“I thought those two would never quit it,” Xan laughed as he and Winters walked slowly through mostly deserted streets. The moons were high in the night sky and light, sound, and revelry reached their ears from most every door they passed. It was an evening for celebration, for new hopes.
‘I can hear you, you know,’ Io informed Xan via the translator Winters had lent him once Asha and Zolta had retired for the evening. The young apprentice almost jumped out of his cloak, prompting Winters to tighten his supportive hold on the Cauthan.
“Uh, sorry about that. This is going to take some getting used to, you know? So has she been there…the whole time?” Xan whispered nervously. Winters chuckled.
“Hate to break it to you Xan, but she has. Look on the bright side though. Even if she witnessed Tarn smash you to a pulp, she was there to count your first kills and make sure you lived to tell about them right?”
“Yeah, I suppose that’s a fair point. I don’t think I can thank you enough,” Xan said in a subdued tone.
‘You’ve said it once. It’s enough. I have no desire to deal with tedious repetition of what we all know is true. Besides, what I’ve seen of you pales in comparison to what I’ve witnessed between Veera and this hunk of meat,’ Io interjected with a good-humored smirk at her partner before tacking immediately to a new subject. ‘How is your relationship with Tarn these days, Xan?’ With no one around Winters felt no need to halt the conversation as Xan replied to Io, figuring to any observer it would just appear the two of them were talking alone.
“I still have my father. I think the time for childhood rivalries is over,” Xan declared, looking down at his bad leg.
‘I can see your master is already rubbing off on you, Xan. That is a good thing, by the way. For all of his tea-swilling obsessions he is one of the wisest members of your village, from my perspective at any rate. I will leave the two of you to converse. Goodnight.’
“Goodnight, Io,” Xan said politely before addressing Winters. “We’re almost at my place, Winters. I can make it the rest of the way without you.”
“There are quite a few people, my mate included, who would be rather upset with me if I didn’t see you home. It’s no trouble, Xan. Not like I have anything to do for the next few days anyway,” the human reasoned. Io coughed in his ear in a manner sounding quite like the word ‘batteries’, but he ignored her with a smirk.
“Seriously, it’s fine,” Xan tried, hesitance creeping into his voice. They had crossed into the northeast corner of the village by then, the quarter where Xan, Zolta, and Asha all resided.
“C’mon Xan, it’s not like it’s I’m carrying you home like a trussed up female. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
“There’s plenty to be ashamed of. You humans just don’t understand,” Xan stated dully before shooting Winters an accusing look. “Who in Kel’s name goes around tying up females anyway?”
‘Oh you sweet, summer child,’ Io said sweetly before turning a nasty glare on Winters. ‘She’s gone but a few hours and you’re already thinking of that?!’ The human could do naught but roll his eyes as Io pointed out the obvious, gesturing to a dark shape in the streets before them. ‘Someone appears to be waiting for us.’
Winters felt Xan try to push off of him and stand upright on his own power. With his cane it was easy enough at first, but he could tell that the Cauthan was struggling, an uncomfortable grimace on his face. Figuring that lecturing a teenaged male about upsetting his stitches was a useless endeavor, Winters instead scrutinized the hooded figure before them. Radiant blue eyes reflected the moonlight at him from within the Cauthan’s hood, her body fading into the shadows thanks to her dark coloration. Winters signaled his AI companion with his eyes.
“Io, you think you can help me out with the language? Just translate in the earpiece the usual way, enough so I can speak it. Thanks. We meet again, Eris,” Winters raised his voice and called out, bowing slightly before whispering out of the side of his mouth. “Lighten up Xan; she’s seen you in far worse shape.”
“Oh would you shut it!” Xan replied in an enraged whisper as Eris approached them.
“You shouldn’t let him do whatever he wants like that. His pride will get him hurt…again,” Eris said coolly, somehow lecturing both Winters and Xan at the same time. Io’s face betrayed begrudging approval. Winters shrugged.
“Good to see you too, I guess.”
