by Pelaam
Sukh’s tongue flicked back and forth a couple of times, and Nakai watched the movement, his cock thickening. He closed his eyes, willing the incipient erection away. He wasn’t willing to admit his arousal whenever he was in the Xyran’s proximity.
“Music. Einian likes music. Pipes especially.”
Sukh closed his eyes as if dismissing Nakai from his presence, and so failed to see Nakai’s broad grin. “Thank you. I’ll see you again, Sukh.”
A muffled grunt was the Xyran’s only response, but Nakai didn’t care. He continued to smile as he headed back down the stairs. He now knew of something that Einian might enjoy and had made inroads with the Xyran.
The situation was looking very positive. The next thing he had to weather would be the inevitable visit from the Magistrate, given he had a Xyran in his home. It was hardly an occurrence that many in his small community would sit by and happily accept.
Chapter Four
Nakai sighed as he ran his hand over some of his books, caressing their covers affectionately. He’d only been home one full day when word had reached him that the Magistrate wanted to visit. Now he was on his way and due soon.
In deference to his visit, Nakai exchanged his usual comfortable robe for more formal clothing as befitted his rank. His pants were well-fitting leather, and his tunic top had small precious gems from the family mine around the scooped neckline.
He’d decided to entertain the Magistrate in his library. The setting was neither too casual, nor overly formal, and Nakai was proud of his books. He had many thousands of books on microchip, but he still liked the feel of a book in his hands. He picked a tome to look at while he waited to be advised of the Magistrate’s arrival.
A young servant tapped on the open door. “Master Nakai, the Magistrate is here.”
Nakai replaced his book. “Please show him in.” As the Magistrate strode in, Nakai bowed. “Good day greetings to you, Magistrate. Welcome to my home.”
“Good day greetings to you, Master Nakai. Thank you for seeing me at such short notice.”
Nakai indicated an ornate silver carafe and two goblets, both inlaid with blue gems. “Would you care for a drink while we talk?” At the Magistrate’s nod, Nakai poured two glasses of wine. A small table and two comfortable chairs had been set by the window overlooking his orchards. “If you’d care to take a seat?”
The magistrate headed over and settled himself comfortably. He accepted his glass and took a sip. “Very good. Very good indeed. We’re very fortunate you excel at wine making. You’re a great asset to our community, Master Nakai. It is still your preference that your title of Captain isn’t used here in your home? I wish you no offence.”
“None taken. You’re quite right, Magistrate, and thank you. But I don’t think my wine making abilities are what you came to discuss.” Nakai set his glass down and waited for the inevitable questions.
“Indeed not. You’re a well respected member of our community, but there are some concerned inhabitants regarding the two, ah … houseguests, you currently entertain.”
Nakai smiled. “I doubt one is causing any real concern. Except in the regard the human is male and not female.” He watched the Magistrate closely.
The other man held up a hand. “Your brothers have a mate, and their wife has proven to be both very popular, and very fertile. Two sets of twins. I congratulate you. If you choose to follow a different path, then there is nothing to stand in your way.”
Nakai inclined his head. “I’m pleased to hear that. So that leaves only the Xyran.”
“His presence has caused not a little unrest.” The Magistrate looked at Nakai over the rim of his glass. “What assurances may I take away with me?”
“He is being cared for in my tower. His leg is badly broken, and he can’t walk on it yet. I have guards outside the room, on the stairs and at the door between my house and the tower stairs. I take full responsibility for him. For now, he needs to rest and heal. When he’s mobile, then I will re-assess the situation.”
“Re-assess? For what reason would you even entertain a Xyran here?”
Nakai stroked his cheek slowly. “The human. They developed a friendship. If I wish to show him that we are more civilized than the Xyran, and that he can trust us, how can I send away the one friend he has? Especially when he’s so hurt himself.”
“I see.” The magistrate took another sip of the wine. “That would indeed show us as the far more civilized people. I can understand your actions, Master Nakai. And your precautions regarding where the Xyran is being treated sound more than adequate. They may be a powerful people, but not more so than ourselves.”
