As it turned out, Veera did have a reason for stopping at that particular building. After she’d recovered from her giggling fit, she explained that it was the temple of Tyrdus, the smith. Heading inside, the two of them found only a single apprentice, as the rest had relocated to the center of the village to begin work on the festival. The interior was impressive, with multiple workstations for various crafts and materials stacked up the walls to the impressive ceiling. The Cauthan appeared to work with mostly wood, stone, and leather, though there were a few metal tools lying about. Without Winters’ helmet, it was up to Veera to convey his need for some kind of sheath or holster for his sword. After a brief period of thought, the young apprentice brought three leather strips out for them. Two were thin laces and the other was about four inches in width. Winters understood quickly what the apprentice had in mind and nodded, asking Veera what the price would be for the material and labor. In the end Winters was able to reach an agreement in which he would allow the craftsmen of the village a percentage of material from his first kill when on the hunt. A short time later, Winters left with his sword secured to his hip. The larger leather piece had been fastened into a loop, held in place by the two smaller laces that he tied around his belt loops. It was crude and he figured he would commission another, better piece at a later date, but at least it would keep Antoth off his case.

“Thanks for helping in there. Can’t believe I overlooked something like not being able to speak to anyone else.” He couldn’t help being annoyed with himself.

“You’ve been through so much lately Russell. I’m sure every human makes mistakes, yes? We are no different.” Veera tried to reassure him, finding it almost funny that after everything that had gone right he was beating himself up over something so trivial.

“I hate making mistakes, especially given the circumstances of, you know, being stranded on an alien planet? But I guess you’re right. I’m certainly not infallible. That and nobody died because of my mistake, so no harm no foul right? Either way, I’m glad I have you getting my back Veera. So what is this all going to become?” They had reached the town center and Winters moved to indicate the various piles of lumber and other material that were being attended to by a variety of Cauthan he was not familiar with.

“Are you that afraid of making even a minor mistake?” Veera asked, needing to address his prior comment before even considering answering a question about the festival.

“It’s drilled into us starting with basic training. Mistakes can cost people their lives. Hell, I’ve been giving it some thought and there’s nothing to say the accident that blew up my ship wasn’t due to someone’s mistake. I know forgetting the translator is a small deal, but if you get in the habit of making them…eventually you make a big one. I’d rather beat myself up over nothing.” He explained. Before he could slip too far into a funk, he looked over at her and squeezed the paw he’d been holding. “Harvest festival?” An elated look graced Veera’s face as she began to point out various attractions.

“Right!” Veera smiled at him. “So those pits they’re digging all around will be for fires. Instead of one large fire or something like that there are many smaller ones for friends and family to gather around. Over there,” She pointed to their left, at the residential side of town. “That will all become stands and stalls. Various harvests will be on display from the families that own larger plots. There are all sorts of contests too, like kina eating or largest dato.” She gave Winters an arch look as he grinned like an imp. “Oh don’t you dare!”

“What? I think maybe they could use a bit of real competition this year.” He puffed his chest out dramatically.

‘Sir, there’s no need to be mean to the locals. Though I suppose it couldn’t hurt to put on a bit more of a…casual display?’ Io suggested.

“Well, there’s always the sparring rings.” Veera suggested.

“The what?” Winters stopped looking around and gave her his full attention. “We get to fight?!”

“How else would the men and boys of the village prove their worth to the females?” Veera asked simply.

‘How barbaric.’ Io scoffed. ‘If I wanted a hunk of meat I’d go out and kill one.’

“Didn’t know you had a type Io.” Winters laughed before turning back to Veera. “I presume that’s one of many ways, yes?”

“Of course Russell. And there are all sorts of events, not just straight up sparring. There are feats of strength or speed for those who are inclined. Others who have apprenticed at a temple will display something as proof that they are learning a trade, and are capable of supporting a family. I even remember a few instances of things like readings or songs. In the end, we try to allow for as many expressions of interest as possible. With all the work we do over the course of the year, there’s not too much time just to socialize.”