“You sound like a cub whose mother hasn’t praised him for getting out of bed. I am sure everyone in the village has already thanked you substantially for your efforts. Giving you my own would be rather meaningless,” Eris insisted, reaching Xan and grabbing him by the arm.
“Hey E-Eris, what are you-” he stammered as the female tried to get him to wrap his arm around her shoulder in support.
“I’m making sure you get home safely, Xan. Your family will worry over you,” Eris replied as though the contact she and Xan were sharing were the most normal thing in the world.
“I can get home by myself Eris! We’re almost there anyway. Why are you being so- ouch! Why is everyone hitting me tonight?” Xan had received a quick cuff to the forehead for his obstinacy.
“For the love of Seil, Xan, just shut up and come with me. I’ve said it already, that stupid boyish pride of yours will only get you hurt again. It’s already earned you a rap on the head and there’s more where that came from. You have plenty of uninjured parts left if you think I’m not serious,” Eris warned, wrapping her arm around his back to secure her hold.
“You sure it’s his family that’s worried over him?” Winters cut in with a raised brow. Io sniggered and watched eagerly, clearly intrigued by Eris’ behavior. The Cauthan female turned her head slightly and shot him a piercing look with her left eye.
“I don’t believe I stuttered, human. I’m willing to forgive your rudimentary ability to speak our language but perhaps your hearing is suffering of late as well?” She asked, turning away from him without waiting for a reply and practically dragging a resigned Xan with her. The young apprentice turned his head and waved over his shoulder with his right arm.
“Thanks a lot for dinner, Winters. You can come get your ear thingy in the morning.”
“You’re welcome, don’t mention it. I have some things I need to do in the morning but I’ll find you at some point. Have a good night you two,” Winters called, shaking his head at the domineering attitude of Eris.
‘She’s about as warm and cuddly as interstellar space, but I must admit the way she treats him is admirable.’ Io rendered her judgment on the female, watching closely as she escorted Xan away from them, matching his pace and being gentle with her support. Xan himself seemed to be adjusting as well, their movements together looking much more natural by the time they were several paces away. Just as Winters was about to turn for home Eris looked back at him.
“You have my thanks for seeing after him this evening, human. Goodnight.” Winters felt his brows rise with surprise, waving a short goodbye before turning back for Veera’s and leaving the two Cauthan to their own devices. Io held her chin in her hand with a puzzled look.
‘She’ll not say a single good word about us downing an ursae but she’ll thank you for that? Ugh, women,’ Io lamented, shaking her head.
“Women. Women?” Winters asked, almost unable to believe his ears.
‘Yes, women.’ Io nodded as though she’d said nothing untoward whatsoever, looking at him with innocent eyes as he inclined his head at her incredulously. ‘Oh…you mean me? Sir, I am still an AI. I adopt only the best features of female personality. I assure you I would never act as frustratingly as that Cauthan.’
Winters’ laughter rang out across the packed snow as he trudged through it. “That ursae hit you harder than I thought.”
‘That’s not something you say to a lady.’
“You just insisted you’re not a lady.”
‘Fine, but I’m your lady!’ She huffed.
“Yes, Io. You are certainly my lady,” Winters agreed warmly.
‘And the Lieutenant’s lady gets batteries tomorrow morning!’ Io declared grandly, prompting her partner to glance to the stars and shake his head.
“I heard you the first time, Io.”
‘I was just making sure. That ursae hit you harder than you thought, after all.’
“Touché. How about some shut-eye?” Winters suggested, suddenly feeling extraordinarily tired as Veera’s doorway came into view. Io nodded and they headed inside, tidying up for a few moments before Winters went through his brief nightly routine and crawled into bed. Even with the straw pricking his back and their better blanket missing he was out in a matter of moments, the exhaustion of a days long hunt finally allowed to slough from his shoulders as Io’s avatar pulsed dimly in the darkness.
-----
The next morning found Winters standing before the shrine to his comrades. His armor glinted dully in the winter sun, a contrast to the bright reflections off of the partially frozen river just behind the monument. Despite the cold temperatures the scene seemed to sparkle with energy, if not life. He removed his helmet and brushed the hair off of his forehead.
