The Pixie Darner cut through four satyr as Kiera strafed over the battlefield. Another five joined them in death as Kiera continued her run and pulled up back into the air. A barrage of plasma bolts eliminated another two dozen as Tara took her turn. The final dozen turned tail and ran. Corbin and Emily made quick work of the cleanup. Kiera scanned the area; there were no more satyr lifesigns. The three she had missed on her run had been gunned down by their Special Forces teammates. The entire operation had taken a minute.

<<"It looks like our zone is clear,">> Kiera said to the team. <<"Sunrise would you send out a broadcast asking if anyone needs aid? We'll split our mecha squad and keep Locke's team in the area.">>

<<"Copy that, Sunbeam,">> Calvin's voice came over the commlink.

<<"You mad at me, Sunbeam?">> Locke asked, amusement in his voice, <<"You're having all the fun and leaving me with the cleanup!">>

<<"We could equip Bear Paws's mecha with a flamethrower and let him burn the bodies, since he's slacking,">> Corbin chimed in, <<"Of course, he does have those plasma vents, they should do the job pretty well.

<<"Slacking? It's not my fault that the Ursoc isn't built for killing rats!">> Koda snapped back. "But this does highlight the need for more ranged options….">>

<<"We actually have a flamethrower delivery set up,">> Calvin said. <<"Tarabyte had me send a request to Admiral Skorv when we got the contract. Sunbeam we have two zones that have accepted our aid request. Zones forty-eight and fifty-two.">>

<<"I'll take forty-eight. Terabyte, zone fifty-two is yours. Everyone else be prepared to head out to answer calls for aid.>> Kiera waited for the acknowledgements and then flew off to the next zone.

Kiera’s radar lit up with over twice as many satyr as her zone had. It also revealed a moderate sized city, which would explain the increased numbers. If Kiera’s team hadn’t taken care of their satyr, then the city would have faced a second horde from the south. Axtellion Legionnaires were in a defensive position in front of the city, each one wearing power armor. They had set up a pair of mini gun turrets and were ripping through the satyr horde, while two dozen others were holding the line with their own plasma based weapons.

The Pixie Darner strafed over the satyr’s ranks, just like she had done minutes before, making sure to keep out of the turret’s range. Just like before the satyrs were slaughtered without knowing what happened. Kiera used the repulsive cannons to send groups of the creatures flying backwards. With the pressure off of the Legion they mopped up the group they were fighting and advanced, bringing the fight to the satyr. Kiera’s mecha turned a battle that should have taken hours to one that took only minutes.

<<“Radar indicates there are no more satyr within a one mile radius,”>> Kiera said after the last monster fell.

<<“That is some machine,”>> Laike’s voice came across her commlink. <<“Where can we get some of those?”>>

<<“From Admiral Skorv in the Red Moon. He’ll probably charge you an arm and a leg, and that won’t include piloting lessons!”>>

<<“It’s against Legion policy to trade with the Red Moons, but since women can’t be members, maybe I can buy yours?”>>

Kiera laughed, <<“Sorry, Prefect, the Pixie Darner isn’t for sale, and neither are our other mecha.”>>

<<“How about a ride?”>> Pelendelar asked. <<“Can that mecha seat two people? I won’t try to buy her from you, and I’m no engineer able to steal secrets. You must have a fantastic view!”>>

<<“Now that is something that can happen. I’m going to fly a patrol around the zone and see how zones forty-nine and fifty are doing.” I’ll check back in with you boys later.”>>

Zone forty-nine was the zone to the Legion’s north, and Zone fifty was the zone to the east, where the satyrs were coming from. Zones forty-six and forty-seven were to the south. If the battle with the satyr was lost in any of those zones, then the Legion would face more opposition.

The mercenaries in Zone forty-nine were holding their own. They had giant machines shaped like cats, bears, and one that resembled a tyrannosaur. The machines tore through the satyr ranks, but there weren't enough of them to stem the tide on their own. Kiera observed the battle for a few minutes. Things seemed well in hand. She flew off to check on Zone fifty.

It was a massacre. The horde of satyr were picking apart the last of the sarkosian mercenaries who had been assigned to the zone. Kiera dove on the satyrs, firing her photon cannons.

