Grim (Tornians #1)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Lisa finds she's once more sitting in the Assembly of Lords and while the circumstances are different, the feeling of the room is the same, anticipation. Not for a Joining Ceremony, for Wray has dissolved that but because today two new Houses will be born, two new Lords named. It's been over two hundred years since one new House was named let alone two.

Turning, she looks to make sure the others have settled. It's been a busy week, getting to know these women. Each was so different, with different needs and fears that she tried to address. Kim had helped and to her surprise Lady Isis.

Lisa had insisted that all the members of House Luanda eat evening meal together, so they could get to know Grim. It had been much like the meal with his warriors at first, stiff and quiet but finally they all relaxed, asked questions, and seemed satisfied with the answers.

Now they all sit proudly in the House Luanda area, wearing the coverings Wray had ordered made for them before Joinings and capes symbolizing they were under the protection of the King of Luda. Looking to Rebecca, she sees her friend is pointedly ignoring Cullen who stands next to her chair. She suddenly realizes he's always been near her, even on the Searcher he'd stayed close. When she'd been injured, he carried her to medical, never leaving her side. Seeing her sneak a quick look at Cullen, Lisa raises an eyebrow, Rebecca rolls her eyes but blushes. Looking from Cullen to Rebecca, Lisa can't help but smile as she faces forward. It seems Cullen has set his sights on Rebecca and she's going to make him work for it.

The announcement of the Emperor's arrival has the Assembly rising to see the entrance of Wray, Kim, and Princess Destiny in her mother's arms. Many lean forward for a better look at the newest princess, for the Emperor to allow her to be seen is unexpected. Kim stands proudly next to Wray, shifting Destiny slightly, so all can get a better view before Wray puts a hand at her elbow, assisting her to sit.

Wray's gaze travels slowly around the Assembly, taking in the changes. House Bertos and House Reeve have been emptied, leaving no evidence of those who once ruled from there. Several Houses have been moved closer to him, others further away, an outward show of his appreciation for their support. House Rigel is one such House, it now sits directly next House Luanda and he sees that Lady Isis sits next to Lord Oryon, instead of behind, nodding he shows his approval of the change.

"Lords, warriors, Tornians. Today we present to you our daughter, Princess Destiny." He looks at her and smiles. "No longer will we hide our daughters away, never to be seen like some type of 'possession'. She will have the freedom to learn and experience life but that does not mean she won’t be protected, as all our females will be, even if that means they are protected from us, for I've come to believe that we have become the greatest threat to our females. Steps will need to be taken so more females become available but that is not a discussion for today. Today two new Lords will be named, two new Houses created and I demand everyone here assist them as they make the Etruria Region and Planet Vesta strong, proud, honorable Houses again."

Silence meets the Emperor's decree. Grim stands placing his arm across his chest, bowing. "House Luanda pledges to support and assist whatever males the Emperor deems worthy to be Lords."

"House Rigel pledges to support and assist whatever males the Emperor deems worthy to be Lords." Lord Oryon stands bowing to the Emperor. Wray waits until every House has pledges their support before continuing.

"My gratitude, my Lords, for not only for your support but the wisdom you have given me in these trying days. I've listened to your suggestions on who should be chosen and why. I've consulted not only with my advisors but with the Empress as she sees things from a unique viewpoint that I have come to rely on." He looks around the Assembly seeing he has shocked many. "That being said the final decision is still mine and mine alone. We will start with the Lord of Planet Vesta."

"Vesta is an important planet as most of you know." Wray looks to the females in Grim's area as he continues. "The planet has rich fertile soil that produces vast and varied amounts of food that helps sustain planets that are less productive. Its Lord needs to be strong enough to protect his people, efficiently use his resources, and still being able to understand the needs of those requesting help. I've found one or the other of these traits in many. However, there is only one, I believe, possesses both. He has served his current Lord well enough for him earn not only the right to go on the Searcher but to be chosen for the Joining Ceremony. Warrior Cullen,” Wray turns to face House Luanda.

“Present yourself."

Grim and Lisa turns in shock when Cullen's name is announced, finding he is even more shocked than they are. Rebecca’s mouth drops open as she turns to stare at the male she’s been busily ignoring.