“I see. That makes sense I suppose. What about you?” He raised a brow at her.

“What about me?” Veera tilted her head at him as they slowly walked through the activity, trying not to get in anyone’s way.

“What would a female do to display her…eligibility?” He asked tentatively. He noticed a few ears in the crowd twitch and turn his way thanks to his change in pitch and manner. Damn Cauthan and their fluffy ears!

‘Oh yes, I’m most interested in this as well. Do elaborate!’ Io piled on, enjoying the fluctuations of Winters’ vitals every time he broached the subject of intimacy. It was endearing, and a reminder that under the HEL Jumper he was still a young man capable of experiencing the thrill and uncertainty of ‘the game’.

“Well…” Veera looked to the sky. She wasn’t blushing or embarrassed. If anything she seemed regretful or disinterested. “There is dancing both the first and second night of the festival. The second night is a bit more formal in that should a female accept the attentions of a suitor, or be interested in a particular male, she will dance with him…or for him.” Winters swallowed heavily. “There isn’t a functional equivalent for what the men go through. The women will simply wear their best clothes, preen their feathers, and be seen. There’s plenty of opportunity for mingling, so it’s not just a beauty contest, but there aren’t any fights between females if that’s what you’re asking.”

“What if two women are interested in the same male?” Winters asked lightheartedly with a wiggle of his eyebrows. Veera got his meaning, feeling jealous of the human’s capability for facial expression and making note of the various lines and creases that came into being and then faded away near his eyes and lips as the muscles underneath moved. It was beyond what she was able to do, though she supposed that he had to compensate somehow for his lack of feathers.

“Well I suppose that counts as a fight, yes.” She couldn’t help a smile. “Usually a female gets to choose between a male or two, but the opposite can happen. In the end, it’s up to both parties. When a male and female decide they want to be together…they do.”

“And then they begin…figuring things out, I guess?” Winters asked as they traversed the square, looking at various roped off areas with loose dirt that would clearly become arenas for dueling or other activity. He nodded to a few of the workers who met his eye. They were polite and returned his greeting, though their eyes did linger on Veera, something he found he didn’t enjoy in the slightest.

“Ah, you mean developing their relationship? Yes. The dance is a wonderful time to…feel each other out. In public of course!” Veera added quickly, now exhibiting the telltale fluttering of feathers. “After the festival there is usually a week or so of ceremonies that will take place at the temple of Meylith, where new couples are bonded officially.”

“That makes sense. Do they offer something to the goddess?” Winters inquired.

“They offer their vows.” Veera replied wistfully. “They offer the goddess their commitment to one another, to see through life’s trials together. Then they exchange some token or symbol of their bond. It could be an earring, a bangle, a necklace…anything that is significant for the two of them.”

“Now I understand why Antoth was a bit upset at the gate.” Winters said, scratching his chin in thought. “Your people are…very interesting Veera.”

“What? How so?” She flicked her ears in his direction and moved her body a bit closer to his. That brought them a couple more looks from the smiths and craftsmen in the square. Winters wasn’t sure where exactly Veera was leading him, but he didn’t have anywhere particular in mind. As such, he allowed her to choose their direction and they continued out of the square towards the far gate at a leisurely pace. He began to elaborate on his previous comment.

“Humans observe many of the same customs as your people when we enter into marriage. We recite vows, sometimes in houses of worship. We exchange rings to signify engagement and bonding. That’s what happens where I come from, at least. There are many cultures on Earth that each have their own traditions and for the most part, people follow them. It’s one of the few instances I can think of when variation between groups is greater than variation within groups.”

‘Now you just sound like a college freshman in biology class.’ Io commented flippantly.

“I love you too Io.” He replied sarcastically, but smiled nonetheless at her jab. Veera seemed to be enjoying the teasing as well. Winters continued.