<<“This is Kiera Sol! Zone fifty has fallen, repeat Zone five zero has fallen!”>> she switched to her ship’s channel. <<“Handmaiden, Strongman give me back up on the zone, I’m going to try to rescue the sarks.”>>

She landed in front of the astonished defenders, pulverizing more satyrs with a blast of her photon cannons. A fast moving object appeared on her radar. Emily was almost here with Corbin lagging behind her. A third object approached, the transponder identifying it as a sarkosian shuttle.

A wall of energy shields slammed into the ground behind Pixie Darner, creating a barrier between the satyr horde and the sarkosians. Corbin and his Pugilist rained plasma blasts down on the satyrs courtesy of his shoulder mounted twin plasma gatling guns. With the Sarkosians protected, Kiera ignited both of the Darner's energy blades and went to work.

<<“Zone fifty is secured,”>> Kiera announced five minutes later.

The mechas were fantastic at destroying large groups of the satyr, but once they started branching off into groups of two and three, it became more difficult to attack, especially without causing too much collateral damage. Kiera had kept her promise not to engage the satyr. Corbin was the only one able to finish them off; the Sarkosians left as soon as their men were aboard the shuttle without so much as a thank you.

<<“Those bastards are tough,”>> Corbin said, climbing into his mecha. <<“and honestly, terrifying. I’m not sure how much sleep I’m going to get. Their laugh, that look in their eyes. That manical grin as they attacked…”>>

<<"Do you want a cuddle buddy?">> Kiera asked. <<"I'll bunk with you tonight…this morning, whatever it is.">>

<<"Um, maybe. I, uh, um, hey can I head back?">> Corbin replied.

<<"Yeah, I'll stay here and watch the zone. Handmaiden, go ahead and escort him.">>

Kiera watched the two of them leave. Corbin didn't reply with some flirty comment and seemed hesitant with the idea of sharing a bed with Kiera. There was nothing romantic between them; he didn't want anything and said he wasn't good at sharing, but he should have been fine with cuddling. She sent for a clean up squad and looked down at the satyr's corpses. What exactly did they do to her friend?

=+=

Kiera landed back at their zone camp as the sun was rising into the sky. The satyrs only attacked after sunset. The popular theory was that their troll blood would cause them to turn to stone, or their dark elf heritage made them unable to tolerate sunlight. The corpses that remained once the sun rose didn’t give much credit to the first theory; they were still flesh and blood. The first thing she sensed was fear. It came from the large tent that served as their mess hall. Kiera made her way over to the tend, finding the Special Forces squad, Corbin, Tamalyn, Astrid, and Ivan inside. Astrid sat between Gargax and Locke, holding their hands. Ivan was between Riley and Alixia, and Tamalyn was holding Corbin and Isaac. Tamalyn's halo was glowing brightly, Ivan was singing quietly, tattoos on his arms glowed in time with the music. He was an einherjar, a people born with natural tattoos. Most of the tattoos gave the bearer the ability to increase their physical capabilities. Ivan was born with the tattoos of healing, which is considered honorable. Einherjar can gain tattoos as they age. Many of them also receive ink tattoos to both commemorate deeds and to hide their true tattoos. A practice left over from when the clans were not united. Kiera didn't see that Astrid was doing anything, but Kiera's radiance couldn't be detected either. Valkyries had the ability to inspire, embolden or make a person feel heroic and fearless. Pushed too far and the subject would believe they were immortal, fearing absolutely nothing and emboldened to do whatever they wished.

Riley looked up when Kiera entered and immediately leg go of Ivan's hand to run over to her. Kiera caught her in a tight hug, feeling her lover clutch her and tremble. Kiera released her Radiance, filling the room with soothing. Riley relaxed in her arms almost immediately. The strong sense of fear began to deflate, and nearly five minutes later everyone in the tent was relaxed and calmed. It was the slowest that anyone had ever been fully affected by her Radiance.

"You told me that nymphs could soothe away emotions," Astrid said, rising to her feet, "But I didn't expect it to be so powerful. I think you would counter my Valor!"

