Haven 4 AVOW - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,102

or take one of two additional options. He is free to join a working produce farm as an equal partner.

To clarify, there have been several males who decided they wished to establish their own farms, free of female rule, with each having an equal ownership of the land and the profits. They are happily providing for themselves and the young ones they took with them from their prior females’ homes. The other option is even more unique to them. My father opted to hire other males to work our family farm. Only my father owns his farm, but each male is paid a fair wage. In return, they work daily, and are even offered housing if they’d like to take advantage of it. For my family farm it seems to be working well. In either circumstance these males understand they are responsible for their own lives. If they wish a female, fine, but they need no longer accept multiple husbands for one female if they don’t wish to. Some of the males in neighboring areas have spoken to him regarding their situation and the idea of working for fair wage and hoping for a single female and male family seems to be taking hold. Of course there will always be those who resist change and will never change their living situations, and that’s fine for them. We intended only to make it known that there are options for those who are unhappy with the old ways. Ph’eel’s household has been disbanded. All males were given the choices I’ve just outlined. Some have chosen to remain and look for a female to replace Ph’eel, one has requested employment from my family’s farm.

We are satisfied with the results we are seeing. At the very least we have made it clear that no male should have to continue to live a life as dictated by anyone — not even his female — as many thought they had no option to.”

“What of your brother?” Kol asked.

“Ko'San is serving time as a coerced accomplice in Sink Lar’s kidnapping. He will be freed in three months time. Because of the fact he came to me willingly, and refused to harm Sink Lar, I pled for leniency. It’s been granted. He will return to Eschina upon release, where he will take employment on the family farm and raise his young ones. His young ones are currently with my father until his release.”

“I am happy that all seems to have played out better than expected. Even happier that the males of Eschina now have choices,” Zha Tahl said.

“As am I,” Lo'San agreed. “Thank you for your support as we instituted these changes.”

“You are most welcome, General Lo'San,” Zha Tahl said.

“Is there anything else that needs to be addressed?” Zha Tahl asked.

“I see no point in delaying our news any longer,” Quin said. He looked to his left and reached for Vivi’s hand. Vivian looked at Quin and offered him a shaky smile before placing her hand in his. Quin kissed her knuckles then rested his hand still grasping hers on the table top for all to see as a sign of their unity. “For those who are not aware, General Lo'San and his female are expecting their first youngling. We share in their excitement of the impending birth.

Their path was not an easy one, and was in fact the catalyst for a change in our lives as well. While watching the medical treatments Synclare underwent, it became a subject for much discussion between Vivi and myself. We have never considered having younglings. It was not possible because of physical scarring that precluded any chance of conception. I knew this from the moment she was first healed when arriving on Command Warship 1. Vivi knew as well, but we didn’t spend a moment thinking of it. We had one another, that was all that mattered.

But, watching Synclare and Lo'San gave us hope. Vivi decided to undergo procedures to remove and rebuild the damage her body had borne. She is healed. We are healed. Successfully so. I am happy to give each of you the news that we are expecting our first youngling as well.”

Congratulations, cheers, squeals from Eula, and hugs from Rokai who jumped up and rounded the table to hug and kiss Vivi, and grumbles from Quin as he tried unsuccessfully to push Rokai away before he landed a big kiss on his cheek, causing everyone to laugh filled the room.

After all was again quiet, Quin continued. “As