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The Cohen Clover

Mason & Lark A

copyright comidacomida 2023

Mason was well-learned when it came to Oolau but most of his training had been scholastic. When it came to real in-person interaction, the young man was limited to Narri and a few occasional, brief discussions with other Seekers; Lark was the only member of the Stewards he'd spent any amount of time around yet, even so, he somehow felt like he was able to understand him on a fundimental level. The Human could tell that his Wolf companion was uneasy.

The two of them sat at a table similar to the size and shape as what could be found in a suburban dining room, yet the gathering was anything but casual; across from them sat Dr Nathan Cohen and Officer Garret Ross. The two men couldn't have looked more different-- Nathan was a tall, thin, clean-shaven graying man who sat with relaxed casualness while Garret was slightly shorter than average, fairly portly, boisterous man with red curly hair and a beard to match. What they both had in common, however, was that they seemed to be on his side. It was Nathan who spoke up first, and did so in the Oolau language for Lark's benefit. "Narri is scheduled to return to Shattered Earth tomorrow."

The Wolf fidgeted beneath the table, his paw having migrated over so its broad, padded fingers could interlace with Mason's. The Human didn't withdraw, giving his Oolau companion that comfort. Realizing that Lark wasn't about to say anything, the young man took the opportunity to do so instead, also speaking in a tongue Lark could understand. "I guess she thought she meant well, but hopefully she'll get reprimanded. That's NOT the way the Unity Programme does things."

Garret, from what Mason had come to learn, was a naturally gregarious man but his training was in security not cross-Earth interaction so the blank expression he wore was proof enough that he didn't follow the conversation. Mason looked at him and spoke in English. "Did janitorial get the room back together?"

It hadn't yet been five hours but, based on the what damage Mason had seen in the holding room the repairs shouldn't have very significant. His largest concern was making sure that Lark could return to some degree of normalcy, which was incredibly important for the still on-edge Wolf's peace of mind. Rather than the officer responding, Nathan did, and did so in the Oolau language. "Lark will not be returning to observation, Mason."

A half-second later, Garret spoke up, sliding a data pad toward the young man. Apparently he was tracking the conversation well enough, even if he didn't understand Nathan's reply. "Got security clearance to transfer our guest to your dorm. Since Narri's heading back to Shattered Earth you still need Oolau interaction so, if this one's as interested in learning as you say he is, Dr. Cohen got him approved as a Programme inductee."

Mason sat still for several seconds, gazing down at the data pad that had been provided to him; it did indeed acknowledge that Lark was accepted into the Programme and that the Oolau would be his junior classmate. He was so overwhelmed he didn't notice Lark slide closer until the Wolf's hot breath puffed out against the side of his face. "What is this? Your heart rate increased, Nason. Is something wrong?"

Nathan provided an explanation to the new furry initiate. "Nothing is wrong, Lark. You are going to be transitioned out of your current room and you will move in with Mason. He said you were interested in learning more about us, and, presuming that is true, you were approved to join the Unity Programme as an initiate under Mason's tutoring."

The Wolf's ears focused on Nathan's words though his eyes remained on Mason. They widened noticeably. "We will be staying together?"

Mason was about to interject, insisting that the Wolf speak with the Director, but he paused, remembering something that Lark had told him before. Turning to regard the Oolau, the Human gave Lark's paw a gentle squeeze. "Do you remember I said that you were not a prisoner here? They want to prove it, so you will live with me, and you will be my responsibility."

Lark scowled. "I am not a pup. I do not neet a--"

The Human remembered a word he'd heard Lark say when they'd discussed his brother teaching him how to be a hunter. "I will be your Rorsk."

The Oolau's muzzle froze in its positioning, eyes widening just a little as the faintest exhale escaped his nose-- the ever-so-barely audible soft sound that hinted at a surprised whine just present enough to hear. His paw left Mason's hand as the young Wolf suddenly looked very taken aback. "Oh."