"I've been practicing with my Radiance for a long time," Kiera said. "Nymphs are creatures that provide comfort, soothing helps that. It can counter a lot of emotional effects."

"She really is the best," Riley murmured, slowly breaking the embrace and moving her arm to encircle Kiera's waist. "I was going to ask if you would sleep with me tonight, but your soothing beat me to it."

"Happy to help, Rae. I'm looking forward to it," Kiera gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Everyone else feeling better?"

The others nodded and voiced their affirmations. Their posture confirmed their words. Before they seemed frantic, anxious, and afraid; Even Gargax. Now they looked relaxed, back to their old selves. Kiera looked at Koda, glad to see that he still was holding Tamalyn's hand and was teasing her that fighting satyrs was worth it to hold a pretty girl's hand. Kiera was relieved to see him back to himself.

"It's more potent than the soothing songs that I use," Ivan said. His voice was calm, his demeanor welcoming. When Kiera first met him she was immediately comfortable in his presence. He seemed like an old friend rather than someone she just met. If he was surprised by the hug she greeted him with he didn't show it. He just returned the hug tenderly and held her hand as she gave him and Astrid the tour of the ship. "I imagine it is more potent than the songs of the other skalds. Would you be willing to use your soothing ability on our warriors and some of the other mercenaries? The dour effect the satyr has on those they fight is one of the reasons they are so difficult to fight. It takes effect after battle, which leaves less warriors willing to face them a second time."

"Of course," Kiera said immediately. "It might be easier to bring everyone to one place rather than for me to visit each camp individually. After sunrise we should gather everyone affected in a single location."

"That is a clever idea. I will go contact my brother immediately," Astrid left the room.

"May I join you, Kiera?" Ivan asked. "I believe that I can gain insights into my own songs by observing yours. I was able to gain insights into inspiration by observing Astrid inspire warriors on the battlefield."

Again Kiera nodded, "Absolutely. If you can learn how to soothe better, then maybe you can teach other skalds how to improve as well. It will only help us."

Two hours later, Kiera, with Ivan, Astrid and Riley, found herself in Leifholm, the city that the Legion was defending. They chose a large meeting hall and the groups were guided in by valkyrie and skalds. No one looked good. The sheer amount of fear of various degrees threatened to overwhelm her. Astrid must have noticed because she immediately walked over to Kiera and used her Valor. Determination filled Kiera; she wasn't going to let this fear affect her and began to use her Radiance. Each group was instructed to leave once they felt like themselves again; the meeting hall was large, but the number of people who were affected was quite large. They included warriors who had been affected from previous nights that still were apprehensive about fighting the satyr again.

Kiera chatted with those that she was soothing, thankful for Astrid's Valor. Both the valkyrie and Riley walked with her, the former helping to keep Kiera centered, and the latter making sure that no one tried to do anything untoward with her girlfriend, especially the Red Moon Mercenaries and the Sarkosians. Pelendelar seemed to be the least affected from the Legionnaires. Instead of a cloak of fear he had a drape of nervousness that quickly faded.

"Seeing that beautiful machine swoop by and devastate the satyr was extraordinary," Pelendelar said. "Were you affected by this fear thing that everyone else was?"

Kiera shook her head, "No. I didn't see them up close, and didn't hear their cackles and growls. Did you not face them up close either? I thought I saw you on the front lines and not manning one of the guns."

"It must have been some kind of psychic effect. I'm Cortellian, we're highly resilient to mental effects. We evolved the resistance while serving the Tau and the Espers, it's what allowed us and our cousins the Corellians to overthrow our masters and create the Regime," Pelendelar explained.

"Then, is my soothing not working on you?" Kiera asked.

"It is. Perhaps the resilience is only effective against psychic attacks and whatever you're doing isn't considered one. Or maybe I'm allowing you to affect me because we were told this was beneficial. I'm a warrior, this kind of thing is honestly beyond me. I only know what I learned in school."

"Don't let him fool you," Laike said, seeming more like himself. "He didn't get promoted to Captain because he's an idiot. He's a good tactician if outright unorthodox. But that's why he's in the Storm Fleet. They take the unique 'special forces' types. Thank you for helping fix us. We owe you one."

