business of Council and commerce (Kurumi controlled the island's lucrative food production) and finding to his surprise he was very happy. Mahrayne didn't doubt Kurumi would name Kuri as his successor in the near future, especially if the gorgeous little Elite female Kuri was pursuing accepted his offer and they began breeding…
And speaking of breeding… Mahrayne had high hopes of being presented with yet more grandchildren before long. Kinu had counted off a list of reasons why it wasn't a good idea for his bondmate to host just yet but 'jau was being quietly obstinate about the matter. The most he would concede was to wait until their next diplomatic mission off-world was completed, by which time he would be due for another shizun. 'jau had shrugged nonchalantly and said it was Kinu's choice of course, whether he sired the next lot of hostlings or not. Kinu had gaped at his bondmate, then growled that if 'jau thought he was going to let anyone else do it he'd obviously lost his mind. Mahrayne hid a smile, she knew the Zasshu was only teasing his mate, and deep down Kinu knew it too. The bondmates were as close to monogamous as possible within the family - it would have to be exceptional circumstances for someone other than Kinu to sire 'jau's hostlings.
Kinu wasn't the only one Mahrayne expected grandchildren from. After fighting the attraction for years Korena had finally given in to her heart and taken up with Pasunippu after the last Moon Season. Not only that but she'd gone and claimed him within days of their getting together! That 'nippu had been a willing participant was blindingly obvious. The joy and pride shone out of him and when he looked at her daughter the love in his soft, dark eyes was beautiful to see. Korena wasn't quite as open about her feelings for her mate, not in public at least, though Mahrayne had seen the occasional equally soft look from her when she thought no one was looking. She was much like her sire in that respect.
What did puzzle Mahrayne though was how Kelapa's youngest son, Kurumi, fitted in to the picture. 'rena displayed all the jealous possessiveness of a Saiyan, glaring at anyone who came near Pasunippu - except 'rumi. The younger male had returned from a stint with Nappa's off-world forces shortly before Korena had claimed her mate. None of the youngsters had seen fit to give her any details but Mahrayne was almost certain Kurumi had become a sexual partner to both of them. The idea had disturbed her at first, 'rena and 'rumi had grown up together essentially as brother and sister, but they weren't related at all. If Mahrayne understood Kel correctly, if they had been related a sexual relationship would've been out of the question. Saiyans did not fuck their blood kin.
But all that was beside the point. Korena had stated loudly and clearly she had no intention of having any brats for years yet, and perhaps it was wishful thinking but Mahrayne suspected Pasunippu was set on changing her mind.
Mahrayne drowsed in her mate's arms, languid and replete. Kelapa stroked her tail down the dancer's body, a body that was softer now after four brats but no less loved.
They'd spent several days of their break at Kamome and then, as usual, Kelapa had flown the two of them deep into the peninsula's ancient forest for some private time. It was an arrangement that suited the Saiyan admirably: Kel hadn't grown any fonder of being underground though by now she'd seen enough evidence of Mahrayne's direction sense to trust her mate not to get them lost in the caves. It didn't make being 'in a fucking hole in the ground' any more fun but it did lessen the stress somewhat.
Ti'nesia had inherited this talent from his maazi though with an interesting refinement. Not only did he always know which way was which but he was also instinctively aware of where he was in relation to those he loved, the direction and distance. Kelapa smirked, 'nesia was very happy at Kamome, and Mahrayne was happy her brat was happy but the Hassinan was basically clueless as to the real reason. She thought it was simply that 'nesia had found his niche as Malum's aide, helping the Leader run the ever-growing Hassinan settlement, but that wasn't whole of it. Ti'nesia loved Donato, the youngest of Mahrayne's siblings, with a quiet, patient devotion that suffused his scent with sweetness. Given his zn'hre heritage, Kelapa wouldn't be surprised if 'nesia had actually bonded with the brat! He'd have to wait years before there could be any sex - if Donato was willing, though Kelapa didn't think that would be an issue, 'nesia was attractive - Don was still very much a child. But that was for the future, and the future would take care of itself. What had always been important to Kelapa was what was happening in the now.
Mahrayne stirred to wakefulness, smiling sleepily at her mate.
*I love you, tahnan, do you know how much?*
Kelapa smirked.
