‘I know I’ve said this before but…she is adorable when she’s asleep.’ Io commented as Winters knelt at Veera’s bedside. He had asked her to take it easy this morning and to wait for him, as he wanted to take care of a few things with her help on the day before the festival. She’d conceded that a day off from foraging would be nice and told him to meet her at her home whenever he arrived. Winters, for his part, had awoken before dawn. Calling himself a changed man would have been a stretch, but he’d gotten the best sleep he’d had since landing on Mara. He faintly remembered shades of Jess’ hair and lips, but it was comforting. There were no sirens, no dull red lights, no tears. If anything, he felt it was something of a mutual goodbye. Looking at Veera, the woman who’d helped him face and cope with his loss, the woman who now bore his sigils with pride; Winters acknowledged that something was stirring within him. Something he’d not experienced since basic training when a certain spunky woman had bested him at hand to hand combat.

“Mmm, yeah she is.” Winters mumbled in agreement. Unsure how to go about it, he began scratching Veera at the base of her ears. She was laying on her back but immediately purred and turned into the touch. A few moments latter her eyes fluttered open. Winters thought her smile would pierce straight through him.

“Hey you…I could get used to waking up like this.” She mewled softly.

“Could you uh…tone down the cuteness maybe just a bit? I think my heart skipped a beat.” He smiled down at her, stroking the length of her crown feather.

“Who are you, and what did you do with the brooding man that left my home last night?” She asked, sitting up and stretching. Winters stood as well.

“Didn’t know you had a thing for brooding men. I could always stare into space for a while if you like? But to answer your question…I feel at peace for the first time in a very long while Veera. I might have thought things were better or worse at certain points. I might have thought I’d handled it. But now that I’ve properly said goodbye I know I didn’t. Now though, everything just feels…” She drew him into what was becoming a signature Veera hug, the type where she brought her arms under his and rested her hands on the back of his shoulders. Given her height disadvantage it worked perfectly.

“Feels like what?” She asked soft and eager, listening to the soothing sound of his heartbeat.

“Like this.” He whispered into her ear, feeling her downy fur tickle his nose and cheek. “Warm and comforting…better.” His words were like honey, dripping delightfully into her. He enveloped her in his arms, surrounding her with that wonderful warmth of his that had no fur to contain it. Veera felt like she was going to explode. This ‘new’ Russell Winters had caught her completely off guard. She’d just gotten past the idea that they could be something more than…whatever they were, thanks to what had transpired the day before. Now he was there, with her, doing all that.

“Russell…” Her voice was barely a whisper.

“Yes Veera?”

“You can’t do this to me.” He felt something warm and wet soak into his clothing.

“Veera! Are you…ok?” She looked up at him, eyes sparkling with tears.

“I don’t know. I’m sorry.” She broke their hold and wiped her face dry. “I don’t know what came over me just now. Please…just forget I said anything alright?”

“You know that won’t happen.” He informed her, genuine worry in his tone. “I’m sorry Veera. When you’re willing, it would be nice to hear what I did so I don’t do it again. I don’t want to hurt you.”

‘Du narr.’ Io appeared on his visor with a look that screamed you’ve got to be kidding me. ‘I’m only saying this because I want our scrawny girl to be happy sir. Otherwise I’d leave you to grope around in the dark. You just gave her a taste of what she’s worried she’ll never have with you. You’re torturing her.’ She informed him in an authoritative tone. Winters eyes went wide and he looked away from Veera who had mostly regained her own composure. He felt something icy and cold grip at him from the inside. Guess I’m still a bit of a mess. He thought.

“Russell, should we get something to eat and you can tell me what you had in mind for the day?” Veera offered. She surprised herself at how quickly she’d regained her center. She was sure he hadn’t meant it, but the way Winters was acting that morning stirred a great many things within her, things she’d been trying to deny for his sake and was now able to let flow. It was impossible to reconcile his actions with his words from the day before. They weren’t, but the way he held her, the way he spoke to her…were they? Did he want that? She wanted it, she knew that now. She wanted it desperately; desperately enough to cry, apparently. The worst part was he seemed to have no idea. Big, stupid, noble human…

“Uh…yeah. Yeah let’s do that. Breakfast sounds good.” Winters agreed, setting about the construction of a cooking fire. Once he had a good base he looked around him for a moment, scratching his chin.