Kiera shook her head, "You owe me nothing. All it costs me is time and a little fatigue. Since I'm going to bed after this, there's honestly no downside." She paused and looked at Astrid, "At least, with Astrid helping me stave off the overwhelming fear that's pungent in the air."

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"You also took the pressure off of us and then went and took care of that other zone. If they had reached us…" Laike shuddered. "I won't forget what you did. If you or your crew ever decide they want to join the Axtellion Legion, I'll do whatever I can to make sure that you're on a good ship. I've got friends across the different fleets."

"Are you privy to what contracts the Legion takes?" Kiera asked.

"It depends on flet and Tribune. I'm a Prefect, in charge of a dozen ships of our fleet. I see all contracts that are assigned to the forest Fleet and assist the other Prefects and my Tribune in deciding who is best for the job. We know who is hiring us, why, and what it entails. This contract was special. Our Kagan asked for Volunteers from the fleet to undertake it because of who the client was and the nature of the contract. I volunteered to lead it. Most of the people that also volunteered are men that serve on my ship, and a few from outside my fleet, like Pelendelar." Laike explained.

"I only know what my Prefect tells me about the contract I'm working," Pelendelar added. "Sometimes it's everything, but other times it's just the objective."

"That makes sense, thank you," Kiera said.

The Tribunes seemed to be like the Admirals of the Red Moon and the Prefects were the High captains, at least that's what it sounded like. She wasn't going to risk insulting the two men by making a comparison, their opinion of the Red Moon was transparently clear. Based on their report, Snowden should know who hired the Red Moon to kill her and Liandra. If he didn't, then they would have to get that information straight from Lupin. She still didn't have a way to get Snowden's information. For Lupin they would have to go to Sanguine Luna ,the battle star headquarters of the Red Moon Mercenaries. Would Snowden have an office there? She made a mental note to ask Ben the next time they communicated; Skorv usually didn't give them any information about the other Admirals.

On the way back to their base camp, Kiera asked Astrid and Ivan why the Scandiands didn't use any kind of hovertank or military vehicles in the fight with the satyrs. The answer was simple: when they first appeared they were in populated areas mostly towns and cities. The use of military vehicles would cause too much collateral damage so they had to fight on foot. Sumi had been a completely different battlefield and didn't have a heavy military presence. It was an inner world that focused on food production for the clans. There just weren't many soldiers and hardware available, especially with the war on Damsk continuing. There was a huge battle taking place in the Capital. Jarl Olaf the Terrible was using mercenaries on Sumi so his warriors could focus on Damsk. It wasn't a bad strategy, in Kiera's opinion.

Kiera opted to return to her quarters aboard the Eclipse with Riley rather than sleep in the barracks at their base. They provided more privacy and her bed was much more comfortable. She didn't fall asleep immediately. She needed to figure out how to find out who hired the Red Moon, and she needed to find damning evidence that would lead to Balthazar Snowden being arrested for his part in the deaths of her friends and family. The satyr's effects on her friends also weighed on her. Would she be able to keep up with the soothing?

=+=

"Hahahaha!" Corbin laughed, clutching his sides, "Oh man! I need to send Skorv something in thanks, I haven't laughed this hard in forever! What did you do to piss him off, Koda?"

Koda didn't respond, he was too busy salivating over the delivery they just received. It had been a week since they started fighting the satyr and Leifholm still stood despite the monster's best efforts. Kiera's soothing continued to be the best remedy against the fear effect the satyr's produced. After the second night Koda sent a message to the Admiral asking for a mecha that would be better suited to fighting individual soldiers as opposed to mecha and spacecraft. Ursoc just wasn't suited to fight the satyr. He couldn't even use the flamethrowers because his mecha didn't have the dexterity to pull a trigger.

The mecha that was just delivered was small, only forty feet tall. It had a pair of carbines built into its bearlike jaw that gave it the appearance of having horns. Rotary cannons were mounted on its shoulders, a pair of flamethrowers were built onto its arms, and finally it had a pair of plasma claws that could slide over the nominally dexterous hands, and a missile bank built into its back.

