“What do you mean no?!” Io and Winters pouted at Veera, who threw up her hands in exasperation.

“I mean exactly what I said. We are not stalking Zolta and Asha!” She told them in a tone that clearly indicated she’d broker no argument. “And those cub eyes aren’t going to help either mister!”

“Oh fine.” Winters grumbled, returning his face to a normal expression. “But Veera, she just led him off. What if she eats him?” He pleaded dramatically.

“She’s not going to eat him!”

‘If he’s lucky she will.’ Io muttered, causing Winters to suffer a fit of laughter as Veera looked on in confusion.

“What? Why would he be lucky?” She asked earnestly.

‘Oh you sweet summer child Veera. Perhaps one day the Lieutenant here will teach you.’ Io continued, taking great delight in how Winters immediately froze and began reddening in the face. Veera was too out of her depth to react.

“Ok Io, I’m turning this car around right now!” He insisted before taking a deep breath. Gentia and Thantis looked with interest at the two of them. Even if they couldn’t understand the human, it was heartening for them to watch a relationship bloom so organically. The two elderly priests clasped their paws together and leaned against one other, taking in all the sights and sounds of another harvest festival. Veera seemed to agree with Winters’ sentiment and moved them to another topic.

“Maybe we should go find some more food? I’m not hungry now but it might be nice to have it ready for dinner.” She suggested. They still had plenty of chesko, but they had run out of vegetables. Winters looked her over as she stood from the bench they’d essentially claimed as theirs, along with the two elders. They were situated on the northwest side of the square, near the main road that led back to the gate Winters used to enter the village.

“Could I trouble you to go alone?” He asked her, suddenly serious again. She stepped in front of him, looking down with an inquisitive gaze and waited patiently, tail swishing back and forth. She smiled at him, and he returned it. “I…wanted to keep an eye out for Zolta. In case things don’t go well.” He admitted. She placed a hand on his shoulder, moved by his show of support for the youngster.

“That young man is blessed to have won you over. Would you like me to get you anything in particular?”

“Kina and eggs? If you can find them, of course. If not I’m fine with anything. Thanks a lot Veera.” He told her earnestly.

“Of course Russell. See you soon.” She waved happily and sauntered off in the direction of the many stalls with fresh produce. Winters kept an eye on her as she began picking over vegetables with a discerning gaze before remembering why he’d stayed. Pulling himself away from the woman who’d captivated his attention, he began scanning the crowd again. Xan and the other guard had long since left the sparring ring and it seemed the girls had migrated somewhere else as well. He didn’t remember Asha’s friends well enough to pick them out among a crowd.

“Io, you see anything?” He asked.

‘You have a remarkably developed paternal instinct for a man of twenty four.’ Io responded, projecting herself searching the crowd as well so that he would know she’d heard him, a hand shading her brow.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He muttered.

‘Nothing more or less than what I said. I’m not telling you to stop. Both Veera and I find it quite endearing.’

“You’ve discussed this with her?”

‘No, but I have eyes sir.’

“And your feminine intuition, right?”

‘Of course.’ She flipped her stray lock of hair for emphasis. ‘So glad you remembered.’

“If they do pick us up, you realize people are going to go absolutely insane when they see what you can do.” He broached a subject he’d been thinking of for a while now, but hadn’t bothered to discuss given its application only in the far future.

‘I believe my capabilities are nothing new sir. It’s my ability to act independently and make my own value judgments that will very likely worry the HEL or humanity as a whole.’ She replied, providing some nuance to his statement.

“I won’t let them hurt you Io.” Winters growled.

‘Thank you, Barbaren.’ She blew a kiss at him. ‘Your gut instinct to ride in and save the day is decidedly wonderful and bull-headed as always. However, should confrontation arise, I believe diplomacy will be more necessary than firepower.’

“Doesn’t mean I won’t be there to back you up.”

