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Hejira: Crystalline Hall

By Mantrid Brizon

Episode 18: Reporting In

Gareth takes aim at a whitetail deer from a high branch of a tree, having baited it an hour earlier. He takes aim with Vetra as he leans over another branch that juts out in front of him at chest height. Volaren stands beside him, on the same branch, taking aim with a bow and arrow. Gareth reaches a hand out and stops him. Gareth slowly squeezes the trigger as he exhales, firing a purple aura bullet from his sidearm and killing the deer that stands below, roughly twenty meters away.

“Holy bolt, five. Deer, zero.” Gareth chuckles as he jumps down.

“Why do you call that talent ‘holy bolt’?” Volaren asks as he jumps down beside him.

“Diablo.” Gareth replies.

“What?” Volaren asks in confusion.

“Never mind. It just sounded good.” Gareth laughs.

They collect the deer’s corpse; Volaren slings it over his shoulders as they return to the camp. They exit the woods and approach the Feather Finger’s yurt village, where Kahlera is busy cleaning several more deer, among other game animals. Their carcasses lie in a large pile near a wooden cart.

“Another one?” She asks them with a smile.

“There are plenty of them out there. Why? Too much for you, babe?” Gareth asks.

He leans in and gives her a kiss on the lips.

“No. I just like a break in between sessions.” She replies with a sly grin, resting a hand on the back of his neck.

“Should I leave?” Volaren jokes as he drops the carcass.

“Only if Kahlera leaves too.” Sarvah suddenly interrupts.

She approaches them, her arms crossed underneath her bosom. She smiles at Gareth as she glances to Kahlera.

“You never quit…” Kahlera sighs, a faint smile on her face.

“Persistence is the key to getting what you want. That is true for everything, especially the male of another woman.” Sarvah replies.

“Well it does not seem to be working for you.” Kahlera giggles, holding Gareth by the arm.

“Perhaps in time.” Sarvah winks.

In the past three weeks that they have traveled with the Feather Fingers, Kahlera and Sarvah have come to a mutual understanding; They regularly tease and taunt each other in a rather playful way, but are no longer openly hostile to one another. Shortly into their journey with the tribe, Sarvah had proven her commitment to the three; she has watched over them, fed them, given them purpose, and has never steered them in the wrong direction.

“So, princess, why have you graced us with your presence this morning?” Gareth asks.

“Aside from stalking you?” Sarvah grins at him, bearing her teeth.

“Yes, aside from that.” He nods.

“We are nearly at the village. At our current pace, I think we may see it by nightfall.” Sarvah continues.

“It is possible. We are very close.” Kahlera adds.

“Is that why we have done so much hunting?” Volaren asks.

“Indeed.” Sarvah nods. “I would like us to have more to trade when we arrive… So, get back too it, before we strike camp!”

“Yes, princess.” Gareth bows in jests.

She waves her hand and chuckles as she turns back, walking away from the three. After cleaning the rest of the game and skinning the carcasses, they pack up the camp, preparing to leave. Sarvah takes the lead, with Gareth and Kahlera standing beside her on the right. They keep a steady pace, stopping only to rest briefly. The main body of the tribe lags behind, but Sarvah and the others keep moving, a small platoon of guards right behind them in a wedge formation, a favorite of theirs.

To everyone’s surprise, they see Kahlera’s village in the distance by mid-afternoon, far sooner than they had anticipated. As they draw near, villagers in the distance seem to prepare for battle, scrambling to the road and bearing weapons. Realizing that they need to start on a good note, Kahlera, Gareth, and Sarvah move ahead of the others, quickly approaching the village as they leave the soldiers behind. As the villagers come into focus, Kahlera holds out her hands, signaling for Gareth and Sarvah to stay back.

They obey and Kahlera runs ahead to meet the villagers. They all appear to know her and are elated to see her. Gareth and Sarvah stand a distance away, waiting as they watch Kahlera talk to several of the villagers. After a moment, an older looking male appears, followed by a female who quickly embraces Kahlera, obviously delighted. Kahlera turns back and motions for them to approach.

“Ready to make a good impression?” Sarvah asks.

“Always, princess… Please try not to embarrass me.” Gareth smirks.

“Funny. I was about to ask you the same thing.” She winks.

They walk up the road to meet the villagers, who look at them apprehensively, especially Gareth. Many glare at him, their hands still tightly clutching the handles of their swords and axes.

“You did not say that your savior was a human…” The older man says.

“I am sorry.” Kahlera apologizes, bowing her head.

