By the time Winters returned to Veera’s farm he found a cart full of dato waiting for him, as well as a very happy looking lady. He knew what was coming as she approached him before drawing him into a hug. He didn’t mind one bit, more than willing to admit he appreciated them as much as she did.

“Don’t you think we’re corrupting the youth?” Winters whispered the joke into her ear, taking comfort in the feel of her fur against his neck and chin. He could feel the further improvement she was making thanks to the significant increase in her caloric intake. Underneath the soft fur was hard muscle and supple curves. He felt a flush creep up the back of his neck. It might have been possible to deny when he’d landed in front of that starving girl, but not anymore. Veera was most certainly a woman.

“I know this would be quite scandalous in the village…” Veera admitted, sporting a delightfully troublemaking grin.

“He’s staring at us like I’ve grown another head.” Winters laughed.

“But you said this is pretty normal for humans, right?”

“Depends on the human, of course, but yes. As far as I’m concerned it would be.”

“Then let’s go with that, shall we? I enjoy hugging you far too much. Besides, I’ve got four years of this to catch up on, right?” She left little room for discussion as she tightened her hold ever so slightly.

“I’m not going to argue that point. How are things going here?” He withdrew slowly still holding her, just at arm’s length.

“Very well, in no small part thanks to you.” She informed him. “Thank you for getting me some help Russell. It’s been so much easier.”

“It was my pleasure. Cost me a tenth of a tree. I can live with that.” He smirked, finding the pricing of labor in terms of trees to be quite entertaining.

“Zolta told me you spoke with him?” Veera’s tone changed as she spoke in a low and worried voice. She drew him closer so she could talk into his ear. “Are you alright?” He matched her and leaned in slightly, keeping his head down as he filled her in on what had transpired on the journey to the farm.

“I’m fine Veera. I admit I snapped at the poor kid, but it seems to have worked out alright. He’s lucky that the worst he has to worry about in life is winning the affections of a young lady. I think he realized that. Good kid, I’m going to help him out if I can.”

“Are you now?” Veera purred seductively, experiencing a very female reaction at the idea of Winters taking a younger male under his wing. Noticing the blushing reaction she was hoping for she returned to a platonic tone, her ‘revenge’ for his earlier game in the forest more than achieved. “I suppose his family does work very hard to allow him time to apprentice.”

“Exactly. I don’t fault them one bit, but there are only so many hours in the day, right?”

“Right. I’m sure you have a plan so I won’t pry. Feel free to get me involved if it’ll help.” She volunteered. “I like him too. He was very honest with me about what you told him. He wanted to know if I knew about Jess. He’s got a strong sense of right and wrong.”

“Well well…” Winters stroked his chin, feeling his esteem for Zolta grow. “You don’t say? That’s quite bold of him actually. Looks like he’s getting suspicious though, time to wrap this up. And you’re feeling alright?” He asked, hoping Zolta’s questioning hadn’t ruined her mood. Veera picked up on his meaning immediately.

“You told me what you feel for her. You told me where you stand. You told me we wouldn’t change for the worse. I can’t ask for anything more right now. At times I want to, but I content myself knowing that deep down you might want to as well and that when the time comes…you will. You’re not some meek human, are you? You’re a warrior. A warrior that seems to fight and get whatever he sets his mind to.” Her tone grew less certain and more hopeful as she went on, but the surprised look on Winters’ face told her she wasn’t too far off the mark with her analysis. His expression slowly morphed into a contented smile and he nodded to her.

“I like that we can talk about this; very much so actually. It’s helped more than you can know. I’ve never been good with subtlety, which is usually a problem with human females.” He confided, earning him a playful slap on the arm from Veera.

‘Just please try not to stroke his ego too much Veera, his head won’t be able to fit into his helmet anymore.’ Io joined in, causing a chorus of laughter.

“Alright alright, let’s break it up then.” Winters gave the relaxed order. “I’ll take this back and come out for one more load I think. We can all head back when that’s done?”

“Sounds good Russell. I’ll see you then. Be careful, as always.” Veera turned and continued the process of unearthing her dato, brushing off excess soil and detaching the spud from the plant itself. The green shoots were left on the ground, presumably to return some nutrients to the soil over time. Winters approached Zolta.

“Thanks for the help here kid. Take some time and go look for your stone. When you find a suitable one, please help her.” He pointed at Veera. “She’ll understand.”