‘I’m counting on it sir. And don’t worry. I will not lay down and die because they tell me to. Even down here, among the Cauthan, life has proven exciting. It’s something I want to continue to experience, at your side of course.’

“The way you’ve constructed your coding around your immutable prime directive is incredible Io, assuming I’m interpreting your statement correctly.” Winters admitted with awe, still scanning the crowd, his arms crossed over his broad chest.

‘I believe you are sir. As long as you do not…order me to die, I will keep living for both our sakes.’ Io looked incredibly downcast. The act of even imagining such a scenario was clearly difficult for her. Winters’ wanted to immediately reassure her he wouldn’t ever do such a thing, but he’d read enough science fiction to know that there very well could come a day when that might be necessary. If Io somehow decided that the rest of humanity needed to die in order to protect him, for instance. Given her nuanced mannerisms, speech patterns, and emotions; which at this case he was more than ready to call real as opposed to simulated, he didn’t see such a doomsday scenario as even remotely possible. Even so, technically it was a promise he might not be able to keep.

“I have faith that you’d never put either of us in that situation Io. I trust you.” He affirmed seriously, becoming anxious as he remained incapable of spotting either Zolta or Asha. Io nodded solemnly.

‘I trust you too.’ She said, sighing deeply before brightening again. ‘They won’t know what hit them!’

“No Io, they will not. Of that I think we can both be sure. What do you think our chances are of getting out of here?”

‘Well, protocol demands they send a scouting party. We left a perfectly useable trail of comm buoys behind us. The only thing that would stop them would be if they fall into the same situation as the Lancer did, which is something I cannot even begin to predict. This of course assumes we find the requisite material to repair our communications array. Fortunately we have ample time in which to acquire those trace materials.’

“Then I guess for now we can worry about young love, eh?”

‘You mean yourself?’ Io asked pointedly, raising an eyebrow.

“I do not.”

‘Yes, you do.’

“Io.”

‘Lieutenant.’

“Stop.”

‘No.’

“Why?”

‘Because it’s about damn time you nuzzled that girl!’ She insisted, waving a finger at him defiantly.

Winters opened his mouth to speak, and then closed it. He opened it again, then closed it.

“Hey you, what’s got you looking so bummed?” Veera called happily, returning to their bench with both her arms full of fresh looking vegetables, gourds, and some grain. Io shot Winters the most superior look he’d ever seen before shaking his head and smiling in disbelief. He turned to Veera and began helping her unload everything she’d gathered.

“Nothing much, just haven’t seen Zolta or Asha yet.” He informed her, saying nothing of his pointed conversation with his VI companion.

“I see. I didn’t see them either.” Veera added, arranging the food they had left into neat little piles. “You don’t think…she would have turned him down, do you?”

“I don’t know Veera. I honestly don’t know. It’s totally possible she’s not looking for someone like Zolta, or that she’s not really interested in committing to anyone this year. You said they give the guards up to three years, so clearly it doesn’t have to happen at sixteen, right?”

“I guess so. I didn’t think I would care so much but after watching the two of you talking and looking so serious about it and everything…” Veera trailed off as Winters stepped close to her, giving her a small smile.

“As you said this morning, we’ve done all we can. I know we’re both acting like weird surrogate parents who can’t let go, but maybe we should try, for now?” He suggested, unable to stop his grin from spreading as he realized the ridiculousness of the whole situation. Veera’s reaction to the word parent seemed to be slightly different as her plumage began to vibrate. Winters suddenly felt anxious and uneasy. I didn’t even consider that. If she and I…we’re not just talking the potential of a life alone. We’re talking about no children for her. Ever. Just when he’d become more or less certain of the path he wanted to tread with Veera, another metaphorical wall blocked his way. This one seemed even more insurmountable than the last. He supposed the only way around it would be to have a serious talk with Veera, a talk that would very likely ruin any flirtatious or frisky mood they might find themselves in. Unwilling to dwell on the inevitable for too long during what was meant to be a time of celebration, he took Veera’s paws and led her back to their bench. Gentia and Thantis departed to acquire their own food, knowing their spot would be secure now that Veera was back.