“No matter. I am Gishner. I am the chieftain of the Blue Feet.” He continues.

“Blue feet?” Gareth silently mouths, looking to Kahlera.

She shakes her head, urging him to be silent.

“And I am Kina. I am the village priestess.” The older female replies.

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Sarvah, leader of the Feather Fingers. We are a nomadic tribe of merchants, and skilled craftsman.” She gives a polite introduction.

“I understand that you have been traveling with Kahlera and her companion for some time.” Gishner begins.

“This is true. We also hope to establish trade with the Blue Feet, and have come a considerable distance.” Sarvah nods.

“Then consider yourselves welcome guests of the Blue Feet… Even you.” Gishner says, turning his head to Gareth. “Come, Kahlera. You must tell us everything!”

Gishner and Kina turn back to the village, walking away as Kahlera quickly follows behind. Sarvah and Gareth look to each other and shrug their shoulders, silently agreeing to tag along. As they walk through the village, Gareth notes the structures within. Many are stick and hide wickiup shelters, nearly identical to Native American and African tribal structures. The chieftain and the priestess approach a large wooden cabin, reminiscent to a Norse great hall. Kahlera follows them, but as Sarvah and Gareth climb the steps behind her, she turns and puts out her hands, stopping them.

“I will be back shortly.” Kahlera says in a soft whisper.

She leans in and kisses Gareth tenderly on the lips and nuzzles his face with her snout.

“Please be patient.” She urges him.

Kina calls out to her from within the great hall, and so Kahlera turns and heads inside, leaving Sarvah and Gareth standing on the steps.

“I did not get a kiss…” Sarvah facetiously mocks him.

“Did you want one?”

“Is that an offer?” She winks.

Gareth smiles and sits down on the steps. Sarvah sits down beside him for a moment as they wait. As the minutes pass, she taps on her leg with her fingers, quickly becoming restless. Suddenly, she stands up and walks off the steps.

“Well, I better meet the rest of the Feather Fingers and get to work. There are many deals to make. Will I see you later?” She asks.

“You know you will.” He replies. “Have fun, and be back before the street lights come on.”

Sarvah laughs as she walks away, leaving Gareth alone on the steps. Inside the great hall, Kahlera sits before Gishner and Kina. She tells them everything, from their failed mission, losing her group, being saved by Gareth and his friends, being separate from the other humans, traveling with Gareth, being saved again, and on until they have arrived at the village. She only omits the personal details that she does not wish them to know.

After over thirty minutes of waiting, Gareth finally becomes restless himself. He leaves the stoop of the great hall, spending his time wandering around. Walking back to the road, he sees that the Feather Fingers main convoy has just arrived. Walking aimlessly, Gareth watches many of the Feather Fingers dealing with the tradesman of the Blue Feet. He soon runs into Naomi, who is with a small group of children around her own age. Surprisingly, in the three weeks of traveling, Naomi has made quite a few friends among their Sahvorai hosts, and is very popular with them.

As Gareth walks alone, he stops and leans against a tree. He looks around at the villagers who go about their daily routine as though nothing had ever happened, ignoring the only adult human in their midst. He suddenly notices a particular male chopping firewood, who reminds him of someone. It takes him a moment to realize exactly who, but as he does, he can’t help but laugh. The feline Sahvorai male has orange and cream tabby fur, orange human hair that is shoulder length, blue eyes, and is nearly identical in height and build to the human, Steve. Gareth approaches the Sahvorai who suddenly sets down his axe.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but what is your name?” Gareth asks.

“I am Polahn.” The man replies.

“I see… I’m going to call you Steve now.” Gareth says with a smile.

“Okay?” Steve looks puzzled.

Gareth quietly turns and walks away. He keeps wandering slowly throughout the village, gently kicking small stones with his boots. He feels rather out of place, but not because he is a human among the animal-folk; he doesn’t know their customs, and has nothing to contribute, though he greatly desires too. The crowded isolation begins to weigh on him. He unknowingly walks by Sarvah. She sees him as he passes, and is immediately elated. She notes his slow pace and solemn expression. He looks very lonely, and her heart aches as she watches him.

“Gare! What are you doing out here, all by yourself? Does your master know you got out?” Sarvah teases him.

“No. I’m being a bad boy.” He smirks.

“Aww… Are you lonely?” She asks him, leaning closer.

In jest, he makes an exaggerated frown and slowly nods. Sarvah smiles and pats his shoulder. The two begin walking together, moving in circles around the entire village.