*I can fucking guess.* She brushed a kiss over the Hassinan's lips. *About as much as I love you.*
Mahrayne beamed, snuggling closer for a moment with a happy sigh, before pushing herself to kneel beside the Saiyan. She smiled almost shyly down at her mate.
*I'd like to dance for you.*
Warm brown eyes gleaming, Kelapa nodded, rolling onto her side, making herself comfortable on the fur. Mahrayne bounced to her feet, holding herself perfectly still for several heart beats, and then she began to dance. With no accompaniment save the sound of her bare feet over the leaf litter, Mahrayne danced her love for her Saiyan and her joy that they'd found each other. Kelapa drank in the sight of her mate's naked supple, golden body, breathed in the female's musky-warm and comforting scent, and couldn't imagine what life would've been like without her…
Zha'haabron kissed 'haabron, then Kobis, ushering them into the suite where Radittsu grabbed them both into an enthusiastic hug. The royal pair had returned to Vejiitasei for the Performance, and would be returning to R'ren'nkh'ia in three days: in the meantime they both wanted to spend some time with the family.
The hostlings were at home with their sire: 'haabron had decided their first trip to Vejiitasei would be better made when the planet wasn't bursting at the seams with visitors for the summer event. Kobis hadn't objected - it was wonderful to have his bondmate to himself for a little while. He'd already paid his respects to his father, and spent a little time with 'jiita and 'dittsu, and Buahan and Peyaru and their children, thoroughly enjoying the chance to exchange news and what would, outside the palace, be called gossip...
Radittsu grinned.
"Heh. My son is a fine warrior. He'll defend his brother to the death, I think. As will Mara and Radiza."
The High King smiled. Radittsu and Leteetza's twin females had grown into powerful and ferocious warriors, demanding they join their brother in the crown prince's personal guard, and the Saiya-jin-no-Ou, and their sire, had been more than happy to agree.
Kobis smirked - he'd met the twins and been... impressed. More than impressed. He couldn't imagine anything getting past them...
Zh'leet brought fine fluted glasses of wine through from the cold store, then - accompanied by Br'yaan - made herself scarce for the afternoon, leaving them to talk in peace. After they'd spent a good hour hearing about the news, happenings and gossip on R'ren'nkh'ia - 'sassa was currently trying to inveigle 'jiisa into impregnating him; 'saayen and Ti'zheenan were both hosting, 'saayen with Ti'zheenan's hostlings and Ti'zheenan with Suguri's, now that Vinas had a biotech team permanently stationed onworld; and Ish'nandra was feeling broody (at which Kobis had rolled his eyes with a beaming grin) - Zha'haabron refilled all their glasses and eyed 'haabron.
"I have decided -" he took his sireling's hand as Radittsu's long tail wrapped his waist, "- that it is time for me to hand on the title of High King to you, zk'vissin."
There was a moment's stunned silence, then 'haabron knelt and bowed his head.
"I cannot hope to equal your accomplishments, papa - but I will not disappoint you."
**I know, zk'vissin. I have every faith in you**
Radittsu laid a broad hand gently on the bowed head.
"Thank you, young 'un. We can be happy knowing the realm is in the best hands." He smiled at Kobis. "Both pairs of them..."
Ti'aasaan stroked Zorun's shaggy mane, his eyes troubled. His bondmate hadn't been fully well since returning from Karilun, and seemed to be getting slowly worse, though he'd managed to hide it from almost everyone else - Hijau and Radittsu knew, of course, and Zha'haabron and Zha'haarak, but not the rest of the family. It worried the zn'hre. But Zorun wouldn't talk about it. So far, anyway. It was probably about time that changed.
Ti'aasaan snuggled against his Saiyan, gazing up with limpid golden eyes.
"Zkai'da, do you think Vejiita sama might let you have more downtime?"
Zorun frowned.
"Why would I want that?"
The little zn'hre kissed him, then stroked his cheek.
"I would like it... I seem to see so little of you... So do the hostlings..."
The King's Guard pulled slightly away and eyed him sardonically.
"And you think I'm not up to the duty any more."
Ti'aasaan blinked, then frowned.
"Nothing of the sort! Though it... distresses me to see you so exhausted at the end of every duty shift..."