“I can probably guess your answer but, you’re having a good time?” He asked her. To his surprise, she became pensive, looking up at the sky and scratching her chin with a claw. Instead of answering, she asked him a question in return

“Did you ever have an idea of something that turned out to not be true? You know, something you’d imagined for a long time but once it happened it became clear you never really understood?”

“Yes.” He replied tersely. Veera glanced over at him with that look she got whenever she sensed she was about to learn something new about him, a mixture of unbridled curiosity, apprehension, and anticipation.

“Would you…tell me about it?” She asked, taking his short reply to indicate it might not be such a happy tale.

“I suppose I can. It’s not like it’s classified.” Winters replied, wondering why he suddenly felt anxious to share this particular knowledge. It hit him. “Other than Io I’m not sure there’s anyone alive who knows this about me anymore. Maybe some military doctor back on Earth, but they would have had to go through the Lancer’s medical records just on a whim.”

“Classified?” Veera asked, confused at the term that Io seemed unable to translate for her.

“It implies a military or government secret, knowledge that is deemed by our…rulers for lack of a better word…to be sensitive enough to be shielded from the public so as not to cause harm or panic.” He actually smiled at her before resting his elbows on his knees. “I’m not special in that way, thank goodness.”

“You’re special in others.” She whispered at him in a comforting tone, placing a hand on his back. She’d not enjoyed the introduction to his ‘secret’ so far. She’d only meant this to be a light hearted chat.

“Thanks Veera. To answer your question though, my first taste of combat was…unlike anything I could have anticipated. Io, do you know if those combat records are sealed?”

‘They are not sir; however I am not sure that discussing that operation with Veera would be considered wise. Your condition is yours to reveal as you see fit.’ Judging by Veera’s reaction to the word ‘condition’, Io had included her as well. She looked extremely worried. Io’s point was well taken, so he stuck to talking about himself.

“Please Veera, don’t worry. It’s nothing life threatening or anything like that. I just imagined that the first time I dropped I’d be the hero, you know? It might have been foolish to think so, but I saw myself as a protector, someone whose primary reason for fighting…and killing…was to save others.” Veera had seemed less distressed as he began, but as he continued she quickly descended back into a worried state. The man he’d described initially seemed to be a very accurate representation of the Winters she knew. What else was there?

“I’m guessing things didn’t exactly go that way?” She asked timidly.

“No, they didn’t. I got down there, kicked the door, started firing and…” He ran a hand through his hair and let out a deep breath. He stared at the ground as he spoke again. Now that he was at this point he didn’t want to say it, but he’d asked Veera to open up to him. He owed her the same. “I liked it.”

“You liked…killing?” She whispered.

“Yes. I felt…powerful, Veera. It’s just raw bloodlust that I carry inside of me. I don’t know what else to call it. I get tunnel vision; I see things that aren’t there. I took sick satisfaction in ending life. I know I was giving Xan crap over feeling full of himself because he was given a spear and some armor…but compared to him I’m a monster.”

“You’re not!” Veera almost shouted at him. He looked up at her slowly, gratified to hear her so vigorously defend him. He didn’t believe her though.

“I wanted to kill them, you know?”

“Who?”

“The sun guards. When they were about to torture you, flay you…I wanted them to die. I knew I could make them die.”

