First Forest - Viola Grace Page 0,25
of buildings that will be required in the next few years as the population expands. It would be an excellent time to modernize some ancient designs gently.”
The woman’s eyes flared, and then, she was wary. “How do you know I won’t just make a play for the honourable Kiloh when I get there? You aren’t exactly formally married.”
Abiha turned her neck to show the stag design. “When he brands this into your skin, then and only then, will I worry.”
A dark figure stood at her side. She blinked and did a double-take. “Priest Garo.”
“A little dramatic, weren’t you?” His gaze was amused.
She blushed. “It got the point across while making me look like a saint. Kiloh can take a few hits to the reputation.”
“Yes, I am sure he can. Are you enjoying the party?”
Abiha looked around at the elegant idiots who were getting wasted. “It is lacking a certain calm charm.”
Priest Garo leaned in and murmured, “Would you like to return home?”
She looked up and nodded. “I think that would be best. I have said enough for this visit.”
He leaned in, and Professor Linkman gasped, “A priest, Professor Nahe? Really? I thought you were married.”
Garo stood up and morphed into the full aspect of Kiloh, over seven feet tall and complete with horns. He was only wearing loose trousers, which matched the effect he was after.
The party went silent.
Kiloh picked her up and kissed her deeply, and her embarrassment soon fell away as she lost herself with him. When he leaned back, he smiled, and his voice rumbled out, “My mate and I will be returning to the forest. I look forward to your applications. She is ushering a new phase to my cooperation with your people.”
He carried her out of the party while folks used their personal devices to take images. It was the first time in centuries that the creature of the first forest had been seen in the city, and the speculation as to whether he would return was just getting started.
Abiha watched the new candidates being greeted by the elders. She had been ordered to remain apart from them, just in case any of them were trying to infiltrate her own household.
Lebai sidled up to her and asked, “Doesn’t it bother you, having to keep yourself away from the new ones?”
She looked at her first recruit. “Yes and no. I understand. They have to be cut off from ties to the outside world for full immersion to take place. You were the same.”
“Yeah, but I was still watching for glimpses of you and sacred Kiloh. I could not figure out how you worked strictly from a physical perspective.”
Abiha chuckled. “And when you learned that he gets smaller for me, in defiance of all jokes to the contrary? Not every guy could lose eighteen inches and still satisfy a lady.”
Lebai laughed brightly. Her marriage to the drummer, Urado, had been a lovely affair. They were expecting their first child to arrive after her first building design was completed.
Abiha smiled, and they walked down to the seasonal market together. Lebai looked at her. “So, when are you going to have one of these little ones of your own?”
“About seven months.” Abiha looked at one of the new apple species that was being tested, and she purchased three.
Lebai paused. “What?”
“Seven months. Give or take. I can’t be sure with his species and mine matching up and making friends in there.” She wandered over to the baked goods and looked for her favourite pastries.
She wandered from shop to shop with a heavily pregnant Lebai following her around.
When she finally stopped and started snacking on the rice balls, she offered one to Lebai. “Want one? I bought extras.”
“I can’t believe you are pregnant!” She lowered her voice. “Does Kiloh know?”
“I hope so; he was there when it happened.” Abiha chuckled. “Yes, he knew before I did. He watches my cycles.”
“Wow. Creepy and intelligent.”
“And tall and scary.”
“Who is tall and scary.” His voice from behind her made Lebai flinch.
Abiha turned and stroked his cheek. “You are, beloved. Just the way I like you. Do we need anything else for the picnic?”
“I have a flask of tea. Are we ready?”
She nodded. “We are ready.”
He gathered her carefully and lifted her, bending his knees before launching them toward the ancient trees. They were going to have a picnic above the forest. Just Abiha, Kiloh, and the life they had created. She was hoping for a boy, a girl, or something that could hold its