“Ok Russell, thank you. What?” Zolta asked, a hint of fear in his voice. Winters hadn’t yet moved, he was staring down at the apprentice with an unreadable look on his face.

“I know you told her.” If Zolta had been without fur, he would have gone pale. He began stammering an apology before Winters stopped him. “I’m not upset kid. A bit surprised you’d risk the wrath of a HEL Jumper, but definitely not upset. That took guts. Won’t say it’s the right thing to do all the time, but in this case I think the argument can be made. I’m sure she told you she already knows?” The kid nodded. “If you’re lucky enough to gain Asha’s affections…make sure the two of you hold no secrets from one another. It’ll only make things worse when they come out. And I mean when, not if. They always do. Good luck on your hunt. See you in a couple hours.” With those words of farewell and a parting wave, Winters grabbed the cart and headed for the village.

“Easy for you to say…” Zolta grumbled, unable to deny the sense in the human’s words. He looked over at Veera as she weaved her way around the inscrutable contraption the human had devised for the farm. He would have to ask the human about it another time. Veera caught his eye.

“You gonna help or what?” She asked.

“He gave me leave to…look for something. I will if I find it.” He replied unsteadily. Veera fluffed her feathers once, realizing this had to be part of Winters’ plan.

“Ok then, off you go.” She dismissed him. Zolta headed for the river and walked a few paces before pausing and turning back.

“Why do you let him do that to you? He’s not mated you, has he? He hasn’t committed himself to you?” Zolta’s tone was one of inquisitiveness, not accusation, so Veera humored him.

“Did that really look like me ‘letting’ him do something, Zolta?”

“No…no it didn’t.”

“What did it look like then?” She raked him over the coals just a bit, enjoying the embarrassed fluttering of his crown. He’d have to get over that quickly if he was going to woo a female. “Well?”

“It looked like you…were together or something. It looked like you were at ease.” He ventured. She nodded.

“It feels good Zolta. It’s warm, comforting, and stable. Among his people it’s a common gesture, even among friends, or so he tells me. I choose to believe him. He’s not once tried to take advantage of me. You should try it sometime.” Zolta’s crown plumage twitched.

“You know as well as I do that’s not permitted Veera.”

“Oh really? By whom?” She challenged him.

“Uh…by Meylith? By Vash? By her parents for sure!” Zolta rattled off. Veera chuckled.

“Alright, I’ll give you that last one. And I’ll admit you’d certainly be in hot water if you hugged a girl at the festival.”

“Is that what he calls it? A hug?”

“Mhm.” Veera nodded. “And it feels magnificent. I’m sure you’ve noticed some of the older couples in the village, the ones who have been through many years together? They tend to be a bit more forward about things.”

“Yeah, of course I have, but isn’t that the point? Isn’t that something only to be shared with that one person after the two of you have spent many years together?” Zolta asked.

“Maybe…I’m not saying it’s wrong Zolta. But the way humans do these things doesn’t strike me as wrong either. I know that the chances of him and I being mated are slim to none for a whole host of reasons, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t bring me comfort. It doesn’t mean that I can’t comfort him.” Veera tried to explain, knowing that for someone like Zolta, who still had both parents and his friends, it was much easier to contemplate waiting to show the people important to you how you feel. After a moment, the young apprentice spoke.

“I see. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

“Then go on your search. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on things.”

“Right, I’m off then.” As Zolta arrived at the bank of the river, he felt slightly better. The human was right; there were plenty of stones to choose from, many of which had already been rounded off by the continuous flow of water. Thinking of Asha’s light grey fur and haunting emerald eyes, he pursed his lips in thought. Though he still firmly believed in the customs of his village, the things Veera had told him were too compelling to ignore. As the chilly water ran over his feet and ankles, he considered what he’d do if something happened to Asha, if she were injured, or if one of her parents were to pass on. It didn’t take long to decide that he’d want very much to hold her, to tell her things would be alright…even if they weren’t mated. He grimaced and shook his head violently to clear that thought from his brain. With renewed determination, he began picking through the many rocks under his feet.

By the time Winters returned Veera and Zolta were waiting for him along with another large pile of dato. Looking over the field he could see that with another day’s work they would be finished. Lowering the cart handles to the ground, he stretched and began rotating his arms at the shoulder, loosening up his muscles.