“So how are the deals coming along?” He asks.

“Well, I have only just started, but it looks promising.” She replies.

“That’s good. At least you are planning ahead.” He comments.

“Do you not plan ahead?” Sarvah asks.

“Not really. I often go day by day. They say that making plans is the easiest way to make God laugh.” Gareth answers.

“Well, one day I desire to settle my people somewhere and build a permanent home for them; a trade hub that is open to all, especially human males.” She says with a wink.

Gareth chuckles, taking a seat on a long log. Sarvah sits beside him as they look to the horizon.

“You know, we’ve been traveling together for a while now… I never took the time to really sit down and thank you for all that you’ve done for us…” Gareth begins.

“Gare…” Sarvah says softly.

“We might not have made it here without you. We barely made it through our first battle with The Fallen. The second time was even worse, but you and the Feather Fingers were there. Hell, Volaren saved my life when he took that claw to the back. We owe you more than we could possibly repay, and I just want you to know that it means a lot to me. You’re one of my most trusted friends and allies, and you always will be.” Gareth continues.

He turns to her, suddenly giving her a warm embrace. Sarvah’s heart pounds in her chest, and she holds him back. Her arms grip him tightly. After a moment, he lets go, while she reluctantly releases her grip.

“You know, we owe you just as much…” Sarvah begins.

“I doubt that.” Gareth chuckles.

“Gare, you proved your skills as a warrior in that battle. That holy bolt of yours killed more Fallen then all of my soldiers combined, and Kahlera is an excellent healer; the best I have ever seen. Volaren took a claw for you, but she made sure that he would not even have a scar from it. She has kept the Feather Fingers in better health that the most expensive apothecary I could possibly hire. I… We are lucky to have met you… All of you, I mean!” Sarvah continues.

“Likewise. I’m glad that we found each other on that road. Plus, being Sahvorai made it a lot more interesting.” He comments.

“How so? Or are you talking about your Sahvorai fetish? There is always time to play…” She coos.

“… I wish I wasn’t a human. I’d rather be Sahvorai. I’ve never said that to anyone, even Kahlera.” Gareth quietly admits.

Sarvah is left dumbfounded. She has no idea how to respond. She takes a moment to think, while Gareth stares at the ground. He seems to be deep in thought.

“Well, I like you as a human, but if there were a way to appeal to Sahvath, then you should do what makes you happy… Of course, I may not want you anymore if you did such a thing.” She teases him.

“You always know just how to ruin a moment, princess.” Gareth laughs.

“You say that as if you want me to want you.” She comments.

“Being wanted is nice.” Gareth admits.

“It is, though I notice you did not actually answer me.” Sarvah pressures him.

“What can I say? I learned from the best.” Gareth winks.

“Well, do you want to learn more?” She asks.

Though initially apprehensive, assuming she were making a sexual advance, Sarvah stands up and extends a hand, presenting the Blue Feet village to him.

“Alright.” He nods, taking her hand.

Gareth accompanies her as she travels throughout the village, making deals and speaking with the Blue Feet craftsman. He shadows her for hours as night begins to fall. After speaking with nearly every able-bodied villager, the pair return to the great hall. As they approach the steps, Kahlera finally appears, apologizing profusely for her delay.

“It is fine. I watched your human while you were working. Next time, however, I may charge you by the hour.” Sarvah jokes.

She promptly leaves, while Kahlera takes Gareth by the hand, bringing him into the great hall. There, Gareth sits with Gishner and Kina for the first time. He notes a striking resemblance between Kina and Kahlera, but doesn’t say anything. Gishner thanks Gareth for all that he has done, the least of which is bringing back Kahlera alive and safe, but also helping her retrieve the rare medicinal herbs, and bringing a trade convoy from the south to them. He tells him that he and Naomi are permanently welcome at their tribe as thanks, being granted honorary membership, then he waves them away.

Kina stands and leads them out of the great hall, which seems to also be Gishner’s home. Gareth and Kahlera accompany Kina as she walks towards a well-built log structure; it is her own home. Kina sits the two down as she strikes a flint with a rock, trying to start the fire. In an effort to help, as well as show off his value, Gareth politely interrupts Kina’s efforts and creates a faint purple aura flame, placing it within the tinder bundle. He lights the tinder bundle with his aura, bringing the fire to life before placing it within the small pit.

“So, you really do have talents.” Kina smiles.

“I would not lie.” Kahlera retorts.

“I apologize in advance, but I can’t help but notice how alike you two look. Are you related to Kahlera?” Gareth finally asks Kina.