"As I said - you think I'm not fit for the work any more."
The zn'hre swivelled to straddle his lap, slim arms around his neck and expression sombre.
"That's your interpretation, not what I meant... zkai'da, I worry. I know you won't talk about it, but I'm not stupid, I know some of what happened. You could so easily have died, and then I would be lost, and so would your children. We love you." He bit his lip, eyes bright with gathering tears. "We know how strong you are, how loyal. You have nothing to prove."
Zorun glowered - then smiled and kissed his zn'hre's nose.
"I've learned enough honesty to admit you may be right. I've asked to speak to the king tomorrow, at shift end. Not that I'm giving up my post -" he raised an admonishing finger as Ti'aasaan beamed at him "- but I will request an aide, someone I can train to share the post with me. And - maybe, much later - take over from me."
"You mean it?"
Zorun cuddled the joyful zn'hre.
"Of course. I'll still want to act as special advisor, though - so don't expect me to stay home and pander to your wishes all day!"
"As if I would!" Ti'aasaan kissed him, carefully but lingeringly, then grinned cheekily. "Then perhaps we could think about another hostling. Or two. Or more..."
Zorun groaned theatrically, then smirked.
"I suppose it will give you a chance to hone those persuasive powers of yours..."
Ry and Kiraz both glared at 'raadiin, who was slumped on the floor of the arena, panting heavily.
"Baka!! You know you're supposed not to push yourself too hard! Vinas'll have our tails if you have a relapse."
The zn'hre looked up at them through the tendrils of gold and green that had come loose from his plait and hissed irritably.
"I'm perfectly all right." He tried to stand, and collapsed back onto one knee. Ry growled and swept him up into strong warm arms.
"Oh of course you are. Perfectly fit and well." He huffed disgustedly as 'raadiin struggled briefly then folded his arms across his chest, his body stiff - and hence more difficult to hold - and glowered straight ahead. "Yes, make life more difficult for us all, why don't you?"
Kiraz chuckled, then stroked a fingertip down a thin cool blue cheek.
"Now, you know Vinas said we had to keep your stress-levels down to a minimum. He'll have you back in the medcentre if you don't do what you're told."
'raadiin stared at the Saiyan prince from narrowed golden eyes.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Kiraz tried to look innocent.
"Enjoying it? How could you think such a thing...?"
Ry laughed and kissed the zn'hre's cheek.
"No. He just wants you well again so we can..." he nuzzled the gold streaked hair, suddenly uncertain as to how 'raadiin would take the suggestion. The zn'hre growled quietly.
"Fuck, you mean."
"Well, yes... When you're ready, aijin. We're not pushing."
'raadiin sighed, eyes closing.
"If it's any consolation, I'm beginning to miss it. Papa's helped, teaching me how to deal with the memories."
Kiraz grinned.
"How soon do you think you'll be ready, then?"
Ry glared at him.
"What's your hurry? 'sel and Pirum not enough for you any more?"
"... it's different..."
"Heh, yeah, you miss the challenge!"
Kiraz smirked.
"What challenge? I'm irresistible!" He doubled over as a tiny ki-blast singed his groin, glaring furiously at the zn'hre. "OWWW!! What the fuck...?"
'raadiin smirked and folded his arms again.
"Any more of that, and you'll have to wait an extra year."
Kiraz pouted for a few seconds, then grinned.
"You're obviously feeling better."
'raadiin raised an eyebrow then relaxed into Ry's arms, smirking at the Saiyan prince.
"I do believe I am." He gazed up at the warrior. "I think I'd like to go home. Bathe. Rest for a little. Want to join me?"
Ry grinned and nodded. Oh yes, their zn'hre was feeling much better...
'leesaan was poring over his monitor, studying another volume of the zhaneer history they'd retrieved from the immersion capsule, when 'haavok plonked himself down on the desk, partially obscuring the screen. 'leesaan sighed and frowned at his sibling.
"Do you know how irritating you can be?"
The zn'hre tech smirked smugly.
"Oh yes. It's a talent... 'honee and I are going to the Alien Market - want to come?"
'leesaan leaned back in his seat and eyed 'haavok warily.
"Why would I want to do that?"
The tech shrugged.