“I really need to get that cut. Anyway, I just wanted to come back and let you all know I’m still kicking. Though you probably knew that, right? You had front row seats to the battle of the century against the colossal fucking space bear,” Winters chuckled ruefully before hanging his head. “I know you all saw me through that. If my head had hit that tree instead of my chest I probably would have snapped my neck or been knocked out regardless. Any lower and I might have not been able to stand again. I don’t know. Maybe I would have been fine. All I know is that thing is dead and Io and I are alive, minus a CPU and a few bruised or broken ribs. So thank you, all of you, for getting me through that battle. I was able to do a good thing for a lot of people down here. I’m almost jealous, actually. Here I am wearing this shitty chesko cloak and a bunch of Cauthan are going to get ones made of ursae pelt.”
‘Just go get yourself one then, you martyr.’
“What Io means to say is she’s thankful as well.”
‘I would be thankful for more power.’
“I swear you sound more like my mother every day.”
‘Your mother doesn’t have a standby mode.’
“Ha. No, no she doesn’t,” Winters sighed, looking at the barren treetops on the horizon. “I miss her. Sorry guys, complaints of the living must sound trivial,” he reasoned, glancing back down at the shrine and dusting the snow off the top. “Rest easy. I’m sure this place will look nice in the spring.” His task complete, he scaled the short hill back to his pod and went about the process of tending to Io’s power needs, sweeping the clinging snow from the solar panels and checking on all the pod’s relevant systems. Everything seemed undisturbed. Io popped up in his HUD the moment he swapped in a new battery.
‘Ah that feels wonderful! Thank you, sir.’
“You’re welcome, Io.”
‘You’re brooding again. I should take video.’
“And why would you do that?” Winters asked, not bothering to sound curious.
‘Veera loves it when you brood, enjoys your dark and mysterious side.’
“There’s nothing interesting or appealing about missing home.” His line took Io by surprise. She cocked her head and gazed at him intently.
‘Each day I feel you…or perhaps we, make further strides in establishing that little village as our home. Who knows, I think a few villagers might even consider your nomination for sun priest.’
“Vash’s successor…now there’s a title I’d never want,” Winters groaned, climbing atop his pod while he waited for a few more batteries to charge. “I get what you’re saying though. I’ve promised myself to a Cauthan. I’ve made friends and relationships among the villagers. You’ve even met a few and gotten along well. By all accounts things are going swimmingly. Barring disaster out there Veera should be back in about a week and the village will have enough supplies to get them through the winter. She and I can…settle down? Get down to the business of living? In the spring you and I can help out with the planting or whatever it is that needs doing to make up for some of the manpower that was lost in the raid and…yeah. Life will just go on,” he concluded, watching thin wisps of snow carried over the plains by the wind.
Io let out a sad breath. ‘You almost never ramble. What’s wrong, sir?’
“You’re not going to give this up, are you?”
‘Why would I?’
“I don’t know.”
Io paused and turned away from him, gazing out across the frosted plains. ‘There are times I wish so desperately that I had been a child once.’ Winters stared at her.
“Come again?”
‘It would have been so much easier to learn as a child does, to experience life bit by bit. I would assemble simple pieces and truths into larger and more complex explanations and observations; organically arrive at a place where I could look at you and understand not just what, but why. I know I have come so far from what I was mere months ago, but now we finally have some time to simply exist with one another and I’m reminded of just how complex human emotion is. What I’m trying to say is please stop answering me in these vague, short sentences and tell me what’s wrong,’ Io requested, watching as Winters’ face morphed into a thoughtful smile. ‘Please?’
“I guess there’s no sense in trying to hide anything from you. Not that you’d judge me for it. I’m just homesick, Io. You’re right; every step we make here is a step to establishing a home for us. But I can’t help but be reminded of what I’ve left behind…what I might have lost forever. It was happening even before we left but now that Veera’s said yes it’s hard not to think about. I guess now that we’re just sitting here I finally realize I’ve emerged from one crisis after another only to remember ‘oh yeah, I’m not actually from here’,” Winters tried, letting out a long breath through pursed lips as he finished.
