“Can’t I just walk this path one time without being a goddamn emotional basket case?” Winters grumbled to himself as he walked through Cauthan fields shrouded in moonlight. He and Io were almost at the forest. Veera and her village lay behind. A violin chord struck his ear. “Io, what gives? I thought you said you didn’t have any of this

right now?”

‘I said I had to leave most of it behind, not all.’

“And you just happened to have the song my dad used to play whenever he was feeling moody? Not that I don’t like it.” He added under his breath.

‘He was a warrior too, was he not?’ She asked, evading his question. She’d been reviewing everything in his file, repeatedly; drawing inferences, suspicions, and hints.

“He still is, just not on active duty. Not sure a marine ever truly hangs it up. I think he just liked the idea of a band named Demon Hunter though.” Winters answered tersely, unsure where Io was going with her train of thought.

‘Then he was smart enough to know that even the strongest have moments of brooding and passion.’ Io sagely replied with closed eyes and a nod of the head.

“Oh believe me Io I’m not as strong as he is, and there was ‘passion’ enough today to last me a good while. I feel like a bloody teenager again, to quote Veera. Gods what the hell was I thinking back there?!” He kicked at a stray branch on the ground, thankful for the extra moonlight that was filtering through the trees. He didn’t have night vision anymore. “Thanks for trying though Io. I appreciate it. So much for restoring what we had…”

‘What did I say about self-deprecation?’ Io shifted in his visor, wagging a well-manicured nail at him.

“You never cease to amaze me with how human you are Io.” He told her, catching the VI off guard. As if to prove his statement, she simulated a blush and turned to the side.

‘That is not the point sir.’

“I know Io, I’m sorry. Go ahead. Oh, and the sensors are all cleaned up, right? Ending up as ursae bait would really ruin our day I’m thinking.” He had no intention of breaking his promise to Veera that he would be careful.

‘Yes sir. I will not tell you to not worry, as I would rather you remain aware of your surroundings at all times…but I am fully operational.’

“Great to hear Io. As you were then?”

‘Yes, what I was going to say is that I do not believe what just transpired was a…how shall I say…hormone fueled, teenage, emotional scheiße-storm?’ That drew a laugh from the human. Io smiled at him, taking satisfaction in her growing competence in the realm of humor.

“Well, that’s one way of putting it.” Winters admitted.

‘Indeed, but neither of you were acting like teens sir. Attempting to simulate human emotional responses to different stimuli has been extraordinarily trying, not that I don’t enjoy the challenge of course. There is a certain nature of unpredictability that I cannot model appropriately. However, on the flipside, I believe I’m more than capable of informing you that the two of you behaved very much as adults. You affirmed your role as each other’s rock in the storm. It was quite touching actually.’

“That’s an awfully flattering third party perspective. But hey, now at least I understand the song choice. I am a Stone…you really are becoming a poet.” Io ignored him.

‘It’s clear to me that teenage humans possess the mental capability required to understand and deal with their emotions, at a basic level at any rate…mostly. I was able to do so perfectly as I went through the developmental equivalent and most of the simulations I’ve run in my spare time confirm this assertion.’

“Wait wait wait…you’re running simulations of teenage behavior in your spare time?” Winters asked in disbelief.

‘Not just teenagers sir, all age groups. The end result of being able to better interact with you and Veera has been most gratifying. Not to mention it will prove quite useful if we are ever rescued.’ Io explained. Winters nodded in understanding.

“I would agree. I find interacting with you to be quite pleasant as well. Ok, so let’s say you’re the expert here, which you may very well be thanks to computational brute force. What did you see tonight that made you think adult and not teenage shitshow?”

‘Well, what seems to happen quite often in literature and in my simulations is that teenagers succumb to that chaotic biological factor. Because of that, they are unable to clearly state what is on their mind and what they are feeling. This repression leads to everything from being unable to ask a girl to prom to self-harm or the harming of others.’

“Well that got dark very quickly.” Winters thought aloud.

‘Well played sir.’

“Oh for the love of…that wasn’t a pun about the time of day Io!” Winters ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

‘It was; you just didn’t intend it.’ She waved him off and rolled right into her next point. ‘I used the examples I did because they are both situations in which honest conversation would achieve a world of good. What you and Veera did throughout the day was have honest conversations. Whether intentionally or not, she spoke to her father’s spirit while you were present and later told you exactly what she desires in regards to you, now and in the future…not to mention perhaps hinting at a deeper physical or romantic interest. I will have to review the footage.’ A recording of Veera’s voice began playing in his ear.