“Man, that wasn’t half bad for a workout. By the way Veera, I hope you weren’t in the market for more furniture because I think things are going to be a bit cramped in there once all this is done.” He remarked offhandedly, having seen the growing stores of both dato and firewood first hand. Zolta looked between the two of them again and shook his head.

“What’s up kid?”

“I’d prefer if you didn’t call me kid.” Zolta insisted, wondering if there was any convention that Veera and the human weren’t planning on breaking.

“Land yourself a certain lady this year and I’ll call you a man. Sound good?” Winters countered. Zolta looked very uncomfortable. “I’m just messing with you Zolta. I’ll work on it. How does runt or punk sound?”

“Now now Russell, leave him be. He’s been helping me out all day at your behest after all.” Veera intervened with a smile.

“Oh very well. I concede defeat. I find it hard to say no to you.” Veera winked at Zolta. “So Zolta, if what Veera says is true, you found what you were looking for?” Winters asked as he began loading dato into the cart. Zolta rummaged in a pocket on the front of his tunic and proffered two green stones. Winters dusted off his hands and reached out, hesitating for a moment. “May I?”

“Sure.” Zolta offered as Winters took them both and held them in his hand. Both were around the size of a quarter. One was rough and a dull green, the other smoother and brighter.

‘I believe the rougher one would be appropriate sir, once polished.’ Io commented. Winters wasn’t sure how she knew, but he trusted her with his life so trusting her with rocks was a no brainer.

“I’m thinking this one.” He held out the rock in question. “What do you think Veera?”

“I assume you have something in mind? It doesn’t look too impressive right now.” She admitted.

“I do. How long until the festival?”

“Four days.” Zolta supplied.

“Should be plenty of time, alright? I’ve got this.” Winters assured him. “Focus on your work in the here and now, understood?”

“Yes, sir.” Zolta responded to the authoritative manner Winters was putting off. Veera watched with interest, feeling that stirring again in the pit of her stomach. Before too long the second supply of crop was loaded and they all made for the village.

Zolta grimaced as he walked behind his temporary employers. By his estimation they were about halfway home, which meant he had plenty more time to suffer…whatever it was the two of them were. Winters was directly in front of him, wheeling the dato-laden cart with surprising ease. That was the first element of his suffering: the ridiculous size and strength of the human. He was taller than most, if not all males in the village, and from what Zolta could see his strength rivaled that of the sun guards, even without his armor. Zolta couldn’t help but compare himself to the human. He found himself lacking, despite the musculature he’d developed during his apprenticeship. Veera walked just to Winters’ right as the two of them chatted amicably about some battle or other from human history. Apparently there had been a massive invasion by allied nations of a place called ‘Normandy’. The human was describing the circumstances with alternating intensity and reverence for the dead, while Veera hung on every word, a glint of excitement in her eyes. That was the second element of Zolta’s suffering: they were so damn…loving. He didn’t know what else to call it. Both of them denied that they were together, and Zolta believed them in that they’d not discovered one another carnally, but they sure acted like it. Maybe this was how all humans acted and Veera had taken to behaving like one, but from his perspective it felt hauntingly similar to the time around when he’d walked in on his parents in the act of giving him his little sister. Whenever Winters paused she would stroke his arm and ask a question, moving the conversation along. Whenever he looked at her she graced him with the kind of smile Zolta had dreamed of seeing on Asha’s face. Surrendering, he increased his pace and marched to the front of the caravan. It was too much to take.

“I guess he couldn’t handle it anymore.” Veera whispered, leaning close to Winters’ ear. “Poor kid.”

“Don’t look at me.” Winters replied in a low voice, trying to keep their conversation private. “You’re the one who was laying it on thick Veera.” He accentuated his point with a gentle nudge.

“What? Pretty girl hanging on your every word? Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy every second of it.” She hissed back with a predatory smirk.

“I wouldn’t dream of it. But what do we do now?” Winters asked, noticing Zolta trying to get even further ahead of them.

“Just tell him to get his sorry ass back here. If he can’t handle this he’s got no shot at Asha with all the other males in the mix.” She advised. Winters barked out a laugh.

“Hey Zolta, where do you think you’re going kid? You’re definitely outside the ursae safe zone right now!”

‘Oh that was a good one.’ Io nodded with approval as Zolta went stiff as a board before turning around and walking back to rejoin them. Winters spoke to the kid.

“You know they’re nocturnal, right?”

