Page 51

She sat up. “Human manual?”

“Yes. Your bodies have specific points for arousal. Working them in the correct order is important.”

“So, somewhere out there, there is a Hmrain making an instruction manual?”

He grinned. “His name is Isuul, and he likes researching new species.”

“Right. Of course.” She stretched. “Well, I think your body is finished its deposit, so I am going to grab a shower and then eat. If we are going to have this happen again, I need to keep my strength up.”

He grinned and gripped her hips, helping her up and off. Surprisingly, nothing else was emerging. He held her as he sat up, and she remembered in that moment what he was. He held her against him and walked over to the enormous bathing room.

When they were under the spray of water, he asked her a question, and she started laughing. When they dried off, she answered, “Yes, I can make some akko.”

He chortled happily, and they got dressed in long black robes that were surprisingly a proper size.

He took her hand, kissed it, and walked her down to the kitchen. She checked the ingredients, nodded, and went to work. She made the dressing and shredded the akko with a knife. After she tossed them together, she set the bowl aside and got some meat. She grilled on the flat top of the oven and seasoned as she went.

“Are there preferred ways to consume food for your people?”

“Preferred, yes. Healthy, no.”

“What?”

“Stalls like the one I have at the dock are famous for oily, deep-fried foods. I love deep-fried foods.” She sighed and kept checking the doneness before applying a small bit of oil and grilling the fish.

Five minutes later, there were two plates, one loaded with food and one with a normal serving.

They were sitting at the table and eating when a familiar voice said, “Oh, good. I thought it was going to take time. Is there any more akko?”

Yvari walked in. She grinned and got a plate, taking the items from the grill that wouldn’t fit on Hazor’s plate. The akko went onto her plate, and she wasn’t going to give it up. She sat with them and grinned. “You are both looking flushed with health.”

“Overseer, that is not what you are seeing.”

She laughed. “I know. You should have seen Mathon after our bonding. He was worried it was either going to fall off or never relax. When my fluids entered through his body, he was very uncomfortable for a few days.”

Hazor blinked. “Oh. That is not something he ever shared with me.”

“He was embarrassed at the time, but now he is off having a playdate at the lab.”

“I am sure my father is happy to look over biological samples with him.”

“It is both of your parents. Elspeth has insights into things you want for your people, your community.” She used the fork and ate some of the akko with a smile.

“We want to integrate, so we are going to have an open party for any and all folks in the city. We also are looking to create a museum about our village. We have roots. They are broken, but they are still there.”

Yvari smiled. “I like that. I also like the pub. It is open to all?”

“It is as long as folks behave. Its name means public house.”

“And the Fired and Iced?”

“Bess and Molly. We gained enhancements during the time after and used them to protect our family and then our community. I hid food and managed to make it stretch to feed everyone, no matter how many showed up. If anyone tried to help themselves to the food stores, they were dissuaded.”

Yvari nodded. “That is what your parents said. You are psychotically protective of your people and resources.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet.” She kept eating.

Hazor nodded. “Will you tell me about it?”