“Wait, right now? We’re reviewing right now?!”

‘Why not? I can’t stand it when you brood for no good reason.’ She informed him casually.

What does it say about me that I’m completely willing to take that risk?

‘Oh yes, she is definitely entertaining those thoughts.’ Io exclaimed happily. Winters rubbed his temples. ‘Please sir, I’m sure this will be for the best. For your part, you were honest about your own conversation with her father, as well as your desires in terms of this relationship and your fears regarding your emotional state following the loss of the Lancer and the Captain. Teenagers. Do. Not. Do. That.’ She accented each word by zooming in on her own projection, leaving Winters staring at a digital eye.

“Green huh? I like it.” Io rapidly zoomed back out and huffed at him. “Ok yes, I get it and understand what you’re saying. No guarantee of anything, but I suppose your point is valid. No tripping over missed signals and all that.”

‘I’m glad you see things my way sir. I know it’s hard to believe, but I think today will go a long way in smoothing your transition into whatever comes next, be that a purely platonic relationship, sex, or even love.’ That was all Winters could take. Some things could not be reduced to the analytical.

“Just…play that song again. Thank you. Geez…what a day.”

‘I had fun!’ Winters couldn’t help the smile that graced his lips. At least Io had gotten something out of it all.

‘Good morning sir, did you sleep well?’ Io asked him earnestly as he shrugged himself awake. Unfortunately, he was back in his armor. There wasn’t enough space to lie down in the pod, so it was back to standing in lock. Fortunately, he’d experienced a relatively dreamless sleep.

“Surprisingly Io, yes I did. I think yesterday was so overwhelming that my brain forgot I was supposed to be depressed about things.” He said with a groggy chuckle.

‘I’m sure Veera will be pleased to hear that as well.’ Io remarked offhandedly, causing Winters to halt the process of shedding his armor.

“Veera…damn this is going to be awkward when I see her again.” He cursed.

‘I bet you it won’t be.’ Io challenged.

“Ah, you’re a betting woman now?”

‘I am your woman Russell.’ She performed what was becoming a signature flip of her lone strand of free hair. Winters grinned.

“I suppose you are. Doesn’t mean I don’t realize you’re buttering me up. Alright then, what are the stakes?” He asked, happy to have some additional entertainment. Most soldiers enjoyed the occasional wager or two. He was no exception.

‘I will bet you…hrrrm.’ Io brought a fingertip to her lips in consideration. ‘I will bet you that instead of being all awkward and whatnot that Veera will embrace you when she sees you next, or a functional equivalent. If I win, you put the Aegis back on sometime soon and let me go grab some scans of the local foliage.’

“You’re on. Win-win for me either way.” Winters blurted before he could stop himself. Io gave him an arch look.

‘You must have slept very well sir.’ He hung his head in shame as he walked to the river to refresh himself.

“I know I said it the other day, but this doesn’t feel right Io.” He responded seriously.

‘What doesn’t? The fact that instead of only sorrow, you are experiencing a broad array of emotions right now? I’d say that’s good and healthy. Besides, if your unconscious reaction is to be pleased with the idea of receiving a hug from your scrawny girl, that should tell you something.’

“Feels like I’m disrespecting the dead, Jess especially.” He murmured, beginning the day’s work at Veera’s farm. He figured he would refill the reservoir since he had the time. As he worked, he continued his explanation. “I just can’t get over the idea that I’m betraying her.”

‘I see, sir. May I?’

“Of course Io, why would I say no?”

‘I’ve never had such a relationship before.’ She seemed a bit regretful at that.

“Maybe not, but that doesn’t preclude you from offering good advice. You did so last night. An analytical approach can be a powerful tool, especially when rampaging hormones are involved, right?” He said, taking a jab at himself and offloading another bucket of water as he did so.

‘You are very kind sir. I am simply calling things as I see them. As to your current question, I think it is obvious from last night that you still feel great sorrow for her. If we were back on Earth, hanging around your apartment in New York, then yes, perhaps that sorrow would consume you and you might find the comfort of an empty bottle. But you are a soldier; a soldier with clear orders no less. You cannot let it consume you and you have not. We have been over this before sir.’

“I know but…well you heard it from my own mouth. Things are changing.” Another bucketful of water splashed into the basin.

‘But of course they are. You expected them not to?’ She seemed disappointed that he would imply otherwise.

