Chapter Text
Duc7tidark and Belleros
The Svartálfar shot a blinding smile, teeth white against his black skin. “Do you really?”
Priest Mara sighed and shook her head. “Of course not. Come on we need to get the door barricaded before the zuns come back.” They nearly had a group break into the temple two nights ago when someone forgot to put the bar over the gate.
The feral creatures had been running free through the streets since the Yumans had dropped them as a last ditch effort to tip the war in their favor. It hadn’t worked but some of the more tender hearted inhabitants had stepped in to save the animals from termination. They were a nearly extinct, highly intelligent, predator. Mara understood the desire to save creatures but these were undoubtedly changed for nefarious reasons and there would be no saving them.
“Alex and her lot are planning to trap them. You should see their list of ideas. They figure they will only be able to get a couple at a time and the other zuns are too smart to fall for the same trap twice.” Tobin followed her at a brisk pace.
Nodding in agreement, Mara sighed. “I just hope no one gets gravely injured. We can’t afford to lose anyone’s labor in a pointless endeavor.”
Barricading the gates took some time. Although the war was won, the victors were too worn down and exhausted to celebrate or rebuild. The zuns made relaxing impossible. Beasts the size of a small pony with razor sharp claws, fangs, and the intellect equivalent of a small child. The Yumans had not lost gracefully.
Tobin and his Svartálfar colleagues were expensive mercenaries but well worth the help against the Yumans. As soon as the zuns were taken care of, one way or another, they would take their bounty and head back to their own homes. Mara would be sad when that did happen. Tobin had proved a loyal friend and excellent conversationalist. Though he was the rare one who actually talked to Mara. Most were too busy keeping their fighting skills sharp for the next job.
He also kept her in the loop of what was happening in the city. His sharp hearing and easy going demeanor meant people spoke openly with him. The priest sighed. Something they should be doing with her.
The fate of the zuns put an even bigger division through the kryptonians than at the end of the war with the yumans. There was a clear division between three factions. One said saving every life possible after the atrocities of the war was paramount. One said anything the yumans left on Krypton needed to be destroyed without regard. And another that they should see if there was a chance to fix the damage done to the innocent creatures. Mara was doubtful that any of the zuns were innocent but she respected Rao’s judgment and so far no one had died after the curfew was imposed.
The gate was barricaded properly when they arrived. Their resident troublemaker leaned against it looking over diagrams. Mara winced at her own internal dialogue. That was unfair to Alex. The woman was whip smart and was at least partially responsible for their victory.
“Evening captain, priest Mara. I have the first trap set just outside the temple gates. It’s big enough for five but I doubt we will get more than two.” Alex stretched her long arms over her head. The dark skin barely visible from the lights of the temple. They were still on power rations and no unnecessary usage was permitted anywhere within the city.
“Have you thought about what we will do with them after they are caught, Quartermaster?” Tobin tilted his head in interest.
Alex’s jaw set as she looked at her superior officer. “Yes, ser. I’ve already talked to Cook. She said there is waste parts I can use to try to calm them. We can use crushed up vretu petals to help calm them as well. It will just take some time to know how much to use.”
“I hope the experiment is a success. They would be a wonderful addition to our unit if you can get them trained.” He nodded agreeably. “I think it is reasonable to capture a few and make observations. I want frequent updates. If they are irredeemable we will need to make sure they can cause no more harm. If we see progress we will focus on capture.”
“Understood ser.” Alex gave a firm nod with a sly wink to Mara. “I hope you wake to our success tomorrow.”
She couldn’t help a chuckle. Alex may be a troublemaker, but she was charming. “Rao willing. I also hope for your success. I do not believe they are redeemable, but… I am merely Rao’s humble servant.”
Alex gave another shrug as she leaned against the gate once more. “I’ve always been one to defy the odds. Sleep well, priest.”
Mara gave a brief nod before turning back to the temple. Should she push one of her acolytes to help the quartermaster? There were certainly quite a few who would jump to help. The potential for injury was too steep.
Still, she could mention it to the guardians, in case they were interested. That would serve well. It showed the Temple was trying to preserve life first. They would be kept well informed of actual progress and the guardians could be relied upon to put the animals down if they were too much of a threat. The guardians were as deadly as any of the mercenaries, there were just few of them.