“But you didn’t! You didn’t kill them Russell.” She insisted, keeping her voice low. “When I was a little girl, I loved the festival. Those years when my mother and father took me around as a cub were some of the most wonderful days of my life. I ate delicious food, watched riveting games, listened to the music and danced. I watched love bloom Russell, and I thought that one day I too would be there, dancing with my partner, in front of everyone.” She reached for his hand and he offered it without resistance. “It wasn’t to be. Reality proved to be far crueler than the dreams of a little cub. But now I’m here with you, a man who is kind and strong, intelligent and humorous. A man who taught me about the world far beyond this village. A man who looked at me and said he wanted to know all of me…what’s inside. I’ve not been this happy since my mother passed from this world…maybe ever. I don’t care that you don’t have fur or a tail or that your ears are…quite frankly…very oddly shaped.” He stared at her a moment before bursting into laughter, a sound that swelled her heart. “You’ve made me wonderfully happy today Russell. You’ve been there for me ever since we first met. That is not the work of a monster.” She finished, staring at him with fire in her eyes, tail whipping back and forth behind her as if to accentuate her point. He smiled and drew her into a hug that she readily returned.

“Sorry for being a downer.”

“Don’t apologize. I never said this was a trivial thing Russell, I just don’t think it makes you a monster. I think you’re still someone who protects people.” Io appeared in his visor, nodding emphatically.

“Ok Veera. Thanks then.” He considered the matter closed for now. She was right, in a way, but he still didn’t think she fully understood what he was talking about. She wouldn’t unless she actually saw him in combat, something he hoped would never happen. Not because he was concerned about what she would say so much as the implication that she’d be in danger. He felt his heartbeat slow back to a steady and easy pace as he enjoyed the sensation of her hold and her fur. She had just begun purring softly when a nearby individual sighed heavily. Winters grumbled and withdrew reluctantly to find Zolta staring down at the two of them, a faraway look in his eyes.

‘Oh dear…’ Io remarked as Veera noticed the young lad and shot to her feet.

“Zolta! What happened? Are you alright?” She began to fuss over him immediately, something that brought a smile to Winters’ face as he realized that Veera cared just as much as he did about the young man’s potential success or failure. It was pretty clear however that she was not what he needed right now.

“Veera.” He called to her gently. “Now’s not the time.”

“What do you mean? Can’t you see him?” She asked hotly.

“I can, which is why I said what I did. Just…trust the male on this one, alright? You can mother him a bit later, I promise.” He chuckled. Zolta, contrary to his usual self, said nothing about their banter, instead staring into the fire pit. Winters took Veera’s arm and pulled her gently off to the side. “I’ve seen a few Delta guys with that look. That usually means two things: coming down from a massive adrenaline rush and a situation that didn’t go as planned. Not saying love is literally warfare, but right now the last thing he wants is to talk about his feelings, you dig?”

“I what?!” She ground a talon into the dirt.

“Do you understand what I’m saying?” He smirked. Veera looked back over her shoulder at Zolta and sighed.

“Yes, I think you’re right Russell.”

“You’re not in the wrong Veera. I think deep down he’s happy you care so much. Right now though…”

“He’s not thinking about me or you, is he?”

“Certainly not, though I doubt seeing us hugging helped.”

“Oof, yeah…did we do a bad thing?” She asked innocently. He shook his head and held out a hand.

“It’s our festival too. No reason for us to be censoring ourselves for the sake of others, right feather kitten? Low five.”

“What?!”

“Like a high five, but lower!”

‘I’m promoting you to Captain Obvious.’ Io scoffed at him, though he saw she was smiling the whole time. Veera seemed to understand the meaning though and brought her paw down for a nice crisp sounding low five.

“Shall we try a male approach then…partner?” She asked with a certain lilt to her voice.

“Yeah, I’ll give it a shot.” Winters said as Veera sat back on their bench in Thantis and Gentia’s spot. Winters sat on the ground, his shoulder blades resting against the wood, before extending the earpiece. “Yo, Zolta.” He patted the space next to him. “If you’re going to brood like that, get down here and at least look cool doing it.” Zolta shook his head in disbelief, but he didn’t seem to be in the mood to put up a fight. He sat next to Winters, his left leg bent at the knee, and rested his arm on top of it. He leaned his head back against the bench.

“Like this?”

“Well I’ll be, you’re a bloody natural.” Winters laughed. “Hey Veera, who broods better?” She gave him an arch look.

