Connection
"He cannot do this to us!" the young, gold haired Hassinan female all but shouted. "Nenia and I travelled all this way, alone, against our family's wishes, to be with him! He cannot simply toss us aside like a – like an empty ontibu egg case because he'd rather be with some disgusting alien!"
"Cene…"
Too incensed to heed her sister's part-placatory, part-warning tone, Cene rounded on the settlement's Leader.
"You cannot let him do this, Leader. You must force Lento to abide by his obligation to us! We have been promised to him all our lives, waiting for him, being trained to fulfil his needs! He cannot now say he doesn't want us!"
Malum remained stoic under the onslaught though his expression had drifted from sympathy to a tight-lipped impatience as Cene ranted: this was what Nenia had been trying to warn her about.
"Ssii'irin Zha'tiisaan is hardly a 'disgusting alien', Cene. He's a prince of the R'ren'kh'ian Royal House – "
"So?" the female rudely interrupted, "Lento is our male, we belong to him, he should be considering his future with us!"
"As you well know – " Malum overrode her, refusing to raise his voice despite his growing irritation. " – a female does not 'belong' to her male until she is formally gifted to him. Until that time - " he glowered as the female made to interrupt again, "- the agreement is not fixed. Either party, or their family, can reject the offer."
"And in the meantime what are my sister and I supposed to do with ourselves? Wait for someone else to make an offer? Lento doesn't want us, who else will?" Cheeks flushed, Cene dropped her gaze only to raise it again and regard the silver-haired male with something like a challenge. "Would you accept us, Leader?"
"Cene!" Nenia's shocked gasp made her sister's lips twitch in amusement. She inclined her head to the older male.
"Forgive me, Leader, it was a joke."
Silver eyes narrowed.
"I appreciate that you are upset, Cene, but what's done is done. Lento has decided he wants to remain in Vejiitamachi with Ssii'irin Zha'tiisaan and I am not going to force him to change his mind." He shifted on the floor cushion, stifling a grimace at the sharp twinge in his hip. "Neither will I contact his – or your family – and try to influence them in this."
Cene's slim shoulders slumped.
"Why didn't he tell us himself, anyway? We didn't even realise he'd left the Settlement until you called us here."
Lento had unexpectedly turned up at the settlement some time before mid year. Cene had been quietly pleased to see him but rather put out when she discovered he'd only returned because, due to the Saiyans' Moon Season, he couldn't stay in Vejiitamachi.
At her side, Nenia bit back a laugh.
"Given your reaction just now, sister, I don't blame him for not wanting to face us himself!"
Cene frowned.
"That's ridiculous! Lento has spent hardly any time in our company, how would he have known how I'd react?"
Nenia brushed her fingers over her sister's wrist, the most affection she felt comfortable displaying in front of the male.
"I dare say he has seen enough of you when you've been thwarted to feel prudence is the better option."
That gentle statement earned her a glare. Cene humphed.
"I think Lento should know precisely how I feel about being abandoned." Nenia watched in alarm as her volatile sibling's dusky gold eyes darkened. "In fact that is just what I am going to do."
"Cene, don't do anything… rash!"
"This isn't 'rash', it's assertive."
Nenia groaned, flashing the Leader a glance of appeal. Malum frowned at Cene as the gold-haired female stood up.
"What do you propose to do?"
"I'm going to find Lento and tell him he's an uncaring, selfish… male who gives no thought to any but himself!"
"Cene!" Nenia squeaked. She looked to Malum. "Leader, please make her stop!"
The male appeared pained for a moment, then he sighed.
"I am not going to forbid you, Cene, but I will advise you not to do this."
"Write to him instead." Nenia pleaded. Cene shook her head.
"No. I want to speak to Lento. I want him to tell me to my face that he doesn't want me." The female inclined her head politely to Malum then stalked out of the informal audience chamber. Nenia made to stand.
"I'd better go after her."
"Do you really think you'll be able to change her mind?" Malum's expression was wry.
Nenia shrugged fatalistically.
"Sometimes I can…" She also inclined her head to the Leader before turning to leave. She paused at the doorway.
"Leader, Lento was your aide. How do you feel about him staying away? If it's not an impertinent question."
Malum permitted himself a small sigh.
"I knew when Lento went back to Vejiitamachi that first time, after the conflict, that he probably wouldn't be returning. I miss him, I miss the help he gave me but there are others willing to take up his tasks."
Nenia's eyes widened. The nature of the Leader's answer had been very… candid. Malum definitely wasn't like other males. She smiled shyly.
