11. Stromm
11
STROMM
The next morning, Jill-ee-un and Remmel are already at the community firepit when I arrive at suns rise. They are seated on a thick log and eating breakfast. Her round belly is prominent, her posture slightly tilted to accommodate the weight of her growing kit.
The air is dewy and crisp, the Rakui tea I accept from Rykana warm and aromatic. I help myself to a plate of cold gryzen and banan fruit before joining them.
Jill-ee-un grins when she sees me. “Well, well. Look who showed up early for weapons training.”
“I have much to do this day. Might as well start early.”
“My mate tires easily,” Remmel says. “You must learn quickly so she can rest. Zeleck tells me that shooting a gun is not hard.”
“It’s not,” Jill-ee-un confirms as she pops a piece of fruit into her mouth. “Point, aim, fire. Easy.”
“It is making the decision to learn that is hard,” I admit.
Remmel nods, understanding. “You will get used to fighting a different way.”
How could he know this? The answer is: he cannot. “How many lessons will I need?”
Jill-ee-un shrugs. “Just one. But it’ll take some practice to feel comfortable with the weapon. You won’t need my help for that.”
I am not sure I will ever be comfortable wielding something other than a knife or sword.
“We saw you talking to Emily last night,” Jill-ee-un says. “Didn’t look like it went well. What happened?”
“I told her that too much skin was showing, and that she did not need attention from other males.”
Remmel shakes his head. “Terran females do not like being told what to do or what they need. It is no wonder she stomped away from you.”
“That is not why she left,” I say. “She asked me if I changed my mind about being alone for now.”
“What did you say?” Remmel asks.
“Nothing.”
Jill-ee-un smacks my arm, spilling my tea. “So, you acted like a jealous ass. And when she showed you a little vulnerability, you left her hanging?”
“Saying nothing is much worse than saying the wrong thing,” Remmel says. “You should have told Em-uh-lee how you felt.”
“Listen to my experienced mate,” Jill-ee-un says, grinning. “He’s learned all his lessons the hard way.”
I feel like they are having a conversation that is separate from me and wonder if that is what having a mate is like. “How do I fix things with her?”
“First,” Remmel says, “you must admit to being wrong.”
Jill-ee-un leans in, whispering loudly, “Admit to being a jealous ass.”
Remmel nods. “First, you must admit to being a jealous ass. Then, you must tell her how you feel.”
I frown, turning the words over in my mind. Was it jealousy that wanted Em-uh-lee’s skin covered for all eyes except mine? Because I still see her as mine…even though I was the one who pushed her away.
“What if I feel unworthy of being her mate?”
“Tell her that,” Remmel says. “Then explain what you are doing to regain your worth.”
“But also tell her how you feel about her, ” Jill-ee-un adds. “Let her into your heart.”
When I nod, Jill-ee-un claps her hands together. “Now that that’s settled, let’s get this weapons training over with so you can mend things with your future mate.”
Before we can leave, Rykana approaches, her long braid swinging across her back. “I heard you agreed to be a gatherer, Stromm.”
I grunt. “I agreed to try.”
“There are a few things I need in the foothills, higher on the cliff than a Terran female can reach. Will you be going out soon?”
“Later this day. I will come and see you before I leave.”
Rykana nods approvingly. “Good. I will watch for you.”
“See?” Jill-ee-un says when Rykana is gone. “You’re already useful again.”
I scowl, but some of the tension in my chest eases.
Jill-ee-un stands and stretches. “I need to grab one of the laser guns from the weapons cave, but shooting practice needs to be done away from the village.”
“We will go toward the South Caves. I can check on Gee-uh’s progress with my holster while we are there.”
By the time we reach the South Caves, the suns have warmed the air, and Jill-ee-un’s cheeks are pink from exertion.
“Are you well?” I ask.
She pats her belly. “I’m fine. Just a little winded from the extra weight.”
Gee-uh’s voice carries from inside. Then, Lukka’s voice responds to her.
Jill-ee-un glances at me. “Lukka, huh? Gia’s been spending a lot of time with him lately.”
“He likes to help her in the workshop,” I say.
“I’ll bet he does.” Jill-ee-un waggles her brows, a facial expression I do not understand. When we see the two workers bent over a project on the workbench, she murmurs, “Interesting.”
I do not know what is interesting about two people working on a project, yet maybe Jill-ee-un knows something I do not.
Gee-uh looks up and waves. “Perfect timing.” She holds up the wide belt-holster, giving us a satisfied smile. “Check it out.”
I step forward, and she and Lukka work together to fasten it around my waist. The leather is thick yet soft, covering my abdomen without restricting much movement and sitting low on my hips. The adjustable straps ensure a snug fit.
On one side is a sheath for a blade. On the other, a holster for the shooting weapon.
I test the access, gripping the empty space where the weapons will soon sit. “This is very good. Excellent, even.”
Jill-ee-un agrees. “What a great design. You two make a good team.”
Gee-uh shrugs, but there is a slight pinkness to her cheeks.
Lukka grunts, adjusting one of the straps. “This was Gee-uh’s idea. She deserves all the credit.”
“Not all the credit,” Gee-uh argues. “You suggested adding the knife sheath.”
Jill-ee-un laughs. “You both deserve the credit.” She removes the gun from her pack and hands it to me. “See how it fits.”
Turning it over in my hands, I slide it into the spot on the belt. “The fit seems just right.” I draw and re-holster it a few times, pleased by the ease of movement.
My chest swells with quiet pride. I now have a way to protect my belly—and my mate—should danger arise. The knowledge settles over me like a warm fur, giving me the comfort and confidence to take the next steps in my journey.
Learn how to shoot the weapon, so I can ask Em-uh-lee to be mine, forevermore.