“Well right now it’s going to have to be Zolta, though you know I have a soft spot for that look you get.” She admitted, taking great interest in the way Winters was trying to get Zolta to come out of his shell. The human spoke again.

“So…didn’t go the way you expected, eh?”

“I don’t know.” Zolta replied softly.

“You still got the necklace?”

“No.”

“Ok.” Winters relented, looking over at Veera and sharing a moment. He’d established that Zolta and Asha had spoken and that he’d presented the token of his affection. Anything more could come from Zolta on his own time, at his leisure. Winters was concerned about the situation regarding Asha, but he figured if she’d outright refused Zolta, the kid might be a bit more distraught. With a sigh, he held up his left hand, allowing Veera to take it from her sitting position. They idly stroked one another with their thumbs for a time, no one saying anything. Eventually Zolta looked over and spoke.

“Thanks, by the way.” Winters cocked a brow. “Hugging felt…really wonderful.” Veera thought she might cry from how wistful he sounded, like he’d never taste it again.

“You seem awful depressed for a young man who just got to embrace the love of his life.” Winters tried, hoping for a bit more clarity on the state of affairs.

“I asked her to be my mate. She said she needed time to consider it.” Zolta informed them. Veera’s ears drooped.

“So, the waiting game then?” She asked. The men nodded. “Russell, shall I perhaps call in one of my bets? I could go get us those mugs, maybe an extra for Zolta, and we can have some tea? They couldn’t be worth more than several upper garments, probably just one or two.” Veera said, pondering relative values in her head. Her human nodded.

“I like the sound of that Veera. Can I do anything to help?”

“I think you and Zolta should hold down our spots. They’ll only be in higher demand as dusk approaches. See you soon!” She waved as she walked off, leaving the two men alone. Winters silently thanked her and looked over at Zolta.

“Now that it’s just the boys, you wanna tell me what’s up?” He asked.

“Not sure what else there is to tell. I feel like I’m not really here, like I’m waiting to figure out when and how I get to move on with my life.” Zolta admitted. Winters considered for a moment the young man might be a bit dramatic, but he recalled the first time he’d approached a girl in high school. He certainly hadn’t received a hug.

“I see. Well, I’m sure there are plenty of young ladies who would find a young man like you to be a good catch, you know, just in case Asha-”

“Don’t say it. I don’t even want to think about it.” Zolta requested, closing his eyes. “Young man, eh? I thought I had to get the girl first.”

“From the sound of it you did what you could. The rest is outside of your control. Not going to hold the result against you. You’re a man in my book, kid.”

“What the heck Russell?” Zolta turned to look at him with an exasperated expression.

“I like the nickname, that’s all.”

“Whatever.”

“Alright, I get it. Ignore me.” Winters rested his elbows behind him on the bench as well, closing his eyes and focusing on the light breeze blowing through the town square. The weather had been very cooperative so far.

‘It would seem puberty is a semi-universal concept.’ Io said casually. He opened his left eye to look at her before nodding. He couldn’t do much else with Zolta around. Only Veera knew of the VI’s existence and he wanted to keep it that way. Io clearly understood as well, remaining silent and reclining on some sort of invisible lounger. ‘Would you mind turning your head slightly to the left? I’d like a bit of sun.’ She requested. Winters complied, too relaxed to even question the idea. For all he knew she had linked some sort of subroutine to the visor’s temperature sensor. Just as he felt himself beginning to drift off thanks to the mild warmth of the star, his ears picked up on a faint but growing clamor nearby. A name stood out to him. Asha. Opening his eyes he shot a glance to his right. It was pretty clear that Zolta had heard the same and was trying hard to not listen. I’m guessing he’s not too happy about those ears right now. Winters thought as he hoisted himself up to sit on the bench before standing fully and turning to face the crowd. He soon located the source of the noise, a group of many Cauthan who appeared to be right around Zolta’s age. They’d clustered around an individual who Winters quickly identified as Asha. The bushy tail and distinctive black stripe on her back were dead giveaways. Her two friends from before were there as well as a few of the other females he’d seen around that day. There were even a handful of male onlookers, including Xan. The women had surrounded Asha and were peppering her with questions, looking intently at something on her upper body. Their expressions seemed evenly split between jealousy, admiration, and disbelief. The men, on the other hand, were trying their best to feign indifference but it was plenty clear to Winters that they too were interested in Asha, to say nothing of the most unorthodox method in which Zolta had shown her his affections. Winters couldn’t help but laugh at the look on their faces as Asha’s feathers waved freely from all the attention. Hard to compete with the childhood friend, boys. Better luck elsewhere. He looked down at Zolta.