“Do you need something?” Veera asked.

“We have raw eggs, right?”

“I got some yesterday when you were speaking to your friends, yes. They’re those ones over there, the separate pile by the salt.”

“Right thanks. Hrrrm…” He paused again, staring at the fire as if contemplating a battlefield. Veera gave him a questioning look.

“Russell, it’s just breakfast. What could be so…” He raised a hand to forestall her.

“Ah ah ah. Let me think Veera. I screwed up big time just now. Going to make it up to you. Alright, I think this will work.” He grabbed a few wet logs and set them up as support struts around the fire, placing her cooking pot upside down on top of them and lighting the fire underneath. “Tell me Veera, you ever had a fried egg?”

“No.” She replied shortly, crouching close to the fire to observe her partner. “Usually we just boil them. It’s easier to keep them fresh and carry them around…though I admit that before you showed up it had been a long time since I had an egg in any form.”

“Well then, let’s do this!” Winters declared, beginning to prepare the meal with gusto. He grabbed the last of their bread, knowing it was a couple days old, and cut it into four slices before hollowing out the center of each. “This will be better as toast anyway.” He offered the inside to Veera who snacked on it while keeping her eyes glued to him and his actions. He was undeniably cute when he got fired up about life’s small pleasures.

Winters was disappointed he didn’t have a readily available source of fat or grease, but he figured he’d just have to make do. Satisfied that the pot was hot enough he threw the four pieces of bread on the surface, searing each side for a short time before flipping them with his knife. Unsure where to crack the eggs, he used the back of his blade. It worked well enough and soon he had placed an egg within each of the four pieces of bread, sprinkling the tops with just a bit of water to prevent his creations from getting too dry. “Now this is the tricky part. If I spill…I apologize in advance.” He flashed her a smile with the left side of his mouth before rapidly flipping each piece of toast. By in large he managed to keep the yolk and white contained. Veera continued to observe, spellbound. He wasn’t exactly helping her human-infatuation by making her breakfast, but she couldn’t fault his intentions. Nor could she deny the way her salivary glands were reacting to the aromas coming off the cooking surface. A minute later he sprinkled a bit of salt on each piece and removed them from the fire, placing two on the bench, keeping one for himself, and handing one to Veera. “My lady, may I present eggs in a basket.” He swept into an absurdly low bow before taking a bite of his own. “Oh, fair warning!” He called with his mouth full. “The yolk is still a bit runny. I cooked ‘em right today!”

Veera yelped as she discovered the liquid center of her breakfast at that very moment, bringing her other hand up to catch the small amount of run off. Once she’d finished the toast, she licked her fingers clean with her tongue, an act that captured Winters’ attention for far longer than it should have. Her tongue was long and clearly very dexterous. With a final lick she closed her eyes and sighed happily before looking at him. “That was wonderful!” She exclaimed, causing an immense swell of satisfaction within him. He motioned to the side, hoping she wouldn’t notice the reddish tint of his cheeks.

“Seconds?”

“Don’t mind if I do!”

“That’s the spirit! Glad you like it Veera.” She nodded and fluttered her feathers happily as she bit into the second piece of toast. She was much more adept at keeping everything contained the second time around. Once she finished and cleaned herself she poked at the fire with the support struts that the cooking pot would usually rest on. Spreading the logs out, she ensured the fire would die down quicker.

“What do we do about this?” She asked, pointing at the residue left on the bottom of her pot.

“Two options I think. One, wait until that cools down, take it out to the river and clean it. Two, just cook a stew or something tonight and burn it off. You should be able to scrape it off easily once it’s been blackened.” Winters explained, leaving the choice to her.

“We’ll try option two. If that doesn’t work you’ll be on cleaning duty in the future.” She flicked her tail behind her and giggled at the look Winters sported.

“Cooking and cleaning?! You’re a demanding woman Veera.” He informed her with mock severity.