The guardians were Rao blessed soldiers. Called upon during adolescence, they split their focus between worshiping the sun goddess and the life of the sword. The yumans targeted the guardians and healers hardest in the war. Mara was devastated that only a handful remained.
Astra, General of the guardians, stood sentinel at the gates of the Temple. She smiled at Mara. “The city gates are barred to your satisfaction, blessed Priest Mara? You are the last before we close the Temple gates.”
“Yes, quartermaster Alex has them secured. Be aware she’s out there after putting a trap on the other side. If you could listen in case she needs help, I would appreciate it.” Mara patted Astra’s cheek as she went past.
The sigh from the guardian was felt as well as heard. “She is terribly optimistic for a mercenary.”
“Yes but she’s also smart. If we help her and it works, they might leave us some very useful protectors.” Mara reminded the guardian.
The other woman conceded the point. “True. The Svartálfar are generous. I will attend to it myself.”
With that particular item finished, Mara went into the temple. If the General planned on helping Alex herself, there was no reason for the priest to worry.
#
General Astra ran quickly for the city gates. Shouting and snarls were heard all the way to the Temple. She had already informed her Second that she was on alert and may have to leave swiftly. The Temple would be safe.
The city gate was cracked open when she got within sight. She cursed the quartermaster as she tried to stretch her legs to get there quicker. Why has she opened the gate without backup? The shouting had stopped but the snarling was as pronounced as ever.
Five zuns were trapped in a steel cage. She swept the area. No more zuns were present. Only four Svartálfar mercenaries in addition to the Quartermaster. The woman had a bucket of chopped scraps. Astra watched as Alex mixed powder and dried flowers into the bucket. Then she shaped a handful into a patty before dropping it into the cage and waiting.
Astra slowed, watching the scene unfold. There was a brief scuffle but a winner was quickly apparent as the other animals backed away from the food.
“Back to your posts, soldiers.” Alex ordered. She watched the one who had eaten the patty closely. A yawn split the maw of the great beast and it sat down. The Quartermaster smiled slightly and tossed another patty. This time a different Zun scarfed it down as the first beast was too lethargic to fight.
The mercenaries moved away from the cage to their posts along the city fence as Astra approached. Vretu petals in the meat. A gamble since it wasn’t guaranteed to work on the beasts but successful. “Impressive, quartermaster.”
“Less impressive and more like luck. They are native to the continent the vretu plant originated on.” Her bright eyes were startling in the dark.
“Still.” Astra murmured, surprised at her modesty. “How many escaped the trap?”
“Six. I believe we caught more than usual because of how protective the pack is of the two biggest ones. I think they are probably pregnant females.”
“That’s going to make things more interesting.” Astra crouched to look at the zuns on a closer level. There was no indication that she saw to indicate pregnancy but Alex was smart. She didn’t think it wise to dismiss the possibility.
“The smaller three will need put down.” Alex sighed mournfully.
Astra was shocked at the admission and sadness she could feel from Alex. Though she was not going to argue against the assertion. “Very well. Now?” She stood, her hand going seamlessly to the sword at her hip.
“As soon as the big two fall asleep. I have a separate cage where I can raise the gate with the rest of the meat to entice the three over. We won’t want the pregnant ones to see or smell the blood. We need to be able to take care of them with as few issues as possible until they birth the pups.” Alex murmured.
The second one pressed against the cage and peed. The quartermaster brightened. “Definitely pregnant with that color.”
That was the worst smell Astra had experienced in months and the battles only finished weeks ago. “Rao, Alex. That is terrible and how is it blue?”
“The color and scent are a warning. Zuns become even more vicious when pups are in the den. I would say she is close. Good thing too. They definitely aren’t going to last much longer. My only hope is that the disease doesn’t pass in the womb.” The quartermaster mused as though to herself. “If we can grab them and wash them without letting the mothers lick them, I think there is an excellent chance they won’t catch it. Of course, all precaution will need taken. I figure the Yumans infected them hoping it would spread to us. Since that hasn’t happened… it was likely a last ditch effort that wasn’t thought out.” Alex walked around the cage studying the beasts.
That was the most words Astra had heard from the quartermaster. She assumed the zuns were infected with something given how even broken limbs wouldn’t stop their attacks but it certainly seemed as though her Svartálfar companion knew more than the mercenaries let on. As General of the guardians that chafed.
“Explain. What have they been infected with? Why were we not informed?” Astra attempted to keep an even tone of voice.
