“Of course.”
Orex leaned toward her.“Will you help me train Bron?”
“Of course.”
He chuckled.“Well then, I think the bipeds need dinner.And your siblings.”
Zelda took his hand, and they walked with their little friends keeping up as they made their way to the dining room.
Zoey and Zani were impressed and a little wary of the kittens with three eyes and two tails.The yendal curled up by their feet as dinner was served.
Orex asked casually, “So, Zelda, how long have you seen animal thoughts?”
“Since I was five.Aretta can do it as well, but she needs more practice.Maki is going to be her first friend to communicate with.”
Zoey and Zani looked at Zelda.“You talk to animals?”
“I am talking to you, too; it is not extraordinary.It got easier when there was less population.”She sighed.“Though asking the deer which one of them wanted to die was very unpleasant.”
Zoey paused.“Oh, damn.”
“Some of them wanted to sleep.They couldn’t find food.The lack of humans was nice.”
Zelda smiled.“Don’t worry, it isn’t a casual thing.I have to do it deliberately.It just made hunting easier.Creepy, right?”
Dinner was put down, and she smiled and nodded to her server.Aretta did the same.She watched her, and when Orex looked at his meal and then Zelda’s, he pulled her plate over next to his and lifted her onto his lap.He took a forkful and held it for her.
Zelda blushed a little but opened.He fed her, caressed her cheek, and kissed her temple.Aretta giggled, and the other two smiled, but Zelda was fed slowly, and then Orex fed himself.They were still done before the other three.
Zelda sighed.“Aretta, this is considered traditional seating if you have a Hmrain.It’s a demonstration of manners, conduct, and care with their contracted consorts.”
Orex chuckled.“That is a summation.We also do this when there are other males about who are looking for partners.It indicates that she is protected.As for tonight, I am just practicing.”
She looked at him and blushed.“Oh, right.”
Aretta blinked.“What?”
Zelda chuckled.“The brother or sister who is currently a speck.Orex is saying he will feed the baby at the table so I can eat.”
Aretta grinned.“I can help.”
Zoey smiled.“If we are still here, we can help, but I do need to go and visit Trin.I will have to swing by Aten, or Cori could meet us at Sanctuary Base.”
“Cori is...”Zelda asked.
“Related to Trin.Half-sisters.They have an older sister named Isolde.Do you remember that music blast memorial?”
“How could I forget?”
“Isolde did that.”
“Whoa.”
Zani nodded.“Yup.Whoa.”
Zelda frowned.“What do you think made the mental difference?Nature or nurture.”
They settled in to discuss whether stress could have been the motivator.Zelda participated until she saw that Aretta was nodding in her seat.“I will be right back.I just need to take her to bed.”