“Sire?” Cullen questions hoarsely. He hadn’t requested this honor, hadn’t believed himself worthy and then there is Rebecca, his eyes move to her.

“You are my choice Cullen. Do you refuse your Emperor?”

“Never Majesty!” Cullen stiffens at the accusation. He would ever refuse his Emperor.

“Then take your place Lord Cullen, House Nizer will now reside next to House Rigel.”

“Yes majesty.” With a last, look at Rebecca, Cullen turns. His eyes go to Grim and he bows as a Warrior, one last time, to the male that’s brought him to this point, his King. Grim returns the bow, showing all his respect for Cullen. Turning, Cullen leaves House Luanda, moving to create his own. Stricken eyes follow Cullen’s departure before they go blank and Rebecca stiffly faces forward.

All wait as Cullen takes his place in the area next to House Rigel. Lord Oryon turns giving him a slight bow, acknowledging his change in status, for it is the bow given to an equal, not a warrior. Cullen returns the bow.

“My next choice was much more difficult.” Wray continues.

“The Etruria Region is vital to the Empire, with its vast mineral resources that power the Empire, many still untouched.” Lisa realizes Wray is again explaining this for them.

“Once it was under the rule of the Emperor but many centuries ago it became apparent that to properly manage these resources another needed to be in charge, therefore a new House was created.”

“The reign of Bertos has caused great harm and I alone carry that blame.” He hears the Assembly gasp.

“It is the Emperor’s responsibility to make sure his people are cared for properly, it is what an Emperor does.” He pauses, looking at Carly before continuing.

“That Bertos was able to influence honorable warriors so severely that they would kill, that not one of these warriors felt they could come to me, is unacceptable. It breaks every trust, the one between warriors, between them and their Lord, between a warrior and their Emperor. It must be rebuilt. To do this an exceptional warrior is needed. One whose honor has never been questioned, whose loyalty to the Empire is undeniable. He has to have the ability to correct the damage Bertos has caused to the warriors in his care, for there is no doubt he has harmed them. I have been informed that it mattered not how a warrior succeeded in Bertos’ House, only that he did.” This causes a stir of discontent in the Assembly.

“This must be corrected. There is only one male I believed could do this…” The Assembly holds its breath.

“That is until he refused me.” Everyone gasps in disbelief. Who would refuse to rule the most powerful House in the Empire? Wray holds up his hands to silence the Assembly.

“I hold no ill will towards Lord Oryon for refusing me.” All eyes turn to House Rigel to see Lord Oryon and Lady Isis, sitting as one, showing no regret.

“Lord Oryon believes he is not the right male for this task, that a younger male is needed to correct Bertos’ harm. He and Lady Isis are happy with their offspring on Rigel and have no desire to begin again. I find I can't argue with him. It is one of the reasons I wanted him for Etruria, for he will speak his truth in what he believes best for the Empire, even if it does not advance his own position. Something few have the fortitude to do. You have my respect and gratitude Lord Oryon.” Wray gives him a deep bow, something never done, shocking all, including Oryon.

“Lord Oryon’s self-sacrificing decision left me in a predicament." Wray continues. "I wanted one like him to rule Etruria. One that has his values, who understood his decisions affect more than just those he rules but the entire Empire. Bertos understood this and used it to cause harm. This will never be allowed again. I expect Etruria to become a shining example to every House for what is expected of them.”

“It is a large task I am assigning this male, to take on a House that has been destroyed by lies and deceit and retrain its warriors so they are honorable and worthy of being called Tornian.” Wray can see that many who had wanted this position are now shrinking away from what he will demand of them.

“It was then that I realized that Lord Oryon was correct, he is not the male I need, the male the Empire needs, and with this realization came the understanding that only one male could possibly compete with Lord Oryon.” Wray pauses dramatically, knowing he has everyone’s attention.

“Warrior Ynyr stand.” Wray orders and gasps are heard throughout the Assembly. Warrior Ynyr? Lord Oryon’s third male? No male so young has ever been named Lord, not even when replacing his own manno. Lady Isis spins in her chair to look at her offspring, her shock evident. Slowly Ynyr stands.