"I don't know why you're laughing, Corbin," Tara said looking at the mecha's specs. "The Grizzly is objectively terrifying. Those flamethrowers are plasma based, so he can switch from spewing flame to decimating opponents with plasma cannons. If you look at the details of the overclaws, you'll see that they can rotate, turning those hands into plasma drills. Finally, those cluster missiles on its back are designed to decimate large scale troop movements, just like we're facing here. I'd say that Skorv just gave Koda an early birthday present."

"But, it's so tiny!" Corbin protested.

"So are you, my friend," Koda said reverently, "So are you."

"I guess you won't be borrowing the Darner tonight," Kiera said approaching the group. Olaf the Terrible had learned what Kiera could do and requested that she come to Damsk to use her blessing to aid his elite troops. Ivan and Astrid had gone with her. The former to teach his new soothing technique to the other skalds, the latter to ensure that both Kiera and Ivan could do their work. "What did you say in that letter?"

"Nope, this one and I get to play tonight. I do love that Darner of yours though. Took me a bit to get used to that speed. All I said was what you told me to say: Admiral Skorv, While I love the Ursoc and appreciate everything you have put into him, I am finding failings with my weapons deployment. I neglected to have a ranged weapon option and am not having success filling our current contract fighting groups of infantry. Is there a way that we can address these shortcomings? Respectfully, Kodiak Oso." Koda looked over at Kiera with a grin, "I'll be a better wingman for you. Now. You joining us tonight?"

Kiera nodded, "Yeah, I need to blow off some steam. Damask is one hundred times worse. I'm glad that the skalds are learning the advanced soothing songs. It's the only reason that Olaf let me come back. He is a rather interesting man. Huge, like eight and a half feet tall. Ferocious, but at the same time very kind, unless you sit in his chair."

"I can respect that," Koda said, nodding sagely. "There are some things that a man holds sacred that he wants no one else to use."

"Yeah, like your 'Honey Bear' mug," Corbin snarked.

"My lovely girlfriend gave me that mug. You act really weird when you're jealous," Koda shot back. "Hey Kara, would you give me a hand with the initial runs? I want to make sure Grizzly's in top form tonight."

"I can't, I have to head to Leifheim to soothe everyone that was affected. I already got out people, and got a report that there are one or two that are showing a different symptom," Kiera said.

"I'll run it with you," Tara offered. "Is Astrid going with you, Kara?"

Kiear nodded.

Instead of going to the city meeting hall, Astrid flew Kiera to the Legion camp. She had to admit flying over the countryside in the arms of a beautiful, powerful valkyrie was pretty romantic. Astrid didn't seem to mind at all when Kiera leaned her head onto Astrid's shoulder; in fact, Astrid had requested that Kiera do it since it was more comfortable for both of them, if a bit more intimate. They set down in front of the healing tent and instead of fear, Kiera felt apathy, despair and depression. She quickly rushed inside the tent and found Pelendelar sitting on a cot with his head bowed and his arm bandaged. He didn't look up at the sound of approaching footsteps.

Kiera immediately activated her Radiance, pushing against the miasma of dark emotions. Pelendelar didn't lift his head or react at all. With a frown she walked across the room and sat down next to the Coretellian and laced her fingers into his. "Hey, Pell. Can you tell me what happened?" Kiera asked in her most gentle voice.

"It's hopeless, we can't beat them," Pelendelar whispered. "There are too many, their numbers are endless. We're too weak. One of them…he…he bit my arm. It burned. That's when I knew that we were all just going to die. I'm not sure why I'm alive, I shouldn't be. No one cares about me." He sounded forlorn, defeated.

"Prefect Malchivan slew the satyr. It bit him twice and another one shoved its claws in the Captain's stomach," a man wearing a white Legion uniform said. "There isn't any sign of infection, but the wounds are festering. Neither the Valkyrie or the skald's healing magic had any effect, and neither did my dermal regenerator."

"Did you treat him for poison? Or disease?" Kiera asked.