“Oh hush you. The door’s right there if you don’t like it.” She playfully challenged, hand on her hip. After filling her belly, she was feeling more flirtatious than anything else. She felt the yearning for something more all the same, but breakfast had given her time to think. In that time she’d reminded herself that ‘this’ was very much possible. It had been for some time. He’d admitted it himself the day before and, if anything, it was more likely now than ever in the past. She just had to be patient and hopefully not suffer too many moments of emotional overload. In the meantime, of course, she could play his little ‘game’. She refused to sit back like the other Cauthan maidens in the village, waiting to be wooed with feats of strength, dexterity, or intellect before selecting a…specimen. That wasn’t to say that Winters didn’t possess those qualities, but the meek damsel wasn’t her style, not anymore. She would impress upon her target what he was missing. What I wouldn’t give for him to make me breakfast like that every morning. She thought, feeling her face stretch pleasantly into a very human grin. Winters, for his part, was making a scene of looking back and forth between her and the exit. In the end he sighed and gave her a look that stoked the warmth in her chest again. The warmth that signified what they already had.

“Well that’s the easiest choice on any world.” He walked over to her and drew her into a quick hug before pulling back and resting his hands on her shoulders. “I slept well for the first time in weeks last night. That’s thanks to you.” He looked at her seriously. “Between showing me your father’s shrine and just being around to talk and whatnot…I was able to bring my friends and myself some peace. I’ll cook and clean every morning if you like.” He found himself smiling again in spite of himself. She returned it willingly.

“I’m sure we can work something out that’s a little more fair to you. And you have no idea how pleased I am to hear that. You’ve done so much for me, I’m happy I was able to help you in return.” She rested her hands on his forearms, enjoying the feel of taught muscle under her pads. “So, what was it you wanted to do today?”

“Right. Well, with your permission of course…I was thinking maybe we could make a donation.” He began rubbing his neck, feeling a bit uncomfortable with what he was about to suggest.

“A donation?” Veera cocked her head to the side as her tail and ears twitched. Good lord, being that cute should be illegal. Winters thought.

“Yes, a donation. Meylith is your goddess of home and hearth right? Well, given that things seem to be going rather well here…I was thinking I’d like to bring an offering to the goddess…make sure it stays that way?” He elaborated, unsure of himself. Veera stepped away from him, waving her hands in front of her.

“You…you would…for me? For you?” She stammered, pointing between the two of them, wondering if Winters understood the full implications of what he was suggesting.

“Uh…well…for us? Does it have to be a separate thing?” He asked, unsure why Veera was making a big deal out of things. He wanted to give something back to the temple that had saved her, not to mention it couldn’t hurt being in the good graces of the goddess. He did enjoy warm fires after all, to say nothing of warm fur. Veera clearly didn’t see things his way however. She turned from him with her arms rigid at her side, hands clenched into fists. He could tell from the movements of her back that she was crying once more. “Oh dear…the big, stupid, noble human strikes again, eh?” He asked, feeling awful; not only because he’d made her upset twice in one morning, but because this time he didn’t see how he could have known what was wrong. Io certainly wasn’t forthcoming. Veera turned around and crashed into him like a golden missile, crying into his chest and pounding on him with her fists.

“Exactly! Big, stupid, and really bloody noble!” She cried. “Do you even know what that means?”

“Uh…no.” He admitted. “If I knew what it meant and knew this would happen for the second time in an hour I definitely would not have said anything.” That seemed to calm her down a bit.

“If you were to present Meylith an offering, you would do so as the head of house.” She explained after taking a breath. Winters blew out a long whistle as he realized the full implications of what he’d suggested.

“Oh.” Damn, I’m bad at this.

“Yes…oh. As you so eloquently put it.” Veera snarked at him, finding herself unable to be actually mad over cultural ignorance. “It is a lovely sentiment though Russell.”

“Then why don’t you just do it?” He asked, catching Veera off guard. It wasn’t like it was an unrealistic thing to do; she’d just been so long without anything other than the barest of necessities that she’d never considered it. In the past, going to the temple meant begging or trading one of her few remaining possessions for food. Now though, she could go there as a citizen, someone capable of giving back. Winters continued. “I don’t know about you, but if Meylith is in charge of how warm the fire is going to be in the heart of winter, I think I’d like to be on her good side yeah? You know it’s kind of remarkable really. You survive a situation that should have killed you, crash on a planet that might kill you, and have no way of letting people know you’re alive and suddenly…poof! Not only am I religious, I’m apparently a polytheist who believes in a spirit realm.”

“If you weren’t a servant of Kel, I think he’d smite you for that.” Veera joked, a bit taken aback at Winters’ blunt attitude about the gods. Winters’ reply was defiant.