“What I’m trying to say is that love and marriage or mating are very important and personal things for both of our peoples. We just seem to approach them differently. You place much more emphasis on the personal and unique nature of the bond in terms of how it is entered into and how it is displayed to the public.”

“I suppose that’s true Russell.” Veera responded, wondering how they had begun speaking of things like love and mating in such analytical terms. “Though I can see the merit in the way your species does it. If there are so many of you, it makes sense to follow some sort of convention so that others know of your status, right? Everyone knows everyone in the village more or less. We don’t have that problem.”

“Good point…” Winters trailed off, looking at Seil as it began approaching the palisade wall off to their left. “To each their own I suppose. So what’s your favorite part of the festival Veera? It sounds like it’ll be quite the occasion. Do you have other events like this?”

“We do, but none are as big of a production. There are days devoted to each of the gods but those are primarily observed amongst members of the temple, though anyone is welcome to join. There is a celebration just before the first planting of the season as well. It celebrates our survival through the winter and our hopes for a fruitful harvest. As for my favorite bit of the festival well…when I was growing up I couldn’t wait for my turn to ‘play the game’, so to speak. Then the time came and reality didn’t really line up with my expectations. Doesn’t matter now though.” She flashed him her teeth and squeezed his hand. Winters returned the pressure and gave her a serious look, only now realizing that they’d been holding hands basically non-stop since entering the village.

“They’re fools Veera.”

“Maybe Russell, maybe not. If you aren’t perfect, I’m certainly not. Like I said, it doesn’t matter now. I do very much look forward to seeing all of the food and crafts. Over the last few years it’s been my only opportunity to get a taste of something other than dato, you know? And a few of the craftsmen will always have something pretty to show off, necklaces or earrings, that sort of thing.”

“I assume with all of the courtship going on there’s no better time to market such things.” Winters considered. “When did you get those?” He pointed to her piercings. Veera brought her other hand up to run a finger over the smooth rock bands attached to the outside of her right ear.

“They were a gift from my father to mark my fifteenth year and the beginning of my transition into adulthood.”

“They suit you.” Was all Winters found himself capable of saying. Their discussion had laced far too many touchy subjects together now: beauty, love, courtship, loss, survival, her parents. He couldn’t be certain, but he felt as though Veera was changing before his eyes. It was either that or she was allowing him to see the real Veera. Showing him whatever lay beneath the hardened exterior that she required to survive in a village that seemed not to care if she lived or died. Either situation was cause for discomfort. It was proof that she too was feeling a pull of some sort, and that was frightening to him. What was it that Io asked me the other day? Am I in over my head yet? I don’t think that even begins to cover it. How in the hell do I reconcile all of this anyway?! He couldn’t help but see flashes of the final moments of the Lancer in his mind again.

“Russell? Hey, you still in there?” Veera waved a hand in front of his face, causing him to flinch backward. He hated being caught like this.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just spaced out a bit. Sorry Veera.” He breathed out a long breath before rubbing the back of his neck.

“You know, you’ve been doing that a lot lately. It’s cute, that thing with your neck.” She giggled as he immediately brought his hand away and added a blush to his features. She’s definitely changing.

‘You’ve got it bad…sir. Real bad.’ Io gratuitously informed him. ‘And it seems our scrawny girl knows exactly what she wants. She never struck me as the shy type, not once we got to know her.’

“This isn’t right.” He whispered back, ignoring Veera’s questioning look. This is absolutely not right.

‘Is any of this?’ Io asked him seriously. To that Winters truly had no response. Did what was ‘right’ even matter all the way out in the galactic arm? Did ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ from a civilized perspective matter when he was so many light years from home? Looking up, he realized they were close to the temple of Kel. Desperate for an out, he took it.

“Mind if I see if Thantis is around?” He asked, reasoning that even if it was an excuse to break up the conversation, he did owe the older Cauthan a visit.