The priestess admits their relation with a simple nod of her head.

“Is that normal? Earth priests and priestesses often don’t pair, or have children.” Gareth further inquires.

“That is often the case for Sahvorai culture as well, but I could only subdue my natural urges to mate for about two-hundred years. Kahlera was a gift from a night of passionate and spontaneous release.” Kina readily admits.

Kahlera feels herself flush as she looks at the floor, embarrassed.

“I thank you for saving my daughter, twice. I owe you a great debt.” She adds as she reaches out and shakes Gareth’s hand.

“You don’t owe me anything.” He humbly replies.

“Perhaps… May I speak to my daughter alone?” Kina suddenly asks.

“Alright.” He sighs as he stands to his feet. “Keep this up, and you’ll have to start chaining me outside.”

Kahlera and her mother both laugh while Kina very politely shoos him away. Once he departs, Kina smells her hand and looks to her daughter.

“He is an interesting character…” Kina comments.

“He is.” Kahlera nods, a small smile spread across her lips.

“So how long have you been mating with him?” She suddenly asks, to Kahlera’s embarrassment.

Kahlera hesitates to reply, choking on her words. Kina watches her daughter nervously struggling to speak, shaking her head.

“I can smell him all over you. In fact, you almost do not have a separate scent anymore, as though you two were one being.” Kina continues.

“Alright…” Kahlera sighs. “I admit that we have mated… Several times… Several dozen… I also sleep next to him every night.”

Her mother becomes upset, raising a hand to her forehead and rubbing her temples with her fingertips.

“But it is because I love him!” Kahlera immediately defends herself. “I would pair with him in a heartbeat if we were able.”

“That is what I expected you to say.” Kina grumbles.

“It is the truth. I know how I feel in my heart.” She adds.

“You are barely an adult, Kahlera. You may not know what is best for yourself… But I will support you regardless, because you are my daughter, and I love you. If you truly love him, then I want you and your mate to stay with me, at least until his friends make their way to the camp. Naomi, being alone without either of you, is also given this invitation to stay with me.” Kina reluctantly offers.

“Oh, thank you so much, mother!” Kahlera exclaims as she pounces, latching onto Kina and hugging her tightly.

Meanwhile, Gareth waits outside. As his sits on the steps of Kina’s home, he sees Volaren walking by as though on patrol. Volaren stops and looks at Gareth with a pleasant smile. He looks around, as though worried he may be seen with Gareth, motioning for Gareth to follow him. Gareth stands up from the porch and leaves with Volaren. They walk just beyond the home, stepping behind a large pine tree.

“What’s going on?” Gareth asks.

“We are friends, are we not?” Volaren asks.

“Of course we are! You took a claw in the back for me, and I made sure you didn’t die from it.” Gareth replies.

“Then there is something I feel that I should tell you…” Volaren says nervously.

“What is it?” Gareth asks with a concerned look.

“Well…” Volaren speaks hesitantly. “When we first met and I spoke to you, telling you how greatly you affect Sarvah, and warning you not to hurt her, I said I was doing it out of loyalty to her… A loyal soldier obeys their orders…”

“She told you to tell me that?!” Gareth exclaims in anger.

“Shh…” Volaren places a finger to his lips. “She greatly desires you, and she is willing to go to great lengths to attain you.”

“So, was everything else a lie too?” Gareth sighs in frustration.

“No. I was honest in every regard, except for my reasons for first speaking to you. We are true friends, and I hope that this will not effect that. I am sorry.” Volaren laments.

“Then you didn’t lie about Sarvah’s lack of boyfriends?” Gareth raises an eyebrow.

“If you mean does she often mate, then no. I did not lie about that. She hasn’t even looked over a male in years, besides you. Perhaps that is why she has tried so hard?” Volaren shrugs. “Despite her behavior, she is the monogamous type.”

Volaren quickly walks away, leaving Gareth behind the tree to contemplate the revelation. He sighs and walks away from the home, looking for Sarvah. He quickly finds her inside her own yurt, where he enters without hesitation.

“Oh, Gare! Hello. Is something wrong?” She asks.

He sighs and sits down before her. He closes his eyes and brings a hand to his face, gripping the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger.

“Gare?” She leans closer.

“I just had a talk with Volaren… He told me that you put him up to everything that first time he and I talked.” Gareth begins.

“Oh… I, uh…” Sarvah sounds embarrassed.

