Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen

ORO

I feel her presence before I see her as I pound the last stake into the ground, securing the wall in place for the first pod dwelling. Her silent steps place her within my reach and I turn quickly grabbing her around the waist before swinging her around above me. Zura's laughter is an immediate balm to my weary heart. Sliding her down my chest slowly, there is no hiding the desire I have for her. Wrapping her luscious legs around my waist, Zura pulls my head down, gently nipping on my bottom lip.

" I was trying to sneak up on you."

" I felt you coming."

" One of these risings I am going to succeed."

" I do enjoy your continued efforts."

" What are you and the others working on?"

" Dwellings , or as Father says, new homes for our people. This one is almost completed. Would you like to see inside?"

" OrO , how can this be? Dwellings take several rotations to finish."

" Not with these. MeK has come up with a wonderful design that allows us to erect dwellings within a few rotations. This one here is what he calls a base model, but from what I understand they can be ordered with multiple features. Even this particular one can be upgraded and added to easily as the family grows. He brought everything that was already manufactured and in storage at his factory so our people could get quickly settled. Come , let me show you inside."

I stand behind Zura as she explores the interior of this unit. I can't keep from smiling as she opens every cabinet and sits on each piece of plush furniture.

" OrO , how is this possible? There's already furnishing and other luxuries most of our people have never dreamed of already installed. It even has a food replicator in the sustenance area. How are we going to pay for all of this?"

" The Elders paid MeK for the majority of it, then Father finished the rest."

" I don't know what to say. How do you thank someone for something like this?"

DaR's deep voice makes her jump. " Just like that, Zura , but your thanks is not needed. You have served me and my family well. As the Commander over this sector, it is my responsibility to see to the livelihoods of the others I am responsible for. I have neglected Xuias , as I was trying to honor your society's beliefs. However , your people have been taken advantage of, and done without. Because of the refusal of change and advancements from the former priestess. Thankfully , that will no longer be the case, as you and OrO want more for your citizens."

" Forgive me, Commander DaR , all of this is simply a huge surprise. I am more grateful than I can express. I don't have the right words to express the feelings coursing through me right now. Not only did you save the male I love, but now my people as well."

" Things have worked out well as always; the Lord of Light has guided us in our time of need. No thanks are needed from you Zura . These were blessings we will all think of for many rotations. My main goal here is to rebuild Xuias to its previous splendor before the Warrior Games . I would hate for little Keida and Danny to miss out on such a wildly renowned sporting event, or for your people to miss out on the currency brought to Xuias by hosting the affair."

" Speaking of Keida , you understand I will not be able to return to Darverius now? To be honest, I am not sure I have anything else to teach the youngling. She is not only strong in body, but in mind and spirit. I feel as if she's outgrown me long ago."

" Yes , Zura . I understand, and I would never expect it. Nevertheless , I am always willing to look into anyone else you think could improve her fighting skills. Her small stature worries me greatly as most of her competitors will be much larger than she is."

" No matter their size, they will be lucky to get past those wicked blades of hers. I will think upon it further, DaR … Commander ZoD's daughter Raya was quite impressive, but she would never leave her home long term to come here. Does it have to be a female?"

" Not particularly, but if we were to go in that direction, I would take over her training myself, as Danny would not tolerate another male being that close to her constantly."

I speak up, " If she is his Kismet , then he should not have to. All it will do is rip that male in two. I know this firsthand."

" I almost wish it was that obvious. Humans do not feel the mate bond like our kind, but we all know Danny is something much more than human. However , none of us know exactly what happened to him on the trip here from Earth as he was in cryostasis most of the trip. The male is scary powerful to be so young.

" OrO , where Keida is half-human, she may not take on the markings of your kind. Nevertheless , she has said from the moment Danny stepped foot onto Darverius that he was hers. The Kismet bond may be what triggered that response, but something is holding back her runes, if that's the case. Her young life is quite complicated, as you both know, and only the Lord of Light knows the path that lies before them." Another male entering the dwelling has us all turning.

" Queen Zura , I would like to formally introduce you to my son, MeK . The engineer of these pods."

" Ughh , that Queen word again. Excuse me for my out loud thoughts, MeK . My mind is still trying to catch up with all the recent changes. I want you to know that we thank you for your quick response, and for coming here personally to help my people in this time of need."

