Veera was roused from sleep by the contented sighs of her human. Looking up, she saw he was already awake, staring up at the ceiling. The steady sound of a cold rain could be heard against her roof and in the streets outside. It seemed to soothe him. She idly wondered what was going through his mind as she beheld his handsome, jagged profile before reaching up to stroke his face with a finger pad.

“Hey you.” He whispered.

“Hey you. You’re feeling a little scratchy today.”

“Haven’t had a chance to shave recently. Sorry feather kitten.”

“I don’t mind darling. I’m actually curious what you’d look like if you let this grow out. You have so little fur as it is.”

“I can’t.” He told her softly, laughing nonetheless and idly rubbing her back.

“Why not?”

“It’s discouraged in the military. Facial hair is only permitted for religious reasons or under extraordinary combat circumstances where you don’t have the time to worry about something so trivial. As for me…I think it’s good to keep myself grounded, keep acting like a soldier.” He explained. Veera considered his words, admiring his respect for an institution that was many hundreds of lightyears away at the closest.

“What else does your military prohibit? You said you and Jess were…forbidden?” She wasn’t sure how the topic would go over, wondered if Jess was something she was not allowed to mention with him. It was more than curiosity though. If she were forbidden too, she wanted to know. His eyes searched hers, noting interest and lack of malice. He gave her a slight smile.

“I suppose that’s something every woman is curious about, right?”

“I can’t speak for other women Russell. I don’t want to be anything but your mate.” Winters looked at her for a long moment, taken aback.

“That was…unfair of me. You’re right Veera.” He began scratching her ears and running his fingertips along her crown as he continued, his pain feeling a bit more like the ‘old scar’ that Veera had described. “When Jess and I began dating, it was above board but we kept it quiet. It wasn’t improper, but having it out in the open would have been disruptive, not to mention once she was promoted to a rank above mine, we would have been forced to terminate it thanks to military regulation. Keeping it in the dark allowed us to continue being with one another after her promotion. So yes, in a way we were, but we didn’t begin like that. Doesn’t mean the ‘forbidden’ nature of things didn’t make it more appealing, more daring. But I guess that’s what guys like me go for, you know? The unknown and the dangerous can have their own unique appeal.” He finished as Veera purred appreciatively, both for his honesty with her and for his final statement which she very much took as a compliment.

“What were you thinking about this morning?” She asked.

‘I was observing the waterproofing of your roof. It is quite adequate Veera. Guten morgen, by the way.’ Io chimed in. Winters rolled his eyes and smiled.

“That means good morning in another one of our languages.” He whispered. Veera mouthed an ‘oh’ at him before returning Io’s salutation.

“Good morning Io. My father will be pleased to know his craftsmanship still holds. What about you, Darling?”

“Ah, nothing much Veera. The rain just reminded me of home. The sound of it on the roof while you’re safe and warm in bed…it’s comforting beyond words. I was just enjoying finding something like that out here.” Veera looked into his eyes, feeling the gentle pull deep in her chest that was Russell Winters. His candidness and willingness to talk to her about such simple and meaningful things was quickly becoming one of her favorite features of his.

“I’m glad we’re spending all this time together Russell, that you decided to stay with me. I feel like I’m beginning to understand the real you. Well…more of the real you. I don’t think the last cycle has been for show, it’s just…”

“No need to elaborate. I think I get what you’re saying. It’s part of why humans date. People are very…complex. I’m glad you’re finding what’s underneath to be to your liking.” He finished, hoisting himself up slowly before walking to the door and grabbing his toothbrush and toothpaste out of his survival bag. After a quick brush and spit into the street, which was quickly washed away by the steady rain, he turned back to his girlfriend. “That should be better, no more morning breath.”

“That smell…” Veera muttered, coming to stand next to him, curious about this morning ritual he’d not yet described or performed for her. She sniffed at his lips before licking them tentatively. “I’ve smelled this before on your breath. What is it?” Winters couldn’t help a blush. Veera was unabashedly forward now that she’d let him into her life.