“Still didn’t want to take the chance.” Zolta mumbled.

“Fair enough. Look kid, I know you don’t like the term, but how in the world do you expect to court Asha if a bit of flirting and contact completely throws you off?” Winters asked, making sure he spoke in a tone that conveyed a desire to help as opposed to ridicule. Zolta remained silent. Veera walked to his other side and put a hand on his shoulder. He immediately bristled and swatted her away.

“What are you doing Veera?!” He yelped.

“Oh see, you can have a normal reaction after all!” Winters cut in with a laugh. “So what was it then Zolta? You imagining yourself and Asha?” Winters asked, knowing from the expression on the kid’s face that he’d struck home. Veera gave the human a knowing look as Zolta clammed up again. Winters sighed heavily. “Well, I guess we’re going to have to work on that. You could give her the shiniest rock in the world but if you turn to goo the moment she touches you it’s probably not going to end well.”

“Easy for you to say! You’ve already been mated!” Zolta snapped indignantly.

‘Aww, das ist süß.’ Io snarked in partial German, finding humor in the teen Cauthan’s antics. ‘I hope Veera’s ok with this.’ She continued, speaking only to Winters who quickly looked over. A brief shadow played over Veera’s face but it was quickly replaced with an authoritative air as she spoke.

“He has Zolta, and that makes him the authority on these things. You might want to listen to what he has to say. I believe you’ll discover soon enough that women find confidence to be…intoxicating.” She finished silkily, shooting the human a molten look.

“Now now Veera, you’re going to make the young one uncomfortable.” Winters replied easily, giving her a wink and a winning smile.

“See Zolta, confidence. And are you sure you didn’t mean yourself Russell?” Veera concluded with a definitive nod and shake of her feathers, drinking in the specimen that was Winters.

“You two are ridiculous. I can’t just act like the two of you do.” Zolta grumbled. Winters frowned at him.

“What? You’re going to let a little fear stop you?”

“No, of course not but-”

“No buts kid. Listen, you know how I handle my fear? How I deal with situations where I’d rather run? I think about what would happen if I did. Who would I leave behind? Who would die? If you care about anyone in this life other than yourself, that’ll be enough. If you don’t…well then you don’t deserve Asha.” Winters concluded with a hard look. “So tell me Zolta, what happens in a few days if you succumb to your fear? What happens if you fail? Is she going to wait around forever?” The young Cauthan mumbled an unintelligible reply. “I can’t hear you private! Answer me!” Winters barked, channeling his old drill instructors.

“She ends up with another guy and I’m left wondering what if for the rest of my life!” Zolta yelled before throwing his hands over his mouth.

“Now that…is what I’m talking about. Just remember that and you’ll be fine.” Winters advised, listening to the pleasing sound of Veera’s laughter. A short while later they arrived back at the edge of the tree line that surrounded the village. Glancing to his left, Winters saw that about a quarter of the tree he’d felled had been processed. Woodchips and stray branches littered the ground where the disciples of Tyrdus had been working. Veera took her place again at his side, linking her arms around his right.

“Thank you for this.” She whispered, jerking her head in the direction of the fallen tree. “I’ll be able to stay out a lot longer. Medicinal herbs and mushrooms are worth much more by weight than firewood.”

“Why didn’t you ever cut down a tree?” Winters asked with genuine curiosity.

“I had nothing to give in order to rent an axe or pay someone to do it. Zolta probably shouldn’t have let you take it for nothing. Metal tools are extremely precious. I think the combination of your mission and your imposing stature got you a deal.” She informed him. Winters looked over at the young Cauthan, feeling his opinion shift.

“Is that so?” He whispered back as they approached the gates. They were already open and busy with traffic as the majority of the villagers went about reaping the benefits of a long growing season. Xan was no longer stationed there, but Antoth was. He shook his head as the motley band approached and addressed Zolta.

“Do I even want to know?” He asked in his usual curt voice, looking at where the human and Veera were joined at the arm.

“I don’t even know myself. Just doing a job Antoth.” Zolta replied, earning him an arched eyebrow from Winters.

“Very well, see you around Zolta. I know you two can take care of yourselves.” Antoth added with a nod at Winters. Without further ado the guard captain ushered them in. They paused, preparing to part ways.