"Forgive my curiosity, Leader, but you didn't answer Cene's question."
Malum regarded the slim female for a moment, puzzled, then he chuckled.
"I have four females already, I don't intend to accept any others."
Nenia blinked.
"But your status entitles you to more…"
The male quirked a fine silver eyebrow.
"Perhaps if we were still on Hassina I would but here, having my females and children with me all the time…" he chuckled again. "Four is more than enough."
Smiling, amused, Nenia bowed her head.
"Thank you for your time, Leader. I'll see if I can get Cene to see sense…"
Nenia hadn't been able to talk her sister out of her scheme and so two days later Cene presented herself at the Academy and demanded to speak with Lento. Well, she'd tried to demand but staring up and up as she was into a looming, grey-furred face full of ferocious teeth she'd only managed to squeak out her request.
"Your name?" the creature rumbled.
"Cene," her voice was firmer, "from Kamome." Just in case the stupid male knew any one else called Cene.
"Wait here." she was ordered peremptorily as the creature reached up to fiddle with some sort of slim technology fastened to the side of its head. The Hassinan stared, fascinated despite her uneasiness, as the alien apparently talked to itself in a rumbling sort of growl she couldn't make sense of. Was it speaking Common? She couldn't tell…
"Lento's at home," The creature replied at last, "but he can see you now."
Cene's heart thudded low in her chest.
"Where is his… home?"
The grey face wrinkled into an expression that Cene guessed wasn't meant to be threatening.
"Wait one moment, please. I'll organise a guide for you."
Cene stared about her as she was led on foot through the extensive grounds. It was so green here, all the plants, very different from the solid forests of Kamome. She and her guide – a slender, pale-skinned creature with odd sort of tentacles coiling about its head – passed through a screening stand of trees and into what looked to be a commune of sorts. There were many structures here, in many different styles, all surrounded by their own patch of greenery. So much space!
"Here we are." The alien smiled and indicated a single-story dwelling. "Ssii'irin Zha'tiisaan's quarters."
Cene started then forced herself to relax. Of course this would be Lento's home, if she was given to understand the nature of their relationship correctly. A door opened and a tall, silver-haired figure stepped out.
"Thank you." Lento inclined his head to the alien with a smile.
"My pleasure," the creature's tentacles rippled. "It's a fine cool day for a walk." It smiled pleasantly at them both then headed back along the curving path.
The Hassinan looked at each other in silence. It was comforting for Cene to note that Lento seemed to be as agitated as she felt.
"Come inside, please." Lento said at last. He was wearing a very light, very loose robe and Cene found out why when she entered the dwelling. It was so hot in here! The weather hadn't really been cold and she'd worn a medium-weight robe for her journey but even so that was too heavy for this cloying heat. Perspiring, Cene followed him down a short corridor and through into an open, airy space, strewn with furs and floor cushions. Bright, tinkling chimes hung at nearly every window, catching the light in a most distracting way.
"Why are you here, Cene?" Lento blurted out. The female took a deep breath, steadying herself: the male, her male, was undeniably attractive. Why hadn't she noticed before?
"You left without a word."
He had the grace to look abashed.
"I'm sorr – "
"It was humiliating!"
Lento fiddled with a strand of his hair.
"I'm sorry."
"You could have at least told us yourself!"
"I regret – "
"Sneaking off like an arreppo?"
"Cene, please!" Lento huffed in exasperation. "Let me speak!"
The female subsided with a glower and Lento sighed.
"I do owe you, and Nenia, an apology – and an explanation, but first, please sit down and be comfortable. Are you hungry? Thirsty?"
Cene nodded tightly, it'd been hours since she'd had anything to eat, and – she wiped a trail of sweat from her cheek - a cool drink would be very welcome.
"I'll get us something." She stared at his back as he hurried away through a colourful bead curtain. Cene huffed to herself, then glancing around, selected the most comfortable looking cushion and sat down, assuming a demure, feminine pose. After a few moments Lento returned carrying a tray. He set it down in front of her then took his place on another cushion.
"Help yourself."
Cene poured herself a beaker of cold water, gratefully gulping it down before pouring another.
"Why is it so hot in here?"
Lento's smile was brief.
"The zn'hre – 'tiisaan's species – can't tolerate the cold." He indicated a bowl brimming with strips of seared meat. "That's grittig – it's delicious. Very fragrant."
Cene picked up a morsel of flesh, sniffing it surreptitiously before popping it into her mouth and chewing.