“It’s mint. It’s an aromatic herb from earth that we use to flavor a ton of different things. The stuff I was using was toothpaste. It’s meant to clean and protect from plaque and other buildup. Basically…gunk that can harm the teeth.” He explained, knowing he’d left a lot out of something even as mundane as dental hygiene. Veera was regarding him with a contemplative look. Eventually she placed a finger at the corner of her lips and pulled, showing off her full row of teeth. He noticed one or two that seemed smaller than their position in her mouth would suggest.

“Do you not get new ones?” Veera asked curiously.

‘LAND SHARK!’ Io screeched happily, appearing with a dorsal fin atop her head and gray fins over her forearms like oven mitts. ‘Sir! She’s a land shark! This species is remarkable!’ Winters palmed his forehead and laughed at Io, who he was sure was now the leading non-Cauthan expert on the Cauthan in the known universe. Veera looked at him patiently, having grown used to the VI’s eureka-inspired outbursts, and waited for her human to explain.

“Veera, remember the first time we went fishing?” Winters prompted, causing her to relive her embarrassing moment with the raw fish.

“…yes.” She affirmed shyly, prompting him to hold her to him.

“Now now feather kitten, none of that. Remember when we were waiting for the first fish to bite and I told you about sharks?”

“You said they were very large fish that lived in the great salt water.”

“Yes, more or less. They’re one of the few species I know of that will constantly regrow teeth. Humans only get two sets, one as adolescents and one as adults. That’s why I’m brushing. I need to take care of this set.” He explained as she listened attentively, arms wrapped around his back, holding onto his shoulders. After a moment she stepped away and opened her mouth wide.

“Aaaaah.”

“Uh…Veera?”

‘Brush her teeth you dolt! Do it!’ Io huffed, anxious for reasons he couldn’t fathom. Maybe she’s getting bored again? He considered, shrugging as he applied some toothpaste to his brush.

“Fair warning Veera, it’s going to feel cold and maybe a bit intense. I promise it’s safe though.” Veera nodded at his assurances. “Alright, relax…ah you know what, let me get behind you. I’ll be more comfortable with the motions from that angle and I’m less likely to hurt you.”

‘Sir, do you ever think before you speak?’ Io asked, holding her forehead in her hand.

“Io, this is what you wanted. Now observe! Anyway, sorry Veera.” The Cauthan had begun chuckling at her human’s antics. Placing one arm gently across her stomach, Winters brought the other up to her mouth. “Like I was saying, relax and close your jaw just a bit. It’ll make you cheeks looser and easier to get around. There you go. Ready?”

“Aaah ah…awo!” Veera tensed up as he brought the brush to her left upper molars and began brushing.

“Oh, by the way, don’t swallow. It’s not good for you.”

“Uh nyuuuh.” Veera tried to respond as he continued with the brushing motions. It was a truly foreign experience for her. However, soon enough a distinctly cool tingling began spreading from the places the brush had touched. As he continued across the front of her teeth and on to the other side, Veera was able to actually relax and bit and take stock of what was going on in a broader sense. He had inserted some sort of foreign human instrument into her mouth. She’d let him. He was being gentle and caring with her. The sensations weren’t pleasant, per se, but they weren’t unpleasant either. The distinct sensation of becoming clean and cleansed was nice though, she admitted. After finishing with her lower jaw he tapped her on the belly and carefully removed the brush from her mouth.

“Ok, just spit it all out outside. Take a swig from your canteen to get the rest.” He advised. As she moved to carry out his suggestion, he poured a bit of water from his own canteen over the toothbrush, observing it with a critical eye.

‘Debating the merits of sharing?’ Io questioned. He nodded. ‘You’ve shared saliva. Not sure how that’s worse.’ She shrugged before disappearing with a laugh. Winters assumed that meant she’d had a good time watching the frankly absurd spectacle of him brushing an alien’s teeth.