"Dunno. For a break from work, perhaps? Though I did hear that one of the specialist stores has just had a shipment of zhaneer artefacts from some abandoned colony..."
'leesaan stood hastily and gestured to his sibling to precede him...
'honee grinned at 'haavok behind 'leesaan's back.
**You reserved the table?**
**Of course. For an hour's time, that should give him enough time to browse what's available...**
'leesaan looked over his shoulder and frowned.
"Very well - what are you two up to now?"
'honee smiled, then sighed.
"Can't keep anything from you... We just thought it would be nice to see you for a while. You're always shut away with the research team, we're always running around fixing systems, we always miss each other at family meals... We've reserved a table for dinner at the Birds Flying eatery. It's your favourite, isn't it?"
"It is. I didn't know you knew!"
'haavok sighed exaggeratedly.
"Credit us with some family feeling, zk'viss."
"We're due there in an hour." 'honee looked up at the script over an old fashioned swinging door and nodded. "Here we are. Prtui's Oddities, alien artefacts emporium."
'leesaan shook his head.
"Anything zhaneer should have come straight to the research team. But I suppose some will always slip through."
'haavok nodded.
"But we know the shipment's only just arrived, so no-one else will have had the chance to take a look..."
Which was quite true, the proprietor hadn't even had time to unpack yet, and was perfectly happy to close the store while 'leesaan checked the goods, arranged payment, and organised transportation to the Library. Grinning happily over the number and quality of the artefacts, he allowed his siblings to hurry him to the eatery - laughing with delight to find A'lestrel already there and waiting.
"Zk'vils! Finally!"
The Zasshu grimaced slightly.
"I know, I know - I have been remiss..."
"Understandable. And forgivable. You have been a little... busy."
'lestrel raised an eyebrow.
"You could say that... How are things with you?"
They talked happily for an hour, catching up in detail with each other's news, while servitors brought a variety of dishes to the table, and at the end 'haavok raised his hands for attention.
"I'd like to make a small announcement, if I may?"
Two pairs of curious golden eyes turned to him: 'honee grinned widely.
"Just to let you know that at long last we've managed to recalibrate the sensitivity of the navigation jewels."
There was a moment's silence, then 'leesaan leaned forwards, eyes glittering.
"I thought you'd given up on the project." Indeed, the use of the jewels even as a virtual encyclopaedia had proved awkward, since only the Ssii'iin, Le'ska, Le'leen, Ti'ani and 'lestrel had been powerful enough to be able to use them easily. 'haavok shook his head.
"It had to take a back seat, but we never stopped working on it."
"And?" 'leesaan was almost simmering with excitement, and 'haavok smirked.
"Now anyone with Elite ki can use them as an encyclopaedia - and anyone with elements of the Ssii'iin's DNA can use them for navigation."
'lestrel sat back, eyes wide.
"We could use them in an exploration ship?"
"As long as one of the family went along to access them, yes."
"Have you told papa?"
"Not yet. We thought you two might like to know first."
'leesaan was gazing at his siblings, a dreamy bemused expression on his face. 'haavok chuckled.
"Let me guess. You'd like to go exploring all the zhaneer colony worlds."
"Oh yes..."
"Well, let's see papa, and let him speak to Vejiita, and see what they can argue out between them!"
'leesaan sighed happily.
"Oh, I'm sure papa will be able to 'persuade' the king..."
And 'lestrel grinned, sure already that 'leesaan would get his way, and insist on being the team leader on the ship. It was just a pity he couldn't go too - it would be fascinating to see what had happened to the zhaneer's descendents...
Kyuri glanced up from her conversation with Hijau and grinned broadly, waving as Zha'haarak walked towards them across the messhall. It was amazing, she thought to herself, the changes in the gentle zn'hre over the last few years. Tane and Dari still tended to him - his hip still troubled him, especially in the cold season - but after years of regular ki-treatment from the healers the bony nodules had become smaller and appeared less frequently, and Vinas had hopes that they'd eventually disappear completely. In the meantime the zn'hre's limp had almost disappeared, and he was able to move without discomfort. Mahrayne's dance lessons had helped with that, of course...
