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10

Pain! Heart beating unnaturally fast, though growing weaker. Breathing in shallow gulps. Body shaking, fever…excruciating pain! Everything spinning, nausea…muscles cramping. Fear…what's happening?! Panic! Saa'an…Khy'an…help! Vision fading…pulse weak. Cold…so…cold! Can't…move…am I dying?! Help! I…love…

Tsel-Ami'an sat bolt upright in her bed, panic gripped her, she was breathing hard.

“Ami'an, are you well, my child?"

The gentle voice of her mother filled Ami'an's mind, comforting her.

“Mother…?"

“I am here, my child," Tsel-Una'an sent reassuringly, sitting down beside her daughter, brushing Ami'an's long, pure white hair from her face.

Tsel-Ami'an rested her head against her mother's shoulder. Tsel-Uma'an stroked Ami'an's head between her horns until her breathing returned to normal.

“Was it the same as last time?" Tsel-Uma'an asked gently.

Tsel-Ami'an shook her head.

“No…he is still in danger…grave danger! I must stop them before it is too late! Saa'an does not know!"

“But where are they, my child?"

Tsel-Ami'an unfocused her eyes, staring off into a distance only she could see. After several seconds, she shook her head.

“I cannot see…they are still too close to Nir-The'es, it darkens everything!"

“Then we shall go there, if it is as you have seen."

“I have never been wrong, mother!"

“I know you have not, my child, I do not question your ability. Let us go to them, then, it is our duty to guide, and protect as necessary."

Ami'an agreed, and then quickly got dressed. A short while later, Tsel-Ami'an and her mother held hands and…

*Bamf!*

Saa'an and Craig sat on the trunk of an old fallen tree. They continued to sit, side-by-side, while her family members gradually headed off to their respective shelters to sleep for the day. When at last only Craig, Saa'an, and Khy'an were left, light was growing in the east.

“We should turn in as well," Khy'an sent, standing up and stretching.

Craig looked up at Khy'an and met her eyes. He saw her flick her eyes to Saa'an and back. Craig had a suspicion of what Khy'an might have been thinking, but he knew her well enough that she would always put duty before all else. Part of him was reassured by that knowledge, part of him felt sorry for Khy'an because she would never have a normal life, and a part of him was still justifiably scared of what she was capable of doing. Above all else, though, Craig felt a genuine love for Khy'an—maybe it was partly due to their friendship, and maybe it was partly due to other factors, but it was there. And even though she struggled to understand it, she knew—Craig had made sure of that. Khy'an knew that she could not be what Craig wanted—needed, actually—and she had also let him know that. If he truly wanted to get involved with a Mûr Tua'ansa female, then Saa'an would be the best for him. Khy'an had nothing against Saa'an personally, especially after their experience on nus-Sava'en. Khy'an watched as Craig and Saa'an headed into the shelter she would be sharing with them. She felt a level of satisfaction that he and Saa'an would be spending their first day together. She was also relieved that she was able to have saved Craig from the remnants of the an'im-Raleen and the ancient technology left behind by their masters, the an'ima m'oitha e ba'chanu—“ones of fouled blood and flame."

The inside of the shelter was divided into three pie-shaped sections—one “common" area, and two sleeping areas. Saa'an and Craig had chosen the section to the left, leaving the right one for Khy'an. The inside of the shelter was equipped with small bioluminescent lights that reminded Craig of the light produced by fireflies back home, and were about the same size. Despite being totally alien technology to Craig, the apparently “living" shelter had a certain “homey" appeal that he couldn't explain. If he had thought more about it, Craig would have noticed a similarity in the scent the shelter gave off to the general scent of the air inside the embassy. However, his mind was on totally different things as he watched Saa'an remove her footwear and wiggle the two large, heavily clawed toes on each foot.

“Ah, that feels better!" Saa'an quietly exclaimed with relief.

Craig followed suit, and while removing his hiking boots and socks, Saa'an watched with interest. She had never seen much of his actual body since Craig had always worn long pants and long-sleeved shirts the entire time she had known him. When Saa'an saw Craig's bare feet for the first time, it began to sink in just how different they were from one another. Still, Saa'an felt a strong attraction towards Craig, and she could feel his attraction for her. Saa'an had no idea if any of her people had ever been in a relationship with an off-worlder before. If there ever had been, she doubted that any of the usual media services would have even hinted at such a thing.

“This is a first for both of us, yes?" Saa'an asked while snaking her tail up Craig's back and over his shoulder.