“I’m back! How do I taste?!” Veera bounced up to him and promptly placed her lips on his, raking her tongue across his lips and demanding entrance. He indulged her in a brief duel of tongues before stepping back to be rewarded with a beaming smile.

“You taste good. So…I take it that’s a positive reaction then?” He stated the obvious.

“It is indeed! Can I have one?” She pointed at his brush. Io reappeared sporting a most quizzical look.

‘Well…that’s interesting.’

“What?” Winters and Veera asked.

‘Nothing! Ignore meeee!’ Io insisted, dancing off screen again. Winters felt pretty sure she was compiling an ever increasing vault of data on the Cauthan, and Veera specifically. To what end, he couldn’t know. Focusing on the much less inscrutable female in front of him, he nodded.

“Would you like to come out to the pod with me today? I could make you one.”

“I’d like that. Thank you darling…but…” Veera looked out past her door cover. “I don’t want to get soaked. As important as that night was for us, I do not wish to experience that kind of cold again.”

“Not a problem. I’d been thinking about that actually.” He told her, stowing his toothbrush before stripping off his shirt, shoes, and pants. Veera’s eyes went wide as she stammered at him.

“Russell! Wha- wha- what does that have to do with-”

“I want to practice something with you.” He informed her, standing in nothing but his boxer briefs. Veera couldn’t help the southward trajectory of her eyes, though she took plenty of time to admire his thighs and calves as well.

“Uh…practice?” She squeaked.

‘Haven’t you tortured the poor girl enough?’ Io asked coldly.

“I suppose so. Sorry Veera, but I am serious. Would you…mind looking away for a moment?” He requested. She complied and was met by the undeniable sound of him removing his final garment. Veera could feel her heart beat harder, remembering the subtle bulge at the nexus of his hips and well defined legs. Gods why does he have to be so…like that?!

“Thanks for waiting Veera.” His voice shook her back to reality and she turned around, seeing he’d donned a black skintight garment that extended almost all the way up his neck and just past his elbows and knees. The sight was so curious she was able to avoid lingering too long on the portion of his anatomy that had previously captured her attention.

“So…what’s this all about?”

“I’d like you to learn how to help me equip my armor.” He told her, looking her straight in the eye. “I can do it myself, of course, but if there ever were an emergency inside the village, it would go much faster with your help.”

“I see. Where do I begin?” She asked, walking up to him and running a curious hand over the material covering his chest. It felt completely different than his other clothing, harder and more fibrous.

“Here, this is the back of the armor for my abdomen. I’ll hold the front in place like this and then you line your piece up and push them together. If they’re aligned, they’ll lock into place.” He explained. After a couple attempts, Veera managed to align the piece and jumped back as it snapped to its twin. Winters grunted. “Alright, nice. Here’s the next one. Same plan, only my upper back now.”

“Ok.” Veera replied, holding the piece of metal and synthetic fiber in her hands. If the toothbrush moment had been awkward and intimate, this was exactly the opposite, like she was being drawn into his world out of necessity. She managed the connection quicker the second time around.

“Great, thanks Veera.” Winters moved to sit on the bed, attaching his shoulder armor as he went. When he was seated, he snapped his upper leg armor into place. It was no faster having another person at that point, but he allowed Veera to place one shoulder and one leg piece before stepping into his boots and finally throwing on his gloves. “Alright, we should be good to go now!”

“I can see you’re ready but…” Veera began, grabbing a piece of fish to sate her growing hunger. “What about me?” Winters nodded to her, grabbing his shield and holding his arm out parallel to the ground.

“Io, lock my right arm joints.”

‘Yes sir. Veera, may I present your shelter from the storm.’ The VI declared as Winters relaxed his arm, allowing the armor to hold itself up, providing a mobile shelter of sorts for Veera. She beamed at them.

“You’re quite the charmer Russell Winters. Now come eat with me and we’ll be on our way. Bring your helmet as well. I think we should stop by the temple of Tyrdus on our way today.”

“As you wish, feather kitten.” He smiled, returning his shield to his back and sitting near the fire pit with her.