“Zolta I want you to meet up with Veera tomorrow, same deal. Assuming your fellows held up their end of our deal, I have a personal errand I need to work on tomorrow. Take three trips if you need to. If I finish early I’ll help out but I think I need to secure some more food as well.” He rattled off. Zolta nodded, knowing what errand the human was referring to, and returned the earpiece before waving goodbye and heading off along the main road. Veera and Winters made the left towards home. When they arrived and ducked inside Veera began doing a small, joyful dance; hopping from foot to foot a couple times before tackling Winters right back out into the street. He was ready this time, spinning her around once in the air to defuse her momentum before setting her gently down and accepting another fierce hug.

“Like what you saw?” He asked with immense satisfaction.

“It’s amazing Russell.” She gushed. He felt his face stretching in a wide grin.

“It’s a large pile of wood.”

“And on Mara, for someone like me, that’s amazing.” She looked at him with gratitude before asking a question that had been on her mind since they’d first shared an embrace.

“The way we’re hugging…is it really what human friends and acquaintances do?” She wanted to know very much, not just for the sake of curiosity but also to ensure she wasn’t pushing him too far.

“Well…no. I’d say we’re behaving more like a boyfriend and girlfriend…in that regard at least.” He admitted guiltily, rubbing the back of his neck. She purred into him, happy to see that playful gesture again.

“It’s ok Russell, just hug me then. So boyfriend and girlfriend? How does that work?” She asked, ignoring the slight but growing presence of other Cauthan staring at them in the street.

“Remember how I said humans often have more than one partner throughout their lifetime?”

“Yes, you said they form pairs before eventually deciding on a mate, right?”

“Exactly. That’s what a boyfriend and girlfriend are. They commit to one another; monogamy and all that, but with the understanding that if one or both decides they want to end the relationship, then it ends. There’s no legally binding status. It’s part of our courtship, a trial if you will. Helps you discover who you are as well as what sort of things you want in a partner.” He explained as he took note of the onlookers, some of whom were giving them very disapproving looks. He raised his voice. “Look! Just because humans have perfected the art of snuggling doesn’t mean you have to be all jealous and whatnot. Try it out! See what happens! You’re missing out!” It didn’t help much. He noticed a few younger children being stewarded away by their parents. It was entertaining at least.

“You know they can’t understand a word you’re saying, right?” She chuckled at him.

“That’s why I said it.”

“I’m not arguing with you. You’re right. This is wonderful. Maybe we can get Zolta to try it out with Asha?”

“Not that I have any problems with spreading humanity’s influence…but Zolta seemed pretty intent on following your customs Veera.”

“I just meant the hugging you silly human. I would never suggest the rest!” She poked him lightly with a clawed fingertip.

“But you’re ok with it?”

“Of course I am. I get these perfect hugs!” She purred under his touch as he rubbed her back, an act that he found very satisfying. “Shall we head inside? I think we’ve caused enough chaos for one day.”

“Hmm, I knew there was a reason I liked you. Let’s go.” The two turned and re-entered Veera’s home, shedding their effects before beginning the process of transferring more of Veera’s dato inside. Winters made note of the two different piles of wood inside as he worked. Most of the floor along the left hand wall was covered by a rough pyramid of hastily split logs, with the pile continuing along the left half of the back wall as well. It came up to about his waist. He didn’t really mind the rush job. It was all going to dry and burn anyway. The pyramid extended two rows deep and he was sure there was some out back as well. They’d be well situated for the foreseeable future in terms of firewood. The other reason he didn’t mind was because of the small pile of well-shaped logs near Veera’s bed. They were meant for his shrine, and he could tell that the craftsmen had given them their due attention. The labor was paid fair and square, but he still appreciated it more than words could say. It would help his friends find peace, he hoped. Between Zolta and the festival, he figured he’d have plenty of time to pay it back in his own way.

When the cart was emptied, Veera wheeled it around to the back of the blockhouse so that she could use it again the next day. Winters took the time to build a fire for warmth and light. As he did so he noticed the stew pot had been scoured clean and filled again with fresh water from the river. After filling his canteen he took a moment to wash his face and neck, making sure not to backsplash. Veera returned shortly after.

“Hey you.” He called, returning to his task in the center of the space.

“Hey you.” She practically mewled at him. “Things feel better today, don’t they?”

“They do. Today’s been pretty great actually.” He admitted.