“Seil tried. He couldn’t kill me. I’m sure Kel will try as well. With that in mind, I’d love to have Meylith in my corner, not to mention Valta. So, is my plan still horrible?” He asked. She laughed, long and free. Words couldn’t describe how this human made her feel half the time. He took her from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs and everywhere in between. He was like life itself.

“No Russell, your plan is not horrible. It’s actually a pretty good plan, one that didn’t even occur to me because of how things have been for so long. That being said, you are a horrible Cauthan.” She poked him lightly in the chest with a claw.

“The most un-Cauthan man you’ve ever met, and proud of it!” He asserted. Io made a retching sound in his earpiece.

“You’re lucky I have unique tastes, otherwise you’d be crashing somewhere else!” Veera countered confidently. “Let’s go.”

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Veera and Winters entered the main road near her house on what had to be the busiest day of activity he’d seen since arriving on Mara. He knew logically that every villager worked hard every day, except maybe for Vash, but on this day in particular everyone seemed to be clamoring about in the same space. Carts laden with produce were being brought in from every gate. The yapping and chirping of shen could be heard. The guards were all on duty, keeping things orderly, breaking up minor disputes, and helping other villagers with heavy loads. That commotion only increased at the center of town as everyone trying to get to their destination ran into the workforce who had just about finished their preparations for the festival.

Winters had to admit they’d done well. Various stands lined the outside of the ring. Some were simple tables, while others were more elaborate with leather or cloth awnings. He saw multiple sparring pits and a rack of non-lethal weapons, large rocks that he assumed were meant as a test of strength, a podium or two for what he assumed would be speeches, performances, or just general ranting, and even an archery range off to the side of the temple of the sun, which looked out over the whole affair. The fire pits that Veera had mentioned days prior were surrounded by wooden benches and interspersed everywhere were barrels filled with water for refreshment. It was an impressive production and an impressive mess.

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“You know Veera, I have to admit the one thing I didn’t ever expect to see on this planet was a traffic jam.” Winters remarked as he and Veera slowly navigated a half-cart of dato through the town center. In the massive crowd they remained close, but kept to themselves. It was no place to cause a scene. Io gave Winters a skeptical look. “Alright Io, I guess there’s a lot I shouldn’t expect to see down here but my point still stands.”

“So you have harvest festivals too?” Veera asked, wondering when humans would get into ‘traffic jams’, as Winters called them. She didn’t have the impression they still lived in villages. Winters chuckled.

“We have holidays, yeah. Some of them might be related to old harvest times, but no, we have traffic jams pretty regularly. Modern technology never seemed to fix that problem.” Winters lamented as he began an explanation of human transportation, cars, freeways, and rush hour. They managed to get most of the way out of the square by the time he was through.

“So humans all move around in…cars was it, to go long distances? How do they do that without hitting one another if they’re all on the same road?” Veera asked.

“Oh believe me Veera, they do. And a lot of people die every year from it.” That seemed to shock the Cauthan.

“Then why do it?!” She asked, as though the very notion was ludicrous.

“Why do the hunters hunt?” He replied philosophically.

“To put food on the table of course.” Veera said, still unsure of where Winters was going with his question.

“Exactly. In the human economy, many people need to drive to their place of work. We labor to earn units of currency, our medium of exchange. That allows us to buy anything else in life we might need. You’re not particularly likely to die driving, but so many people do it that there are inevitably casualties. It’s just a fact of life for us, a bad thing that’s outweighed by the good. Just like your hunters and occasionally falling prey to…” Winters trailed off as Veera’s face fell. He grimaced, kicking himself internally.

“For what it’s worth Veera, I hope it was quick.” Winters took a moment to place a hand on her shoulder in comfort, his thumb running slow circles over her shoulder.

“Thank you Russell. I hope so too. He didn’t deserve to suffer.” She sighed as the pain ebbed away thanks to the human’s touch. Winters brought them around to a new topic as they continued toward the temple.

“So everyone in this line is going to donate food to Meylith?” He asked incredulously. There was a lot of food around.

“No, not exactly. That’s certainly some of it, but now is also a good time to trade right? Everyone’s brought in the harvest and if you’re taking the time to head to the temple anyway, why not make an exchange for things you need?” Veera reasoned.