-----

Veera smiled at the plinking sound of raindrops on the metal shield above her, decidedly no longer envious of the other townsfolk who sported leather cloaks and hoods. As she and Winters walked leisurely towards the gate next to the yard of shrines, she played with the sleeve of her dress, enjoying the warmth it trapped. It wouldn’t work too well in the biting wind of a blizzard, but between it and her fur she was more than adequately protected from the cold rains of late autumn.

“You…look really good, you know.” She murmured.

“That so?” He asked, his voice modified by his helmet. She was thrown back to the day they’d met.

“I think so at least. Not…well…sexual or anything…but I’m beginning to understand why they thought you were a god.” The cold eyes of his helmet turned to her.

“You’re going to make me headstrong Veera, but I’m glad you took the time to figure out what was on the inside. C’mon, let’s go say hi to your father.” He motioned her past the gate, nodding to the guards on duty. They snapped to attention immediately. Veera chuckled, looking up at the white metal above her, the shadowed underside blending into the grey sky. In a short time they were before her father’s shrine again. This time Winters stood just to Veera’s right, keeping her dry while she addressed the spirits.

“Hi dad, I know it feels like I was just here but…well…a lot more happened. The boy’s still here! As you can see, he’s quite the gentleman.” She smiled up at him as he turned to look down at her.

“Boy?”

“Russell, even if your armor was twice as large and you were half again as tall you’d still probably be a ‘boy’ to my father. All that being said, I’m sure he approves. After all, he wasn’t exactly a man of mundane taste in partners himself.”

“I suppose I can’t argue that one. Sorry for interrupting…sir.” He addressed Veera’s father as well.

“See dad? Gentleman. I won’t get into the details or anything since I’m sure you and mom were watching the festival from wherever you are, but he and I have decided to commit to one another, to be together as long as we can. I…honestly don’t know what that means but even just these two days have proven that it will be worth it. I hope you both can understand.” Veera paused, collecting her thoughts and wiping a tear from her eye. Winters wanted to hold her to him, but his right arm was indisposed. Io was giving him a long and searching look on his HUD. He knew he was frowning. That dissipated somewhat as Veera wrapped an arm around his back. The reassurances he wanted to give her died on the tip of his tongue. He cursed silently.

After Veera had regaled her father with a brief retelling of Winters’ contest successes at the festival, and assured her mother than he, indeed, had enjoyed her dance the most, the two of them said their goodbyes. Winters took a moment to place his hand on the stones and thank Veera’s father for tending to the souls of his crewmates, letting him know that he had put them properly to rest. With their task completed, the two turned back and entered the village, making for the square and the forge beyond.

“You’ve been pretty quiet. Everything alright?” Veera asked her boyfriend as they reached the festival grounds, full of craftsmen in leather cloaks disassembling the various stalls and other constructs.

“For now…yes. Maybe forever?” He said, the subtle change of his voice thanks to his helmet sending shivers down her spine. His tone was somewhere between hopeless and dejected.

“Ok…so not alright then. What’s eating you Russell?” He sighed deeply before looking at her.

“I’m not hiding from you, but now is not the time Veera. It’s something that should only be heard by us, and something that may never come to pass. I just…just know I’d never intentionally hurt you.”

“You mean…if you have to go.” She looked down, feeling nervous at the thought as he stared straight ahead.

“Yeah. Not very good at keeping secrets, am I?”

“No, but that’s not a bad thing as far as I’m concerned. I understand. Come now, I think I recognize a particular tail out here. Didn’t you want to hire Zolta for something?”

“Yes. Let’s go then.” Winters agreed, refocusing himself on tasks at hand.