Nathan sat up a little straighter, a smile on his face. "Is that alright, Lark? Would that be acceptable?"

Lark, rather than looking to the Director, focused his gaze right at Mason. "You can tell your Alpha that I accept."

Mason was about to give his companion grief for refusing to engage in conversation with Nathan until he remembered something else he and Lark had discussed regarding introductions. "Lark... I would like to introduce you to the Alpha. We call him the 'Director'."

Lark tried the word out. "Dir-eck-tur."

Nodding, the young man gestured to Nathan. "Lark, this is Director Nathan Cohen... you would call him our Alpha. He leads the men and women here."

Lark let out a grunt in response. "I see and respect the Dir-eck-tur. By what do I call him, Nason?"

Mason glanced to Nathan, who offered a smile to the young man. "He can call me Director... or even Alpha, I suppose if he feels more comfortable doing it, but I don't mind him calling me Nathan."

Lark's attention was wholly on Mason, and it was evident that the Oolau was still expecting the young man to answer. Gesturing to the Director, Mason responded. "You may call him Director, but you can call him 'Alpha' if it is easier for you. You are also able to call him Nathan if you do not have a problem with using his name."

The Oolau nodded. "Understood."

Mason then turned to Nathan. "Director, this is Lark, eighth of that name. Son of Gihna of the Crescent Valley Tribe."

At first, the young man was worried that he might not have remembered the introduction correctly but he felt a warmth flush through his chest (and cheeks) when he heard Lark's tail beat against the side of the chair; apparently he'd remembered correctly. At that point, he'd played his part and the introductions were complete.

Lark was the first to speak, pressing the palm of his right paw to the left side of his chest as he spoke. "I pledge myself to you and your pack. Dir-eck-tur."

Nathan smiled warmly. "I am pleased to have you-- as are my people, Lark."

The Oolau's eyes went drifted back to Mason. "Nason... even your Alpha sounds like he is a Dreamer."

Nathan's laughter left Lark incredibly confused.

* * * * *

It took about an hour to go through all of the paperwork and then to transfer Lark's meager belongings out of the medical wing, across the base, and into the spare room in Mason's apartment. It was fortunate that Mason had received a two bedroom apartment and, despite having used the second room as a computer office of sorts, the young man didn't mind getting everything moved out to make space for his new roommate.

There was a certain oddity of being involved in the Unity Programme again after already having graduated from the Academy, but it was something Mason was willing to weather, especially since there wasn't a real Centre on St Paul Island, which meant that he was Lark's only opportunity to go through a proper education. The transfer was complete once security cleared the hallways to allow Lark to travel with Mason in privacy; foot traffic was kept out of their path to minimize agitating Lark.

Nathan, as usual, had been a masterful puzzle-solver, picking out the perfect pieces that could fit together. Mason was technically a graduate of the Programme since he'd been to the Academy, but there were final portions of his education which were left incomplete-- ones he would have fulfilled on Shattered Earth but, due to his intervention and saving Lark, he'd defaulted on that opportunity, yet Nathan was still willing to give him a chance to complete his studies successfully.

As part of the exchange, and because the site had lost Narri, the wily old man had connected the two of them as senior and junior students; it would be Mason's responsibility to train up Lark in proper Unity Centre fashion. Since there wasn't an official Unity Centre and since Mason still had to finish his 'follow-up graduation report', Nathan had killed two birds with one stone by making Lark Mason's student, and raising the young man into the position of the Oolau's tutor.

Garret, as it turned out, was assigned as their security support; whenever they moved about the facility it was his responsibility to keep an eye on them and make sure that they were given a wide berth-- especially when it came to the Seekers still on base. Despite his reservations when it came to having a 'babysitter', Mason DID have to admit he felt better knowing that none of the on-site seekers would give them any trouble with an Officer constantly nearby.

The entire transfer protocol left Mason exhausted despite the fact that he had done relatively little. Flopping down onto his sofa, he was surprised when Lark moved to sit down in front of him on the floor. Patting the cushion on the other side of the couch, Mason offered an invitation. "You don't have to sit down there, Lark. There's room for two here."