“Yeah," Craig sent back, choosing to keep their conversation private so as to not bother Bren-Khy'an any more than necessary.

Touching his face with her hand, Saa'an drew closer.

“Ami'an said that you have an unusual form of hri'fal."

“Wha…? She…told you?"

“Ami'an, if you have noticed, is a sly thing at times. She does not always tell the full story, usually just enough to get your interest. It is annoying when she does that, but that is Ami'an for you. So…what is this…you call…'kissing'?" Saa'an sent the last when her nose was just touching his.

As he had months earlier with Tsel-Ami'an, Craig was careful of Saa'an's sharp teeth and her deadly fangs in particular. Of the few times he had had the opportunity to kiss a girl back home—one having been a sister of one of his Élendorian musician friends, Craig noticed how different Saa'an's mouth tasted. As with Ami'an, there was a subtle sharpness to it, exotically different from anything he had experienced before.

Pulling back, Saa'an lightly ran the tip of a finger across Craig's face, tracing its contours. “So…different," she thought to herself, looking into his alien, round-pupil eyes. She noted how much contrast there was between her hand and his face. To Saa'an, Craig had a continuous reddish glow—the pigmentation in his skin did not hide the heat given off by his body as hers did. His clothing also had a violet haze about them whenever they were out in the starlit night. Yet, as their minds touched, Saa'an realized how much the same they were.

It took a while for Craig and Saa'an to get past their initial hesitation, but as most sentient couples—especially those of different species—they delighted in exploring each other's bodies. Craig soon discovered that making love with a full telepath was beyond anything he had imagined—the level of intimacy they shared went deep. At some point during the morning as they relaxed for a bit, Craig began massaging Saa'an's leg. She sharply inhaled when his fingers worked into the thick, fur-like hair on her lower leg. Saa'an arched her back and moaned, and she gripped the covers tightly. Craig was a little bewildered by Saa'an's sudden behavior.

“Saa'an…?" Craig sent, trying to get her attention.

He moved his hand near her ankle—the time Saa'an moaned louder and she sat bolt upright, grabbing Craig by his arms, and then pushed him down.

“*Umpf!* Saa'an…geezers, take it easy will ya?!"

The look on Saa'an's face was one of feral ecstasy.

“Yes-s-s-s…!" she said aloud in a quiet, hissing voice, climbing on top of him.

Despite the sudden roughness, Craig found himself becoming intensely aroused. Their lovemaking turned into frenzied sex, caused—Craig would learn a few days later—by the release of a powerful pheromone secreted by glands in Saa'an's ankles. Immediately after the height of their ecstacy, Saa'an brought her face down near Craig's shoulder.

“…Mine…"

And then she bit him.

“OW!! Geezers, Saa'an! What did you…do…that…"

Craig never got to finish his question before his body reacted to the tiny amount of venom Saa'an instinctually injected to mark Craig as her own. However, since Craig was a human and not a Mûr Tua'ansa male, the effect was not as expected.

*BAMF!*

Tsel-Ami'an and her mother teleported near the entrance gate of the recreational area. They hurried inside the Visitor's Center to find out where Ilen-Jaa'an and her family were camped. Ami'an explained as best as she could to the attendant, who summoned a servitor to take them to the campsite.

“Craig…?" Saa'an asked aloud, somewhat confused when he became rigid. “Craig!" she called out when he started convulsing. “KHY'AN!!! HELP US!!!" she shouted.

Khy'an awoke instantly and scrambled to Saa'an and Craig's side of the shelter.

“It's Craig! He is ill!"

It took Khy'an only a moment to determine the cause—she could see the tell-tale change in color in Craig's shoulder.

With a grim look, Khy'an sent matter-of-factly, “You marked him."

Saa'an's eyes were wide with fright.

“I…I…was not thinking! Please! I did not know this would happen!"

“He needs treatment—get something on, quickly!"

Saa'an got her clothes on as quickly as she could, and sent to her mother what had happened.

“I will take the three of us to the healers at the temple of Hfa-Raleen; they are the best at dealing with this. Grab his clothing and his identicard while I get my things. We must move!" Bren-Khy'an ordered.

Saa'an shoced Craig's clothes into a bag, making sure his card was in a pocket, while Khy'an wrapped Craig in a blanket.

“Madam Ilen, I am taking Craig and Saa'an to the temple of Hfa-Raleen—meet us there when you can," Khy'an sent to Saa'an's mother. Looking at Craig, Khy'an sent, “Stay with us, Craig." Glancing at Saa'an, who nodded once, Khy'an teleported the three of them to the healing center near the palace.