“I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this.”

‘Then let us not overthink things sir.’

“Isn’t that your specialty though?” Winters ribbed his VI companion.

‘Absolutely not!’ Io pouted at him. ‘I simulate and predict! I do not overthink.’ She made vicious air quotes at him.

“Ok ok, I’m sorry! Just having a bit of fun. Continue, please.”

‘Oh very well.’ Io huffed. ‘You and Veera have been brought together in a shared endeavor. It is only natural that something would develop beyond the purely utilitarian aspect of your relationship. It does not in any way invalidate or nullify your feelings regarding the Captain. You are capable of holding more than one emotion in that head of yours, no? I hope so, otherwise we are both doomed. Is it wrong to find comfort in another’s embrace? Don’t you remember giving Veera that whole spiel about how tactile humans are as a species? How you require it from birth? Why do you think solitary confinement is a punishment?’ Io was really driving the point home, her body and tone in lecture mode.

“Well, when you put it that way…” He conceded, finishing the final trip down to the river and activating the irrigation system. When that was complete he returned to the pod, grabbed his fishing gear and began what was becoming something of a ritual walk up river. “Io, you ever think about opening up a psychology clinic when we get home? You’re damn good at it.”

‘I’ll add that to the list of options sir. I might enjoy that. You and Veera can visit whenever you like.’

“What…” His blood ran cold as Io sparked a rioting of neurons imagining myriad potential futures he’d never considered before.

‘Sir, did I say something problematic? Your vitals just spiked.’ Io gave him a worried look. He took a deep breath to clear his mind.

“No it’s alright. Let’s go grab some food. This planet is getting to me.”

By the time Winters arrived back at the village it was the middle of the afternoon. He greeted the occasional villager as he walked past the fields, seeing more and more baskets and hand wagons loaded with the harvest. It was gratifying to him that other than a passing glance or nod, not much happened. He wasn’t friendly with many of the villagers, but he clearly had their acceptance. Antoth was not at the gate, but the young guard was. It was pretty easy to pick him out between his slight build and dark grey coat. Winters attempted the typical Cauthan male greeting again. After getting over the initial shock, the guard broke into a grin only a young man could sport. He enthusiastically brought his arm up to Winters’, forming the X-shaped pattern. Pointing to his head in an attempt to convey that he couldn’t understand what the kid was saying, Winters slipped him a fish and headed into the village.

“What in the name of Uthos was that all about Xan?” The kid’s partner asked him.

“I…I have no idea. I don’t understand that human one bit.” He replied, sniffing at the freshly caught meal in his hand. It smelled wonderful.

‘That was completely unnecessary sir. You’re not Jesus bloody Christ.’ Io admonished her human after watching him give away perfectly good food. The resulting outburst of full throated laughter drew the attention of most of the Cauthan around them for a good radius.

“Oh my god Io…that was…” He wiped a tear from his eye. “I’m crying that was so funny. Oh geez, I take back what I said about having a psych ward. Go into stand up!”

‘You gave away perfectly good fish!’

“I like the kid, it made me feel good. Don’t worry, I won’t let Veera starve. I’ll have one less if it comes to that.”

‘That…that wasn’t what I meant sir.’ Io seemed taken aback by his unabashed prioritization of Veera’s needs.

“Maybe not, but it’s true. Equal exchange is only satisfying up to a certain point. I have power here Io; I don’t need to play by those rules. I’m a goddamn HEL Jumper.” He stated as though that fact explained everything. When he reached Veera’s home he dropped off the catch, noticing that his fluffy friend was out and about somewhere. “Now then, let’s get to work.”

‘What do you mean sir? Aren’t we done?’

“No, I’m going to start on the shrine. We’re stable now in terms of food, clothing, and shelter. The dead have waited long enough. But for that I’m going to need some raw material. And I think I can kill two birds with one stone on that count.”

‘What’s the second bird?’

“Firewood, warmth for the winter. Why do you think I brought this?” Winters asked, withdrawing his helmet’s earpiece from a pocket on his vest.

A short time later Winters was back at the temple of Tyrdus and trying to get the apprentice to stop freaking out long enough to put the speaker in his ear. He eventually got fed up and drew his blade. That achieved the desired result immediately, though the poor kid looked like he was ready to relieve himself right there in the temple.

“I’m sorry I had to do that…can you understand me?” He apologized earnestly, replacing his blade in its makeshift sheath.