Alex turned to her quizzically. “I just informed you. I wasn’t sure until I saw them up close. I believe it is a form of wasting sickness. The increased aggression, milky eyes, stiff joints, and excessive drool point to that. Unfortunately for the Yumans, the zoological version and the version that can affect most bipedal sentient species are two different strains. The symptoms are quite similar and it may be that it has jumped species for the Yumans before. I can only speculate on that.”
She took a deep breath like she was going to continue. Astra broke in. “Wasting sickness? I thought that was eliminated through vaccination.”
“Within our territories. Who knows about the Southern Empire. An important fact is that neither strains transfer in the womb.”
“A good thing but how are we supposed to take the pups away before the parent cleans them? Don’t they need sustenance from the mom?” Astra shook her head. How had they even gotten the strains of wasting sickness?
“I have several ideas, but only observation will let me know what has the highest likelihood of success.” Alex started pushing over the cage she had mentioned. It was mounted on a low cart. “Observation will also help determine how fast the strain is. I hate the idea of any creature suffering, but the zuns may not be a problem for too much longer. Most wasting sickness kills within four to five months. The zuns were released approximately six weeks ago.”
Astra helped her attach the cage to the other one. The two larger zuns were listed side to side in an attempt to stay upright. It wouldn’t be long until they succumbed to sleep. As they waited Astra took the time to observe Alex unbidden. She was tall and spindly like all Svartálfar though she had a definition to her muscles. It was likely from the forge work that was necessary for her job.
“How are your archery skills, General? I think that would be better than a sword.” Alex turned her bright eyes toward her.
“With caged animals? Superb, quartermaster.” Astra blinked at how it seemed like Alex’s eyes were swirling colors of dark blues in the night.
The spell was broken when the other woman nodded. “Good. I’m uncertain if I will need to quarantine after I inform the captain and begin caring for the zuns. I worry you would meet the same fate if you dispatched these three so intimately. At a distance you will not be splattered or drooled on.”
“You will not need help?” The General stood and watched as the zun, who ate the second meat patty, fell over and began snoring. The three smaller ones stood around her watching them warily.
A musical laugh rang out. “It is kind of you to be concerned. I will manage.”
They stood in silence waiting for the other zun to join the first. She too urinated the hideous liquid on their side of the cage. Astra and Alex both backpedaled to prevent the splash from hitting them.
The rest of the meat scraps enticed the other three into the other cage. Alex dropped the cage door with a clever latching mechanism. Then they waited for the three smaller ones to drop off to sleep. Astra felt pity for the zuns. Malnourishment and disease caused jutting bones. Sores littered their bodies. The surrounding countryside had been decimated of wildlife by poison put out by the Yumans. The land and animals would recover, but the only food source the zuns would smell was in the city. No wonder they attacked nightly.
“It’s a shame they were used so ruthlessly.” Alex said quietly. “If you don’t want to terminate them in this state, I understand and can do so instead.”
“I will grant them Rao’s mercy. Hopefully her bright light will lead them to peace.” Astra replied softly. She wished they had enough vretu petals to put them permanently to sleep. Since that was not the case she would make sure they felt nothing.
Three quick arrows and the night was silent once more. Astra would make an extra visit to the temple sanctuary in the morning to pray their souls would be free once more. Alex was already moving before Astra opened her eyes. She had a pyre not too far from the trap. It seemed as though it wasn’t big enough for three so she was adding more fuel to it.
Silence continued as Astra dragged branches to assist. In this she could help. The Svartálfar would need to drag the bodies herself. Astra saw the good sense in quarantining if bodily fluids were touched. She would speak with the priests and issue the edict herself.
Once the pile was deemed sufficient, Alex waved her away from the cart. “You should get back to your post. I don’t want to risk you getting too close to any of this. Thank you for your help though.”
“I will check on you and inform your captain that he needs to come check in at first light. Stay within sight of the sentries.” She stepped back. Leaving the woman to do this alone felt wrong. Her duty to the Temple was foremost though and Astra resigned herself to the troubled feeling.
Slipping back through the cracked gate, Astra nearly ran into Captain Tobin. The mercenary captain was standing just inside the gate watching his quartermaster with a critical eye. It did not seem like he had any intention of helping by his stance or good clothing. “I see my quartermaster has been able to do the unimaginable once again, General.”