“You are my choice Warrior Ynyr, for you have been raised in your manno’s House, learning from him what truly makes an honorable male. You have two older and a younger brother, so you will understand what the warriors under Bertos rule have had to endure. You also have the specialized training, taught here at Torino that will be needed in Etruria. There is also the matter of you saving my life when Bertos could have ended it.” Kim gives Wray a sharp look. What is he talking about?

“Because of all these things I have chosen you to be the new Lord of Etruria but there is one condition I will make.”

“What is that majesty?” Ynyr voice is strong and clear revealing none of his shock or doubt he is the right male.

“Warrior Korin will be you second for the first year of your reign. He is familiar with the warriors and will be able to give you invaluable insight into those that can be redeemed. After that year, it will be your decision to either offer him a position in your House or allow him to move on. Can you live with that condition Warrior Ynyr?” All wait on bated breath for his response.

“I can live with that majesty, as long as if I find his work deficient, I may release him before the year is completed.” Ynyr looks to the male in question standing in the back of what was once House Bertos. Wray smiles at Ynyr’s guts, to negotiate with his Emperor. He is his father’s son.

“I can agree to that, since I am already denying King Grim’s request, that Korin be sent to Luda to complete his training as one of Queen Lisa’s Elite Guard.” Wray sees Korin’s shock, he hadn’t known of Grim’s request.

“Can you do that Warrior Korin? Support a new Lord in the building of his House, for the betterment of the Empire?”

“Yes majesty!” Korin immediately replies, knowing he’s being given a second chance. Nodding Wray turns his attention back to Ynyr.

“Then Lord Ynyr, take your place in the Assembly of Lords.”

Lisa smiles as the girls run through the gardens of the female's chamber. Wray had excused the females from the Assembly once Ynyr had taken his place next to the Emperor.

Kim immediately took control of the chamber, asserting her authority as Empress. She made the women sit together, refusing to let the two groups distance themselves from each other. She forced them to introduce themselves, who their male was and where they were from. It was tense for several seconds until Lady Isis stood, doing as Kim requested then pointedly looked at a pale blue female next to her who slowly stood.

The midday meal was brought and as before it started out with silence but slowly, with the help of the girls and Isis, the two different groups began to talk. Without the negative influence from Risa, they discover they have more in common than anyone thought they would. Many of the females felt as Isis did, wanting to stay with their offspring but hadn't believed they could.

Kim promised them that she would look into this and that changes would be made, including allowing them contact with their offspring. It was going to take time for the two groups to learn to trust each other but today was a good first step.

Following the girls Lisa is surprised to see Abby sitting beside the wall, a hand resting on it, tears silently running down her cheeks.

"What's wrong?” Lisa is immediately at her side. She's grown very fond of the blonde girl. While only twenty, Abby has been on her own since sixteen, when her parents and younger brother were killed in an automobile accident. Since then she finished high school and was putting herself through college, all while working two jobs. One of which was working in the college library, it's where she'd been taken from.

"I...it's nothing."

"It certainly is your crying. What's happened?"

"I..." She touches the wall again, causing Lisa to frown. What's so special about this section of wall? Sitting down she realizes that the section is more thick plant growth than actual wall. She can't see or reach through it but she can hear voices on the other side.

“Abby, tell me.”

“When we first arrived here I was so scared, everything and everyone so different and then there was Risa…”

“She’s gone Abby. She can’t hurt you now.”

“I know but it was because of her that I’d come out here. She didn’t like it out here so I could escape her taunts.”

“She taunted you?”

“Me, Rebecca, everyone, even her own females. She was such a bitch.”

“Yes she was. So you came here.” Lisa prompted.

“Yea. I’d cry. I wanted to go home, not that there’s anyone there missing me but still…”

“I understand.”

“So I was crying one day and that’s when he talked to me.”

“Talked to you? Who? A guard?”

“I never knew. He was on the other side of the wall. He heard me crying and tried to calm me.”

“You weren’t scared of him after what Risa said?”

“No, for some reason I knew I was safe with him and then there’s the hedge here.”

“There is that.” Lisa assesses her.

“So you talked.”

“Yes, nearly every day. He told me about his life, I told him about mine. He answered my questions, asked many of his own.”