Zha'haarak seated himself, golden eyes glowing as he smiled at his bondmate; Hijau wrapped his tail around the zn'hre's waist and smirked at the grinning warriors around them. Zha'haarak was as popular as ever, and still 'brightened the place up', as one Saiyan had said so long ago.
Kyuri kissed his cheek.
"Greetings! How's the family?"
"Well, thank you." He hesitated, glancing sideways at his bondmate through long eyelashes.
**I... have something to tell you...**
Instantly alert, Hijau tensed, but Zha'haarak's scent was nervous, not worried. He smiled gently and took the zn'hre's hand.
*Do you want to tell me in private?*
**It's not something intimate...**
*Then speak, zkai'da!*
Zha'haarak licked his lips, then smiled tentatively.
"Bri'seiyis... I didn't know, but he entered one of my paintings - anonymously - into a cross-worlds art competition..."
Kyuri grinned.
"And you won?"
The zn'hre nodded shyly, and Hijau growled delightedly and kissed him. Zha'haarak pulled back, blushing.
"But there's more... You remember Jrilnont?"
Both Saiyans nodded. The world was a recent member of the Empire, a rich, lush place shared between two sentient species of widely differing appearance, but both attractive in their different ways. The culture was advanced and sophisticated, its nobility dedicated patrons of the arts, in all forms.
"The ruling family have asked whether I might be prepared to paint their official portraits."
There was a stunned silence, then the messhall broke into cheers. Hijau glared over his shoulder, then grinned: he could hardly object to being overheard - or scented - in such a space, given Saiyan senses. He grabbed his bondmate into a hug.
"That's wonderful..." He paused and eyed the zn'hre worriedly. "Do they want you to go to them?"
"Bri'seiyis says they're willing to travel to Vejiitasei for the..." he blushed and lowered his eyes "... honour..."
Kyuri was beaming fit to burst.
"That's... Oh, that's wonderful..." She grinned at Hijau. "Heh, how will you live with the fame?"
Cuddling his beloved close to him, the Captain smirked proudly.
"Oh, I'll manage." He kissed Zha'haarak's cheek lovingly. "I'll probably have to get used to it. I can't imagine Vejiita-no-Ou allowing the Jrilnont Family to have their portraits done when he hasn't!"
Kyuri nodded.
"Very true." She grinned at the zn'hre. "You're going to be in great demand, you know."
Zha'haarak looked alarmed.
"Perhaps I should say no."
Hijau chuckled.
"But you'd like to do it, wouldn't you?"
"... yes..."
"Then you shall! Don't worry - we'll look after you."
Zha'haarak smiled.
"Thank you."
*Your happiness means everything to me. I love you.*
Golden eyes gleamed.
**You are my life, zkai'da. You have made me complete. I love you**
Happier than he'd ever thought possible, Hijau hugged his zn'hre tightly. Life was so good...
Lutra laughed as her children – all three of them, she included 'daku and 'ishi even though, technically, they had no connection with her – chased each other around the (thankfully) high-ceilinged common area in the transport. 'soraoi, hissing with pleasure, dodged away from his siblings, no mean feat considering that the span of his vivid blue-green wings halved his manoeuvrability in the confined space.
The family was travelling to Maurilla for the Double Moon Celebration, a well-deserved break for A'lestrel, and one Lutra'd essentially nagged out of Zyelenyi. Mikan and Ry were with them, as guards, as well as 'raadiin. Once the zn'hre warrior had woken - or been forced awake, rather - he'd clawed his way back to fitness in a remarkably short time. Ry was quietly delighted to have his aijin there though he'd had some concerns about how 'raadiin would cope with the Tenshi-jin homeworld's temperature: the Moon Celebration heralded the onset of that planet's cold-season. 'raadiin didn't think he'd be disadvantaged, not with the portable self-heating dwelling Lutra had agreed they could erect on her land, or the latest heat-retaining bodysuits the Feeodoreeans had developed especially for the zn'hre. And besides, 'raadiin had smirked at the big male, he was certain if he got too cold Ry would go out of his way to warm his aijin up…
Ry and 'raadiin were conversing quietly with her bondmate over in another corner of the room. Lutra watched Ry's tail slide around 'lestrel's slender hips, saw the Zasshu's answering smile and marvelled again that she didn't want to rip out the Saiyan's throat for his familiarity with her mate. Zh'leet's assistant, Br'yaan, had reassured her - a long time ago now, it seemed – that it would become easier for her as she adapted to what was a unique situation for a tenshi-jin. Lutra smiled to herself; the lizard had been right. She was happiest, of course, when she had 'lestrel all to herself - but she no longer found Ry a threat and accepted him as her bondmate's lover without a twitch. Likewise other members of the family, or the harem hitos, weren't a problem either, though if anyone outside those groups approached her mate without a very good reason there'd be blood shed. Lutra suspected she'd revert to the primal instincts of her species, though, when she was in a breeding-cycle and would allow no one near her bondmate. But, if her physiology after the birth of her hina held true, it could be another year or so before they had to worry about that.