“Not at all! He should be.” Veera said as the two of them ducked under the cloth door and into the house of worship. They saw Thantis immediately. The old Cauthan seemed to be taking an inventory of his medical supplies. “Hello Thantis!” Veera greeted him cheerfully. The priest turned with his customary greeting and stared at the two of them for a moment. He finally spoke.

“Perhaps the temple of Meylith would be a more suitable for such an event, yes?” He winked at them. Winters immediately regretted his decision. Io was laughing again, clearly enjoying the evidence of his emotional chaos reflected in his blood pressure and heart rate.

“Thantis! Come off it!” Veera gently admonished. “It’s not like that at all.”

“Oh? Then do tell my child, because that is quite the fine garment you’ve acquired, with his symbol no less.” He gestured at Winters with a sincere smile.

“It’s a sign of fellowship Thantis, a cherished gift from a friend.” Veera explained, meeting Winters’ eyes and receiving a grateful nod of approval from him. She wasn’t exactly sure how she felt about his eagerness to label them ‘friends’. It left something…to be desired. Thantis took the hint though and moved the conversation onward.

“I see. And how are you Winters? I understand that you have told your story to Veera. She mentioned you were thankful for my advice. You humble me.” He bowed slightly at the human. As Winters began to speak, Veera translated for him.

“I have Thantis, and your advice was part of the push I required. So thank you again. Veera has been very kind to me.” He thought back to the night they’d spent on her floor, how she’d held him and how she’d given him space afterward. She’s been more than kind. He thought as Thantis spoke again.

“You are most welcome. Would the two of you enjoy some tea with me?” He asked eagerly. The two companions looked to one another. Without any pressing plans they silently agreed it couldn’t hurt.

“Of course Thantis, thank you for your hospitality.” Veera responded. The priest nodded and ushered them into his living quarters. When they each had a cup in their hand he engaged them in conversation again.

“Are your preparations for the harvest almost complete, Veera?”

“Yes, they are Thantis. That’s in no small part thanks to Russell here.” She nudged Winters with an elbow. “He constructed a marvelous contraption that vastly reduces the time necessary for me to water the land. I have been able to spend much more time gathering other resources for the coming cold.”

“Is that so? Then it seems I have you to thank as well!” Thantis informed Winters, drawing a surprised look from the human. “Veera stopped by the other day with a multitude of useful herbs and roots. I am quite happy I won’t have to stress these old joints any more than necessary. I am not as cut out for foraging runs as I used to be. Anytime you have extra Veera, I would be happy to give you a fair price for them.” Veera nodded in reply, as did Winters. “Please enjoy that tea by the way. It is the same that we are drinking now.”

Winters took a gratifying sip and found he enjoyed it very much. The blend was closer to black tea than the last time he’d been at the temple. Clearly the leaves had been dried and oxidized to an extent. “Glad to hear we were able to help Thantis.”

“Indeed Winters, you are a most useful addition to our little village. Pray tell, how long will you be staying?” Thantis was obviously motivated by curiosity alone, but that didn’t stop a shadow from falling over Winters’ features. Veera noticed it immediately, her look becoming serious as well.

“Truthfully Thantis, I don’t know. I might be gone next year. I might die here. I don’t know. Other than repairing one last piece of my equipment, there’s almost nothing I can do to change the outcome.” He looked at the ground as he informed the priest of the uncertainty surrounding his situation. Unseen by the human, a look passed between Veera and the elder, who nodded to her with understanding in his eye.

“I am sorry to hear that young one. Have you decided if you would like to construct a shrine? I do not mean to pry, but with the harvest upcoming and the snows bound to follow soon after…” Winters held up a hand.

“I understand. I took no offense Thantis and yes, I believe I’d like to do so very soon. Is there some sort of secret to their construction?” He asked, recalling the stone structures he’d seen the other day. They didn’t appear to rely on any sort of adhesive or support structure.