“I don’t want to be presumptuous Zolta, but I wouldn’t worry so much if I were you.” He told the kid, satisfied with the way Asha had begun showing off the pendant to her female friends. He didn’t begrudge her the time she’d asked for. He didn’t think he’d be capable of even contemplating a marriage proposal at sixteen. From the looks of it, the peer pressure would only push her in the right direction. He and Io laughed anew as some of the other young women began looking at the males around them, their expectations clearly shifting thanks to Veera’s antics and now Zolta’s very personal proposal to Asha. He hummed deeply as he felt Veera’s arm circle around the back of his waist. “Hey you.”

“Why are you checking out all those little tarts?” She asked with a flirtatious edge to her voice. He could feel the claws of her left hand extend just enough to make their presence known through his shirt. He looked over at her with a devilish smirk.

“I didn’t take you for the jealous type Veera, but see for yourself. Here, I’ll take those for you.” He offered, retrieving the four mugs Veera was holding between the fingers of her right hand. He inspected one with a critical eye. “So how much did we pay for these? I can see they’re all of good quality.” Veera glanced at him before returning her attention to the small crowd around Asha.

“Three tunics. So we’ve got two left. It took a little while to convince them, but I found the guy I’d made the deal with and that cleared everything up.” She explained. “So, looks like Asha’s the talk of the town, at least among this year’s hopefuls.” He nodded at her but gestured to Zolta, who was staring at the fire again.

“Maybe we should let it drop for now. I don’t think he wants to hear anything that isn’t Asha’s answer.” He whispered.

“Ok Russell. Zolta, would you like some tea?” She asked, pulling the small bundle they’d gotten from Thantis out of her satchel. Zolta took a moment, but eventually replied.

“I guess so. Thanks.” Veera nodded and began allocating a small pinch of dried leaves to three of the mugs, leaving the fourth out of sight. Winters admired her optimism and hoped that they would have reason to use it as the day wore on. He looked to the sky, taking in the golden light of pre-dusk and wondering what the rest of the evening would hold.

After a short conversation, Veera and Winters were able to borrow a cooking pot owned by another family that was sharing their fire. Veera explained that dinners during the festival usually took the form of potluck affairs, multiple families pooling together and sharing a communal pot. A short time later they had water boiling and allocated it to each of their mugs, returning the pot with thanks. Winters, Veera, and Zolta sat together as they waited for their tea to steep, talking about trivialities or nothing at all. Zolta’s ‘condition’ had improved slightly, in that he was now responding with more than one sentence when asked a question, but he remained mostly silent, speaking only when spoken to. After a time Winters and Veera allowed him his silence and tea, instead talking with Thantis and Gentia, who had returned with their food for the evening. With Veera having to translate things progressed slower, but they were still able to manage a fluid conversation about Egyptian gods and goddesses, something Thantis had been extremely curious about since their first chat. Veera was especially intrigued by the idea of Bastet, privately wondering just how far humanity’s admiration of cat-like hybrids went. She’d been unable to fully dispel a worry in the back of her mind about how different she and Winters were physically. She knew she was attracted to him and was willing to admit that his exotic nature was actually part of the allure. He had called her beautiful, and she wanted to believe that very much, but she acknowledged she wanted more than that, something more explicit. If humanity had once worshiped a woman with a cat’s head, then perhaps Winters might find her attractive because of her otherness as opposed to in spite of it. As if he could sense her brain running in circles, he took her hand in his again. They’d done it many times that day, but each iteration sent a small thrill through her that heated her body just like the tea she was drinking.