“You care about him.” Big blues eyes fill as they look at her.

“So much…” She whispers.

“Then we will find out who he is and he can come to Luda.” Lisa looks up to see Isis approaching.

“I’m sure Isis will help us discover who this male is.”

“What is wrong?” Isis asks looking from Lisa, as she’d insisted she call her, to the tiny female next to her. She is a beautiful creature with hair so light it’s nearly white, eyes of the deepest blue look at her with so much sadness that it breaks her heart.

“Abby is interested in a male.”

“That is a wonderful thing.” Isis smiles at her.

“No, it’s not.” Abby denies.

“But why?”

“Because once he sees me he won’t want me. Look at me!” She gestures down to her generous curves.

“What’s wrong with the way you look?” Lisa demands.

“You're beautiful.”

“I’m short. I’m fifteen pounds overweight and he’s gorgeous.”

“What? I thought you didn’t know who he was?”

“I didn’t. Not until he came and talked to Grim, I’d recognized his voice anywhere.” Lisa thinks back trying to figure out who Abby is talking about but there’d been so many males needing to talk Grim that she didn't have a clue.

“Why didn’t you just talk to him?”

“Because I saw the way he looked at you. Looked at Kim. I’m not anywhere close to what you two are.”

“Us? What are you talking about Abby?”

“Kim survived the Ganglians. You survived not only Grim but Luuken, I could never do that!” Lisa lets the Grim comment slide.

“Abby, when I was sixteen I was living at home with my parents. You were on your own, getting yourself to school plus supporting yourself. You are a survivor! You’ve survived being kidnapped, taken to an alien planet and didn’t let it break you. You’ve helped every woman here in some way. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you are always helping someone. You are so special.”

“But…Tornians don’t like short, fat girls.” She whispers.

“Fat! You are not fat!” Lisa immediately denies.

“You and I are the same weight!”

“Your three inches taller than me!” Abby fires back.

“Who told you this?” Isis asks softly, interrupting the two.

“Told me what?”

“What Tornian males want.”

“Risa.”

“There’s your answer then.” Isis tells her.

“She was jealous of you Abby. Risa knew every male would want you. You are soft and they crave that. You are small and it will make them even more protective of you. Then there is your hair, it is a color never seen here before and your eyes, they are the color of the Goddess’. Risa was right to fear you, for you will be much desired.”

Lisa and Abby look at Isis stunned.

“What? You think that just because I’ve only had one male I don’t know what they want. I do have four male offspring you know.”

Lisa can’t help but laugh.

“Isis, I have much to learn from you.”

“And I from you. I never knew resting with a male could be so…enjoyable.” She smiles before her attention returns to Abby.

“So who is this male? Trust me. He will be very pleased with you.”

“He’s going to be so busy now.” She whispers.

“He isn’t going to have the time.”

“Trust me, he will make the time for one such as you.”

“You’re sure?” Abby looks at her with hopeful eyes.

“Yes.” Isis assures her.

“What is his name?”

“Ynyr.” She whispers.

“His name is Ynyr.”

Isis’ hand flies to her throat.

“Ynyr. My Ynyr?”

“Your Ynyr? What do you mean?”

“Ynyr is my third offspring. He has just been named Lord.”

“Yes…”

“You’ve chosen one of mine…” Abby sees Isis’ eyes fill seconds before she’s engulfed in rose colored arms.

“My Ynyr will have a female…I will have a daughter…” Isis doesn’t try to hide her joy.

Wray frowns at the note he’s just been handed. Why do the females need to return to the Assembly? He knows Kim planned to confront the females, demanding that they start working together. It had worried him enough that he demanded two Guard stay in the female chamber with her, something never before allowed and she’d agreed. Now it seems something has happened.

Looking over the Assembly, he realizes they have accomplished everything they needed. Lord Callen and Lord Ynyr have been fully accepted by the Assembly. They will take warriors from every House to assist them in establishing their own. It is time to release the Assembly so that they may return home and adjust to the sudden changes.

Turning to reply to note he finds Kim entering their area, carrying Destiny. Frowning he realizes all the females are returning. He did not give his permission for this. Opening is mouth to convey this he shuts it at the look in his Kim’s eye. Something is definitely going on.