He bows respectfully before her. " We have much to do before your people will be settled once again, but we are on the right path to see it quickly. Each of these pods are similar, but different and will learn their users' likes and adjust accordingly. They are not sentient like our SAGE , but they are close. I will leave detailed information on the proper maintenance needed to keep them in pristine conditions at all times. Nevertheless , I hate to intrude, but OrO , I could use your assistance with raising the back wall on another unit."

" I will be right there."

MeK doesn't say a word, simply nods and walks out.

" He doesn't talk much does he?"

DaR smiles and shakes his head. " He is always in his own mind. If I only had half of his creativity and intuition. We could rebuild every planet, making them all a better place to live. He is not a patient male, so I would not have him come back to retrieve you, OrO . Don't linger long, but even a blind male can tell the two of you need a moment alone. I will see myself out.

" Oh , before I go, even though the Queen's title is uncomfortable, Zura , you will need to make it official as soon as possible. I was notified of your mother's escape and she had a heavy following. Your leadership needs to be established before any other unrest can unfold around us."

" Ugh , I will have the other Priestesses arrange a banquet once things calm down some."

" Your people need to see you and OrO's unity, and a banquet is always good for the spirits."

Zura's thoughts seem to walk out the door with DaR . Only when I turn her back towards me does she let out a weary sigh. Running my fingers down her cheek, she closes her eyes. " Zura , I know things feel overwhelming right now, and they are, for the most part, but we will get through this. We have something we didn't have before and that's each other."

" My mind is weary, OrO . I feel like my thoughts are all over the place. The only place I find any comfort is in your arms and once again, so many things are keeping me from being in them."

Pulling her into my chest, I tuck her head under my chin, hugging her close. Laying my head on top of hers, I take a deep breath, simply enjoying the smell that is only Zura . " I was informed once that a good hug could cure all."

" I am now a true believer, who gave you that wisdom?"

" Our little Rosad . She used to hug me all the time. I asked her once why and she said … she was trying to heal my sad heart, and hugs were the best weapon."

" That youngling is something, you should have seen her this rising, taking care of all the other young ones around her." I let Zura go when she pushes away. " You better get going, your father said MeK wasn't the most patient person, and that hammer of his is pretty intimidating."

" You should see him wield that thing. I swear it's a wonder you didn't feel it all the way to the fortress when he was striking the anchors to the outside wall for this pod."

" You must admit, these things are pretty amazing."

" Would you like for me to procure one of these for us?"

" No , actually I've been pondering on that. I know I haven't spoken about my father much. Mostly that was because it always bothered Mother if his name was mentioned, but since all this has happened. I can't stop thinking about him. Once things calm down, I would like to head out to the western sector and see if the family estate is still standing. If it is, I would prefer to live there. The Priestesses ' fortress was designed to be a place of worship, celebration, and healing for our people. It was not built to be a permanent dwelling. The priestesses that resided in those walls were supposed to be learning the ways of the healers, but under my mother's leadership things changed drastically for everyone.

" My father's home was the ruling center for Xuias for generations and if my memory is correct, it's a huge building. However , I was quite young when we left and I have no idea what condition it was left in, or if it survived Mount Caldera's wrath. What are your thoughts about that? Where do you see our future, OrO ?"

" Zura , I will continue to say this to you until it sinks in. Where you are, I am. If you wish to rebuild your family's residential palace, then it will be done. Since it's a brick-and-mortar dwelling, it'll take longer to restore to its previous glory, if damaged greatly. However , the rebuilding will be good for our people and it will provide jobs in areas where the destruction has destroyed so much. As you know, first hand, Orcs get into trouble when they have idle hands. Now quit distracting me with this delectable body of yours. I need to go."

Kissing Zura gently, I head out the door. The quicker I get my people settled, the less time I will have to spend away from her. Glancing back, I see her staring off at nothing, her face sad. " Come to me," I growl out.

She jerks at the sound of my voice, but walks to me quickly. Placing a finger under her chin, I force her to look up. " This too shall pass. In a few risings, our people will be settled and a plan will be in place for the future. You do not have to figure all of this out in a single rising. Push your fears away and be my Zura , who was never afraid of anything."

" The female you are referring to was only responsible for herself. I don't know how to be fearless with others."

" Your heart and your courage is what makes others follow you so easily, Zura . Just be you and this will all work itself out." A huge bang echoes outside this dwelling and the floor shakes.

" OrO !"

" I must go. That , I believe, was MeK . I will see you this darkness." Zura's laughter is all I hear as I run out the door.