*BAMF!*

“HEALERS!!!" Bren-Khy'an shouted loudly the instant they arrived. “BITE!!!"

Several healers immediately teleported near the three, some brought packs of emergency equipment and medicines. Bren-Khy'an gave what information she could about Craig—name, species, age, height, weight, sex, general health, location of next of kin, and her relationship to him. Saa'an also told how it happened—she was so worried about Craig that she forgot her embarrassment at divulging their recent activities.

“We must have a sample," one of the healers sent to Saa'an, holding up a sterile container.

Saa'an tearfully accepted the sample container and, closing her eyes, she released a quantity of her venom into it. It had harmed her Craig—she wildly thought for a moment of having her venom sacs removed and her fangs blunted, as the healers prepared to move Craig to a treatment room.

Bren-Khy'an sent to Saa'an, “I will stay with him. Get his parents. Move!"

She sent the order calmly, without anger. Khy'an knew that the bite was purely instinctual, and not an act of violence. The tiny amount of venom would not have had such a violent reaction in an adult Mûr Tua'ansa male in good health. Saa'an could not have known how it would have affected Craig's human body.

Saa'an hesitated for a few seconds while Craig was whisked away, but the she did as Khy'an ordered.

When Tsel-Ami'an and her mother arrived at the campsite with the servitor, it was apparent something was wrong.

“Where are Saa'an and Craig?" Ami'an sent to Ilen-Jaa'an when she came from her shelter.

Ami'an and her mother noted the grim looks on everyone's faces.

“Bren-Khy'an took them to the temple of Hfa-Raleen," Jaa'an replied gravely. “We are ending our stay here—we will go there once we have taken our things home."

Ami'an's eyes grew pale and her tail twitched.

“Craig…?"

“It…was a bad reaction."

Casting a worried glance at her own mother, Ami'an asked, “Are we…?"

“He was still with us when Khy'an took him and my daughter with her."

“I came to warn Saa'an! AH, I…," Ami'an sunk to her knees, covering her face with her hands, and she began to wail softly, “…I am too late! That…that cursed lake darkens this whole area! So hard…to see…!"

Dnan-Mat'ta went to Ami'an and knelt down in front of her, and gently pulled her hands away from her tear-streaked face.

“Ami'an, I am certain that Bren-Khy'an was able to get Craig to the healers in time. Come with us, you and your mother, when we go to see him. The All Mother has sent him to us for a reason—I do not believe She will take him from us just yet. Not like this."

Ami'an saw the soft reassuring smile on the face of Saa'an's father. He was almost like a second father to her, since she had grown up with Saa'an and the two girls had been best of friends from the moment they had met. Ami'an placed a hand on Mat'ta's chest in the custom of his kind as a show of trust and respect. Nodding her head once, Ami'an let Saa'an's father help her up.

Bren-Khy'an watched as the healers worked quickly and efficiently to save Craig's life. The sample of venom Saa'an had provided was used to create an anti-toxin specifically formulated to neutralize her venom. The puncture wounds created by Saa'an's fangs were not deep, so they took mere seconds to close. The internal damage caused by the enzymes and toxins, however, was extensive. One of Saa'an's fangs had nicked a blood vessel, and some of her venom entered Craig's bloodstream, allowing it to spread, and his body proved to be unusually susceptible to it.

“Stay with me, Craig—it would be…most annoying if you…leave," Bren-Khy'an sent privately, reaching out to Craig.

Although she remained outwardly calm, Bren-Khy'an was worried—this was a battle she could not fight for him.

“Khy'an…hurts…cold…," Craig sent back.

“Fight it Craig, you must. The healers are working on you. I sent Saa'an to get your parents, they should be here shortly. I will stay with you."

“I…can't…move! What…what's happening?! Oh, geezers…it hurts!"

“I know, try to be calm. They will take away the pain."

“Khy'an…I…I'm scared!"

“I am here beside you."

Bren-Khy'an held Craig's left hand, giving the healers room to work on his right.

“But I must see Madam Nicolini immediately! Craig is very ill—he is at the temple of Hfa-Raleen being healed at this moment! Bren-Khy'an sent me to bring his parents! Please, I must see her!!" Saa'an pleaded with the gate guard at the Terran Embassy.