‘I see. Thank you, sir. I am sorry you feel that way, for what it’s worth. I believe I understand but I don’t know that I can empathize just yet.’
“Maybe I can help you out a bit there too, Io. Think about what it was like having two CPU’s, two places you could call home. I’m sure that redundancy was comfortable right? Maybe even so familiar that you just took it for granted? You miss it now that it’s gone, don’t you?”
‘You’re rather emotionally insightful for a twenty four year old.’
“I choose to take you at your word. Feel like heading back?”
‘Do you think we could stay and just…look around like we used to? There was a moment back there I wasn’t sure we’d make it.’
“Yeah, Io. That would be nice,” Winters agreed, resting his hands behind him and surveying the planet that was becoming his home.
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-----
Veera’s spirits were high as she walked through the forest, the load of the empty sled behind her not hindering her fond remembrance of the night before. She had eventually bid her companions goodnight after one had gotten his finger stuck in the barrel of Winters’ rifle, but she’d felt warm for the rest of the night. Some of that warmth still lingered as the light of Seil shone through the trees and scattered in a thousand directions off the wind-blown snows around them. “Ah! Gael!” Veera cried out as a snowball hit her lightly in the back of the head. “Staroth, would you mind?”
“With pleasure, Veera!” The guard replied jovially, shoving Gael with such force that he ended up with his tail and legs sticking out of a snow drift. Rakis had to help extract him. Once the two young ones had caught up again Staroth jokingly chastised them. “Uthos doesn’t look kindly on attacking an opponent from behind, to say nothing of one who can’t fight back!”
“Gael, if you’d rather lug this sled through the snow then be my guest,” Veera offered. “Otherwise save the snow for when we make camp and keep an eye out. We haven’t exactly been quiet.”
“Oh come now, Veera! You’re starting to sound like them,” Staroth declared with mock horror, referring to the disciples of Valta who had taken the lead of the formation for the most part. In keeping with her station though, Ratha had ensured that two hunters were always at the tail of the formation. Veera waved Staroth off.
“They have a point, Staroth. Winters mentioned a large pack of hyrven. They ate their fill several days ago. They’ll be hungry if they’re still around.”
“Then we will skewer them together, Veera. The hunters may fight alone but the hyrven aren’t the only ones who understand the strength of a pack. Antoth has taught us well. Right lads?” The surrounding guardsmen were all quick to agree, some cheering and others pounding their scales against their chests. Staroth shifted his hold on his sled so that he could move closer to Veera and keep his words relatively private. “I know you’ve been alone most of your life and I know you don’t want me to keep bringing it up, but look at them all. We all know it’s dangerous out here but I’ve rarely seen a group so lively marching around in the snow. It meant a lot to the men that you joined us last night, strange as it may seem.”
“I’ll admit, it is strange to hear,” Veera replied as her feathers shook softly. She didn’t bother saying she didn’t believe him. Staroth carried on.
“The human has changed many things, Veera. And anyone with their senses intact realizes we only stand here today because of him. He chose you as worthy to stand at his side; the one we all shunned and wished would disappear. I don’t mind telling you there have been quite a few guilty conversations around dinner pots and games in the barracks. Uthos knows that if anything your forgiveness has left us feeling even worse!” Staroth admitted with a throaty laugh. Veera looked away.
“There are many things I’ll never forgive, Staroth. I just don’t want to disappoint my mate. I don’t want to fail this mission. I don’t want to be weak in front of Ratha. You and your men have been kind to me. I’m one of you. But I’m not doing this for you.” The guard’s face fell at Veera’s biting words but he did not show her any animosity.
“I suppose that is all we can ask for, Veera. I hope you will consider joining us again this evening,” he offered. Veera bared her teeth in a smile.
“Wouldn’t miss it. But I’m not sitting between those two runts again. Rakis is a decent lad but he needs to learn to control his eyes,” Veera insisted with an annoyed lilt to her voice. “And Gael is lucky he didn’t see any action during the raid. I don’t think he would have survived.”