“Makes sense. Should we have brought more?” He asked with a worried look back at the cart. They’d only brought what they’d planned on donating in Veera’s name.

“I think we’ll be alright. The temple doesn’t close after the festival or anything, obviously. Besides, we started with nothing so I went to trade immediately once we had some things we didn’t mind parting with. There’s nothing that we need right now, but if you try something you like at the festival let me know and I can barter for it in the future.”

“You’re sweet Veera, thank you.” Winters smiled at her.

“I actually planned on trading in bulk during the winter, if I can.” Veera continued. “Assuming we still have dato we don’t mind getting rid of, people might find themselves willing to part with a bit more once the snow sets in.”

“Well well Veera, shall I add savvy trader to your list of positive personal attributes?” Winters asked, giving her a look of approval. She shrugged.

“You can if it works. Ready to head in?” She asked, her mood falling in a way that didn’t escape his notice.

Winters looked up at what he now knew was the temple of Meylith, situated a few buildings away from the temple of Kel. The front of the building was triangular but he could see that, like the temple of Tyrdus, there was a large two story warehouse type structure in the back. Unlike some of the other temples there didn’t appear to be any lodging for the acolytes. As they walked through the large entryway they happened upon a scene of barely controlled chaos. On a normal day Winters reasoned it might look a bit like a chapel. He saw something like an altar to the front that was untouched, and many benches that had been moved against each wall. To either side of the altar was an opening to the granary in the back. He noticed a few female Cauthan dressed in similar white robes that had to be the priestesses. They were attempting to organize the flood of townsfolk who had come to trade and make offerings before the festival, each seeking a blessing. For a moment Winters and Veera simply stood in the middle of it all. It reminded him of a miniature version of Grand Central Station, a place that provided anonymity in a crowd. It didn’t last for long. Winters’ first clue was that Veera had her hands behind her back and was paying very close attention to her feet, rocking from side to side. Her feathers were fluttering as well, but Winters thought it was slightly different than the times when she’d been alone with him. Scanning the crowd he tried to figure out what had gotten Veera so self-conscious, but couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary.

“Ah…so Veera’s divine protector finally makes his appearance. So good of you to dress the part sweetie, that’s a lovely shield you have there!” A kind, grandmotherly voice spoke to them above the din. Winters, unable to see anything to his left or right, finally looked down and discovered the source. The elderly Cauthan woman staring up at him couldn’t have been taller than five feet. If anything he was sure she was shorter. The robe she wore marked her as a priestess, though hers sported additional ornamentation. Her coat, perhaps once a vibrant chestnut brown, was almost completely gray with age. Her back was slightly hunched and she walked with the aid of a carved walking stick. In spite of those myriad outwards signs of age, Winters saw immeasurable life and humor in her eyes.

“Gentia!” Veera let out an exasperated groan, sounding every bit like a mortified teenager.

“Uh…what?” Winters tried to figure out what was going on, scratching his head. Io, meanwhile, had prostrated herself in his visor and was bowing at the tiny Cauthan.

‘Whoever you are that can make both of them uncomfortable at the same time, please, teach me your secrets!’ She implored humbly.

“Traitor.” Winters grumbled before clearing his throat. He handed Gentia the earpiece, which she promptly accepted without any hint of fear. Veera showed her how to use it. “So uh…Gentia, right?” He asked, trying to recall the various things Veera had told him about her in their time together. The old woman looked surprised for only just a moment as she realized she could understand him. She immediately regained her form.

“The one and only sweetie! Now, what brings the two of you here today? And Veera, stop acting like a cub at her first festival and come here!” Gentia demanded, grabbing Veera’s hands and pulling her down so that she could nuzzle the much taller Cauthan. Winters couldn’t remember a time he’d seen Veera more horrified. Were he not so afraid of getting on Veera’s bad side, he would have been chuckling merrily. Io certainly was.

“Gentia please…” She pleaded with the elder. “Not with-”

“Oh ho!” Gentia exclaimed. “Not in front of him? Now now…that does explain a couple of things. Does he not know how to nuzzle a female properly?” Io was beside herself with laughter, rolling about on the floor.

“Uh…I’ll try again. What?” Winters asked.