“Indeed not, Magistrate,” Nakai said. “My door is always open. If you feel the need to call by again, please do not hesitate. I will be only too glad to let you see the precautions I have set in place that my neighbors need not worry unduly.”
“Thank you, Master Nakai. I’m quite certain that will not be necessary. Tell me, how are your brothers and their mate? The two sets of children must be three and five years old by now if my memory is correct?”
Nakai smiled and picked up his glass. Now that the Magistrate was discussing family matters, it indicated the matter of the Xyran was closed. At least for now.
Chapter Five
Heading to his tower, Nakai intended to speak to Sukh. Kele had voiced concerns that Sukh had suddenly become aggressive, refusing the medication that would help ease the pain of his healing leg. Nakai couldn’t understand it. Things had been going so well. Serves me right for being overconfident. Things were progressing too well.
He tapped on the door as he unlocked it, and stepped inside. Sukh was just easing himself from the bed as Nakai entered the room.
“May I help you?” Nakai asked as he saw a grimace pass swiftly across the Xyran’s face.
“I do not need your help, Alphan.”
Keeping outwardly calm, Nakai winced at the harshness of Sukh’s tone and the lack of his name. He was at a loss to know why the Xyran would be so hostile. “Kele mentioned you refused his pain medications. I know your body will heal quickly, but there’s no need to feel pain unnecessarily.”
“And who are you to judge what I do or do not need?” Sukh snarled the words, but stumbled, biting back a grunt of pain almost before it escaped.
Without thinking Nakai dashed forward, attempting to help steady the stubborn Xyran. To his shock, his reward was a badly-timed punch to his jaw that still had enough power to rock him a little.
Anger sizzled through Nakai’s veins, and he returned the blow, pulling some of his power at the last second, but the punch still caught Sukh’s chin.
With a wordless snarl, Sukh adopted a fighting stance, and, training kicking in, Nakai faced him. Both men leaned forward, their weight balanced on the balls of their feet, ready to make the next move.
Before either of them could make another move, Nakai straightened up shaking his head. “No. I won’t fight you. I don’t know what’s come over you, Sukh, but you’re not my enemy. You’re a guest in my house. I may not understand you, but I want to.”
He let his arms drop to his sides, even though Sukh remained in a fighting stance.
“We are not friends. Defend yourself, Alphan.”
“I will not.” Nakai kept his arms at his sides despite the color of Sukh’s skin turning crimson, and the Xyran baring his teeth, hissing angrily.
“Fight.” Sukh lunged.
The blow that Nakai anticipated blow never landed. Instead the Xyran grabbed two handfuls of Nakai’s robe, lifting him up onto the tips of his toes, and shook him.
“Fight me. It’s Einian you want. I’m nothing to you.”
He’s jealous. The realization made Nakai even more determined to break through the Xyran’s hostilities.
“I have said I would like you as a friend,” Nakai said. “I meant it. I won’t fight you, Sukh.” Nakai grunted as he was shoved away hard.
Limping away from Nakai, Sukh faced the barred wind
ow. “I never told him I fought to have him. The women went quickly, but I had eyes for only him. He was like a sunesu. One of the sprites that dwell deep in our forests and jungles. I never told him how proud I was to have won. Many jealous eyes watched when we were together. But I feared his power over me.”
“I believe he knows how you feel, Sukh,” Nakai murmured quietly.
“My people don’t speak easily of feelings. They’re seen as weakness. A true warrior remains strong, and in control, at all times. I was my chief’s right hand man. I had power, standing. I could protect what was mine. Until I was betrayed. Now, if I returned to Xyran, I would have no standing. There is no place in the tribe for a crippled warrior.”
“My world is vastly different, Sukh. While you heal, you are my guest, and you’re welcome to remain here. But when you are healed, you have decisions to make. I will not hurry you. I just ask you give consideration to the future.”
“I have no future.”