“That you and the human are together is no surprise, it seems,” Staroth mused, looking around the forest as they followed the trail of the hunters. “May I ask a personal question of you?”
“I might not answer but you may ask,” Veera replied noncommittally.
“Fair enough. The others may not have seen or cared but that metal band on your finger is not Cauthan. He’s given you a human token, hasn’t he?” The elder guard gazed at her intently. Veera didn’t back down.
“And if he has?”
“Then my estimation of the human will have only increased. He is your male. He could have easily insisted you follow his traditions only. That he didn’t is quite interesting to me. By his feats alone he could likely have chosen to bed any eligible maiden in the village.”
“Ones more appealing than me?” Veera spat, wondering what Staroth’s point was. The older guard looked unconcerned.
“I know not what the human thinks of the village’s other maidens, only that he chose you and that you have changed since he did.”
“He does not own me, Staroth,” Veera growled angrily, remembering Io’s discussion of household Terran felines.
“He does, I believe. Just as you own him. Or perhaps that is just how things are with my mate and me!” Staroth laughed deep in his chest. “I can tell I’ve overstayed my welcome but I thank you, Veera. I look forward to more conversations that do not center on the various obsessions and fancies of unmated males. For now-” Staroth was cut off by a distant howling. “I will keep my spear at the ready.”
-----
‘We should at least stop by, don’t you think?’ Io asked Winters as the two of them strode along the main eastern road of the village towards the temple of Kel. Feeling happier and more centered after a couple hours of gazing at the Maran landscape and being able to do absolutely nothing but talk with Io, Winters felt brave enough to face the matron of Meylith.
“I think you’re right, Io. That’s very thoughtful of you,” Winters complimented her, pleased at her continued development of social tact and protocol.
‘After you then, sir.’ Io bade him forward and he entered the large, wooden building. Torches burned brightly on either side of the doorway, lending an oddly cheerful look to what he knew was a refugee center. The interior of the structure had changed drastically since he’d last been inside, though it was more orderly than he remembered too. The various homeless families of the village mixed and mingled with the priestesses of Meylith around various beds, cots, and other makeshift sleeping locations. All of the simple wooden benches had been piled against the left wall and two of Antoth’s guardsmen stood before the entrances to the granary in the back. Winters gave them a curt nod across the room as they noticed him enter.
“That’s got to be a thankless job,” he muttered before jumping back a pace at the rapping of wood against his armored shins. “How does she always do that?!” He wondered aloud, looking down to find a perturbed looking Gentia staring up at him and brandishing her cane as always.
“So, the conquering hero finally got bored enough to pay me a visit, hmm? Been too busy gallivanting about to stop by?” She admonished him, though he thought he detected a bit of a smirk behind her voice.
“Selah to you too, Gentia. I’m sorry you felt neglected.”
“You’re no fun, young one,” the elder ribbed.
“Well your primary target is out in the woods, so you’ll just have to be patient,” Winters joked right back. His words brought a genuine smile to Gentia’s face.
“I’m sure you took some precautions so I won’t feel nervous for her. It is good to hear she is finding her way in this world. It is one less I must worry for,” Gentia said, looking back over her temple. “I would be remiss if I did not thank you, human. We all ate well this morning.” Winters took a moment to look around, noticing that quite a few of the Cauthan, young and old, were approaching him as he conversed with the priestess. He removed his helmet and bowed to them all, hoping he wouldn’t have to sit through an afternoon full of thank yous.
“You and your people are welcome, Gentia. This village was very kind to take me in at all. I’m happy I was able to repay that kindness,” Winters said earnestly, replacing his helmet so all could hear. It satisfied the majority of the onlookers while Gentia carried on.
“Ha! See to it that you repay Veera’s kindness for the rest of your life! When will you be joining us, hmm?” She asked insistently, poking his leg with her cane. Winters shook his head.
“Is there no keeping secrets from you, woman?”