"It is good!" she exclaimed, reaching for another piece. Lento waited until the female's mouth was full before he spoke.
"I am truly sorry for behaving the way I did. I thought it would be better, less unpleasant for us all, if Malum told you of my decision." He half-smiled at her narrow-eyed scowl. "I was wrong."
Cene hastily swallowed her mouthful.
"Why did you let us go? I don't understand. It would be several years before we were gifted to you anyway!"
Lento gazed directly into her eyes with a solemn look that warned the female she wasn't going to like what he was about to say.
"I care for 'tiisaan, deeply. I want to be with him, only him and I'm sorry, Cene, but the thought of being with anyone else makes me feel like I'm suffocating."
The female's face froze.
"I see." The hollow pit in her stomach had nothing to do with hunger. She and her sister had been brought up with the expectation of being gifted to a virtual stranger when they were old enough. Love and attraction wouldn't have been a factor in their relationship with their male but now, now she felt like weeping because… because why?
"Cene…" Lento murmured, concern in his eyes. She held up her hand not wanting to hear him say he was sorry, again.
"I understand. I will defer to your decision." Though what would become of Nenia and herself remained to be seen. They could return to G'geckah and let their family negotiate another male for them. Or if that was too galling they could choose to stay in Kamome and… see what happened. Their circumstances could change radically in the years before they were of an age to be gifted. New Hassinan immigrants were arriving all the time, there might be a suitable male among them who'd consider them good enough… Cene closed her eyes and swallowed the bitterness rising in her throat.
"Thank you for honesty, Lento." She stood up, eyes downcast. "I wish you happiness and good fortune in your life." Cene was relieved she'd managed to keep her voice steady: she had some pride left and she'd be damned like an un-Named if she was going to throw that away by bursting into tears in front of him.
"Thank you – " Lento would have said something else but he was distracted by a flurry of colour and movement outside in the garden. Cene turned to see the glass doors flung open and a laughing, chattering group of aliens tumble inside. There were a couple of Saiyans – she recognised them from Kamome – another of the big, furred creatures and a handful of smaller ones…
She blinked: they weren't the same species, they were only wearing close-fitting, furred garments. Then Cene blushed and averted her eyes as the aliens stripped out of the suits. They were naked underneath! She risked a glance, realising they weren't actually naked though their skin-tight garments left little to the imagination. Shock gave way to curiosity: the aliens were all slender, attractive beings, their skin and universally long, silky hair in various shades of blue and green. One of them detached itself from the group and darted over to Lento, wrapping its slim arms around the Hassinan's waist and lifting its face up to be kissed… Cene stared. That must be the Ssii'irin. Her heart plummeted: he was beautiful, no wonder Lento hadn't wanted her. The male in question smiled warmly, cupping the dancer's face with his fingers as they shared a look of something that went beyond joy. Cene looked away and began to sidle as inconspicuously as possible out of the room.
"Hello!"
She squashed a surge of panic, forcing a tentative smile as the Prince pulled away from the male.
"This is Cene, from Kamome." Lento stepped in quickly.
"Be welcome, Cene."
She could see the alien knew precisely who she was, and could probably guess why she was there. Mercifully he said nothing but the wide, golden eyes regarded her with compassion and… admiration? Cene stood a little straighter.
"I am honoured to meet you – " she wracked her brain for his name, "Ssii'irin Zha'tiisaan."
"Just 'tiisaan, please," he flapped a graceful, long-fingered hand negligently, smiling all the while. "The other is far too formal." His gaze dropped to the collar of her robe and he leaned a little closer, eyeing the beaded design there with interest. "Is that your own work?"
Cene nodded, eyes wide: this close she could swear she could smell him. He was delightfully sweet...
"This is exquisite."
"Thank you." The female flushed with pleasure; if she had anything approaching a talent it was as a clothes maker, and naturally – being Hassinan – the making of clothes also involved decorating them.
"Do you do commissions? Would you be interested in working on costumes?"
"Costumes?" Cene frowned, she wasn't familiar with the word.
"Clothes especially designed to dance in, to… enhance the performance." 'tiisaan grinned. "Wait there!" he darted off, returning quickly with his arms full of bright garments.
"Please, sit." 'tiisaan folded his legs beneath him, sinking gracefully to a cushion. He grinned up at a bemused Lento. "Zk'viss, could you get us something to drink?"
The male blinked then smiled.