“Now now, no need to be snarky, mister.” Gentia admonished him, poking his shin with her cane. He arched a brow at what he was quickly realizing was not in fact a small, elderly Cauthan; but an indomitable force of nature. “Not my problem if you leave the festival empty handed…though I will say…” She shot a knowing look at Veera. “I don’t think you’re too worried about that, are you young man?”

“Ok I’m just going to try again, for her sake.” Winters nodded at Veera who looked like she wanted nothing more than to expire on the spot. “Gentia, my name is Winters and it’s a pleasure to meet you. Veera’s told me much about you.”

“And he’s got manners as well as muscles?” Gentia nodded sagely, looking him over. “I see. It is a pleasure to meet you as well, servant of death.”

“That joke’s getting really old.”

“At least I know it’s a joke.” The elder insisted pointedly. “Now, what brings the two of you fine young specimens to see me today?” She inquired, looking the two of them over before noticing the cart behind Winters. He made to speak but remembered that it was important that this be Veera’s tithe. Gentia looked between them again a few times before she understood.

“Oh child…” She addressed Veera lovingly. “You don’t have to.”

“It’s about time I gave back a bit Gentia, now that I can.” Veera whispered. “I’ve taken advantage of the goddess’ kindness for too long.” Gentia began waving a finger at her.

“You’re just like your mother was. Lovely woman, generous and free spirited; such fascinating stories, but she never knew when to ask for help Veera. If the look of this human here is any indication I’d say he dragged you kicking and screaming out of starvation, didn’t he? Gods know I wasn’t able to.”

“Well I wouldn’t go that far…” Winters tried.

“Ah ah ah, did I address you?” Gentia admonished him.

“No ma’am.” Io had procured popcorn.

“Indeed. Now Veera, answer me child.” Gentia tried again. Veera heaved a defeated sigh.

“He did Gentia. He did that and so much more.” Her words and tone succeeded in what Winters was beginning to think might be impossible, truly surprising Gentia.

“So it’s not just the spring in your step and the meat on your bones, is it cub?” Veera moved her feathers, conveying a message only she and Gentia understood. If Io knew its meaning, she didn’t enlighten Winters. After a moment Gentia seemed to realize they were still in the middle of a bustling crowd. She bowed slightly to them both, adopting a formal air.

“We who labor in Meylith’s service thank you for your offering. Go, both of you, and may the goddess bless you with her warmth. Winters, I hope we can speak again soon.”

“I think I’d enjoy that. Selah.” He replied with his own bow before gesturing to the dato. “Where should I take these?”

“In the back sweetie, I’m sure you’ll see the appropriate spot. You’ll clear a path.” Winters nodded.

“I’ll be back in a moment Veera.” The two women watched him part the crowd and disappear into the warehouse.

“If you want to get upset with me, now’s the time child.” Gentia told Veera.

“I’m not going to Gentia. A little embarrassment is something I’m happy to endure for him. Besides, I think I always wanted to see how the two of you would match up.” She admitted, feeling a bit better.

“I will not speak for the dead young lady, but I believe that if your mother were here she would very much approve, despite his lack of tail or feathers. We’ll see what happens tomorrow and the day after, but I might approve as well.” Gentia stated, looking up at the young Cauthan she’d tried to care for since the day her mother had departed the world. Veera looked torn between happiness and sorrow. “Ah, so there’s more under the surface is there? More than meets the eye? Thantis did mention something the other night.” Veera sighed heavily before she spoke.

“He lost his mate recently. He put her and his friends to rest yesterday. Anymore isn’t for me to say.” Veera admitted, knowing she could trust Gentia with that much. The woman had been one of the few in the village to really open up and give mother and daughter a chance.

“Mmm. May I?” Gentia asked. Veera signaled her assent with her feathers. “Child, I saw much in those eyes of his. I saw how he looked at you. When you are as old as I am, you begin to see just a bit of the soul. He doesn’t see you as a replacement. He sees you.”

“I know. I just wish…” Veera trailed off as Winters reappeared, looking at him with barely concealed longing. Gentia closed her eyes and hummed to herself. So that’s how it is.

“I wanted to thank you Gentia.” Winters spoke as he rejoined the two of them. “Veera’s gonna chew me out for this but thank you for helping her when she needed it. My life is brighter because of her presence here. As I hear it, you’re partially responsible for that.” He bowed again. Veera could only hang her head. She’d known Russell would probably go there. It was just in his nature.