A'lestrel looked over at his bondmate, golden eyes gleaming, and Lutra's breath caught in her throat with the sudden upsurge of arousal.
"Go on." Ry smirked, unwinding his tail from the Zasshu's body. "We'll watch the brats…"
It was frosty outside the shelter and the wind was whipping through the trees… Not that the cold made any impact on the temperature inside; if anything it was a little too warm for the tenshi. Half-asleep, Lutra kicked off the furs then reached for the cool body of her bondmate. By the quality of the light streaming in through the shelter's windows, the tenshi gauged it was early afternoon. She and 'lestrel had slept in but then it'd been near dawn before they'd finally crawled into bed. They were alone in the shelter, though she could hear the children's happy shrieks outside. Lutra smiled; A'soraoi was very much at home on Maurilla. The little hybrid had taken to the challenge of riding the unpredictable winds and thermals amongst the mountains with great delight.
Lutra leant down to gently nip at her bondmate's shoulder and 'lestrel shivered, on the verge of waking. Those brat-noises were getting closer though, would they have time…?
The door of the shelter was flung wide and three blue-skinned little bodies wrapped snugly in bodysuits tumbled in.
Apparently not.
Lutra, and now A'lestrel who'd been woken fully by the commotion, sat up on the wide sleeping platform, opening their arms to their various offspring.
"We've been hunting!" Ry'ishi's golden eyes glowed and his long, black tail waved happily back and forth.
"We caught a lotta stuff!" A'soraoi enthused.
A'daku frowned.
"'s not true. Papa an' Mikan an' 'raadiin caught everything, we just helped."
The tenshi-hybrid glowered at his sibling from his maazi's arms then shrugged and grinned.
"One day we'll do the catching all on our own."
"We thought if we took the brats out for a while it would give you two a chance to sleep." Mikan smirked, shutting the shelter door tightly after Ry and 'raadiin – arms full of freshly killed things – had stepped inside. "Another late night planned, highnesses?"
"Oh, yes." Lutra beamed, nuzzling her child's soft, blue hair. "Tonight is when both the moons are full." She smiled down at the wide-eyed children ranged over the sleeping platform. "It is a very special time."
"Do they really change colour, maazi-Lu?" 'daku asked her as he snuggled into his host's side, vivid green tail absently coiling around 'lestrel's forearm.
"Last night the moons were golden and tonight, when they're truly full, they'll be silver." Lutra chuckled at the chorus of excited exclamations.
"I can't wait!" A'soraoi breathed, sky-blue eyes very round in his delicate face.
"It's… thrilling to fly when the moons are full," Lutra stroked her child's hair but her gaze was on her bondmate. A'lestrel's smirked and underneath the bed covers his tail snaked over to slide around the tenshi's thigh, the tip flicking lightly over her groin.
*I remember, zk'aida.*
Lutra quivered, leaning over to kiss her mate, lips open and soft.
*That was when we first mind-spoke.*
*Yes…*
A cool, slender hand cupped her cheek, drawing her closer: Lutra sighed happily and parted her thighs a little for the soft-furred tail-tip stroking insistently between her legs…
"We're hungry!"
It really was amazing how the three brats could say the same thing, at the same time, in the same tone of voice with apparently no forethought.
Lutra sighed again, not so happily this time, and pulled regretfully away from her mate.
*Sorry, hab'lan.*
A'lestrel growled softly.
*Later…*
*Oh, yes.*
The tenshi smiled at the children.
"Very well, let's feed you before your hunger eats you from the inside out."
