Love's Beguiling Healer

by Angela Verdenius

  "If you've got all the data on that little machine, what do you need the specimens for?"

  "In case there's a discrepancy between the data collected and the specimens.” At his puzzled look, she added, “If there's a problem, father will inspect the specimens closely to find out what the discrepancy is."

  "So the data collector isn't fool proof?"

  "Never rely solely on machines, Denyon."

  "So why bother in the first place?"

  "Tell you what, Denyon, when you stop carrying swords and rely on lasers only, then come back and ask me the same question."

  "Ah.” He grinned. “Point taken."

  "I thought so.” She strode to the doorway. “Are you coming, Rilla and Marx?"

  "Oh, yes!” Rilla stopped grinding the herbal potion.

  "Oh no,” Marx added at the same time.

  "Why not?” Tera queried.

  "One of us has to stay behind,” he explained.

  "Of course. The Felys kits.” Rilla nodded.

  "The new litter,” Marx said.

  "And another due anytime.” Rilla shook her head. “Sorry. I'm staying."

  "You can go. I'll wait here,” Marx said to her.

  "No, I can't do that. It's two hours each way."

  "Four hours gone.” Marx shrugged. “It's all right."

  "No, I couldn't."

  "You could. Can. Will."

  Rilla smiled. “Are you sure?"

  "Of course."

  Tera, well used to the way the Felys healers spoke in such short sentences to each other, as well as finishing off each others sentences, waited patiently as Rill and Marx made the decision, then waited some more while the healers discussed the possible problems that might arise while she was gone.

  She decided to join Denyon on the verandah, and was a little disappointed to find that Illam was nowhere in sight. Obviously he was still trying to decide a few things. Indecisive fur-ball. She sighed.

  Wylin came up the steps, holding a small basket of fruit in one hand. “Thought you might want something to eat on the way, Tera."

  "You're going to carry the basket the whole way?” Grinning, she selected a juicy peach.

  "Not likely. Denyon's mother gave this to me. I just thought I'd put it here for you, Rilla and Marx to nibble on. I've left some at the house for later."

  "You're so thoughtful.” She pinched his cheek.

  "Cute, Tera. Really cute.” He disappeared into the hut, and reappeared with Rilla at his elbow.

  "I'm ready,” Rilla announced.

  It appeared that Illam wasn't going to accompany them. Tera gave another mental sigh as they left the settlement and entered the forest.

  "Illam not coming?” Rilla queried.

  "Illam's busy,” Denyon replied.

  "Doing what, exactly?"

  "Farra is coming into heat, and Samon is taking her to the mating place."

  "I see. So Illam is taking Samon's place?” Rilla smiled, a gleam in her eyes, the black threads twisting delightedly against her irises.

  "Yes."

  "How interesting."

  Denyon gave her an unreadable look, and she said nothing further, but the smile stayed on her face.

  "One of your females is in heat?” Tera queried. “I didn't know Samon had a mate. He never said so back on the scout ship."

  "Why would he?” Denyon shrugged. “It's not something we generally go around announcing."

  "No, but there is no outward sign of a Felys having a mate. No jewelry proclaiming it."

  "We don't have to. Amongst our own, we know immediately who is mated and who isn't.” Denyon cast her a sideways look. “Guess how? You should know by now."

  "Scent?"

  "Exactly. Once mated, the scent of the mated pair remains with each other, and other Felys smell it. It's as good as a band on the finger, wrist or anywhere else you care to put one."

  "So it's not the same sort of scent that a male puts on a female when they're having sex or being affectionate, but not truly mated?"

  "Correct.” Denyon took a bite of the apple he withdrew from his pocket.

  Seeing that his mouth was now too full to answer questions—and damned inconvenient, too—Tera turned to Rilla. “And this is done how?"

  "A mating scent is stronger, and is emitted from the penis, vagina, and pores of the mating couple during the mating phase,” Rilla replied eagerly. “The scent permeates the bodies of the couple, and remains inside them. It becomes a part of them, just as the couple is now nature mated."

  "Oh. Okay.” Tera thought about it, then said, “What if one dies?"

  Rilla's smile disappeared. “If the male dies, the female can go insane during her heat phase."

  "Can no other Felys male mate with her?"

  "Well, yes, but the bond isn't the same as when a true mate pairs. It has been done to save the mind of a female Felys, however."

  "Never would we allow one of our own to go insane through need,” Denyon added with quiet determination.

  "But what if the male who takes a widowed female on, has a nature-mate of his own?"