‘I…yes I can.’ The apprentice was still a bit stunned. Winters got straight to business.

“I need to build a shrine for my dead friends…and lover. I need wood to do that. I’d like to bring down a tree myself. Do you have tools I could use to do so? Is there anywhere I shouldn’t go?”

It took the Cauthan a few moments to realize what he was talking about, but once he understood he became very serious, seemingly forgetting their earlier altercation.

“Your name is Winters, right?” He asked.

“It is. And yours?”

“Zolta.”

“Zolta…a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I apologize again for my actions earlier but I needed to communicate with you.”

“I understand, though I’d rather we not do that again. You wish to guide the other humans home? That is an urgent task. Follow me please?” Zolta let him into a room off the right hand wall. It was small in terms of floor space, dominated by a stone forge and chimney that extended through the roof of the second story. Many tools were scattered around and more hung purposefully on the wall. The apprentice grabbed an axe from the wall and handed it to him. With a nod, they returned to the main room. Casting a glance to his right, Winters saw that the back of the temple was a two story warehouse full of timber, stone, leather, and even a few ingots of metal. Given that he’d seen no miners, he felt confident in concluding that their only source of metal was trade. That made the metal axe head in his hands very precious.

“What do I owe you for this?”

“Nothing sir, unless you return it damaged or broken…or not at all I suppose.”

“That’s very kind of you Zolta. Thank you.” Winters spoke sincerely.

“Your task is important. Please do not fell any tree that would endanger the harvest. If you can, please try to avoid the young ones. They have the smoothest bark. Once you’ve accomplished your task, I am sure a few of the servants of Tyrdus would be willing to break from their preparation to aid you in cutting the trunk into manageable pieces. Firewood will be in high demand very soon. We can cut and shape here, for a fee of course.”

“Let’s say I want a small amount for the shrine and the rest as firewood?” Winters asked.

“50:50 split?” Zolta asked, clearly not used to bartering.

“I’m chopping the whole thing down kid, 60:40.” Winters rested his palm on the handle of his blade.

“I suppose that is fair Winters, but what are you going to do with more than half of a tree?” Zolta asked at the human’s retreating back.

“I’m going to keep Veera warm. Thanks kid. See you around. Make sure whatever you’ve been working on for the festival is ready. The ladies won’t want to wait!” He waved over his shoulder, axe swung over the other. Zolta stared open mouthed at the doorway. Xan had said the human was wild, but he had no idea just how true that was until that moment.

‘You really got a kick out of that, didn’t you?’ Io asked, idly playing with her hair.

“You got a problem?” He asked lightheartedly.

‘No sir. I love chaos.’

“You are my woman after all.”

‘Yes.’ She gave him a winning smile.

Winters wiped the sweat from his brow as Seil set in the east. He’d made good progress on a thick tree about seventy feet from the nearest field. The tree seemed to have few leaves left on it and the bark was gnarled and old looking. All in all, he figured he was simply expediting a process that was bound to happen soon enough. He’d surely down it the next day.

“I’d say that’s enough for now. I’m starving.” He huffed, catching his breath.

‘I’m quite excited too.’

“Why?”

‘Our bet!’ Io reminded him happily.

“Indeed. Well let’s go see how Veera’s doing then.” He hefted the axe back to a resting position and walked towards the palisade.

“Really, you needed another weapon?” Veera joked as Winters entered her home, sword at his hip and an axe on his shoulder. He looked like he’d been using it too. She stood from the now complete, but unlit, cooking fire and walked over to him, measuring the human with her gaze the whole way. He stood still, allowing her to make the first move. By the time she reached him she was more than committed. Veera brought her arms under and around him, grabbing his shoulders gently from behind and making sure to avoid the axe. “I missed you.” His labor had left him with an intriguing scent that her nose immediately picked up on. It was musky and full of life but not overpowering. There was something crisp about it too. Whatever it was, she liked it and her subconscious immediately associated it with Winters.

“I missed you too.” He murmured as she rested her head in the crook of his neck and inhaled deeply. A sharp pang of guilt cut through his chest but it was outweighed by the comfort she brought him, not just as a result of her embrace, but her home as well. He could see the fire ready and some food laid out, her canteen and the cooking pot full of fresh water. The dark orange light of dusk completed the cozy and comforting feel. If he had to guess, it was probably close to what early man felt upon his return to fire and cave. It soothed him at his most basic level, so he accepted it.