“Indeed.” She agreed easily. “She is wasted as Quartermaster in a mercenary unit. She should be a scholar or Healer. Maybe an Artificer.”
“None of those jobs would hold her attention. She’s damn good at what she does and compensated well. What other job would let her do nearly anything she wishes without much oversight?” Tobin raised a pointed eyebrow at Astra.
“I was under the impression you oversaw a great deal, captain. You have the eyes of a hawk.” Astra relaxed into their banter. Theirs was a respect and camaraderie built through blood, sweat, and tears. She respected the man immensely and he returned that regard.
“I watch from a distance though. She has the ability to make decisions without needing to clear them with me.” Tobin crossed his arms. “Your soldiers have to clear every decision with you, General.”
“Many of mine are young, if there had been no war they would barely be blooded. Before… it was different. More latitude and innovation.” Astra clenched her jaw. The memory of so many losses would sting for the rest of her days. She had been a rising lieutenant. There should have been a decade or more until she ever aspired to General.
“Yes, that is true. I wish we had been called sooner. Perhaps we could have helped prevent so much bloodshed.” Tobin watched Alex light the pyre. “I heard she trapped five but only see three on the pyre. Can you shed light on that?”
Astra chuckled, a sound with little mirth. “I do not know if I should, if you wish to allow her space. The zuns have wasting sickness. I granted them Rao’s mercy at her request. Two are pregnant. She intends to take the pups.”
“Just because I wish to give her space doesn’t mean I don’t want to know, Astra. Thank you for your aid and information. If anyone can figure out how to redeem something good from the yumans depravity it will be her.” Tobin stepped back from the gate’s crack. “See you in the morning.”
Astra put out her hand, touching his forearm. “She wishes to quarantine alone. I— I do not doubt she can. It will be hard work and lonely, not to mention dangerous.”
“She will not like if I mandate a helper.” Tobin shook his head. “Though if someone accidentally made it to where they too had to quarantine… She would likely appreciate the help.”
“I plan to issue an edict. If any are exposed they will be isolated.” She ran a hand down her face and blew out a breath. “There will be someone with her.”
“Oh? Was one of my other soldiers exposed, General?” The easy stance left in a moment when the captain thought he needed to act.
“No. But I am certain one of mine will make the blunder. If not, I will go into quarantine myself. I have been rather close to them. I cut down one with a sword last week.” Astra bit her lip.
“If I know my quartermaster, she’s done extensive research in your temple library. You should tell her and go from there. I will let my soldiers know. We haven’t had any close contact that I’m aware of.”
“Very well.” Astra nodded and headed toward the glow of the Temple.
The evening services were just finishing as Astra slipped in the back. Those who had participated were standing around chatting before they headed home. Astra signaled to her second in command.
Kara made her way back to stand next to Astra. “What’s going on General?”
“The zuns were infected with wasting sickness.” She watched Kara’s blue eyes widen. “We haven’t engaged in close quarters with any for almost three weeks. Except for me.” Astra added grimly. “Anyone who does will be quarantined. I may need to do so. If that is the case my orders stand. I trust you to lead in my stead.”
Kara straightened and nodded. “Yes, ser. I don’t know of any other who has either. I will inform Priest Mara. I’m sure you don’t wish to increase any risk. Be safe, General.”
Astra saluted and went to pack. Her sparse room contained a bedroll, armor stand, and wardrobe. Packing was a matter of moments. Bedroll under one arm, the Kryptonian headed back to the city gates.
The bright glow from the funeral pyre lit her way. The cage with the pregnant zuns was empty as Astra moved past. She wondered where and how Alex had moved them. Thankfully the quartermaster was sitting with her back to a rare tree watching the pyre.
“Quartermaster, I am in need of lodging. Do you have a place for a tired soldier to lay their head?” Astra inquired softly.
“I suspect you have a very soft bed in your quarters, General.” Alex’s eyes were dancing from the firelight. “What has you joining me at a funeral pyre if your bones are weary?”
“My quarantine period. If memory serves me correctly it is two weeks for wasting sickness.” Astra dropped down beside the Svartálfar.
Astra noticed Alex’s ears twitch in surprise. “But you stayed away from them tonight, Astra. There is no need for you to quarantine as well.”
“I dispatched one by sword not long ago. I wish to be careful. Besides, I am curious.”