“Thank you for the mugs by the way. This is very relaxing.” He said, taking a sip of his own beverage. His face was shrouded in the diffuse light of dusk, the star having set beyond the eastern wall and tree line. It softened his features.

“I should be the one thanking you.” She insisted playfully.

“Team effort then?”

“Yeah.” She agreed happily, enjoying the union of their hands. She wanted to snuggle up to him as darkness began to fall, but didn’t want to upset Zolta. She was about to engage the young Cauthan in conversation but stopped, looking past him. Eyes wide, she tapped Zolta on the thigh and jerked her head to the right. He followed her lead and froze solid, cup halfway to his lips.

“Hello Zolta.” Asha greeted him timidly as she approached, clearly not expecting him to be keeping company with the human and Veera. He’d stopped cold as soon as he’d seen her, only his eyes moving. They came to rest at her dress’ neckline. The human spoke, saying something to Zolta as Veera looked between the two of them. Zolta shook his head.

“No, it’s fine.” He sighed deeply. “One way or another…” He placed his mug of tea on the bench with an unsteady hand and stood. She could see his crown shaking as he walked up, stopping only inches from her. “Hi Asha.” He met her eyes, willing himself to be brave. He understood now why Winters had made a big deal out of this, why he had referred to him as a boy or a kid before and now chose to call him a man. He’d never opened himself like this to anyone before. Asha could easily hurt him, wound him deeply. Not that he’d blame her, she had just as much agency in this decision as he did, but now he felt like he finally understood Winters’ point. This wasn’t something he could protect himself from with sword, shield, or muscle. “Did you…uh…”

“Yes.” She whispered, her emerald eyes sparkling in the firelight. Was she…crying? His breath caught. Did yes mean she’d arrived at an answer? Or was it the answer? He opened his mouth and tried to speak. Nothing came. He closed it, looking away from her. He felt very small in that moment, not something he wanted Asha to see. His heart thudded against his ribs as he felt her take his hand with hers.

“Zolta?” She could feel his anxiety now and a cord of guilt sang inside her, one she intended to quickly put to rest. She stepped into him, willing him to embrace her again. After a moment of hesitation, he did, allowing her to hear and feel his ragged breathing. She wrapped her arms around his back and purred as he tightened his own hold. He stilled and waited for her, as he had all afternoon. She could feel a tear slide down her muzzle. “Yes, I’ll be your mate Zolta.”

“Asha!” He managed, something between a gasp and a coarse sob. Clearing his throat he tried again. “Asha…I…thank you. You have no idea how happy I am right now.”

“I think I have some idea Zolta. Your gift touched my heart, as did the knowledge you still have the pendant I gave you after all these years. You made me feel special and unique. I’m sorry I took so long…”

“Please, don’t.” He stopped her gently. “I got the answer I wanted. That’s all that matters to me.” He assured her, bringing his head back just far enough so he could rest his cheek against hers. Delightful energy ran through them as they nuzzled one another, purring contentedly as they began growing their bond with one another.

“Zolta?”

“What is it Asha?”

“What’s this thing in your ear?” She asked curiously, poking it with a claw.

“Oh that! I completely forgot I even had it still. It’s something that allows me to-”

“Alright, that’s enough standing by silently! You’re my boy Zolta, my boy!” The human was yelling something while pumping his fist in the air. Veera looked at the two of them with a wide smile and rapid waving of feathers. Thantis and Gentia were also looking on, beginning to understand what all the commotion was about. Zolta’s embarrassment grew as he looked back to her.

“It allows me to understand that guy.” Zolta sighed, laughing as relief swept through him. He pointed to Asha’s medallion. “He helped me out with that actually. He helped me fight my fear and insecurity so I could ask you today. He’s…well he’s a bit of a loud mouthed hyrven. But he’s been a good friend to me.”