“Yes, you do,” Nakai said. “It may not be the future you envisioned. But you are alive and well. Heal. Regain your strength. Do you read?”
“I used to. But not for a long time.”
“I have a library. I will bring you an assortment. As well as some more thaspan. I’ll also ask Kele to revisit you. There is little point in having pain when his medications can help.”
The only response from Sukh was a grunt. His skin had lost the angry crimson hue. Nakai wished he could at least touch the Xyran, but his instincts told him he’d achieved as much as he could at this time.
He could only hope the situation improved.
Chapter Six
As much as Nakai wanted to care for the human himself, he’d given the bulk of that job to Lansa. He knew his long-time friend would take exceptional care of the young man and keep Nakai fully apprised of how Einian was faring. The decision had not been made lightly, but it ensured Einian didn’t feel overwhelmed by Nakai, and he and Lansa appeared to have become good friends.
Now that Einian was fit enough to get out of bed, Nakai wanted the young man to explore his orchards and vineyard. His ultimate desire was to spend time with Einian, both of them enjoying being outdoors. He tapped on Einian’s door and opened it carefully.
He coughed loudly from the doorway. He bit back a gasp as the human’s eyes opened. They were such beautiful eyes, a shade of deep green, more beautiful than the greenest gem his world had ever mined, and they always took his breath away. A look of fear appeared briefly in their depths and sliced through his heart. Einian tried to sit up and groaned softly before falling back, and repeating the action a little more slowly.
“Don’t try to move too quickly. Your body is still very weak,” Nakai said. “May I approach?”
“Of course,” Einian said. “Although I don’t know why you ask.”
“Because this is your room. I did knock, but you must not have heard me. If you’re tired, I can come back.”
“No. Wait. Stay, please. Why are you doing this?” Einian asked. “What is it you want? I just don’t understand why you’d allow me to live in such luxury, and take nothing from me. Not that I have much to give.”
Nakai reached to stroke Einian's cheek with his fingertips. "What I want is for you to feel happy here. I hope that with time, you will believe I act honorably, and that I don't expect anything from you."
"Everyone wants something." Einian's tone was guarded, but he couldn't completely hide a note of longing.
"I have no wish to be your master, but I would like to be your friend. Will you at least give consideration to that?"
Einian stared at him. "Friend?"
"Yes. I don’t desire to speak ill of Sukh’s people, but Alphans will only take a lover if it is what they wish, too. I want a mate. One who will stand by my side. Enjoy life with me. Love me.”
“I was told you take humans just like the Xyrans,” Einian said.
Nakai nodded. He’d picked up instantly on the confusion in Einian’s voice. “It doesn’t surprise me that you would hear that. But I give you my word, we take only the willing. My brothers have a human mate. Mair. She is very happy. I hope you will meet her soon. But I want to give you time to get used to my home, as well as my orchards and vineyards.”
“You have orchards?”
Einian’s voice held such wonder that Nakai’s heart ached.
“I do. Would you like to see them?” At Einian’s nod, Nakai stood. “I’ll wait for you outside while you dress.”
Einian seemed to glow from within as he wandered from tree to tree, touching their trunks, leaves, and the fruit. He turned to Nakai. “This is the fruit you brought me. I didn’t realize you grew them yourself. This is so beautiful.”
A mix of pride and joy swept through Nakai. “Now let me show you my vineyard. Chua should be there. He's a very good friend."
"How good?"
Nakai hid a smile of delight. Einian may not have realized it, but there was a distinct hint of jealousy in his voice.
“Not as good as Lansa, but good enough.”
He and Einian wandered to the vineyard. Einian stared at the rows of vines. “These look like grapes, not that I’ve ever seen a real grape.” He touched a bunch with a shaking finger, tracing the veins on the leaves with the tip of his finger.
“I believe they are indeed similar to that fruit. I don’t have a huge vineyard. But I make enough to supply the nearby town, and some gets transported farther afield. Each generation plants a new row. I need to organize the ground to be prepared for laying the vines to celebrate my nephews and nieces. Some clearing and weeding still has to be done.”