“I take comfort knowing that she’s in good hands as well young man. I should like very much to see the both of you at the festival.” Gentia accepted his thanks graciously.

“I’ll be sure to seek you out then. Farewell Gentia.” Winters bade the elder goodbye, retrieving his earpiece and exiting with Veera and the cart.

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Veera remained silent as she walked beside Winters, keeping her gaze lowered as they navigated through the crowds toward the other side of the town square.

‘Sir, when do you intend on doing something?’ Io asked him. Winters gave her a hard look as if to say don’t rush me. The VI nodded and returned to her worried posture, her popcorn long forgotten. ‘It’s upsetting to see her like this. She should not feel this way about herself.’ He agreed, wondering just how to approach the situation. Veera had been adamant that he not mention the aid she’d received in the prior year. Winters had broached the subject anyway. He supposed it was inconsiderate, but he felt compelled to do so anyway. He didn’t even want to think about the idea of Veera starving to death. Gentia deserved his thanks. Either way, his deed was done and he was now tasked with dealing with the aftermath. He found it a bit ironic that just as he found a modicum of inner peace, Veera should lose it. He considered his options, opting for a bold plan as most HEL Jumpers usually did. They’d finally reached the other side of the square.

“Hey, feather kitten, you alright?” He asked softly, looking down at her. Her head snapped around so hard he thought she’d pull a muscle. She looked furious.

“F-f-feather kitten?!” She hissed under her breath at him, acutely aware of everyone else around them. No one was staring or paying much attention per se, but they certainly would if she caused a scene. She wanted nothing more than to do so at that moment. Winters was playing dirty. Even more infuriating was the way he just looked at her, saying nothing. “What even is a kitten?” She fumed. Winters calmly removed his visor and offered it to her.

“Io, you’re up.”

‘Yes sir. Hello Veera, please hold that device up so you can see the screen clearly. I will show you a kitten. It is a general term for infant felines, the variety of species we discussed the other night. Humans find them to be extraordinarily adorable.’ Io explained, simulating a particularly delightful kitten that had its claws stuck in a pillow. After a few tentative attempts to unstick itself, the kitten let out a tiny roar before giving up and ripping open the casing, causing it to be covered in downy feathers. Veera felt depression crash into her like a wave. So this is how he sees me? A defenseless little something to be coddled and protected? Besides, my feathers aren’t like that at all! They’re long and elegant. My crown reaches down past my shoulder blades! She raged internally, her crown plumage vibrating. This was exactly why she didn’t want Winters around Gentia. The old woman, more than anyone alive, had seen her at her worst, at her weakest. That was not something she ever wanted to show to someone like Winters, who seemed invincible to her. How could she be his equal like that? She thrust the visor back into his hands; irritation growing as he oh so serenely replaced it. He’s doing this on purpose! She realized, hitting the boiling point.

“Is that what I am to you?” She whispered furiously. “Your feather kitten?”

“Yes.” He answered, completely serious in his reply. Seil help her she wanted to smite him right then and there. Without thinking she unsheathed her claws and raised her right hand, only to have it immediately arrested. Winters’ response had been so fast she’d barely seen it. It wasted no movement and was without flourish. So instead of inflicting a few scratches or bruises in a fit of anger, she found herself helplessly caught in a firm but painless hold. She hadn’t even gotten her hand above her shoulder. Without another word he steered her to the right into a narrow alley between houses, blocking the way behind them with the cart so they wouldn’t be disturbed. She noticed he’d allowed her the other end of the alley as an exit.

“What in Seil’s name is wrong with you?!” She growled at him, baring her teeth.

“I was hoping you’d tell me the same.” He replied coolly.

“What’s wrong?! That ridiculous nickname is what’s wrong. You getting all sentimental with Gentia is what’s wrong!” She shot back, raising her voice.

“Why is that wrong?” His face was completely devoid of emotion. She found it unsettling as she tried to answer his question in a way that he would understand.

“Because…because…”

“Because you’re weak?” He asked pointedly, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I’m not weak!” She shouted at him, thankful for the relative seclusion he’d secured for them.

“No, you aren’t. So what gives Veera?” She took a step back, shaking her head.