-----

“Couldn’t you have waited another day? Just one more day without rain, Felen?” Zolta grumbled as he disassembled one of the stalls around the square in the heavy rain. The cold and the wet couldn’t dampen his happiness at being Asha’s mate, but he was out in the elements while she was back in her temple, working her craft. That, at least, was worth a bit of grumbling. He paused his work for a moment as his ears twitched. There was something off about the sound of the rain, though he couldn’t quite tell with his hood on. He stood and turned around, letting out a startled yelp as he backed up into the stall. “What the heck guys?! Are we under attack?” Winters was standing there in his armor, looking deadly and stoic as ever. Veera was next to him, protected by the elements thanks to the human’s shield, the source of the odd noise. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself. He’d not expected to see Winters’ frightening armor up close, especially not on an otherwise normal day. Veera was giggling.

“No, no one’s under attack Zolta…except from the rain.” She informed him as he stood straight.

“What’s going on with you two?”

“I need to speak with you about work.” Winters said, his voice slightly modified thanks to the obstruction of his helmet. Zolta found it unsettling, though it didn’t seem to bother Veera at all.

“Can it wait until tomorrow? I need to-”

“No. It can’t. I need to hunt Zolta, as soon as possible. I spoke with your master during the festival. Come, he’ll understand.”

“Is that why you’re wearing that thing?”

“You’re a perceptive kid. I don’t mind admitting I enjoy the idea of the intimidation factor, but it’s more than that. I can easily communicate with multiple people this way.”

“I guess swapping that one little piece around would be annoying. Alright, let’s go then.” Zolta agreed, leading them out of the square and back to the temple. Winters allowed Veera to enter first, disengaging the armor locks once she was inside and hoisting his shield back to its resting place. He stepped inside, rotating his arm at the shoulder to re-establish more normal blood flow. Everyone inside was staring at him.

“What? You lot have never seen a HEL Jumper before?” He asked jovially, walking over to Zolta’s master as the apprentice rolled his eyes. “You’ll pardon the appearance but, as you can hear, this armor makes it much easier for me to communicate with you.”

“Ah…yes. Of course. You are here to discuss our business proposal from the other day? You have need of weapons? And greetings to you as well Veera.” He added, earning a stern nod from Winters.

“I do. I grabbed your apprentice as we passed through the main square. I hope you don’t mind. I’d hoped to include him as well.”

“Yes yes, of course! No problem, not a problem. Come, let us speak somewhere more comfortable.” He gestured to the doorway on the left side of the temple that Winters had not previously been through. Inside they found something of a small living space featuring a table and chairs. On the back wall of the space was an entry to what appeared to be bunks or a barracks of some sort. He supposed it functioned as basic living quarters for craftsmen who needed to pull long hours or who otherwise didn’t have a place to spend the night. The four of them sat around the table.

“Before we begin actually, Veera, you mentioned you’d inquire about some chairs of our own. Was that matter resolved?” Winters began.

“It was. They should be ready within the cycle.”

“You received a reasonable price on the labor?”

“I did. Seems being the mate of a human has it’s…advantages.” Veera remarked idly, looking at the claws on her left hand. Winters smirked behind his helmet. It might have gone against modern human sensibilities, but he found distinct pleasure in being the source of that kind of positive change in Veera’s life.

“Very well, I’m glad to hear that. My apologies gentlemen. Shall I get right to the point then?”

“Of course Winters. It is not a problem.” Zolta’s master spoke politely. “I must inform you, of course, that metal is scarce out here. Depending on how much you need it could significantly increase the cost of the items you request.”

“I understand. Zolta, have you made a spear before?” Winters addressed the young man directly.

“I…no. I’ve assisted my master with one before and I have forged a few arrowheads, but not a spear.”

“Do you think you can do it?” Zolta’s master made to speak but Winters held up a hand. “I’d like his opinion first.”

“I think I can, Russell.”

“Good. Tell me how you would construct it then.” Zolta looked at his master, who nodded.

“Well, the one I assisted on was for a member of the guard. Standard head with a small cross guard. But you’ll be hunting with this one, right? So maybe…” Zolta paused to consider the implications. “Longer head, ditch the guard, maybe three stabilization points in the handle instead of two. It wouldn’t take too much more metal.”

“And the shaft?” Winters prompted.