“Could I help? I’d love to work with the plants.”
“I’ll speak to Chua. He manages the orchards and vineyard. He’ll know exactly where things are up to. There’s something I need to do in town, so I won’t be here until late afternoon. Promise me you won’t overdo anything.”
“I promise,” Einian said.
Nakai caught a glimpse of Chua at the far end of the vineyard. “You wait here. I’ll send Chua over. I’ll see you later.”
****
A tear slid down Nakai’s cheek as he stared at the torn up plants. These particular vines had been planted by his father in celebration of his birth and that of his brothers. For him, more than Tse and Yas, the plants had acted as a link to his dead parents. He touched them gently. His link was lost.
A hand squeezed his shoulder, and he looked up. “Why? Why would Einian do this? Chua said he was very specific about what he could and couldn’t touch.”
“Nakai, I don’t know what’s happened,” Lansa said. “All I know is that Einian ran to me, almost hysterical, saying you were going to hate him. He repeatedly swore he didn’t touch the vines, because you showed him which plant was a vine. Chua told him to pull weeds. Then Chua screamed at him he’d killed vines that were special to you.”
Nakai looked up. “He may have got confused.”
Lansa shook his head. “I don’t believe for one minute he could get that confused.” He knelt down beside Nakai. “Why has Chua left them out? He should have replanted them. Here, help me.”
The heaviness in Nakai’s heart lifted gradually as he and Lansa worked side by side replanting the vines. He remained beside them as Lansa hurried away and returned with a large pail.
“I’ve added some of the nutrients that encourage the vines to grow. Perhaps some won’t be too shocked by what happened and will root once more.”
“Thank you, Lansa. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Nakai rose to his feet and embraced his friend.
“What else is a friend for, but to stand by you in good times, and to support you when times are difficult?” Lansa patted Nakai’s back. “Einian is terrified. He won’t eat, and has been crying on and off for the last couple of hours. Even I couldn’t soothe him. He thinks that you’ll send him and Sukh back to the military or Xyran. Be gentle with him.”
“I will. I promise. I have something for him. Will y
ou come with me?”
“Of course.”
Nakai tapped on Einian’s door. Despite listening intently, he didn’t hear anything, so he opened the door and peered inside. Einian sat on the bed, hugging a pillow and rocking back and forth. A soft keening sound reached Nakai’s ears, and all his intentions flew from his mind.
In a few strides he reached the bed and pulled Einian into his arms, rocking the still-keening human as he dropped kisses into his hair. Words fell like rain from his lips in a constant stream of reassurances until the heartbreaking sounds finally stopped.
He eased Einian from his chest, just enough to look down into his eyes. “I don’t hate you. I will never hate you. I’m not sending you or Sukh away from here.”
Words seemed beyond the beautiful young man’s ability. Instead he lightly caressed Nakai’s cheek, following the tracks Nakai’s own tears had left.
Nakai took the hand into his and kissed the fingertips. “I don’t hate you. I promise.”
Einian nestled closer, and Nakai was happy just to keep Einian pressed to his chest. He wasn’t sure how long they sat together, and only moved when a discreet cough from the doorway reminded him Lansa was still outside.
“I have something for you, Einian. A gift,” Nakai whispered.
Einian shifted in his arms to look up at him and shook his head. “I don’t deserve anything. I did something very wrong.”
“I don’t know what happened,” Nakai said. “But I do know you wouldn’t have done anything maliciously. I want you to put it from your mind. Lansa and I replanted the vines. If they are strong, they’ll survive. Lansa, come through.”
Lansa came in, a large animal padding behind him.
"There may be a few times yet where I may have to leave here to captain a ship, although I am requesting I be discharged from that duty. I wanted you to have something to look after you. It's a yona.”
The yona sat still as Einian slowly stretched out a hand. "It looks like a cross between a wolf and a lion," he said.
