Chapter Two #3
“Unfortunately, Ithal linked to my mind when I was getting him to safety. He learned everything, but he can’t process it through anything but emotion, so we just avoid the Hyreno and their greedy minds. You know... so no one dies.”
Ithal sighed.
Techor nodded and sat up with Drin’s help. She was cleaning the blood from him. “I saw that. I appreciate the restraint you have shown.”
Salmet started chuckling. “It figures that she would be able to put a judge on the floor in a room full of actives and he would thank her for it.”
Alody smiled at her son. “It’s part of my charm.”
He smiled. “I had some fluffy cake with sprinkles, but can we go home and have pudding?”
“Yeah, we can. It seems you have a few days off school, so tomorrow is a goof-off day.”
Shisha looked at her. “Um, Alody, can you take Vaken as well? I have two showings tomorrow.”
Vaken looked up hopefully. “Can I come over?”
Ithal looked at her, and she groaned. “Sure. I will send Morwithel a message and take the rest of the week.”
Ekron and Drin looked up. She asked, “Morwithel?”
“Yeah, I am the one who makes those difficult-to-tear lace-up dresses for metabolics.”
Drin blinked. “You make my dresses?”
“Some of them. Yes. Not the ones Evali makes, but then, she and I have always had different tastes.”
Ekron blinked. “You know my mother?”
“Well, I was more familiar with your father, but that was a long time ago. Before you were born.”
His whisper was hoarse. “How old are you?”
“Older than I look. Not as old as Aluhara.” She looked at Klauz. “About his sisters’ age.”
Ithal was going limp against her. She said softly, “Right. I am going to call a car and get Ithal to sleep. Sorry, Vaken. No sleepover tonight.”
Vaken was leaning against his mother. “It’s okay. We can do something tomorrow?”
“Sure. We can go to one of the playparks.”
He grinned.
Alody wiggled to her feet, and Salat said, “We will take you home.”
She paused, looked at everyone gathered, and then nodded. “Please. Everyone, it was nice catching up with you. Klauz, congratulations on not being a weird food-obsessed weirdo. Yes, I used weird twice, and you know why. I still can’t face pretzels.”
He laughed, and his grin didn’t fade as she followed Salat and Khytten after they had kissed Salmet. She carried Ithal to the elevator, and they headed down to the war machine again. She gave Salat her address, and he smiled as she buckled Ithal into one of the harnesses.
Salat drove to the suburb that she called home, just fifteen minutes from downtown. The house was nice, normal, and fully paid off. Her house was on a triple lot, but that was also standard for the neighbourhood. There were a lot of nearby actives, and they needed space.
Salat watched her ease Ithal into her arms again. “I can carry him.”
She smiled. “I can manage him. I carried your heavy ass, and I can carry him.”
Khytten asked, “You really babysat him?”
“I really did. He was about the same age as Ithal is now.”
“What was he like?”
“Fast. Really fast.” She chuckled. “Torenne kept wearing my shoes.”
Khytten covered her mouth and giggled. “My feet are too small, or she would try it with me.”
“Good night to both of you. I am on mom time, and this is a little late for me. I have to take two kids to a playpark tomorrow. I need my strength.”
Khytten walked with her. “Did you really make those lace-up dresses for Drin?”
“Yup.”
“Can you make something for me?”
“I can, and I have some ideas, but Morwithel is my boss, and you would have to go through the shop.”
“You have money.”
“I saved money. I did sketchy shit for money. I earned money.” She smiled. “I am sure I will see you soon. Salmet has always been the dinner-party type, and Riko keeps trying to poke into my brain. He never likes what he finds. Now I can actually knock him on his ass.”
“You got stronger?”
“No, I am no longer registered in the capitol.” She looked at Khytten. “How long have you and Salat been married?”
“Um, we aren’t. I am registered with the capitol and have a criminal history here.”
“Do you want that fixed?”
“Yes. Do you know how?”
She paused at her door. “Get Zera to call Caska. Tell her that Alody is back in town and will vouch for you. She will make the paperwork happen. She can make you an Aksallan citizen in a few weeks.”
“Great. Nelith is my kids’ other grandma, so all we are missing is the wedding. Salat tries to make up for it in very creative ways, but I would rather be a whole legal person, you know?” She smiled and frowned. “Wait, how did you know?”
“Oh, I have ancient ways.” Alody opened her door. “You are very much in love with a lot of kids and no wedding rings. I did the math and know how strict Aksalla is. Okay, I will talk to you later.”
Khytten smiled softly. “Good night, Alody.”
“Good night, Khytten. Thanks for the ride.”
“Not the first time I have heard that today.” Khytten touched Alody’s shoulder and walked down the sidewalk toward Salat and the heavy vehicle.
Alody closed the door and activated the security system.
Time to get her little man into his jammies.