“First, please don’t punish him for it, because he came to me in confidence, as a friend. Second, why are you going through such-”

“I am not going through such lengths any longer.” Sarvah interrupts.

“You… You’re not?” He asks, surprised.

“No. That was weeks ago. I have decided that it is not worth the trouble.” She continues.

“Really?” He raises an eyebrow.

“Really… After all, Sahvorai often live to be over seven-hundred, and as I am only twenty-three, I have nearly three-hundred more years of fertility ahead of me. I can afford to wait, until you come to me on your own. I am certain it will happen long before then.” She smiles.

“I see… And what happens if I don’t?” Gareth wonders aloud.

“I do not lose…” Sarvah says in an eerily sinister monotone.

She gazes at him with her icy blue eyes. Gareth hangs his head and chuckles.

“What is so funny?” She asks curiously.

“I’m not oblivious… Okay, maybe a little, and certainly at first. I know that you have deep and genuine feelings for me.” Gareth explains.

“Maybe I just do not like failing? I am very determined, and something of a perfectionist.” She admits.

“Your body language, your speech, how you joke with me and laugh at all of mine, even when I don’t think they are very funny… You care about me more than you are willing to admit.” Gareth leans closer.

Sarvah leans back, feeling as though she has been boxed into a corner.

“I-I… I do not…” She stammers.

“It’s alright. I’m not upset. Honestly, we get along very well, and our personalities are a good match. I could talk with you for hours and never get bored, and you are beautiful. If I had met you first, who knows…” Gareth begins.

Sarvah is speechless. She sits there, silently staring back at him as he speaks, her heart pounding in her chest until she feels as though it is visibly bashing through it.

“But I have been with Kahlera, and I love her. She’s a good person. She is there for me, and I like being there for her. So long as we have a future, I want to pursue it.” Gareth continues.

He slides next to Sarvah, who visibly frowns. She lowers her head and leans against him, resting her head on his shoulder.

“You are a wonderful person, and any man would be lucky to have you. I know I would be… I care about you, and I want you to be happy. It isn’t fair to you to keep waiting on me when it may never happen. I just don’t want you to miss out on a good match because you have a crush on me.” He says softly, rubbing her arm gently as he tries to comfort her.

“I want you to be happy too.” She says softly. “If staying with Kahlera makes you happy, then do it.” She sighs sorrowfully.

“Okay. Are we alright, still?”

Sarvah nods her head in silent agreement.

“Are you sure? You know I’ll always be here for you if you need me. You’re my best friend.” He assures her.

“I will survive. You must have forgotten who you are talking too.” She smiles.

“Sorry, princess. I’m not used to such strong women.” He grins.

He holds her for a moment before slowly getting up and leaving her yurt. Sarvah sits alone and watches the flap. Her heart aches even more as she grits her teeth. Even his rejection is sweet and considerate. She can barely stand it; her feelings are intense. She rushes to the flap, looking outside. She watches as Gareth walks away from the yurt, turning a corner around a humble house.

“I will give you a few years… Then maybe I will move on…” She thinks aloud.

As he walks back to Kina’s home, he sees Naomi sitting with some of her friends.

“It’s time to go. You can play with them more tomorrow.” He says to her.

Naomi gets up, says goodbye to her friends, and collects her pack, which she always keeps close by. They return to the cabin where Kahlera and Kina wait for them.

“Where did you go?!” Kahlera asks, rushing up to him.

“I just wanted to find my little sister.” He replies with a smile.

“I am glad you are back.” Kahlera coos, hugging him tightly.

Gareth looks to Kina nervously as Kahlera nuzzles his neck with her snout.

“Oh, uh… You see… Uh, we’re…” He mumbles nervously.

“It is alright.” Kina says, raising a hand. “Kahlera told me everything. You may both stay here with us. Gareth may also sleep next to my daughter, as you have been for nearly a month.”

“How open-minded of you.” Gareth comments in surprise.

“Make no mistake. I do not agree with it myself, but the happiness of my child is more important to me than my own convictions, and a few judgmental stares.” Kina replies.

Gareth sits down with Kahlera as they hold hands. He seems to be deep in thought. Kahlera turns to her lover and leans in, resting her head on his shoulder. She gazes up to him with her golden eyes. He looks back and smiles, brushing her bangs from her face.

“Are you alright?” She asks.

“Yeah…” He murmurs.

He leans in, kissing her tenderly on her lips, before resting his face alongside hers, their cheeks touching.

“When we have a minute, there is something that I would like to tell you.” He whispers into her ear.