As if taking it upon himself to teach Mason, Lark explained himself. "This is your home, Nason. As a guest, it is not polite for me to assume. Since you have invited, however, I will join you."

Standing, Lark about faced and slowly lowered himself onto the cushions; his ears rose up and his eyes went wide as he sunk into the padding. Smirking, Mason couldn't help but ask "Comfortable?"

The Oolau flicked an ear. "Yes... and no. This is far softer than what we sat on in my village, but it will be more difficult to stand if urgency is needed."

Still smiling, Mason rolled his eyes. "Well, fortunately, there aren't many urgent problems here that can't wait an extra two seconds needed to recover from some 'deep couch sitting'... anyway, in the future, you don't have to ask to sit down. This is your home now too, Lark-- you're free to do what you like."

Lark shook his head. "You say that, Nason, but it will not feel like home until it smells more familiar... until then, this is your home and you have welcomed me to join you, for which I am grateful and honored."

Cheeks hurting so much from smiling (and lips hurting since he was fighting to make sure that he respected Oolau culture and avoid showing his teeth), Mason stood up. "Well... we'd better start the tour then so you can start getting familiar with the place."

When Lark offered no objection the young man began walking around, pointing out various features of the apartment. He answered each of his room mate's questions, most of them insightful considering the Wolf's lack of familiarity with Human living arrangements, but some bordered on mind-blowing-- Mason had to explain that each room had its own door. That was apparently an alien concept to Lark. "I do not understand... if you are living with someone, who do you separate yourselves?"

Mason took a moment to consider the objection. "I suppose Humans like to have an area where they can be alone."

Lark made a sour face. "Hunans are very different from Oolau. The only time Oolau are alone is if they are being tested or if they have been banished from their pack. It is not normal for us."

Mason was surprised by that. "Really? Most of the Seekers I have met lived similarly to Humans."

The Oolou spoke the obvious. "Steward are different. We do not live like Seekers and, therefore, do not live like Hunans."

The young man had to surrender the point. "I... guess so. Okay... well, if you want, I don't mind keeping my door open, and you can keep yours open."

Lark was taken aback for a second time. "We... have separate doors?"

Mason nodded. "Right. We have the door there to the apartment..." he pointed, "and there's the door to where you can bathe and urinate and defecate..." he gestured again, elaborating on the different uses of the bathroom since he'd learned that the Stewards didn't have a dedicated space for them, "aaaand that's my room, and your room--" he went to gesture to each of them but Lark jumped up off the sofa.

"What have I done wrong, Nason?!?"

The Human paused. "Wrong? Why would you think you did something wrong?"

The Wolf went to kneel in front of Mason, looking him in the eyes as one ear turned sideways. "We... are sleeping separately?"

The young man nodded. "Right... just like we have been for the last few weeks."

Lark blinked, his ears falling sideways. "That was not because I was a prisoner?"

Mason tried several times to try and figure out a way to clear up the situation but kept getting derailed by how much Lark looked like a kicked dog. Eventually he had to push all of his thoughts into a single, run on sentence. "You were never a prisoner and we have separate rooms so we can both have places to relax and where we can keep our own personal items so if we want we have places we can go to be alone."

The Oolau threw blunt logic at each of the Human's objections with the same rapid patter-speech. "I felt like a prisoner and I relax best when I have companions with me and I know what items are mine and not mine and I do not disturb waht is not mine and I do not want to be alone."

Rather than trying to out-argue his new student, Mason tried a different tactic. "Okay, Lark... what would you propose?"

Lark looked around the living room and flicked an ear, looking to Mason with a hopeful gaze. "A compromise."

Mason, despite himself was curious as to how his new room mate's mind worked, especially since compromises were a staple of diplomacy, and that was one of the young man's ardent hopes for positive interaction between their two people. "I am listening. Ah'ahwoo."