“Have you finished your male business?” Kim asks sitting down.

“Yes.” He raises an eyebrow at her comment.

“Good, then it is time for female business.” Stunned, he’s arms instinctively wrap around Destiny as she places her in his arms before standing to face the Assembly.

Grim spins around as the females under his protection enter his area. What are they doing here? How had they gotten here? Lisa just gives him a secretive smile as she and the girls sit.

“Lisa.”

“Yes?”

“How did you get here?” He’s eye fly to her Guard.

“Why we walked Grim.” She informs him teasingly.

“That’s not what I meant and you know it!”

“We were perfectly safe. All of us.” She gestures to the Assembly and he suddenly realizes all the females have returned.

“We’ve become aware of some female business that needs taken care of.”

“What?” Looking to their girls, he sees they’re smiling, before he can ask more the Empress speaks.

“Lords, warriors, Tornians.” Kim imitates Wray.

“Many changes have happened in the last week, changes that will take time to adjust too, such as a female addressing this Assembly. It is my duty as a Tornian, my right as your Empress, to see to it that every female is as happy with her male as I am with mine.” She gives Wray a loving look.

“That is why we have returned to this Assembly, for a female under King Grim’s protection, wishes to choose her male.” Kim sits and all eyes turn to House Luanda.

As Kim speaks, Lisa leans over to whisper in Grim’s ear, telling him what has happened. He looks at her in shock and she just shrugs.

“She loves him Grim. It seems you may have been right, that it isn’t just Vasteri males.” Her eyes cloud.

“She will be safe, won’t she?”

“Yes, my Lisa, Ynyr will make certain of it, we all will.”

"That's my cue." She tells him as Kim finishes speaking and stands.

Lisa slowly lets her eyes travel around the Assembly seeing she has everyone attention. "Empress Kim is correct. Abby,” She gestures and Abby stands.

"One of the females under King Grim's protection has found the male she believes worthy of her. Since the Emperor has dissolved the Tornian Joining Ceremony, we, your females, have decided a new tradition is needed, a blending of the two cultures if you will. On Earth, there is also a ceremony when a male and female decide to join. It is witnesses by the family and friends of both, showing they support the union. They face each other, vows are given, promises made. On Tornian, the female turns her back to the male, removing her cape and the male puts his own around her, signifying his willingness to care for and protect her." Lisa pauses.

"As Abby will be the first to choose her male here on Tornian it is her right to decide the ceremony and I believe she has chosen very wisely. Lady Isis if you, Lord Oryon, and your male offspring would present yourselves to the Assembly floor, House Luanda will join you there, so all can witness this joyous occasion."

Oryon shoots shocked eyes to his Isis. What is going on? The look she gives him is full of happiness and tears telling him that yes, one of their offspring has been chosen. But which one?

He looks from the three sitting behind him, seeing them quickly rise to their feet, to Ynyr sitting across from him, looking stunned. Which one has the Goddess blessed.

Knowing there is only one way to find out he rises, holding out his arm to Isis. As one, they move to the floor where Ynyr joins them.

Grim, Lisa and Abby stand on the floor of the Assembly, the other females, and Guard forming a semicircle behind them, showing they support Abby. Facing them is Oryon and his family.

"Two families now face one another." Lisa speaks. "Showing their support for the joining of a male and female, soon they will become one family, an Earth tradition. It is Abby's choice to also follow the Tornian tradition of her male covering her with his cape, surrounding her in his protection, blending the two traditions." Turning she gives Abby a fierce hug. "Are you sure?" She asks softly.

"Yes." She says softly causing Ynyr to stiffen. Nodding Lisa steps back looking to Grim.

"A request was made by this female for protection from House Luanda, a request I gladly granted. Abby now states she has found a male worthy of her and I agree.

She has chosen well. With this joining, House Luanda and House Rigel shall always be linked for Abby is a member of our family." Lisa nods at his side. "Abby, chose your male."

Ynyr can't believe this is happening. Is this Abby the female he spent so many hours talking too?

Her one word wasn't enough for him to be sure. He looked for her this past week, making up reasons to speak with King Grim, hoping to hear her so he could present himself to her.