It seemed like an unbearably long time to Saa'an before Suos-Fre'an was summoned. Once Saa'an explained why she was there at such an hour, Suos-Fre'an became furious with the guard—she would have chewed the guard out then and there for the delay, but she now had something much more urgent to deal with. The guard would be dealt with later.

“Come with me," Suos-Fre'an demanded, grasping Saa'an's forearm. An instant later, Saa'an was in the residence, and within minutes she was able to tell the Nicolinis what happened to Craig. Saa'an expected Craig's parents to be angry towards her for harming their son, even if it was just an unexpected reaction to a bite that was purely instinctual on her part. However, Saa'an was not expecting what William and Cassandra Nicolini did next. Craig's parents hugged her. Even though Saa'an had difficulty trying to fathom how they could be so understanding of the situation, and be genuinely concerned about how she was feeling, the words Craig had spoken on nus-Sava'an she now knew to be a Truth: “Here you will find only love and acceptance." The Nicolinis had accepted the fact that their son had become romantically involved with Saa'an, and they were quite fond of her, treating her as if she was already a part of the family.

The Nicolinis, along with their ever-present guards and Saa'an, arrived at the temple of Hfa-Raleen as soon as they could. They were joined a short while later by Saa'an's family, and Ami'an and her mother.

Btha-Tre'an, the Class Three Healer[1] in charge of Craig's care, came to speak with his parents about his condition. Saa'an interpreted.

“Your son's life signs are steady, and gaining in strength. We have healed the physical damage, and now we are cleansing the last of the toxins and their byproducts from his body. He is currently in induced sleep and dreaming pleasant thoughts at our guidance."

“When may we see him?" Cassandra asked once Saa'an finished interpreting.

“Once all traces of harmful substances have been removed, we will awaken him from the induced sleep. It should not be much longer," Btha-Tre'an replied.

“Is there a place where we can wait until then?" Cassandra asked, not exactly pleased that she could not see her son immediately, but at least she was assured that the wait would not be long.

“Of course. If you will allow…?"

Cassandra nodded her head, and Btha-Tre'an led them to a nearby waiting room. Along the way, William asked if there would be any lasting effects from the venom that was in his son's body.

“No, his body has been completely healed. We found evidence of an old injury, and corrected it so that it should not trouble him in his later years," Btha-Tre'an replied.

“So, just out of curiosity, what would such a bite do to a healthy Mûr Tua'ansa male?" William asked, not meaning to embarrass Saa'an any more than she already had been.

With a flick of her eyes towards Saa'an, Btha-Tre'an said, “One of our males would have some soreness for a few nights, and there would be a permanent stain to the skin at the place he was bitten, visible to our eyes. Your kind appears to lack the appropriate receptors necessary to see it unaided."

“Will Craig's skin also have this…'stain', as you call it?" Cassandra asked.

“Given the difference in body chemistries, there is a chance that it may not develop, though should it, we could remove it if it would violate your customs on such markings."

Cassandra and William silently deliberated between themselves for a few moments. Cassandra, placing a hand on Saa'an's arm, said to Btha'Tre'an, “We'll leave that to Craig and Ilen-Saa'an to decide."

Saa'an smiled shyly, briefly wrapping the end of her tail around Cassandra's wrist, while she interpreted.

When Cassandra, William, and Saa'an were allowed in to see Craig, they found him sitting on the edge of the treatment bed in a white robe. Apparently, he and Bren-Khy'an had been joking about something, given the bemused expressions on their faces. Upon seeing Craig's parents, Bren-Khy'an stood and briefly bowed her head to them.

“My apologies for the lack of proper attire—there was little time to…"

Cassandra held up her hand.

“Don't worry about it, dear, we're just grateful that you kept your head and got our son here in time. Sometimes things just happen that we don't expect."

Bren-Khy'an nodded her head once in acknowledgement.

“How do you feel, hon?" Cassandra asked her son, giving him a motherly hug.

“I'm fine, Mom," Craig replied, returning his mother's hug.

“You gave us quite a scare, son," William added, patting Craig on the back.

Craig's face turned a shade red in embarrassment at his father's comment.

“Sorry, Dad, we…didn't know that would happen."

It was Saa'an's turn to be embarrassed, which Craig noticed. He stood up, and wobbled a little, while holding his arms out to Saa'an.

“Craig, I…I am…," Saa'an started to say, but Craig cut her off.

“C'mere, you…"

Craig hugged Saa'an tightly, and they held each other for a time.

