Page 2 of I Married A Syllen

“Greetings, brother Mares,” I repeated this time in the off-worlder language called Universal.

To my relief, he appeared to understand that one. Considering how long we had been dormant, I feared that language might not have been shared with other strangers. I didn’t like it too much. It wasn’t as colorful or as visual and evocative as our own.

“My name is Taelen. I am the Thesh of the Drossara tribe.”

“Greetings, Taelen,” Mares replied, his voice thick with emotion. “As you clearly know, I am Mares Heixina, Utzac Edocit from Zailia.”

“Utzac Edocit… Is that your title or species?” I asked with genuine curiosity.

“It is my species,” he replied with an almost nervous chuckle.

“You’re so different and yet so similar to my people,” I said wistfully as I examined him from head to toe.

He nodded with a smile. “Right. Our veris work the same, and your yevins are similar to ours. Sadly, I cannot breathe underwater as you do,” Mares said sheepishly.

“That’s unfortunate. But do your antlers have a function? Do they help you with directions?” I asked.

He snorted and shook his head. “No. They have no function other than aesthetic and as a tool for courtship. Big antlers are considered attractive for my people and a sign of strength.”

“It makes sense,” I said, reaching a hand to feel the texture of its wood.

Although he didn’t recoil or pull away from my touch, Mares stiffened. I froze without completing my gesture, my hand still held up as I gave him a questioning look.

“Something wrong?” I asked.

He gave me an embarrassed look. “You’re not supposed to touch other people without first asking permission. For most off-worlder species, it is deemed rude.”

I yanked my hand back, stunned by that revelation. “Apologies. I meant no offence.”

He smiled reassuringly.

“I know. No offence taken. It just took me by surprise.”

“My people are very physical,” I said pensively. “We touch all the time without even thinking about it. It is comforting. Touch also expresses affection and trust. In this instance, it was curiosity and trust.”

“It honors me that you should feel trust towards me,” Mares said shyly.

“Mother spoke greatly of you. She said how you watched over us,” I said, although my gaze kept flicking back to his antlers. “May I touch?”

He laughed and then nodded. Under different circumstances, I’d be embarrassed to be acting like an overly eager youngling discovering something new. But his antlers and hair genuinely fascinated me.

“Crayek, it’s so soft and polished,” I whispered to myself, before dropping my hand.

“Thanks,” Mares replied, once more seeming shy, which I found adorable. “I realize you just awakened and probably have a lot of responsibilities to tackle. We don’t want to intrude or trespass. It’s just that we’ve waited so long for this day. I first discovered your existence nearly four decades ago, and it’s a tremendous honor to finally meet one of you. We only came because the Mothers granted us permission to come here.”

“You are kindred and a brother,” I replied in a self-evident manner. “It is appropriate for you to come here. However, you said we. Who else are you referring to, or is my Universal faulty?”

“It’s not faulty at all,” Mares swiftly replied before casting a brief glance over his shoulder at the mountain range. “My friend Kayog is here as well.”

I blinked, my mind racing with a strong sense of recognition. And then it hit me.

“I know that name. Does it not belong to the feathered and bird-headed male?” I asked.

Mares chuckled and nodded. “Yes. Kayog is a Temern.”

“Where is he?” I asked, my eyes scanning the mountain for any signs of another person.

“He stayed back over the ridge to avoid overwhelming you,” Mares explained. “He was the first to make me and many others aware that your species was still alive, just dormant. He brought me and our mates to the chamber thirty-seven years ago. After he introduced me to your people, I asked to be in charge of the protection of your lands and legacy until your return.”