Everyone fed satisfactorily on the fresh game then Lutra, more attuned now to her mate's needs than at the start of their relationship, declared she needed to stretch her wings. She and a smirking Mikan bundled the children outside leaving 'lestrel, Ry and 'raadiin behind. As she was about to step through the door the tenshi smirked over her shoulder at her bondmate.
*Tonight you are all mine.*
The Zasshu smirked back, tail coiling and uncoiling languidly behind him as Ry moved to his side.
After Lutra had 'stretched her wings', soaring above the trees with the children darting and looping around her, she and Mikan herded the trio to the hot spring for an hour or so of splashing fun. Then, when they were all dry, she showed the youngsters how to forage for edible plants in the Maurillan forest. They returned to the shelter after a couple of hours, laden down with tubers, and fungi and other good things to eat. The children happily helped prepare the food for the fire-pit, wrapping the mixed parcels of plants and herbs in broad leaves. Once it was all set in and covered over to cook slowly for the next few hours, they moved inside out of the chill.
Ry was soundly asleep – probably exhausted, Lutra smirked to herself – flanked by A'lestrel and 'raadiin on the sleeping platform. The children flung themselves at the trio, waking them all up, and nothing resembling peace and quiet was in evidence for some time until Lutra suggested they all snuggle down and have a nap while the food was cooking.
Happy and relaxed, the tenshi smiled at her hab'lan over their children nestled between them. A'lestrel looped his tail across the, finally, slumbering youngsters and over his bondmate's hip.
*Rest now, zk'aida, I don't want you falling asleep on me tonight.*
Lutra suppressed a giggle.
*As if I could!*
The tenshi settled back, closing her eyes. Going on past experiences the next three nights were likely to be tiring; this time though they didn't have to worry so much about finding the energy to feed themselves. The Saiyans had already agreed to do the hunting…
The children had fought hard to stay awake as long as possible but despite the glorious excitement of the twin moons' rising, even their stubbornness had finally succumbed to the fatigue of continuously flying. After a final kiss and cuddle from their shared parents the youngsters had been carted off to bed by Mikan and 'raadiin, still claiming they weren't sleepy at all even though none of them could keep their eyes open. Ry stayed aloft for a little longer, watching with his aijin as Lutra blissfully wheeled and swooped in the moons' silver-blue radiance.
*Beautiful…* there was reverence shading the love in the Zasshu's *voice*. *I am so very lucky, aijin,* his *words* were for Ry though his eyes never left his bondmate, *I have everything I want, everything I need, to be happy.* He did look at the Saiyan then, golden eyes wide and enigmatic in the moonslight. *Thank you.*
Ry quirked an eyebrow and half-smirked.
*Thank you.* The softness in his gaze belied the bantering tone.
*Life is good.* A'lestrel's slender green tail found the Saiyan's and they twined together for a moment, arousing them both. The Zasshu smirked, running a hand down Ry's strong, broad body, briefly cupping and kneading through the bodysuit the prominent bulge of the Saiyan's genitals. *'raadiin's waiting for you.*
Ry shivered as he smirked, glancing over the Prince's shoulder.
*And Lutra's waiting for you.*
A'lestrel looked behind him: the tenshi was hovering mid-air, watching them, snowy wings beating slowly. 'lestrel brushed a kiss over the corner of the Guard's mouth then pulled away from him, turning to his bondmate.
*Hab'lan…* Lutra welcomed him into her arms, surrendering control of their flight to the Zasshu.
'lestrel nuzzled his claim-mark, raising a shiver in the tenshi.
*Mine.* he said, and Lutra answered without hesitation:
*Yours. Always…*
Years passed. The business of Empire continued and prospered. Worlds became members. The children grew, endured - and sometimes enjoyed - their first shizun. More were born - though Zha'haabron could not safely conceive again, and Radittsu would not countenance him trying, and 'raadiin's hosting chamber had been too badly damaged (though Vinas believed he could repair the mutilation, the zn'hre had, privately, asked him to forget about the idea: he did not want to host, ever...) More hybrids were conceived, and it was found that any Zasshu with tenshi-jin DNA were winged. Bloodlines joined and diverged and rejoined, their diversity fascinating and complex. Many of the Zasshu became members of the diplomatic corps - their talents were always needed, and it was the perfect way to travel, learn, explore...