"Of course, sinam…"
Cene was a quick study, rapidly grasping the concept behind 'costumes'. She minutely examined the fabric, construction and embellishments of the pieces as 'tiisaan demonstrated how they were used. Any reserve Cene felt towards her erstwhile male's lover was swamped by a growing excitement as she and the Prince explored the pile of clothes. 'Costumes' weren't just decorated clothing, they could be integral to the communication of an idea. There was so much possibility here for artistry it was exhilarating!
The suns were setting by the time Cene looked up from her involved discussion with the Prince. The female blinked into warm and friendly golden eyes.
"The Academy's Mid Winter performance is on soon. Would you like to help with the costumes?" 'tiisaan asked, brimful of enthusiasm. "And we've already started working on the designs for the next Mid Year performance, I'd love to have your ideas."
"I'm flattered to be asked, Ssii- , 'tiisaan, but I'm not sure." Cene flashed a look at Lento, who was sitting cross-legged beside the dancer. "I had planned on going back to Kamome shortly."
The Prince's face fell.
"Oh. Are you sure? Couldn't I tempt you stay for just a few days at least? I think you'd have a lot of fun."
Cene wavered. Lento looked distinctly uncomfortable but 'tiisaan was gazing at her with such a hopeful expression…
"I believe I could stay for a day or so longer, yes." She gave him a small smile.
"Excellent!" 'tiisaan beamed, impulsively leaning forward to hug the female. Taken by surprise by the affectionate gesture, and the startling coolness of 'tiisaan's slender body, Cene froze. The Prince pulled away – from his unchanged open and friendly expression Cene wasn't even sure he'd noticed her discomfort – and the female shockingly found herself missing the contact. The Hassinan weren't great believers in magic but a few of their older stories dealt with the subject of sorcery. Had the Prince bespelled her? Was that why she was so comfortable with his touch after only a brief meeting? Is that why she would've been quite happy for him to touch her again?
"Where would you like to stay?" 'tiisaan was saying. Cene shook herself mentally and paid attention.
"Staying?"
"If you're going to be here for a little while you'll need somewhere to sleep." the Prince grinned.
"Ah…" Cene hadn't even considered that aspect.
"You could stay with us, we have plenty of room." 'tiisaan glanced at Lento, noticing the male's hunted expression. He lifted an eyebrow. "Perhaps not. There are several Hassinan females at the Academy, they have their own shared quarters...?"
Cene nodded, relieved though she couldn't say why.
"That would be best, I think."
"It's settled then, we'll take you over there, later, after the evening meal." He turned that limpid and appealing look on her again. "You will stay and eat with us?"
Cene reigned in her rather foolish smile.
"Thank you, yes, I would be honoured."
The grey-furred alien padded over to them and stood with its arms on its hips, frowning – at least that's how Cene interpreted the look – down at the Prince.
"Are you coming to eat or not?"
'tiisaan grinned at it.
"Yes, Tion, very soon."
The creature snorted.
"Better hurry up or the Saiyans will eat the lot!"
'tiisaan chuckled.
"In that case, we'd better go now…"
Several hours later and a languid and sated Lento was on the verge of sleep, an equally content 'tiisaan half-draped over him.
"You're not happy Cene's here, are you?" the zn'hre murmured into his lover's neck.
"Not unhappy," Lento gusted a sigh, "more uncomfortable."
"Why?"
"Perhaps I'm afraid she'll want me to give you up and go back to her and her sister."
'tiisaan lifted his head, looking down into his Hassinan's eyes.
"Would you?"
"No." Lento's smile was loving as he stroked his fingers through silky cool hair.
"That's all right then." 'tiisaan sighed happily and put his head back down, wrapping a slim arm around the male's waist. "Though there's no reason you couldn't have her as well."
Lento frowned.
"I don't want her, or Nenia."
"Cene's pretty, and intelligent." 'tiisaan continued on calmly, reasonably. "And strong, it must've taken a lot of courage to come here on her own to find you."
"… yes."
"I like her."
Lento shook his head.
"You've only just met her."
"I believe in first impressions."
The male grunted.
"Cene may be pretty and intelligent but she's also headstrong and argumentative – "
"Do you think she likes me?"
"'tiisaan!"
He felt the zn'hre smiling against his bare chest. Lento chuckled ruefully and brushed a kiss over his lover's hair.
"Go to sleep, sinam. Rehearsals start early tomorrow."
The dancer sighed happily and nestled closer to the wonderfully warm body. Lento might not be all that impressed having Cene around but 'tiisaan could appreciate the advantages…
© 2004 October 20th Amanda Mullane