“Of course there is, but thank you for confirming my intuition!” Gentia tittered. Io soon joined in with her own laughter, expressing her delight at how easily the elderly Cauthan had manipulated her partner into spilling the beans. “So Veera said yes, then?”
Winters was spared having to answer as the innocent laughter of cubs grew within the main hall, a group of youngsters charging out of the annex that made up the right side of the temple. One little boy was in the lead and dragging an oversized, black cloak behind him as the rest of the cubs chased him and tried to grab at it. Gentia yelled at them over the din.
“You tykes had better watch where you’re going before someone gets hurt! There will be enough for everyone in due time, settle down!”
“Not gonna work,” Winters whispered. She thwacked him again.
“You think I don’t know that? I have to at least be seen giving it an attempt,” Gentia whispered conspiratorially before sighing and speaking to him with honesty. “It is good to see the light of childhood in their faces again. They have already had to grow up so much in this winter.”
At the sight of Winters the young cub with the cloak made a beeline for him, skidding to a stop a couple feet short of his imposing, armored form. The boy shifted his weight for a moment as if deciding how to proceed before launching himself at Winters’ leg and hugging it tightly.
“Thank you for the coak,” he muttered shyly. Gentia tapped him on the shoulder.
“It’s pronounced cloak, young one. And it is polite to look someone in the eye when speaking to them.” Io looked ready to cry right from the get go as Winters removed his helmet and knelt down on one knee, allowing the boy a bit of an equalization in height.
“Is it soft?” He asked in broken Cauthan, knowing that would be about the extent he was capable of without assistance. Even so he didn’t want to frighten the lad with his helmet. The young Cauthan nodded furiously, holding the hem out for him as his friends all watched with bated breath. Winters took his glove off and rubbed the fur between his fingers. He’d never had a chance to appreciate it before now. He nodded and returned his helmet. “Hold onto this as long as you can. Someday it will fit you properly.” The human stood as a middle-aged female approached him, bending down and taking the boy and his cloak into her arms.
“It was the first one delivered by the temple of the Twins. I have not seen him happy in so long. Thank you, human,” she said as the other cubs dispersed. Winters nodded.
“I’m sure it’s been a long few days for him,” he offered, assuming she was referring to the raid. The boy’s mother frowned.
“He’s not been this way since before his father went missing,” she whispered, clutching her son tightly to her as he tried to bundle himself in the ursae pelt.
‘Oh my…that poor boy,’ Io sniffed as she and Winters remembered how it had all started, with a missing hunter in the forest. Winters closed his eyes and breathed deeply.
“I’m sorry about your mate,” was all he could say. The mother nodded.
“Thank you. But we are blessed even so. He will be able to grow old now,” she said before bowing to him. “Thank you for my son’s life.” Io wiped a tear from her eye as she watched the woman turn and retreat into the surprisingly lively crowd of the displaced. Winters was sure the influx of meat and pelts had much to do with the current state of affairs in that regard. He looked down at Gentia.
“Why don’t I feel happy?” He asked half-jokingly. She accepted his comment in stride.
“Because no pelt will ever replace a father’s stern guidance or well-earned praise. But shut your mouth and feel happy, human. That boy’s mother is right. He’s been given a chance to woo a female and become a father himself.”
“I’m off to visit your husband and his new apprentice. Is there anything you’d like me to take to him?”
“No thank you, Winters. But it’s kind of you to ask. Simply inform him that we will be having ursae stew tonight just like everyone in the temple, and that if he does not like my cooking he can eat a bag of kina skins. Oh, and that I love him and would love to see him when he’s able to come over.”
‘If you and Veera are half as combatively adorable at her age I’ll consider your life a success,’ Io declared, looking ever-fondly at one of her pint sized role models. Winters laughed long at Gentia’s words.
“I’ll do that, Gentia. Let me know if there are any issues with the ursae.”
“I will absolutely not, unless it is necessary. You’ve done your part; now you should rest,” she ordered, waving him away with a genuine smile and quiver of her feathers. Shaking his head and knowing he’d not convince her otherwise, Winters parted with a friendly wave as various calls of thanks and farewell saw him out.