And to Lutra's relief, all of 'lestrel's children, whether sired or hosted by the brat prince, inherited his telepathic abilities. By the time Ry'ishi was able to best his sire in physical combat, he was also able to take some of the pressure of work from his host, and he, A'daku and A'soraoi became the corps' most valued team in their turn...
Lutra cuddled her third child close to her, watching as her bondmate gazed out over the land, the wind whipping his plait out behind him. She loved it here, in the mountains, in the single storey dwelling they'd had constructed as a private retreat. Yes, it was cold, but the building was warm, and the air so clean, the light so pure, it was worth the inconvenience...
'lestrel turned to her, the bulge of his abdomen beginning to show under the furred bodysuit. This time it had been a deliberate hosting, with Ry overjoyed to be accepted as the sire.
Speaking of whom...
"He'll be back with the midday meal, soon. Come inside and warm up, hab'lan."
The Zasshu stretched, then loped through the snow, pausing at the threshold to take his bondmate into his arms and kiss her thoroughly, much to the amusement of A'mekki, snuggled between them: the hostling tugged his sire's plait and demanded a kiss too. A'lestrel chuckled, his tail wrapping his tenshi's waist.
*Zk'aida...*
Lutra sighed happily - then pulled him inside out of the cold wind as she felt him shiver.
*Sit by the fire, hab'lan. I'll warm some glop.*
A'lestrel smiled fondly. Ah yes, Zh'leet's famous glop... The smile faded a little. Zh'leet had died half a year ago, of old age, surrounded by the family she'd loved and served her entire life. They missed her.
Lutra pressed a beaker into her mate's cold hands, and 'lestrel smiled up at her.
*Heart of my heart... I am very glad you tempted me to follow you...*
The tenshi blushed, remembering that long ago evening back on Maurilla. Her life, and her bondmate's, had changed beyond all recognition since then. She seated herself beside the prince and snuggled into his side.
*It was the best thing I ever did... I love you, hab'lan. Yours...*
He turned, kissing her gently, golden eyes wide and loving.
*Mine. As I am yours. I love you, zk'aida...*
Ry, A'mekki cuddled firmly in his arms, glanced at his aijin, frowning a little.
*Are you sure you're warm enough? I can generate a ki-shield if not...*
The flight back to Vejiitamachi wasn't that long, but it was chilly - cold season had only finished ten days ago and the weather hadn't warmed up very much yet. A'lestrel gave a long-suffering sigh and nodded.
*Please, aijin. I'm not a delicate little flower.*
Ry leered.
*Oh, I know! But I don't want you suffering.*
*I will tell you if it happens.*
*Make sure you do...*
They arrived back at the palace just before mid-day, to find 'tiisaan - bundled up in a heavy fur bodysuit, hood and mittens with a protectively watchful Tion standing close by - pacing back and forth on their balcony. As they landed he dived forwards and grabbed their hands, his eyes sparkling.
"You must come with me. Please. Now!"
Glancing at each other, 'lestrel and Lutra, with Ry close behind, took off again and followed the dancer down to the gardens, where he landed and turned to them, beaming.
"Can you smell it?"
The prince blinked, then sniffed - and frowned. What was that...?
Lutra's eyes were wide.
"What is it? It's... beautiful!"
'tiisaan squirmed between them and took their hands, ushering them forwards. The fragrance grew as they walked, and 'lestrel grinned as he realised where they were heading. The answering smile on his bondmate's face told him she knew, too...
They walked through a low arch into their garden. 'tiisaan paused, and said, quietly and quite unnecessarily.
"Look..."
The air above their pool shimmered with dancing motes of silver starlight, and the surface of the water was covered with the blossoms. Huge multi-petalled blooms, blue-white, silver, hints of gold and pink, delicate petals and tendrils dusted with sunlight... and the fragrance... Spellbound, they stood for long, long minutes, drinking in the sight and the scent of the vahanah...
Lutra turned to her bondmate, tears in her eyes.
*Thank you, hab'lan.*
A'lestrel kissed her gently, eyes glowing with love.
*Yours, beloved. Only and always yours...**
© 2004 December 9th Joules and Amanda