“Well, you’d want something that could bend but not snap off if you sunk it in deep. Something with a good balance between hardness and give. Rough leather grips at the base and the middle; that would be standard stuff. The point of connection between the head and shaft would also be reinforced with a leather wrap.” Zolta finished, looking between his master and Winters hopefully.

“You’ve trained a fine smith I’d say.” Winters remarked. “What do you say we let him handle this one himself? Our discussion regarding payment need not change, of course. Call it a bonus to ensure proper oversight of the project?” The master nodded thoughtfully. “Oh, Zolta, how thick do you usually make the handles for the guards?” Zolta held up two fingers about an inch and a half wide. Winters nodded. “Make it about a third larger in diameter. You can scale up the spear head to match.”

“Uh…sure. That shouldn’t be a problem. But, how are you going to pay for this Russell?” Zolta asked.

“I must agree with my apprentice, human. This job will not be a small task in terms of labor or material. Wood is of course plentiful, as is leather. But two spearheads of larger dimension than those in the guard force…”

“All I ask is a fair price, no need for special treatment.” Winters insisted. Veera was looking at him with concern. They had certainly increased their material wealth by leaps and bounds since meeting one another, but what he was asking for would be quite expensive. “Do either of you like fish?”

“I’m sorry?” Zolta’s master cocked his head.

“Well, I happen to be pretty good at acquiring fish. I don’t see anyone else doing so here. I figure we could start there? Pay half in that manner, half upon completion of the first spear. Hopefully by the time you’re done with the second I’ll have more than enough in pelts, bone, and meat to afford it.” Winters suggested. The two smiths looked at one another to consider.

“How many mouths can a fish feed Winters?” The master asked. “I’ve seen them now and again in the river but I’ve never eaten one.”

“About one per mouth per meal if you’re hungry. Quite often a half will do.” He looked at Veera who signaled her agreement with her feathers. Io remained silent in his HUD, studying and documenting the discussion.

“I see. Well, I must admit it’s an intriguing proposition. Very well Winters, let us say thirty fish to start and we can discuss the remainder once that’s been paid. Since you’ve not asked for a bow I assume you have one?”

“I do. Quite perceptive of you. Twenty five fish.”

“Flattery and bargaining all at once eh? Very well human, I can agree to those terms. Is this suitable for you, Zolta?”

“I…yes sir. I can do this.”

“Good lad! I’ll leave you to it then. If you have questions or need another hand when you’re fitting the head, let me know.”

“Yes sir…thank you for this Russell.” Zolta addressed the human as he stood, removing his leather cloak and heading to the back room. He reappeared wearing a leather apron and the gloves Winters had seen before when he was working on Asha’s gift. “I really do appreciate this. I know you have your own forge.”

“I look out for my friends Zolta.” Winters replied easily, looking at his master to ensure the message was conveyed. Treat him well and fairly, and it will benefit you too. “Besides, forge isn’t long enough to construct a full spear. I’d have to piece together at least two parts to create the handle. Structural weakness. I’ll be by tonight or tomorrow with some fish. Make sure Asha gets some, right?”

“Right. If you’ll excuse me, master.” Zolta bowed and exited the space. Winters could hear a whistle or two from the other room. Zolta’s master chuckled.

“He’s a good young man. Found himself quite the mate this year too.” He said proudly.

“So logically you’ve gotta give him a hard time about it, right?” Winters joked.

“It sounds as though the men of your species are not so different from us in that regard! I don’t mind telling you it’s jealousy on the part of the other apprentices. Might I interest either of you in tea before you go? It’s getting cold out there.” He offered. Winters looked at Veera, wondering if he was simply being kind, or if it was custom upon completion of a contract. She spoke up.

“We have a bit of a journey ahead of us today, as it were, though you are kind to offer. Just so you’re aware, fish goes bad in a similar way to meat. I am sure Winters could provide you with fresh fish on a given day, but there’s a good chance most of it will be preserved. I smoke and salt them myself.” Veera explained.