“No Winters, there is not. Simply care, love, and on the rare occasion, some maintenance.” Thantis explained. “If you would like, please feel free to walk among the memorials just outside. I know the dead will not mind if you draw inspiration from them.”

“Thank you for the offer. I think I’ll do that.”

“I was actually planning on heading there myself.” Veera spoke up, much to Winters’ surprise. He had no idea that was her intended destination. Thantis looked between the two of them with a warm smile.

“I see. Yes I believe your father will want to hear all about the recent goings on. I will not keep you from him Veera. Thank you for stopping by, the both of you. Best of luck Winters.”

“Thank you Thantis. And thanks for the tea.” Winters stood and Veera followed suit. After another moment of pleasantries, they headed outside to the gate and the small field of shrines beyond. Their detour had done absolutely nothing to quell the rioting emotions inside of him, so Winters halted just short of the first row, allowing Veera to proceed alone. She stopped before one of the small monuments, this one a well-constructed tower of rocks with wooden support struts making up each edge. The way she looked at it left no doubt in Winters’ mind whose shrine it was.

“Hey dad, it’s me.” Veera began in a soft voice full of memories. “I know it’s only been a cycle or so but, well, a lot has happened since we last spoke. Where do I even start? Well, I guess all I can say is that fate landed right on top of me a while back. I was scared. I thought the gods were testing me…or angry with me. Turns out my fears were unfounded. One thing led to another and…well…I brought a boy home to meet you! He’s not from the village by the way. Knowing you and mom I’m sure you won’t mind!” Veera laughed softly before continuing in a slightly embarrassed tone. “He and I…we connected. I don’t know how and I don’t understand it all myself. There are too many dimensions and uncertainties between us but he’s had it pretty tough recently, even for an almighty, armor clad, technologically blessed warrior. And you know my story of course. I guess in light of all that it was easy to see eye to eye on many things. He’s kind, gentle, strong, dominant…he apparently shouted down Ratha and broke one of her trophies! Thought you’d get a kick out of that. He’s really generous too…that’s where I got all this by the way!” Veera twirled once on the spot, showing off her new dress, knife, and canteen. “Don’t worry; I’m putting it all to good use…for the both of us. He’s also adorable when he gets flustered by the way, does this thing where he rubs the back of his neck and tries to avoid eye contact. I’m sure mom is getting a kick out of that!”

‘Sir, should we even be here?’ Io appeared in Winters’ display, a look of clear concern and apprehension on her face, a significant change from the chaos loving flirt from earlier. ‘I do not know…I have no subroutine for something like this.’

“I don’t think Veera would have brought us out here if she didn’t want us around but…I’ll admit this is a lot…” He trailed off with a heavy breath as Veera continued her one-sided conversation with her father. A slow drip of adrenaline, borne from the feeling that he was trespassing on hallowed ground, had begun flowing through his system. He was hearing everything now. Veera’s voice had become sad and scared. His hands clenched into fists.

“That’s the thing though dad, I feel like this can’t be real. He drops out of the sky and suddenly I’m not starving anymore. I’m not freezing anymore. I’m not scared of them anymore. I don’t give a damn if they call me a mutt anymore because he just doesn’t care. I’m not…thinking how nice it would be to give up anymore…going to be with you and mom.” Winters inhaled deeply, lowered his head, and began walking forward with resolve. Io’s protests died quickly in his ear and she fell silent, knowing she was way out of her depth amongst the living. Veera was pleading with the spirits.