If this is truly her, will she choose him? How would she know? He and his brothers resemble each other with greatly. What will he do if it is and she chooses one of them instead?

When she first stood, his breath had ceased. She was the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen.

Her shockingly white hair falling past her shoulders and her eyes so blue you knew the Goddess was gazing upon you.

She was so tiny that every protective instinct in him had risen up even as her lush curves called for him to sink into her, to find his release.

He'd forced himself to look away from her, shamed that another should appeal so strongly to him when he only wanted her. Could this amazing creature be her?

Isis slips her hand into Oryon's as Grim speaks. They stand behind their offspring, showing their support of this joining and while joy fills her heart for Ynyr, it weeps for the others, especially Ull her oldest, for he has already been rejected in the joining ceremony, to have it happen twice.

Oryon looks at her, the question in his eyes, she looks to Ynyr, answering.

Only she sees the flicker of emotion in her male's eyes before they return to Grim. She knows he is feeling the same as she, joy, and sadness.

Abby steps away from Grim, moving to House Rigel. She recognizes the first male, he'd been in the Joining Ceremony, and while he is handsome, he isn’t the male for her.

The next male is lighter in color than the first but still so similar they could almost be twins. The third is much younger than the other two, maybe even younger than she is.

His body isn’t as developed as the others are and his eyes, while serious, seem to hold a glint as if he finds all this fun and exciting. Then she’s in front of Ynyr.

He is even more handsome up close then from behind a plant. He, of all of them, is a blend of his parents.

Massive like his manno so you never doubt his strength but there is gentleness in his eyes, like his mother's, assuring her he'd never harm her.

There's no gentleness in those eyes right now, they bore into hers full of questions and desire, but is it for her? So much has happened to him this day will he accept her?

She wants to turn to Lisa, asking her advice but knows she can’t. Ynyr is now a powerful Lord. If she is to be his Lady then she must be able to stand, for him and herself.

“Hello Ynyr.” She speaks softly and watches his eyes widen.

“I’ve missed you.”

“Abby.” He closes his eyes as he says her name for the first time. Abby. His.

“My Abby.” The eyes that look into hers are blazing with possession and desire.

“If you want me…” She can’t keep the doubt out of her voice but she doesn’t look away.

Ynyr’s eyes narrow, he doesn’t understand why she would say such a thing, of course he wants her. Every male will want her she is beauty. He sees she’s waiting for his response. Finding he's unable to speak, he nods.

Still facing him Abby unties Grim's cape, letting it fall away along with his protection. As it does, she sees panic enter Ynyr’s eyes. What is wrong?

“I…” Ynyr looks to his hands. He carries no cape. He has yet to choose his House color.

“Here.” Isis steps to him, removing her own cape.

“Use this until you have your own.”

"Thank you mother." Ynyr gives her a grateful look and moves to claim his Abby.

"Stop!" The order freezes everyone. Abby spins around shocked that Lisa has stopped the ceremony. Grim frowns down at her.

"Lisa..."

"I have several demands to make before I can allow this." Lisa steps forward her eyes never leaving Ynyr. "I believe you to be worthy male Ynyr. If you weren't the Emperor would not have chosen you as a Lord, Grim would not have been willing to remove his protection, and Abby wouldn't love you." She begins. "But you know nothing of dealing with a female from Earth. I've been told we can be most 'irritating'." She looks to Grim, seeing the quirk of his lips, his Lisa isn't going to let him forget that comment. Alger coughs to cover his laugh. She returns her attention to the two before her.

"I realize your manno and mother have an unusual relationship at least by Tornian standards but you are still going to have questions. Questions your manno isn't going to be able to answer for he has no experience with Earth females. I ask that you contact either Wray or Grim when these questions arise." Ynyr eyes widen at the thought of contacting either of these males regarding this. What would they think of him?

"Misunderstandings will arise Ynyr." Lisa tells him softly. "Misunderstandings that can cause great harm when none was intended. Part of protecting Abby will be to make sure that doesn't happen and the only way to do that is to speak to those who been there. Isn't that how you became such a worthy warrior?" She tilts her head questioningly. "You listened and learned from those who came before you then applied what you learned. This is no different."