“I shall look forward to tasting them then, though I would certainly appreciate a few fresh ones. The little ones love meat cooked over the fire.”

“That won’t be a problem. I’ll be by tonight or tomorrow with a few of the preserved cuts, a gesture of goodwill and commitment to the contract. Over the next few days I hope to fish more. I will deliver fresh ones when I can.” Winters promised.

“Very good then! I’ll not keep the two of you from your journey any longer. Thank you for your patronage Winters, and a good day to you Veera.” The two of them bowed and exited the temple.

-----

“Well, he’s certainly changed his tune.” Winters remarked as he and Veera left the village to walk to his pod. Veera fluttered her feathers.

“You’ve made quite the impression on them. I think the fact you were willing to take a mate from the village also helps. It makes you one of us in a way, even if they might not have seen me as such before that. I guess you put it all in perspective.” Veera mused as they walked. “Thanks for keeping me dry by the way!”

“You’re welcome Veera.”

‘Veera, may I ask a question?’ Io cut in as they continued through the trees.

“Sure Io, what’s up?”

‘Well, two actually. First, can we head over there? I’d like to look at that tree; it has some low hanging branches. Please?’

“Feeling curious again Io? Sure, I’ll come with you two!” Veera affirmed as they stepped off the path for a moment. Winters allowed Io control of the B-MASS, pointing it where she asked. As she studied, she asked her second question.

‘Veera, how do you feel about the way you were treated by the servants of Tyrdus today?’

“You mean how they look at me differently now that I’ve taken a male?” Veera guessed.

‘Yes, exactly.’

“Well, I’m sure not everyone will behave the same way, but I don’t mind. I learned long ago to ignore what people thought of me, for self-preservation if nothing else. Even if it’s because of Russell, it means I made a good choice in choosing him. I like that feeling very much.” She admitted, placing a hand on his armored flank, over where she knew his bruise was.

‘I see. Thank you Veera. We may continue now!’ Io remarked as they made their way back to the path, the forest floor damp and forgiving thanks to the rain.

“I’m glad to hear that.” Winters spoke after a long but comfortable silence. “I don’t like that it was necessary in the first place, but given where things stand now…I’m happy.”

“Me too, darling. We put on quite the show, you and I. You should have been there yesterday when I was walking around the village. I’ve never had so many people come up to me before! I don’t mind telling you more than a few of the women were interested in kissing.”

‘Sir, if there’s ever a tribunal I would suggest you wear your armor.’ Io joked.

“Compared to what Delta’s been forced to do, I’ll stand by that little infusion of human culture with pride.” Winters laughed. “Veera, as long as you’re not giving them hands on lessons, I couldn’t be happier. Glad to know we’re making waves.”

“You do live for that sort of thing, don’t you?” She eyed him pointedly.

“In many ways, yes. But it also makes the quiet moments stand out more, you know?”

“I do. Speaking of quiet moments, would you like to discuss what was bothering you earlier?” Veera encouraged as Io requested another stop to observe a different species of tree.

“Sure…I guess. Not much to discuss really. You know the situation already.” Veera nodded, knowing he was right to an extent. She was aware of the facts regarding the possibility of his rescue. What she didn’t know was why they’d never discussed the possibility of her going with him. She pondered the question in silence as they made their way through the woods, the sound of rain all around them. In the end, she figured it was probably her responsibility to broach the subject. Winters had refused to begin a relationship with her until she was ready to be taken as a mate, to the point he was ready to deny himself something he clearly wanted. It was likely the same in this case, though assuredly more complicated. She was sure the implications would be much farther reaching than their union on Mara, and that he would likely bear the brunt of that decision. If he were willing to do so for her, for them, then it was incumbent on her to be committed as well. As the bridge to her farm came into view, she resolved to consider the question further as time went on. She shivered for a moment as a cold gust blew over them. Just how much would I be willing to give up for him? She shook her head. No, that’s the wrong question. How much would I be willing to give up…for us?