“I want to understand him dad. I want to help him. He’s been through so much recently and I…I…” She wiped a tear from her eye as she admitted aloud what she’d been denying for far too long. “I just want him to need me…to need me even a fraction of how I need him!” At that point Veera was finding it harder to keep herself together. She knew Russell was likely listening, knew he was probably scared out of his mind, knew that he was grieving and that this was the very last thing he’d want to be burdened with. But the dam around her heart simply couldn’t hold any longer. It was all just too much. He was just too much. She needed an outlet; something only her father had been able to provide, even after his passing. Wrapping her arms around herself, Veera sobbed quietly and tried to come to grips with the truth that she’d just confided to him. She felt small, confused, and fragile; terrified at the idea of relying on anyone else after so long on her own, someone who could quite possibly reject the burden she’d just placed upon him. She hadn’t thought this through at all. She should have never brought Winters here. It was unfair to him. She was a naïve young girl who had no idea what she was doing. Just as she was about to turn and bolt, she felt a presence behind her. She gasped and shuddered as a pair of strong arms draped themselves over her shoulders. Before she could process anything more she was drawn backwards, her body pressed flat against Winters’ strength and warmth. He lowered his head and breathed into her ear.

“It’s ok Veera, keep going. I’m here.” Veera rested her head back on his shoulder, closed her eyes, and cried freely.

“You see what I’m talking about dad? He’s just…he’s just…” She moved her arms up to hold his. “He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met before. I want to help him.” She opened her eyes and met Winters’ gaze. “I want to know him. He’s special to me.” She whispered in conclusion, allowing herself to surrender to the comfort of their embrace. There was no fluttering of feathers or shallow breathing. There was no pang of infatuation. There was only that heavy warmth inside her center that was expanding to encompass her entire being. She lost herself to the rhythm of his broad torso rising and falling with every breath. For a time they simply stood there among the spirits, strengthening a bond that they both knew had been growing by the day, but only now were even willing to speak of. Eventually, Winters opened his eyes again and spoke softly to her.

“What’s written there?” He asked, pointing to the wooden plaque that graced the top of the shrine. He’d only just noticed it. The writing on it looked like a hybrid of runic script and cuneiform.

“It’s a wish. To my best friend, to a loving father. May you be lost no longer. May you find your way home and into the arms of your beloved. I will see you again someday. Love your daughter, Veera.” She recited, voice heavy with emotion.

‘It is a simple and elegant sentiment.’ Io spoke with due reverence for the dead as she appeared on Winters’ visor holding an HEL cap over her heart. ‘Thank you for sharing with us Veera.’

“I think…I think he’d be very pleased to meet the both of you.” Veera replied happily, brushing more moisture from her lids.

“In that case…do you think he’d mind a quick chat with me?” Winters asked, surprising both Io and Veera. The Cauthan soon beamed at him and slowly freed herself of his hold, much to the protestations of her body.

“I think he would enjoy that Russell. Io and I will wait at the gate. I know better than to intrude on guy talk.” With a look full of joy and various other sentiments he couldn’t discern, she moved out of earshot before turning back to observe. Shaking his head and wondering if he’d truly snapped, Winters took a knee before the small monument.

“Uh…well, I have to say I never imagined meeting the parents would go quite like this. I know, I know…bad jokes. I’m full of them. Your daughter is very kind, laughs at them anyway. I…my name is Russell Winters. I am an…unwilling visitor to your world. Even so, I am very lucky to have met your daughter. This may be presumptuous of me, but you and your wife should be very proud. She’s a strong woman, full of compassion and life. I would not be where I am right now without her. I know she said she needs me. I don’t know if that’s the truth, but if it is then I assure you the opposite is just as true. I don’t know what I’d do down here without her companionship. That’s…not why I’m here though. Again, I may be overstepping but I had hoped we might come to an agreement, sir.” Winters paused to gather his thoughts. “The accident that stranded me here killed the woman I love as well as my comrades in arms. Perhaps you’ve met a few of them already in that plane of spirits? If so, could you please give them any comfort you can? Please tell them they aren’t forgotten and that I will soon build them a proper shrine? I have every intention of looking after your daughter and ensuring that we both continue to survive so please, if you could do me this one kindness that I cannot do myself I would be most grateful. In return I ask that you be at ease, sir. I know you did everything you could for her.” Winters rested a hand on the stone and raised his head, determination burning in his eyes. He thought of Veera. “I will take it from here.”