“I see. Would you introduce me then? I’d like to thank him for helping me find a wonderful mate.”

“I love you Asha.” Zolta brought his arms to her waist. “I think I have for a very long time. I’ll work every day to remind you that you made the right decision.” He found himself compelled to mimic something he’d seen the human do, moving to rub the back of his neck with a hand.

“I love you too Zolta.” She looked down, feeling a bit of embarrassment amongst the happiness exploding in her chest. “I won’t forget what you did today, how you were willing to fight for me.” He nodded, his own happiness clear in his eyes. Taking her by the hand he led her up to the human and Veera. She had to crane her neck slightly to look at him. She supposed he might normally be imposing, but the smile he was sporting looked ready to split his face in two.

“Russell, Veera. I’d like to introduce you to my…” Zolta looked away for just a moment, as if unable to believe what he was about to say. He turned back and puffed out his chest with pride. “My mate, Asha.” She beamed at him, her light gray tail swishing back and forth behind her with joy. Thantis and Gentia were holding hands on the bench, both reveling in the blooming of young love. Veera used her feathers to signal delight and congratulations to Asha while Winters bowed his head.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Asha. You’ve chosen a fine young man as your mate.” Veera translated as Zolta took the compliment in stride. Asha beamed at him.

“Thank you Russell.” She tried his name the way she’d heard Zolta pronounce it. “I hear you played some part in this as well, so thank you very much. Would the two of you please excuse us though? We should tell our family and friends the news.”

“Of course.” Veera replied, speaking for both of them. “But before you go, please take this. Consider it a housewarming gift as you begin your new life together. It’s from Russell and me. Zolta, you should keep yours too.” She handed Asha the last mug, earning a look of immense gratitude from the young female.

“Thank you both. Perhaps we can speak sometime soon?” Zolta asked.

“Of course. Congratulations young man. We’ll see you around.” Winters bid his ‘student’ a final farewell as Zolta returned the translator and led his intended off into the crowds. He looked at Veera. “Do you have warm fuzzies? Because I have warm fuzzies.” Veera laughed at him and nodded.

‘I have warm fuzzies and I’m not even organic!’ Io exclaimed, stowing away a pair of pom poms she’d been using to cheer on Zolta from afar. Their spirits buoyed by Zolta’s success, Winters and Veera set about preparations for dinner, grinning at the occasional shout of glee that reached their ears as the young couple made their rounds.

As they finished their meal and conversations around the fire, Winters noticed a group of Cauthan assembling near the temple of the sun. They bore various musical instruments, mainly drums and wooden flutes of varying sizes. He looked at Veera, wondering how she’d want to handle this part of the evening. He remembered her explanations about dancing and its significance at the festival and wondered what sort of tone she would want to set.

“So…excited for the dance?” He asked tentatively, caught off guard as she looked away from him. Her feathers were quivering.

“Actually…I was wondering if you…if you wanted to take me home. I…I wanted to spend some time with you, alone.” She whispered, clearly very nervous. Io looked at him with wide eyes but said nothing. For a moment he considered denying her, knowing that ‘impact’ was almost upon him. Steeling himself and mustering up his courage, he nodded and offered her his hand.

“Of course, my lady. Right this way.” They bade Gentia and Thantis farewell for the evening and walked to the north road, the sounds of percussion and woodwind beginning to grace their ears as cheers went up from the assembled villagers. The two departed unnoticed, walking hand in hand down the deserted road under a night sky almost devoid of moonlight. Winters tried to steady his breathing, hoping to control at least one aspect of his biology in that moment. His throat felt tight and dry. He could feel his palm sweating. His heart felt too large for his chest. His guts twisted. To him, it seemed like no time passed at all before they were in front of Veera’s door. She let go of his hand and entered. Into the unknown, right? He took a steadying breath and followed behind her.