“So…does this mean we're, um, whatchamacallits?" Craig asked Saa'an privately, trying to think of the appropriate term in Tu'an.

“Paired?" Saa'an asked somewhat surprised.

“I guess."

“Do you wish to be…with me, even after…?"

“Think I'd let a little nip stop me from doing something crazy?" Craig sent back with a smirk.

“You are not angry with me?"

“What do you think? Geez, Saa'an, you oughtta know me by now—better than anyone. Besides, you bit me_…that_ does mean something, right?"

“Yes…it does, but…you are not Mûr Tua'ansa, I…do not know if…"

“…If it applies to me because I'm an 'off-worlder', right?"

Saa'an sighed quietly and nodded her head.

“We should think on this, Craig…"

“Ami'an said we'd be together, right?"

“Yes."

“So…?"

“We have not even spent a whole day together, let alone…"

“Well, as soon as they let me out of here, we can work on ther. Besides, I gotta get my stuff anyway."

“Mother ended our stay at the recreational area, nd my family took our belongings home before coming here."

“So, we go back to your place?"

“You wish to?"

“As long as you don't have any more tricks up your sleeve, sure."

“'Tricks'…?" Saa'an asked with a confused look on her face.

“Uh, just an old saying back home. No more surprises, okay?"

Saa'an smiled sheepishly and replied, “I will try to remember."

The healers gave Craig a bowl of broth to replenish his strength, and when they were satisfied that he was fully himself again, Btha-Tre'an okayed his release. Saa'an's family, Ami'an, and her mother, greeted Craig with relieved enthusiasm in the waiting room.

“Are you sure, dear?" Craig's mother asked him when he told his parents that he would be going back to Saa'an's home for the remainder of the holiday.

“Yeah, I'll be okay, Mom. I promised Saa'an that I would spend the holiday with her and her family, so, yeah, I'm sure."

“Well, okay then, if that's what you want to do. I suppose your father and I will go back to the embassy," Cassandra said, giving her son another hug.

“Cassandra? While we are all still here, perhaps we should visit the Altar of Hfa-Raleen and give our thanks," Ilen-Jaa'an suggested.

“That would be appropriate," Tsel-Una-an agreed.

“What do you think, dear?" Cassandra asked William.

William thought a moment, recalling a conversation he had with the head mistress of Art and Culture in the capitol's higher education system.

“I understand that the temple itself is pretty ancient, and was built over the site where…Afel-Aur'an, I think her name was, was said to have been given the gift of healing by…," he paused, trying to think of the rest of the story.

“…A spirit of fiery light from the distant stars," Bren-Khy'an said, filling in the missing part.

“And Afel-Aur'an began to wail the Death Song

as the life wained in her beloved's breast,

her own spirit spilled from her eyes to wet

the bud with its queth-sliat.

'Oh,' she cried to the stars above, 'life is so

precious, why can I not give of my own

to save one so dear?!

_ _

In grief and love did Afel-Aur'an hold her

beloved in her arms and heart, wishing with

all her will, to give of self to fight for life and health.

When all was nearly lost, a star descended

blazing light and glory, touched the ground

near Afel-Aur'an amid despair and suffering,

offering hope where none was found.

“'Give to me while Life's spark still holds,

your beloved I will save weaving living

fire with fabric of form, restoring

damage and loss before his path ends.'

So spoke the gentle star, Eldest of Old,

taking beloved of Afel-Aur'an into Ancient

Heart, wise in ways of The First.

_ _

“Afel-Aur'an watched in awe and wonder

as heart beat anew and body returned

to remembered form and health of youth.

'Oh, kind and loving star, you have restored

my beloved to my side, if only I could do as you

so others may live with life and form as new.

Teach me how I may invoke the Power of Old.'

_ _

“And so did the star, A'aleen Neha-Fel'ena*[2]*

She was called, give to Afel-Aur'an the

Ancient Power of the Eldest of Old, to heal

body and mind of illness and hurt, so long

as the spark of Life remains, for once gone

the old path ends and the soul returns to

the All-Mother until again it flows from

Mûr thel-Raleen."

Craig and his parents stood with mouths agape when Bren-Khy'an recited the tale of the first healer among the Mûr Tua'ansa. William in particular felt a tingle go down his spine when he heard what he felt certain could be references to the near mythological beings sometimes knows as the First Ones. William said nothing at the time, and purposely did not think about it until later when he was back at the embassy.

“Uh, hey, does anyone know where Ami'an went?" Craig asked, looking around for his friend.