“What is this called Russell? It’s really quite nice.” Veera whispered into his neck. “We don’t really have a special term for it when it’s shared between partners repeatedly.”

“What? You mean hugging?” He asked, bringing his free arm around her back and squeezing gently.

“I think so. What we’re doing right now; holding one another.”

“Yeah, humans call that hugging. Usually comes after holding hands.” He explained with a laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Veera purred against his chest.

“I wonder how many in the village do this with their mate.” She wondered, seeming to not have a care in the world. Winters looked up at the roof, realizing just how different the Cauthan were from humanity. He was sure that others had discovered the comfort of an embrace like this, but because of their customs and from what he could tell, a complete lack of overt public displays of affection, Veera’s question made complete sense. The public transmission of knowledge about that sort of thing would be almost zero. “They have no idea what they’re missing.” She concluded.

“So…this is our new normal huh?” Winters asked kindly, looking down as she withdrew enough to meet his gaze.

“I’m sorry; I didn’t even consider…do you want it to be?” She replied, her face becoming heavy with guilt and hope.

“I think so.” Hope won out.

“I’m glad. I didn’t forget yesterday Russell, or what you said about your relationship with Jess. I know this would be very irregular for my people but yours seem so much more comfortable with it and I just thought it wouldn’t be…a big deal?” She explained.

Winters paused to consider her words while Veera snuck in a few more moments of absorbing his body heat. Is that my problem? Am I getting so hung up over things because I’m holding myself to a non-human standard of physical interaction? “You’re right Veera, for humans that wouldn’t be a huge deal. I think it would go past normal friendship on my planet, but I think we’ve established that’s not what this is either. So no problems here.” His stomach chose that moment to growl loudly. “Ok, maybe a small problem?” He grinned at her.

‘Io one, Winters zero.’ Io chimed it, sensing that the moment had passed. Veera heard her as well.

“What?” The Cauthan tilted her head in question.

“Yeah, I think that was pretty clear Io. You win.” He looked at Veera and explained. “We placed a wager this morning. I was afraid the next time I met you would be, for lack of a better word…”

‘An awkward, hormonal mess.’ Io supplied as he struggled for the right phrase. Veera giggled at him.

“Yes, that. It was not. It was…quite nice in fact.” He admitted, feeling no need to rub the back of his neck. Well, that’s new; and an improvement.

“I thought it was quite pleasant too. So what did you win Io?” Veera asked the VI cheerfully, moving back to the fire pit. Winters removed much of his gear, taking great care with the axe, and joined her. He began lighting the fire as if second nature.

‘Russell is going to take me looking at trees with my full sensor suite!’ Io informed her with satisfaction.

“Sounds like a good time. Maybe the two of you could turn that into a hunting outing?” Veera suggested.

‘An excellent idea Veera. Sir, I will not call in my victory until you are ready to go on the hunt. For now, your other project should take priority.’

“Thanks Io, appreciate it.” Winters said, sitting back as the fire roared to life. Veera had begun slicing vegetables and fish into pieces before skewering them on thin sticks. “Ooh, kebabs. Great idea Veera!”

“That is what your people call them? Glad you like the idea. I thought we could try something new tonight. So what’s this project of yours? I assume it has something to do with that axe?”

“Yeah, wanted to get some wood for the shrine. I know I could get some from the forge warehouse but I wanted to do this all myself, you know? So I figured if I’m going to do it at all on my own, might as well go big. Not to mention it saves us having to trade away some food. Should have plenty of firewood by the end of it.”

“What am I going to do then?” Veera asked, slightly put out by the idea of having Winters do everything.

“What do you mean? That wood won’t be dry and fire ready for weeks, maybe even a month or two. Sorry, two or three cycles.” He stopped himself and converted the days into a Cauthan approximation. Veera nodded. “So don’t go thinking you can slack off now, alright? Not to mention you could always fully devote your time to foraging without the need to gather deadwood. I need you.” He informed her. Veera beamed at him, handing him a kebab while she began roasting her own.

“I won’t forget that.” She told him earnestly. “I’ll focus on making sure we have enough dry wood for the next couple days. I’ll have to begin the harvest soon.”

“I’ll help too. I’m sure I’ll be able to find the time.”

“Thank you Russell. It would go faster with another set of hands.”

“Then say no more. It shall be done.” He declared with grandeur. “Besides, that tree should be down tomorrow and hopefully I’ll have the wood I need in another day after that. Then…then it’s just a matter of building it.” He sighed heavily.