-----
“Hey, you guys in here?” Winters asked, pulling back the door flap of the temple of Kel. His inquiry proved unnecessary, as both Xan and Thantis were right there in the main room.
“Ah, be welcome in the house of Kel, human,” Thantis greeted him warmly. “It is good of you to come visit us here.”
“It’s not like I have much else to do. Veera’s out there doing the hard work along with everyone else. I just get to sit around,” Winters complained. Xan rolled his remaining good eye. Thantis noticed.
“For once my young apprentice, I believe you and I are of one mind on something,” he chuckled, rising to his feet with the help of his cane. “Let me pour you some tea, Winters,” Thantis offered before walking into the back room.
“That would be great, thanks!” Winters called to his retreating back. “Oh, Gentia said it’s ursae stew tonight and that if you don’t like it you can eat raw kina for dinner.” A surprisingly lively chuckle came from Thantis’ personal quarters as Xan joined in the laughter.
“Ah, I see ursae meat is not to my mate’s liking then? No matter, we shall suffer together. I will tell her that I love her too. Though I find it hard to call being well fed suffering, no? ” Thantis theorized as Winters faintly picked up the sound of water splashing into a mug. Io smiled happily in his HUD.
‘They must really love each other, don’t you think?’ Winters nodded, inevitably casting his thoughts to the Cauthan that would soon become his own mate. Thantis returned at that moment and Winters walked over to meet him, accepting his tea with thanks and helping the elder back to his seat. With no available chair in sight Winters hopped up on the table that formed the centerpiece of the room, removing his helmet to sip his tea while motioning for the two Cauthan to continue whatever chat they’d been having. Xan began with an unfavorable look toward the scrolls in his lap.
“Sometimes this stuff gets pretty boring, reading the writing and whatnot. We were taking a break and talking about you, actually.”
“Come now, my apprentice. You had plenty of time for recreation yesterday. I think I’ve been rather lenient so far,” Thantis replied before taking a sip of his own tea. “Though if you intend to engage in thoughtful dialog more often I’ll be sure to make an exception.” Winters cocked a brow at Thantis. Xan let out a snort through his nose.
“We were discussing whether or not Kel is a prideful god,” Xan informed Winters, though his tone was one of only mild interest. Thantis, however, had a customary glint in his old eyes.
“Well don’t you think it’s possible, young one? He sends his avatar to us-”
“Not the avatar,” Winters interjected quickly, though to no avail.
“We don’t know that’s true. It sounds like humans don’t know about Kel to me,” Xan continued.
“Humans may not, but that doesn’t mean Kel wouldn’t choose one as his instrument. Just think of the deeds he’s accomplished this winter!” Thantis exclaimed.
“Just killed a lot of people and a big ass bear,” Winters added sarcastically. “But this is pretty good tea.” Io snorted into her own digital mug.
“He didn’t do those things for Kel, Thantis,” Xan argued. The elder waved it off with his cane.
“How many of us do things for Kel, young one? He may not have acted for Kel, but his actions surely pleased Him. The weather has been calm and easy this year. Perhaps Kel is proud of his avatar?” Thantis posited. Xan shook his head furiously and his voice rose.
“How can you say that? If anything, Kel would be happy because he got a bunch of young, strong souls long before their time. He took from us!”
Thantis inclined his head to acknowledge his apprentice’s point. “Be that as it may, Xan, how much more would those raiders have taken?”
“Rrrr…fine, you’re right on that one.”
“And then he delivered us life through the death of the ursae,” Thantis continued, gesturing with his free hand. “If all he cared for was gluttony he would have let us all die; don’t you think? This is what I am trying to tell you, Xan. Look around you and try to see the balance. When we are strong and our larders are full the winds howl and the cold comes creeping through the walls. But Seil shines brightly this winter, and the snows are manageable. In our times of trial we have been given respite and what could only be described as divine intervention,” Thantis concluded with a modicum of satisfaction. Io had been sipping on a steaming mug of coffee and scribbling the whole time, suddenly treated to a front row seat on the evolution of Cauthan theology.