The Oolau phrase got an immediate response from Lark, causing the young Wolf to calm significantly. Standing slowly with a softly wagging tail, he gestured to the space around the sofa. "We will be able to sleep together here, as is right for a Rorsk and Uhnyl."

'Rorsk' and 'Uhnyl'-- 'teacher' and 'student', or as close a translation as Mason could figure since they were apparently uniqute terms for the Stewards which went completely unused by the Seekers. Mason realized that Lark was pausing, but was not done with his presentation. "You will be able to store whatever you feel must be stored in your space, and I can smell that items brought from my prison cell were--"

Mason interjected "Again: NOT a prisoner."

The Wolf continued anyway "--brought into the room you said I should call mine. We will each have a place to store our belongings and we can share this room as is proper."

The Human considered the proposal. "Well... I suppose that IS one form of a compromise, yes..."

Lark's tail began to wag lazily, the slowed to a halt when he flicked an ear. "You have something to add, Nason?"

Mason looked at the carpet then at his companion. "The Stewards usually sleep on some furs on the ground, right?"

The Wolf gave a slight raise of his muzzle to confirm the assessment. "Yes... many furs so it is comfortable, and so there is enough room for everyone. Do Hunans sleep like Dreamers on long benches?"

The young man sighed. "I suppose that's one way to describe it, yes."

Lark opened his muzzle to further the discussion, but was interrupted by a loud gurbling sound from his gut. Placing a paw over his abdomen as his ears reddened in embarrassment, the Oolau mumbled something to himself in his native tongue. Mason didn't miss the implication. "You have not eaten since yesterday, have you?"

The Oolau rubbed his stomach. "No. I did not have breakfast because I was not in my pris-- my room."

If nothing else, Mason was pleased to hear that the Wolf was at least somewhat willing to look past the point. "Well, we can discuss sleeping arrangements later. Right now I think we should get some food."

Lark licked his muzzle with verve. "I will not object."

* * * * *

The cafeteria was not far from Mason's apartment-- a bonus of being an early addition to St Paul island was getting to choose his residence. It was late enough in the afternoon and early enough in the evening that they didn't have much competition and, flanked by Garret, Mason brought Lark into the large, open room. The Wolf's nose started working overtime by the time they were two halls away, but he remained respectfully subdued while Mason ordered their meals: two pairs of burgers and fries-- one with no onions or tomatoes.

Mason smiled when he saw Lark fully focused on the bagged food, following after the Human with his nose leading the way. Although the body language reminded him of a dog, he realized that his room mate was not one, and resolved to make sure to work on social conventions with Lark when the time presented itself. Once the returned to their apartment, Mason gave a brief 'goodnight' to Garret and entered with Lark, leading his companion to the table.

They sat and ate together, the discussion meandering all over, but the Wolf, as usual, had not spent his time idle, and brought up something he'd apparently overheard back when the Human had ordered their meals. "Nason... what is 'un-yin' and 'toh-nay-toe?"

Carefully opening up his burger and sliding some of the lettuce aside, he presented it to Lark, gesturing to each component. "Onion. Tomato. Do not get too close... they are not healthy for Oolau."

Lark sniffed gingerly at them then recoiled. "You EAT those?"

Mason looked down at his half-finished burger. "Obviously... I now they are not plants Oolau can eat but they are fine for Humans. This, the 'white death root' is called 'onion' in English and this, the 'quiver-stem berries' are called 'tomatoes'."

The Human was familiar with the Oolau words for them because he'd studied plants that were poisonous to the Wolves. Lark responded simply with a snort. "Yes. Oolau do not eat those. They are almost as bad as 'death bulb'."

Mason nodded in confirmation. "Yes. 'Garlic' in my language. Humans eat garlic too, but here on base we do not keep any on hand because of how dangerous it is to the Oolau."