“I think they will be greatly comforted by all the work you’re going through to make a shrine for them. Do not worry Russell, I can tell you love them too much to do them any dishonor. Simply do what feels correct. I believe the dead will understand.” He stared at her at his food cooked.

“Thank you Veera. I know you offered to help and I am grateful for it, but maybe you should focus on the harvest. I just feel like this is something I have to do alone.” Veera waved her feathers and nodded at him.

“I understand. When it is complete I will come to pay my respects. While I am saddened by their passing…I am very, very happy to have met you.” She took a bite of fish, closing her eyes in happiness while she chewed. When she was done, she looked back at him with a kind and open expression. Winters couldn’t help a small smile as he responded.

“I know you wouldn’t wish it. No one would. But if I had to crash on an uncharted world and survive for an unknown length of time…can’t say I’d rather be anywhere else. Cheers.” He raised his kebab slightly before digging in. Veera mimicked him.

“To the honored dead.” She whispered.

“And to those left behind.” He finished. They ate in silence after that, comfortable and happy in one another’s presence. When they were finished, Winters struck up conversation again. “Veera, does it ever seem like we talk way too much about…well…dramatic subjects?”

“Such as?”

“Love, loss, survival, hardship, trust, intimacy, the nature of the universe and the gods? You know, small stuff like that?” He winked. She let out a cute giggle.

“I suppose you have a point there. Would you like to talk about the village boys instead? The harvest is almost here!” She taunted in a sing song manner.

“On second thought, let’s get back to the over the top stuff.” He backpedaled quickly. Veera laughed deeply, a sound Winters was becoming rather enamored with.

“I’ll let you off the hook this time. In exchange, maybe you can tell me a bit more about your people? Not the complicated quantum theory stuff though…” She insisted. Winters held his chin between his thumb and forefinger as he thought. It was oddly difficult picking a subject when you had literally the entirety of human history and knowledge at your disposal.

“Do you…want to read a book together?” He asked suddenly, catching them both off guard. Despite making the suggestion Winters felt himself blushing.

“A book?”

“Yeah, Io’s got quite a few stored in her databases, though I’m not exactly sure how many came over during the transfer.”

“Is that what you were doing the other day when you were at your pod? Reading?”

“Yep. Was reading a novel by a man called Heinlein, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. It’s good, but I already feel like I’m living a science fiction novel. Guess that’s what happens when you grow up just after first contact and uplift and then crash land on an alien planet eh?” He reflected on his life with a modicum of humor. “Was thinking maybe we could start something ourselves? Do you have any preferences? Any particular type of tale you enjoy…or don’t?” He asked, unsure if Veera could even read. He knew the Cauthan had writing, he’d seen it at her father’s shrine, but that didn’t mean that she had written it. He hadn’t seen anything that looked like a book either.

“Uh…well, my mother would always share these fantastic tales with me that some of the plains tribes passed down. Things like mythical animals and heroes with incredible abilities. Kind of like you actually!” She flashed him a smile.

“So, fantasy then? Io, what have you got?” Winters acknowledged her compliment with a casual salute.

‘Plenty, text files don’t take up much space. It was mainly the audio that was left behind. Veera, how dark of a tale would you like?’

“Can it be dark without being silly?” She asked after putting some thought into her response. Some of her mother’s tales had clearly been designed with the intent of scaring young children into compliance. Those had been her least favorite.

‘Sir, perhaps this?’ Io flashed a title on his visor.

“Oh boy. Yeah…that could work. It also might last us through the entire winter.” He looked at Veera and raised an eyebrow. “You ready to go?”

“As long as it’s you taking me there.” She replied with a sultry lilt.

‘Oh, nicely played.’ Io cut in, loving Veera’s entendre cum riposte. They all laughed and moved to sit on the bed. Winters shifted himself backward so he could lean up against the wall and stretch his legs straight out. Veera joined him, choosing to sit with her legs under her. She leaned against the human’s shoulder.

“Ready when you are Russell.” She told him, warmth spreading from her chest as they got comfortable. With a grin and a dramatic clearing of his throat, Winters began the tale.

“A Song of Ice and Fire book one, A Game of Thrones, by George R. R. Martin. I’ll be honest; I’m surprised he ever got around to finishing these. My dad told me the guy was really dragging on the last book.”

“Story time!” Veera demanded, giving Winters a light smack on the leg for his ad-libbing.

“Ok ok! You’ve made your point clear Veera. Chapter one…”