“The one that got through the east gate?” Alex snorted at Astra’s look of surprise. “There’s not much going on in this city I don’t know about.”
“A quartermaster hears all.” She quirked a smile. “So where are we staying, Alex? And where are our patients?”
Alex stretched back and watched the fire for a while before answering. “There’s an abandoned barn not too far from here. That’s where I have the ladies.”
“Is it secure enough if the pack comes for them?” Astra scanned the meadow behind them. They were in sight of three sentries, but it didn’t do to be careless.
“I’m pretty sure it’s strong enough to keep quoups in. So it should keep zuns out.”
Alex replied.
If it was a barn for the largest domesticated draft animals in krypton, Alex was correct in her assumption. Though she was a little concerned about the sleeping arrangements.
“Have you decided on a sleeping area?”
She watched the flames lick over the logs in wisps. The zuns were a mere memory of bone fragments. Soon the pyre would be yet another blackened spot on the land. Rao willing, when spring came the land would revive and begin to cover some of her scars.
“There’s a sturdy hay loft above the pens. It will be easier to care for them and stay safe from above. You aren’t afraid of heights are you?” Alex’s eyes twinkled brighter at her assumption Astra wasn’t a fan as most kryptonians. The Svartálfar were as comfortable in a tree as they were with both feet on the ground.
“I am not afraid of heights. I do dislike the thought of falling, I assume it is rather large though and I need not worry.” She raised an eyebrow and spoke dryly.
“An apt distinction. We should rest while we can. I think it’s going to be a long night.” Alex yawned and pulled Astra to her feet.
Solid stonework made up the first story of the barn. A beautiful rounded roof topped a timber loft. The family who owned this barn had been very proud of it. Even after being abandoned for the length of the war it was still sound and hale. Astra felt it was more windtight than some houses she had been in.
The two zuns were in separate paddocks with clear visibility for them to see the other. Alex had put fresh straw down with clean water. Each zun was still lethargic but was working on creating nests in the straw.
“You’ve been busy.” Astra murmured. The loft was spacious. She went about creating her own nest with the straw and hay still there.
The other woman chuckled as she started stringing up a large piece of canvas. “I’m efficient. I know you kryptonians prefer sleeping together. Would you want to share my hammock instead of the prickly straw on the floor? It is really comfortable.”
Studied the hammock swaying in its position between two timbers. It looked flimsy and constrictive. “No thank you. My bedroll will suffice. The offer is appreciated though.” Astra smiled warmly at the Svartálfar.
Alex gracefully climbed into the hammock and rested her head in her arms. She was the epitome of strength mixed with grace. “If you get tired of being poked by something hard and pointy my offer stands, general.”
Low grunts and whines began below them. Astra peeked down carefully. The zuns faced each other and appeared to be communicating. She frowned. They were much more cognizant than the progression of their wasting sickness suggested they should be.
They eventually settled on either side of the partition between pens. “Should we move them further apart?” She asked quietly.
“I think it would make them angrier.” The quartermaster opined. “They are social creatures. It seems cruel to do so.”
They did seem very invested in one another as they snuffled each other through the wooden slats. “I just hope they don’t plan their escape together.”
“According to the books I have found, they like to den before birth. The rest of the pack brings them food.” Alex yawned.
Astra moved into her own nest to get as much sleep as possible.
A routine was swiftly established. Even with caring for the Zuns this was the most free time Astra had enjoyed in years. She still observed the services of Rao, listening closely for the chorus of voices raised song. Alex respected those times with a nonchalance that Astra appreciated more than she could express.
The time she spent focusing on the services helped her maintain a closeness with her unit and Rao. In all of Astra’s time as a guardian she had never been without fellow kryptonians for so long. By the sixth day it was starting to wear on her mental state. Alex was a good quiet companion, though not the same as Astra’s unit or community.
She had thought there was no indication of her deterioration. Alex disabused her of the notion after morning service.
“Is it a Kryptonian thing? How can I help?” The other woman looked up from stirring their breakfast. The tiny fire gave off just enough warmth to ward off the morning chill.
Astra sat on the log across from the Svartálfar. “It is. We don’t do well without close ties. That’s part of why there are so many services. We need the close personal comfort of others.”
“Will you accept a Svartálfar’s comfort? What can I do?”