"Yes, we checked him for both and I gave him a Legion Universal Antitoxin and antibacterials just to be on the safe side," the man said. Kiera was thankful that there was no condescension in his voice. "I hope that your soothing can help him. I find it quite fascinating, and if this isn't too forward, you're quite beautiful."

"Thank you," Kiera said, giving the medic a smile. She turned her attention fully to Pelendelar. Her Radiance hadn't done anything to lift his spirits, but it wasn't surprising. Her mother said that even nymphs had their limits and depression was one of them. "You're wrong, Pell. We're going to beat the satyrs. It doesn't matter how many they are, I've seen the Legion in action, I've seen you in action. You're amazing. I also care about you. When I heard that you were injured in the battle I came over as soon as I could so I could see how you were doing. I really have enjoyed getting to know you and I have enjoyed our talks and sharing a drink. I have also really wanted to kiss you."

Pelendelar lifted his head and looked at Kiera. There was a small crack in the miasma, "You can't be serious. You're beautiful, and I'm Cortellian. Useless, worthless. A tentacle faced outcast. The Corellians rightfully believe that we are a lesser species. You're just trying to make me feel better."

"You're right, I am trying to make you feel better. I'm also telling you the truth. You caught my eye when I walked into that briefing room. I chose to sit next to you and was really happy when I saw a way that I could introduce myself to you. You were fascinating and wearing my favorite color." Kiera grinned and squeezed his hand. "I still owe you a ride in the Pixie Darner. That is, if you're still interested. I could go get her right now." Kiera leaned her head on his shoulder. "If you don't want to, that's okay."

There was another shift in his emotions. The feelings of worthlessness were lifting. She was proving that she cared for him, another kind of comfort. It wasn't achieved by attempting to make out with him or promise to sleep with him, those weren't actions that really showed that she cared. Sitting with him holding his hand, wanting to spend time with him. That's how you showed someone you cared.

The door opened, but Kiera didn't pay any attention to it. She was focused on Pelendelar, waiting for his reply. Instead, she heard Laike speak.

"How are you doing, Captain?" Laike asked. "Gave me a damn good scare with that satyr. Taking those hits for me. Never saw the damn one lurking above us in that tree. Good thing I had you there to watch my back. I wanted to come check in on you, make sure my best soldier was getting taken care of."

More of the miasma burned away. It was one thing for someone you barely knew to come check on you and tend to you. It was quite another for a friend to do it, especially a close friend. Kiera had learned that Pelendelar had volunteered when he heard that Laike had to make sure his friend was kept out of trouble. She also learned that the Steel Brotherhood were members of the Legion. The man they had identified in the briefing room served in the Wind Fleet, and the machines were prototypes of the River Fleet. Kiera couldn't keep straight which fleet did what.

"I think he's doing pretty well," Kiera said. "He's strong, he won't let this induced sensation beat him. What happened to your arm?"

Laike's left arm was silver and mechanical. It seemed to be very similar to Locke's arm. In fact, Kiera kept seeing similarities between Laike and Locke: they had similar sounding names, both were in charge of multiple people and were honest, diligent and led by example. Now they were missing the same arm and had a prosthetic in its place.

Laike looked at the limb, "My best friend growing up did this to me by accident. Corinthians can transmute non-living material. One in a million can transmute organic matter as well. When her ability manifested we she was holding my hand and helping me up a ridge. Once I finished climbing up it started to feel heavy. We looked down and saw that my arm was turning to stone. It grew heavy enough that it pulled the limb from my body. I blacked out from the pain. When I woke up I was in the hospital, my arm had been amputated and Lillian was taken to the capital. I visited her as soon as I could to celebrate her mutation." Laike shrugged, "It's nothing really, you should see some of the scars Whiplash here has."

"I hate that nickname, Pond," Pelendelar said with a slight scowl. The miasma of depression and despair was rapidly evaporating.

"Whiplash? What because he can strike you from five feet away with his tendrils? I like Pell a lot better. Pond suits you though, especially since you're shorter than Pell."

"You wound me, both of you!" Laike said with a grin. "It looks like Kiera's right, you're feeling better. I expect you with me tonight kicking ass."

"I might be flying with Kiera tonight! I already got bitten by one of those damn things!" Pelendelar called after Laike as the Prefect left the room.