‘He is wrong, but it’s a persuasive argument for a primitive,’ she commented happily. Winters narrowed his eyes at her as surreptitiously as he could. ‘Oh please, sir, you know I believe they are a most intelligent people. They are as they are because of ignorance, not stupidity. Besides, you said the same last night. There is no need for hypocrisy.’ Io looked over the rims of her glasses at him. He tuned her out and returned to the amateur theologians in front of him.
“Kel is the balance, young one. He is death, but he is not murder. Even leaving the human aside you must learn this. Learn it as you will, seek it how you will, but learn it all the same. Otherwise you will never be able to comfort those in need,” Thantis finished seriously. “The fear of death, once it takes hold, is a most virulent toxin.”
“Well that got dark pretty quickly,” Winters murmured. Xan seemed to be in agreement, his face a grim and contemplative mask as he acknowledged his elder’s wisdom.
“I understand, Thantis. I will think on what you’ve said.” The elder gave his pupil a genuine smile and stood, finished with his tea.
“And I will think on what you have said, young one. A priest of Kel is ever the learner. For now though I think it is a good time to make my rounds, seeing as Winters is here to keep you company. I am sure you two warriors have much to discuss, no?” Thantis asked knowingly, glancing at Winters. The human inclined his head in acknowledgment before replacing his helmet.
“I’d be happy to spend some time here, Thantis. How are the other wounded?” He inquired.
Thantis gave him a quick rundown as he gathered his chesko cloak and various salves and mixtures. “Those with minor injuries have all left my care. I believe a handful of them even left the village last night along with the hunters. The rest are recovering. Some may share Xan’s fate, losing a bit of themselves, but it seems that Kel will not be claiming any more lives from Antoth’s men. Thank you again for all you have done, human, either in Kel’s name or your own. Selah.”
“Selah Thantis,” Winters replied in parting. He looked over at Xan as the elder departed.
“I could get used to being able to understand you all the time,” Xan offered idly, pointing at Winters’ translator. “So what’s up?”
“How are you doing, Xan?” Winters asked seriously, removing his helmet again and looking the young one in the eye.
“I’d rather not talk about it,” Xan replied, suddenly dour in the wake of Thantis’ comments about losing parts of oneself.
“I’m not asking as your friend or whatever. I don’t really care about that,” Winters insisted. “This is one soldier to another. It’s a duty.”
“I’m not a soldier anymore,” Xan whispered, looking down and running a hand gingerly over his wounded leg.
‘Like hell you aren’t!’ Io suddenly cut in. ‘This may be presumptuous of me, Xan, and the Lieutenant can contradict me at any time; but once you have given as you have in the service of others you never stop being a soldier. You and he fought together. That’s why he is here today. It’s not because he pities you or because he feels an obligation on his conscience. He’s here because this is what soldiers do for one another, because men like Thantis, wonderful and curious as he may be, won’t ever understand.’ The AI had her hands on her hips, looking every bit like a mother or instructor admonishing one of her favorites. Winters hooked a small smile and nodded.
“It’s as she says, Xan. It’s almost like I had some hand in the development of your personality, eh Io?” He ribbed her gently. Io projected herself via the B-MASS so Xan could see her as well as she gazed at Winters with scrutiny.
‘I’d say I’ve improved on the original. I have breasts, for one.’ Winters coughed violently on the last of his tea as Xan erupted in confused laughter. Io smirked at her success. ‘But yes, sir. I am thankful that out of all the barbaren out there in the galaxy that you are the one I was paired with.’
“I like your spirit a lot,” Xan said happily. “What’s a breast?”
‘When you’re older, Xan,’ Io chided him, earning herself a frown. ‘For now I believe you should attempt to answer the Lieutenant’s question.’ Xan’s face fell as Winters composed himself. The Cauthan took a deep breath and looked at the light that streamed in from the gaps between the door frame and the cloth barrier to the outside world.
“Sometimes I wish I’d died that night.”