"My Lisa is correct Lord Ynyr. Much of what we've been taught and assumed does not apply to these females. I would be honored to share what I've learned with you, for the benefit of your female, if you find you have the need." Grim replies, realizing once again how blessed he is to have his Lisa, for she understands the Tornian male's pride.

"I too, Lord Ynyr, would be honored to assist you." Wray informs him.

"Can you do this Ynyr?" Lisa questions. "To protect Abby."

"I can do this." Ynyr immediately replies. Nodding Lisa looks to Abby.

"Abby you are going to have questions too. You will misunderstand things Ynyr does, for Tornian males are very different from ours. Which leads me to my final demand." Her eyes return to Ynyr. "I wish to be allowed to communicate with Abby, for her to be allowed to communicate with me. You will find that we are very social creatures Ynyr and enjoy interacting with both males and females." Abby is surprised when Ynyr frowns, Lisa speaks to males, why couldn't she? "It is our way and something you will have to work out, together. Abby will be questions that only another female will be able to answer for her. Problems only Kim and I will be able to help her with because we've both been in her position, being alone in a strange new world. What we can't help her with your mother can for not only does she know you she understands the Tornian way as way Kim and I don't. Can you agree to this Ynyr?

Ynyr looks from the Queen of Luda to his Abby. She is asking for his permission to make sure his Abby is happy, happy with him. She is trying to assist not only Abby but also him in making sure this joining is permanent. Something he realizes he greatly desires.

"Yes. I can agree to that."

Nodding Lisa steps back to Grim's side and Ynyr wraps his cape around Abby, pulling her close he feels his universe shift.

Lisa finds Rebecca standing in front to the view window, watching Tornian get smaller and smaller. She's wanted to talk to her since they boarded the Raptor. She's been too quiet since Abby and Ynyr's Joining Ceremony.

“Rebecca?” When she turns, Lisa sees the sadness in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, just thinking.”

“About Cullen?” Shock crosses Rebecca’s face before it’s quickly masked.

“Why would you say that?”

“Because you tried so hard to ignore him.” When Rebecca says nothing she tries again.

“He never left you side after Risa attacked you. He carried you to medical. Did you know that? He let no one but Hadar near you. He cares a great deal about you.”

“If he did he would have said something.”

“He is Tornian Rebecca. It’s up to the female to speak up. Why didn’t you?”

“Why would I? So he can abandon me again?”

“Abandon you? How did he do that Rebecca?”

“When we arrived on Tornian he just disappeared. No good-bye, nothing, just gone. I won’t go through that again.” Rebecca’s eyes take on a faraway look.

“What do you mean?”

“What?” She snaps back into herself.

“Nothing. It doesn’t matter.”

“But…”

“No Lisa, this is the way it should be. I was meant to be here to help you, to help Kim and eventually every other woman that conceives. That’s enough for me.”

“But…”

“It’s been a long day.” She cuts her off.

“I think I’ll go to bed. You’re okay?” She runs a critical eye over her friend, seeing that while she has a healthy glow she seems tired and who wouldn’t be after what she’d done today.

“I’m fine.”

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow.” Turning she leaves the room. Concerned eyes follow her only to widen when Grim steps from the shadows.

“You heard?”

“Yes.”

“What are we going to do?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing? What do you mean nothing?”

“She is not ready my Lisa. In your heart, you know this. Something has happened to her, making her unwilling believe in Cullen, to trust him. Until she can we can do nothing.”

“But…”

“My Lisa, if you had not trusted in me, believed in me, where would we be? If it is the Goddess’ wish that they become one then they will, we have to trust that.”

“Then I will pray to the Goddess Grim, that she can find a way to bring Cullen and Rebecca together, that she will find a worthy male for every female because I want everyone to be as happy as we are. To have what we have.”

“I will pray for that also my Lisa for every male deserves the blessings she has given me." He frowns, his voice becoming even gruffer. "As long as those blessings aren’t our daughters, for no male will ever be that worthy.”

Laughing Lisa slips an arm around Grim’s waist and together they walk to their chamber, neither seeing the sudden brightness of eleven stars as the Goddess responds to their prayer. As they fade three new stars are born of the purest light ever seen. What could that mean?