“Maybe a nap together after we feed our ladies this morning?” Astra mentioned it quietly. She wasn’t sure what Alex would think of the request. The quartermaster was very focused and didn’t have much idle time during the day.
“Do I have to lay in the pile of straw you call a bed? Can we use my hammock?” Alex’s mouth quirked in a grin.
“But it’s flimsy and suspended on the air. It could fall with my added weight.”Astra protested.
Alex laughed, a musical sound that echoed against the stone wall of the barn. “Astra, general, are you afraid of being three feet off the ground? My hammock could hold us and both zuns with ease.”
Three feet off the floor of the loft but nearly twenty feet off the ground, Astra thought warily. “If you are certain, we can try.”
Which is how she found herself pressed as intimately as a lover against Alex. The hammock swayed slightly. Once she got over the disconcerting sensation, it was soothing. Alex embraced her easily. The quartermaster had declared she would be the ‘big’ spoon as the taller of the two.
Tension she hadn’t noticed building, relaxed quickly as Alex ran a hand along Astra’s back. Alex shocked Astra once more as she began singing one of the temple songs. Her voice was rich and husky. It was a beautiful rendition and Astra never wanted to forget the moment.
A kiss was pressed to her forehead after the song was completed. “Will you be able to sleep here at night?” Alex murmured.
Not even thinking about it, Astra readjusted in the hammock and pressed back into Alex even more. “I think so. It’s more comfortable than I expected. You wouldn’t mind?”
“I offered when you first quarantined yourself. It isn’t often I get the excuse to hold a beautiful woman.” Alex sounded pleased. “Especially one I enjoy speaking to.”
“I really enjoy you holding me.” Astra confessed. “I’m regretting all the nights I stayed on the floor. This is far better.”
Alex tightened her hold. “I’m beginning to see the benefits of naps. Do you typically sleep in so many clothes?”
“No but I thought it would be cold up here.” Astra pushed back and pulled Alex’s arm tighter.
“Isn’t that what blankets are for?” Alex teased. “Tell me, do the guardians take vows of chastity like some religious orders?”
“No. We didn’t before the dying off and especially aren’t expected now that we need to increase our numbers.” Astra’s breath caught. The stunning quartermaster was interested in her. Though was it a casual thing or more for Alex?
Alex’s nimble fingers traced patterns on her stomach. She wished she didn’t have two layers on and could feel it more clearly. The quartermaster flattened her palm under Astra’s breasts. “Increasing your numbers? Sounds like you will be finding a strapping Kryptonian lad soon then.”
“Most will, yes. Mara is already in communication with other temples to have outreach programs. I’m not one who will be looking.” She shimmied to get her tunic off without flipping either of them out of the hammock.
Those same nimble fingers helped her achieve her goal. Astra lay facing Alex now. Her torso bare except for a breast band. Alex’s midnight skin contrasted beautifully against her own palor. The Svartálfar’s bottomless eyes held her own before they flickered down to Astra’s lips.
“What are you looking for, Guardian General Astra In-Ze of the Argo Temple of Rao?” Alex whispered. “Because that matters a great deal to me.”
The question caught Astra off guard. She was losing herself in Alex’s stormy eyes. Unsure of what she wanted tomorrow let alone the long term. She wasn’t sure what answer to give but she knew she had to be truthful. “I want an equal partner. Someone who is intelligent, kind, caring and supportive of my duties. I’ve never found that in all the other interested kryptonians I’ve met.”
“A partner.” Alex stated. Her lips pulled up into a smile. “I would like a partner as well. One who is supportive of my own duties and passion for knowledge. One who is kind and intelligent, who isn’t solely dependent on me for everything. A devoted partner sounds perfect.”
“How would that work with your job, Alex? I know your company is planning to leave soon. How would that desire be able to coincide with your life?” Astra’s heart was beating rapidly.
“I have always enjoyed beasts. My family train the war quoups that many Svartálfar mercenaries use. I have saved a bit and have been thinking of buying a little farm. I miss having a steady place to call home. If my plan with the zuns works, I will breed, train, and sell them as well as quoups.” Alex stared off into the distance. “There are quite a few small farms around here that could be had for cheap and I know Uncle Tobin would buy every beast I would part with. I am also on good terms with many other quartermasters of different units.” Alex’s gaze refocused onto Astra. “I’ve just been waiting for a sign to take the leap.”