“What? You just said…”

“I asked a question. You answered it. I agree with your answer. So Veera, given that we both agree you’re not weak why don’t you tell me what the hell is going on?” He felt his voice rising and tried to tamp it down. Veera had wrapped herself in her arms and was looking at the walls.

“You’re cruel Russell.” Her voice was pained and weak as she wondered where this side of Winters had been hiding.

“A wise woman spoke to me a few days ago.” Winters said, drawing a surprised look from Veera. “She called me a fool, in German no less.” Io flashed into existence in his visor, a look of pure shock on her face. She was a computational powerhouse to be sure, but he’d just called her wise. Wise, as in someone of worldly experience and possessing of certain uniquely human qualities. Io covered her mouth daintily with a hand as Winters continued. “I was beating myself up for things outside of my control. I thought I was useless, that I didn’t deserve the kindness you’d shown me Veera.”

“I’ve told you before that’s absurd Russell!” Veera rediscovered some of her fire.

“Exactly Veera, exactly. If you’d sacrificed an innocent life to sustain your own, you could be ashamed of that. If you’d stolen, cheated, or lied at the expense of others then yes, you’d be weak. You didn’t Veera. You aren’t like that. You fought tooth and nail for everything and it just wasn’t enough. So you kept on living in spite of your own pride. I won’t call it foolish pride because I love that part of you. But gods damn it Veera, you think I’m upset that you had to use a resource that’s made available explicitly for circumstances like your own?! You think I’d rather be down here listening to Thantis tell me about a young woman who went to the grave long before her time rather than ask for help?” He violently pulled her into an embrace, needing her to understand. Veera accepted it, stunned into immobility. He had never held her like this…like he needed her, desperately. He’d never used that word before. Love. She felt that warmth inside her surface and explode in a conflict of emotions. “I know you’ve been on your own for five years. I know you’ve felt like an outcast all your life. I’m not going to say I know how you feel or pretend I fully understand but you need to realize this Veera. You are not alone anymore. And you have nothing to be ashamed of in getting here this far on your own. I told you I love your pride, I do. I like the Veera I know very much. But I know there’s more in there. I know there’s a side you never show to them. I want to know that side too, feather kitten. I want to know all of you.” He paused as he felt Veera’s shoulders heave with a sob.

“Where is this all coming from Russell?!” She cried. It felt like her brain was shutting down and rioting all at once.

“Yesterday proved to me that life is too damn short. Probably knew that all along but…I’ve never had to face it head on like that. Awful things happen to good people and there’s nothing you can do about it. I’m not saying it has to be now, here in this dank alley, but…I think…” She nodded against his chest. He knew she’d feel how fast his heart was beating.

“Ok Russell. I get it. You realize you’re a force of will when you want to be, right?” She looked up at him with wide adorable eyes. “I think…I think I’d like to be your feather kitten. They are pretty cute, aren’t they?” He nodded with a smile so genuine it made her purr.

“You’re both, Veera. You’re the woman who overcame her fear and was willing to say hello to an alien that fell from the sky. You’re the woman who hears the word mutt and scoffs. You’re the woman who helped me bear the heaviest of burdens. You’re all those things…and cute as hell.” He finished, glancing quickly at Io who was blushing royally, reclining on a settee, and cooling herself with a Japanese paper fan. He shared a mischievous grin with Veera. “I wish you could see this. I think I just broke Io.”

“I believe I can imagine. That was quite the show you just put on there.” She stepped slowly out of their embrace.

“It wasn’t just for show.” He insisted, his serious nature returning. She slapped his upper arm playfully.

“I know Russell, I know. I’ll admit, I was being moody and ridiculous. I see that now. Thank you for dragging me out of it. Your methods are certainly unorthodox though.” She acknowledged. He grinned widely as if to say that was the whole point and I’m not sorry. “Shall we finish our journey and check in with our paramour in training?”

“Good idea. Let’s keep going Veera. You think he’ll be lucky enough to pull it off?” He asked, pushing the cart back into the flow of traffic and making for the temple of Tyrdus. Veera walked beside him, subtly taking his hand in hers so as not to cause too much of a scene.

“If he learns anything from you, he won’t need luck.” Veera replied confidently while rubbing small circles on the underside of his palm, the rest of the world ignorant of the small spark nestled between their hands.