“She was just here…" Saa'an sent, looking about.

“My daughter wished a private moment at the Altar," Tsel-Una'an replied to Craig's question. “She is waiting for us there."

After hearing the tale of Afel-Aur'an, William definitely wanted to see the Altar of Hfa-Raleen—“Fire Soul".

Before entering the main part of the temple, everyone filed into a side room to change into silky soft white robes, as was the custom. Craig walked hand-in-hand with Saa'an into the open are under a huge crystalline dome. Craig and his parents stopped at the sight they beheld. The Altar itself looked like a grassy mound—behind it was a huge statue of a beautiful ancient Mûr Tua'ansa woman, face lifted towards the sky, and arms spread wide. Kneeling before the Altar was Ami'an, illuminated by a ray of sunlight focused by the dome's crystalline material, and streaming down between the open arms of Afel-Aur'an. Ami'an's pure white hair and white robe seemed to shimmer and glow in the light of Nar A'Zhæl. Sensing their presence, Ami'an looked over her shoulder and smiled. She motioned for Craig to come.

“Wait child," Tsel-Una'an sent gently to Saa'an when she started to go with Craig, restraining her with a light touch.

Craig felt almost as if he was being drawn to Ami'an, but it was something inside him that drew him, not of his friend's doing. Craig was never one who experienced much of a spiritual nature, though as he approached the side of Ami'an, he felt something very similar to when he was on nus-Sava'en, something that filled him with awe. Ami'an patted the ground next to her for Craig to kneel as she was.

“Afel-Aur'an," Ami'an began, drawing Craig's attention to the statue. “She was the first of our kind to gain the ability to heal. It is said that she was touched by a First One. Do you know who they are, Craig?"

“Uh, no, not really... I kinda remember one of my Élendorian friends mention something about them when he was talking about some old legend on his homeworld."

Ami'an smiled and sent, “We are an old race, as you know, but the First Ones are much older. It is said they are as old as the stars themselves, and they are out there still, though they have not walked openly among the many worlds for a very long time. They were here, Craig," Ami'an gave a wave of her hand to indicate the mound. “They walked out world once, at this very place, so long ago. Yet…it is as if something of them remains. Can you feel it, Craig?"

He closed his eyes and stilled his mind as Bren-Khy'an had taught him when he learned how to meditate with her help. Craig soon could feel Ami'an's presence beside him, which he could tell was different from that of Saa'an and Khy'an. Craig reached out further and felt…something, a ghost of a whisper, but it was there. Perhaps it was just the story Bren-Khy'an told, of perhaps it was something about the way the dome focused the light from Mûr Zhæn's sun, of some combination of the two along with his recent experiences. Craig either saw with his eyes, or imagined in his mind, a swirling light like the sparks around a campfire. He thought he saw a pair of eyes in the light—not Mûr Tua'ansa, not human, but somehow familiar…ancient…ancestral…wild. It sent a shiver down Craig's spine when it occurred to him what he thought he saw.

A couple of nights later, back at the embassy, Craig looked through his family's records, looking at images of relatives. He wasn't sure, exactly, what he was looking for, until he found it: a distant relative by marriage, on his mother's side. Craig knew that his family had remained purely human, except for some distant ancestor nearly five hundred years ago had received the genetic enhancement widely known as “Kapik's Gift"—the form of limited telepathy almost all Terrans now had. However, one of his mother's relatives had married a G.E.L.F. female. Craig had never thought anything special about that, since many people he knew were of mixed ancestry. The G.E.L.F. ancestor was not a direct relative of his, merely an offshoot branch. There was little information on the G.E.L.F. relative, other than she and her husband had disappeared. That in and of itself was not overly unusual, since there were many who had become unaccounted for in the aftermath of the Purity Uprising of 2213. There was one good image of the G.E.L.F. relative that, when Craig saw it, he suddenly felt a shiver run through him, just as when he was at the Temple of Hfa-Raleen. It was the eyes—in the magnified image, they appeared to be looking right at him. Intense, though gentle, intelligent, yet there was an unmistakeable ancient wildness about them that time, distance, and genetic manipulation could not change.

The eyes of a wolf are eternal.

---

[1] Mûr Tua'ansa healers are assigned to one of three classes, according to the level of their ability, with Class Three being the highest.

[2] A'leen Neha-Fel'ena – pronounced AY'-a·leen NAY·ha'-fel' EY'na

---

(On to Chapter 11: https://www.sofurry.com/view/1110817)