“I grew up on a farm before Rao chose me as a guardian. I didn’t know I missed the lifestyle until this week with you.” Astra looked up into Alex’s eyes. “What kind of sign are you expecting?”
“A sign that I have found my home.” Alex’s voice was soft, barely audible to Astra’s sharp ears.
Astra reached up to run her fingers through Alex’s short hair around her pointed ear. It was a wonderful feeling to trace the ear as she contemplated Alex’s confession. She wasn’t sure what a sign of home would even look like. But she also knew she wouldn’t be able to stay so close without kissing her companion any longer.
She tipped her head back and inched forward until she barely caressed Alex’s lips. They were softer than she had imagined and tasted of exotic spices. Astra sighed and pressed forward. This. This was home. This was comfort and safety. This was mutual respect and admiration. This was deep conversations and easy silences. This was debates and philosophical discussions that didn’t end in anger or hurt. Astra prayed to Rao for a sign for Alex to stay and be her home.
There was no napping but both women were frustrated when one of the zuns started making the noises associated with labor. Alex closed her eyes as she cupped Astra’s cheek. “I’m sorry my brave one. But we need to make sure we get the baby away quickly.”
By some stroke of divine luck the biggest one had managed to become lodged between the old hay rack and the slats separating her from her pack mate. The other zun crooned to the laboring mother. Astra couldn’t figure out how the beast had become stuck, but she didn’t seem in any discomfort aside from labor.
Eight babies were birthed with two being still born. Astra and Alex worked in tandem to whisk the little ones to the lean to built into the hill beside the barn. It was snug and warm with only a lantern. Astra stayed to give the little ones their first feeding once the last was delivered. Full tummies and a warm nest consisting of blankets with both women’s scents made them fall asleep quickly. The general joined Alex in the barn.
Alex had left the two stillborns with the mother and fed her before moving the hay rack so she could move around some. Her labor seemed to take most everything out of her. They just needed her to hold on until the other zun went into labor.
Astra went over and touched Alex’s arm gently. “They are settled and sleeping.”
Relief flooded the quartermaster’s face. “No issues?”
“None. They are all wiped down, warm with full bellies. They didn’t offer any aggression towards me either. Super sweet actually.” Astra murmured as she rested her head on Alex’s shoulder.
“We need to make sure we spend as much time as possible with them. How do you feel about a hammock in the root cellar?” Alex pulled her closer. “We can’t get much closer to the ground than into the side of a hill.”
Astra allowed herself the simple pleasure of laughing freely. “Yes, but your hammock will only be good for sleeping. We need a proper nest too.”
“I suppose.” The taller woman gave a mock scowl. “As long as you cover the straw properly. Tomorrow I will find some pine boughs to help make it more comfortable.”
“Thank you.” Astra went up on her toes to kiss the other woman. “Let’s get back so you can meet the dears.”
In the days that followed, Alex fashioned a proper bed box for them complete with pine boughs, fresh straw and strong burlap cover. The babies spent most of their time sleeping, only waking to eat and be held. Their mother declined sharply. It appeared she was only holding out to deliver them. They took the slats separating the pens away, wanting both zuns to have as much comfort from each other as possible. The still pregnant beast moved sluggishly and Astra worried she would not survive to go into labor.
Astra moved behind Alex who was watching them over the fence. There was a sadness in Alex’s dark eyes. “We should put her out of her misery. But I worry about the second one.”
“What about keeping her comfortable with vretu petals? We haven’t used them and you stocked enough to give them a low dose every day.” She caressed Alex’s back in a soothing circle.
Alex relaxed into Astra’s touch immediately. “Yeah, that’s a good idea. I didn’t want to if we didn’t have to but it will be best for both I think. It won’t be much longer.”
“Their last days they will be fed well, have companionship and a comfortable den. That is more than their packmates have. Their offspring will be well cared for and only go to those you approve. It is the best we can make of a terrible situation.” Astra held out her arms in invitation. She wished it had not come to this. That the Yumans had taken some of the last of a majestic creature and used them as a disposable weapon.
“Yes, we will give the pups an amazing life.” Alex nodded as she folded down and into Astra’s arms. “Thank you, honey.”
“We? Have you received your sign then?” Astra held her breath awaiting the answer.
“I’m pretty sure I got my sign the night these two were caught.” Alex replied as she bent down for a kiss.
Astra smiled into the kiss. Thank Rao for small blessings.