“Am I your girlfriend Russell?” She inquired earnestly. Her tone was too pure for him to get defensive, so instead he sat back on his haunches and thought, trying not to freak out. He soon tamped it down. Today would not be a repeat of their frequent bouts of hyper-emotion.

“Will you be upset with me if I say no?” He asked in a measured tone.

“Not if you explain why.” She told him, looking at the fire. He’d constructed a teepee of smaller sticks. “And what’s this about?” She pointed.

“Alright, I’ll take the easy question first.” He chuckled as she squatted next to him. “The plan, since we have no fresh fish left, is to eat a cold dinner and use the fire to start drying some of this new wood here. Once we have a day’s worth or two dry, we can just keep the cycle going.” He explained, positioning the newly split logs around the outside of the pit so the heat would drive away most of the internal moisture. “My dad and I would do this all the time, out at their house in the country. I was always the pyromaniac of the family. He was nice and indulged me, long as I kept everything in the pit. I didn’t think I’d ever miss him on a deployment but…looks like this one will go on a lot longer than I thought.” He commented pensively.

‘Uh…SIR! Girl with the dead parents…right there!’ Io was livid. Winters snapped his head to face Veera before stammering out an apology.

“Oh holy hell…Veera I’m so-”

“Ah ah ah…now don’t you dare.” She silenced him by softly pressing a finger to his lips, poking his upper lip with the tip of her claw to accentuate the point. “Because I think what you were about to do was apologize, insinuating that I’m the type of person who would begrudge you having a living father?” Her brown eyes were boring into him like a dreadnaught’s main gun.

“Y-yes…I mean no! No, definitely not. You’re right Veera; you’re not that kind of person at all.” He said, feeling the adrenaline wash through him and leave him jittery.

‘Sorry!’ Io whispered guiltily. ‘Updating subroutines now. Ignore meeeee!’ She trailed off and vanished from his visor.

“It’s good that you miss your father Russell. It would be sad if you didn’t I think?” Veera told him. “Now, you didn’t answer my other question.” She eagerly brought them back to topic, setting the last two logs by the fire before sitting next to him.

“Girlfriend, right?”

“Yes. You said no, as I recall?” Her feathers twitched with mild indignation. She didn’t enjoy being denied something that sounded so nice. Winters took a couple breaths before continuing.

“I’m not sure I’m ready for something like that. When humans date, become boyfriend and girlfriend, there’s an implied commitment to one another. We only live so long, so to date someone with no intention of ever deepening the relationship isn’t something many people do. I certainly won’t ever begrudge you a hug or an embrace Veera. I don’t care if they go beyond platonic. I know that we’re partners in many things. But the whole nine yards? That’s not something I’m comfortable with right now. Doesn’t feel right.” He finished and met her gaze, hoping she would understand. After a brief moment her crown plumage fluttered.

“Nine yards implies…the whole relationship?” She asked, trying to decipher another human turn of phrase.

“Exactly.”

“I see Russell. In light of what you said yesterday that makes a lot of sense. I am glad we are able to compromise on hugs though!” She replied with a wide smile before picking herself off the ground and distributing food to each of them. Before long Veera was leaning against his left side as they ate in silence, listening to the popping and hissing of wood. The heat of the fire and the smell of wood smoke left them feeling cozy, to say nothing of the small physical comforts they’d begun to routinely share with each other.

“So, you plan to begin work on their shrine tomorrow?” Veera asked him.

“I do. Fishing first, then the shrine. I’m no use to them dead and hungry. Leave the last load of dato for me alright? I’m happy to handle it once everything is done. Oh and be sure to empty the irrigation system and leave it open. If water stays in there and freezes we’ll be in a bad way next spring.” She giggled at his demeanor.

“Sir, yes sir. You’re quite striking when you start giving orders. Zolta responded to it as well. It’s nice of you to help him like that.” She replied lightly. Winters just nodded to her. “Can we have a bit of reading time before you go? I want to know what happens next!” She requested enthusiastically. He was more than happy to grant her request.

That night the two of them even got Io in on the event, having her recite the lines of female characters in the book. She was hesitant at first, but eventually she had synthesized a voice for each of the individuals she was in charge of. Winters handled the rest. When the fire died down, Winters collected his things and gathered the bundle of wood he would need the next day. With one last hug, Veera sent him out into the night. Before retiring herself she knelt before her shrine to give the gods her thanks. It had been a delightful day. She asked for as many as possible…before Winters had to leave.