Ozanna
Iwatched from the gardens as Lhoris greeted his family. He looked so relieved to see them. Silly elf, so worried over nothing.
There weren”t as many children in the courtyard these days since spring planting was well underway and Emma had been good to her word about hiring people to help with the children. I, with assistance, would often herd them all down to the community gardens to help with the work there. It was good for Oshruli to learn along with his friends and contribute to the community.
The younger children were guided by the older ones, who were guided by the matrons and miserably pregnant mothers. The caregivers helped in whatever way they could. I didn’t have much to contribute to the process, so I watched over them all, like I’d done for almost two decade”s worth of travelers. Though with a bow and arrows instead of blades.
I picked up my bow and quiver and called the children together after their play. There were always other guardsmen about to look out for the people. My absence, like my presence, was inconsequential to anybody’s safety these days. Pretending otherwise just made me feel better. I called Oshruli over to take my hand and let the caregivers usher the small group down to the gate that led to the garden. The children scampered down to their families, and I turned to take Oshruli to meet my … what, in-laws?
“Where are we going, mama?” Oshruli looked up at me through his tiny shadow glasses, unsure about the change in our routine. He’d started calling me mama after realizing that’s what other children called their mothers. The tutor helped him along with his language and it wasn’t often that he struggled for the right words. He was so, so smart.
“Uncle Lhoris’ mother, father, and sister have arrived from the woodlands. We need to go meet them.” I explained as I waddled across the courtyard.
“They don’t look like ahba or Uncle Lhoris.” Oshruli clutched at my skirt with his free hand and mashed his wide brimmed hat and chubby cheek against my legs. I had given up on pants a while back since nothing ever seemed to accommodate my growing belly as well as a high waisted dress.
“No, they don’t. But I don’t look like you and you call me Mama. They’re just like us, Ruli. That’s all.”
“Oh.” He visibly relaxed at the thought. “Are they nice?”
“Uncle Lhoris says they are.” I nodded. “I’ve never met them before either.”
Just a few yards away, the new arrivals stared at me and my bashful son as we approached. Lhoris was beaming though, so Oshruli let go of me and ran to him. Which I appreciated as it took the pressure of their attention off of me. Lhoris swept the boy up and introduced him to the rest of his family. “My nephew, Oshruli.”
“Aren’t you a handsome little fellow,” the older female said.
“Are you going to be my grandma too?” Oshruli examined her, probably looking for hidden pastries.
Lhoris and his mother chuckled. “I don’t know, Ruli.” Lhoris gave the child an affectionate kiss on the cheek. “We have honorary family members in the household,” Lhoris explained to his mother. “So, his sense of what a grandmother is mostly an older female that will give him treats.”
I finally waddled up to the group of elves, self-conscious of my awkward gait. It was the first time I’d ever felt lacking in anyone”s presence. Not because of anything they did, but because I was only half of what they were.
Lobikno was right, I had picked up some of Lhoris’ anxiety.
Lhoris held out his hand to me. I took it and he drew me close to his side. “Everyone, this is Ozanna, my mate. Oz, these are my parents, Imryll and Tamnaeth Pernala, and my sister Alyndra Pernala.”
“Hello.” I lowered my head in a little bow. I wasn’t sure what was expected in this circumstance.
“Oh,” Imryll said. “In the woodlands, we hug.” The three of them all embraced me at once. A great big group hug. I shouldn’t have been surprised that my touchy-feely mate came from a family of huggers. It was so warm and welcoming; I felt such ease and happiness. I couldn’t help myself and laughed.
“Dear child,” Tamnaeth kissed my forehead, “we are so pleased to meet you.”
Then we spent the afternoon chatting in the gardens as the afternoon sun moved overhead. Lobikno eventually found us. He’d been searching for me to take care of his duties but opted to sit at my feet and chat for a while instead of rushing me away. Eventually Lhoris explained that it was time for Lobikno and I to retire for a while. His family was understanding, even if they were obviously uncomfortable with the reminder that this was a complicated situation. I blushed as we walked away from the group.
“What did you think of them?” Lobikno asked as we slowly ascended the stairs. He rested his hand on my back, as though he was worried I’d lose my balance and fall over backwards. Considering how much my center of gravity shifted week to week at this point, his concern was valid.
“I think they’re lovely.” I smiled and nodded, already feeling winded and grateful for Lobikno’s steadying hand and presence.
“They’re good to Lhoris.” He nodded, his expression pensive. “I think they’ll be good to you.”
“Do I detect a kernel of malcontent?” I raised an eyebrow at his odd statement. He kept the bond mostly locked down, but I could feel his trepidation.
He sighed. “I am grateful to them for taking him in.” Lobikno shook his head. “I resent them for turning me away.”
I averted my eyes and watched my feet on the steps. “That’s understandable,” I murmured. My heart ached for him. Their turning him away had resulted in decades of torment. “Are you going to be okay?”
“Yes. I don’t even know why I told you that.” He shook his head.
I shrugged. “I asked.” He grunted. Very occasionally the bond caught him off guard when I asked him something. “I know you can’t tell Lhoris that without hurting him. Let me know if you need an out while they’re around. I don’t mind being a buffer.”
“I”ll manage.” He shrugged. “But thank you.”