They settled into a comfortable silence. Kiera felt a tendril wrap around her shoulders and press her a little closer to the Cortellian. She didn't pull away. It was an odd feeling, especially since it was covered in a carapace. Kiera started to nod off when Pelendelar spoke.

"Was it just you trying to help me, or do you really want to kiss me?" he asked quietly. Doubt hung heavy off him.

"I like you," Kiera said. "I think you're handsome and funny, and I have to admit those tendrils have me really curious. I've seen you lift a weapon with them and I kind of want you to pick me up in them. To answer your question, the only lie I told you was that I ran over here when I heard you were hurt. They didn't tell me that it was you. But that would have been my response. By Astria, if I had known it was you I would have flown over in my mecha rather than let Astrid give me a romantic flight over the countryside!"

Pelendelar snaked his tendril down Kiera's back and wrapped it around her waist. He gently lifted her up and pulled her so she was facing him directly. He started to open his mouth to say something, but she interrupted him by putting her lips on his. He hungrily kissed back, the other tendril wrapped around her torso. After a few minutes of kissing Kira pulled away.

"I hope that answers your question. We spend a couple weeks kissing and talking, and find out we have good chemistry and we might be able to take the next step. But first, before any of that you have to know something important about me," she said.

"What's that?" Pelendelar asked, all signs of the satyr's influence gone.

"I'm polyamorous. I have boyfriends and I have girlfriends. I belong to myself and share myself with who I want to. If you aren't okay with that then we don't take the next step, but we can still hug and show affection to each other."

A myriad of emotions came from the Legion captain. Surprise, curiosity, arousal, confusion. He stared into her eyes for several minutes. "That is not a concept that I am familiar with. Cortellians choose one mate for life. If that mate dies we do not take another. But I am also Legion, my universal view is different from most people's. Still, I need to study this concept, think about your offer, and how it would affect this campaign. Is that acceptable to you?

"Perfectly," Kiera said. "You seem to be doing much better. That cloud of despair and depression you had over you when I came in is almost gone."

"Thanks to you," Pelendelar said. "I'm certain that it was the bite. Whether it was a toxin or something else I'm not sure. Tell your soldiers not to get bitten. Thank you, Kiera, for helping me."

"Honesetly, I think Laike did a lot of the heavy lifting. But you still didn't answer my question about taking a mecha ride with me."

"Yes," Pelendelar said, "I'm looking forward to it."

They chatted for a few more minutes, kissed each other goodbye, then Kiera left to let Pelendelar get some rest. She was also tired as well and was seriously considering asking Laike if she could borrow a bunk to crash in. Astrid approached Kiera as she left the tent.

"Hey, where did you go?" Kiera asked.

"Oh, I had a message that I had to respond to, are you ready to go?" Astrid said.

"Only if you don't mind carrying me while I sleep. I'm spent. I was considering asking Laike to borrow a bunk."

"I don't mind, although it would deny a romantic flight through the countryside."

Kiera laughed, "I'll stay awake for it as long as I can," She let Astrid lift her into her arms and they took off into the sky.

"Kiera, you mentioned to Pelendelar that you had female mates, is that correct?"

"Mhm," Kiera replied.

"That is rather interesting."

"Never considered the idea?" Kiera asked, opening her eyes. "Have I corrupted you with our romantic flights through the countryside?"

"No! I saw you and Riley kiss, and it got me curious is all. Then I heard you confirm that you had girlfriends. I just wanted to make sure that my translator was functioning correctly!"

Kiera laughed and kissed Astrid's cheek, "I think you protest too muuu–ah!" Kiera shouted as Astrid dropped her.

She only fell for a moment before the valkyrie caught her, holding her tightly and pressing Kiera to her chest. "I'm sorry! You caught me off guard!"

"You're sorry, I'm sorry! I was teasing and I took it too far with that kiss! I'm so sorry about that Astrid!"

"I'm…not," the valkyrie said, her face bright red. "I've been enjoying our time together and your affection was not unwelcome. Maybe when we land, we can try a proper one?"

"Kissing two amazing people in one day? I must be pretty lucky."