Lark got quite after that, eating in silence, so Mason focused on his own meal for the most part, occasionally looking up to see the Wolf mimicking his methods for eating. He was pleased to see that his companion was using his reattached arm more. Smiling after the Oolau dunked his fries in the supplied mayo, Mason spoke up again. "You know... the people to the south of where I live dip those in a sauce made from quiver-stem berries. It's called 'ketchup'."

Lark tried the word slowly. "Ket-chut... if it is made from quiver-step berries I do not want to try it... but I like this cream-that-is-not-cream."

Mason chuckled. "It is called 'mayonnaise'... and there is no cream in it. It is made from eggs."

The Wolf sounded it out. "May-oh-naze."

The two finished their meals around the same time shortly thereafter; Mason provided his few extra fries to Lark, who polished them off without dipping. Having given it some thought, the Human came to a conclusion. "Okay... we can try sleeping in the living room. I can get some blankets and a comforter for you so you can sleep on the floor, and I will sleep on the 'sofa' so we can both sleep how we are used to."

The Wolf brushed his paw across the armrest of the couch. "So-thuh."

Mason smiled at the mispronunciation; like most Oolau, Lark didn't do so well with 'f' sounds. "You can also call it a 'couch'.

"Couch. Yes... I like that word better."

Lark helped Mason gather up bedding, pillows, and the like to establish a place for the Oolau to sleep and, as the Wolf was customizing it to his liking, he spoke. "I think this will work well. It is not what I am used to, but I believe it is much better to share a space with my 'klouha' than to have it to myself."

The word 'klouha' was used in a number of ways among the Seekers, but, in the short time Mason had known Lark he realized that the Stewards used it in a different way-- it was most closely compared to the Human word referencing the social structure of wolves: a pack mate. The Human felt a warmth come to his cheeks; there was something strangely heartwarming at the thought of being so well received by someone who appeared so dead set on alienating almost everyone he met. "I will be back. I am getting my own bedding."

Lark continued situating his little 'nest'. "Ah-ahwoo."

The Human went back to his own room, gathered up a pillow and a blanket, then returned to the living room where he he saw Lark seated on the floor, rocking back and forth slowly. As he drew nearer, his room mate began to chant in the Oolau tongue.

"Oh nah-nah ka ri sanu, ahdo ah ka ri nahnu,

hey ihda heyku ah-du. Hey ihsuda ka Oolau.

Ka rahgar ih nu haklou. Soh rahgar, klouha, ih toku.

Ahlogee hey da ka nuhoe du lee hua ah-ahwoo."

It was definitely not at full volume, but plenty loud enough to clearly hear, and spoken slowly enough that the Human could translate it. Mason found it hypnotizingly beautiful, and he sat down as Lark issued forth a soft, almost wolf-like howl to the last syllable. only once his companion had gone silent did Mason speak. "That is a beautiful song."

Turning slowly to regard him, Lark's tail beat a soft, gentle tempo on the floor. "It is a prayer. My people sing it every morning and every night."

Mason thought about the words before he tried is best to imitate the tempo, cadence, and musicality of what he'd just heard, only singing it in English instead. It didn't work quite as well, but there was still something to it.

"When first the sun rises to when the sun falls.

We stand, all of us, as I do. We are united, the Oolau.

The strength is in the pack. My strength, pack mate, is yours.

Together we face the world and through it I abide."

Lark inched closer, still on the floor. "That is not unpleasant... was that the chant in your language, Nason?"

The young man nodded. "It was. Do you think you can teach me to sing it better?"

The Oolau offered a genuine smile. "You can teach me your way, and I will teach you mine."

Mason smiled softly in return. "I... like the sound of that."

Leaning forward, Lark reached up and took hold of the Human's hand, interlacing their fingers. "Goodnight, pack mate."

The young man was going to speak up, but the Wolf laid down, his side pressed against the sofa so that Mason would be able to stretch out without his arm being at an odd angle. He honestly wasn't sure if Lark expected to sleep with their fingers entwined but he didn't think it would work very well. He was wrong; it worked just fine.