  "It's one couple, no trios. A widowed male would take a female, or a male who is past his thirty-fifth year who hasn't found his nature mate."

  "And what if he takes on the widow, and then his nature-mate suddenly appears?” Tera looked up at him. “That would be awkward."

  "You ask some strange questions, Argon."

  "It's not strange. I'm just curious."

  "Tera's always curious,” Wylin drawled from where he ambled along just behind her.

  "You just keep quiet back there. Watch my back, and watch your mouth."

  "Tart-tongued wench,” he returned with mild amusement.

  Ignoring him, she turned her attention back to Denyon, who had just tossed the apple core into a bush. “So, what happens if the nature-mate turns up?"

  "It has never happened in history that we know of."

  "That's a little exaggerated, surely?"

  Denyon frowned down at her. “I don't exaggerate."

  "Sorry. Why has it never happened?"

  "Because a mate usually turns up before a male hits his twenty-fifth year."

  "I bet Illam is over twenty-five."

  "He's twenty-seven."

  "And his nature mate hasn't turned up yet."

  Denyon cast her another unreadable look. “So some think."

  "You're my mate." The words suddenly clanged in Tera's brain, and she bit her lip.

  Trying to appear nonchalant, she asked, “Apart from Lysie, has any of the Felys found mates outside their own race?"

  "Only Lysie and her ancestor that we know of,” Denyon replied.

  "Females. So it seems to be possible, albeit rare, for female Felys to find mates outside their own race."

  "And strongly possible to be with Argons only."

  "That's because it's only happened twice, and both times with Argons."

  Denyon frowned darkly.

  "You look like you're going to hack up a fur-ball any second,” Tera stated.

  "When I start retching, stand back."

  "Ooohh, scary."

  He gave her a reluctant grin.

  "She's a tease,” Wylin observed. “Get used to it."

  "I get the feeling, Denyon, that you don't agree with the mix of races,” Tera said bluntly.

  "It takes a bit of getting used to.” He didn't bother to deny it. “Our race is small. Any female or male that falls for another species makes one less mate for our own kind.” He shrugged. “But it happens, for whatever odd explanation. I have to accept it."

  "Do you resent us, Denyon? Do your people?” Hands in the pockets of her loose work pants, Tera strolled along beside the bigger Felys male.

  "No."

  "Is that answer for you and your people?"

  "That's for me, and the majority of our people.” Denyon lifted his head, scented the air, and then returned his attention to her. “Some resent the slave years, but since you've come a
nd helped, they are starting to accept that you're here for our good. All they really want is for their kits to thrive, and therefore our race."

  "That's it?"

  "We're safe from slavery now. We have a good trade going with the Lypeople, and through them, with other planets. We're happy with what you'd consider our simpler lives. We have our homes, our comforts, good food, and company. It's just the health of our runts that worry us."

  "Fair enough. I guess what you have is what we all want, and we get in varying degrees. And your life, simple as you may think it, is just another version of everyone's lives. It's just that the Felys are more content with their life, instead of yearning for more all the time.” Thoughtfully, Tera peered up into the treetops. “You appreciate what you have, improve on what you can, accept what you can't improve on, and live life for the day.” She glanced back at him. “Correct?"

  "Very insightful.” His face relaxed. “We plan for the future, too. Our future is the health of the kits, good trading, and a happy life."

  "I like it.” Tera nodded approvingly. “Sometimes simplicity is the way to go. No matter how much technology you have, how many monetary riches, it's what's inside that counts.” She tapped her chest and then her temple. “If you're okay with yourself here and here, then come what may, you'll make the best of it."

  Denyon looked back at Wylin. “Your little healer adapts well to our philosophy of life. Is it also the philosophy of all the Argons?"

  "Pretty much,” Wylin answered. “We simply have more technology ... and we don't sniff each other."

  Denyon grinned. “You don't know what you're missing."

  Ten

  A companionable silence fell upon them as Denyon led them the rest of the way to the scout ship.

  Tera and Wylin were amazed when he led them through thick bushes and into a huge clearing. A mammoth cave at the foot of a towering mountain led to the holding bay for three scout ships, and five larger ships. The holding bay was well lit with torches.

  "If anything happens, we can get everyone out of the settlement and up into space,” Denyon explained.

  "Wouldn't it be better to have the ships closer to the settlement?” Wylin queried.

  Denyon smiled. “We have underground tunnels that are quicker."

  "I see.” Wylin walked around the ships. “And you took us through the forest, why?"

  "Because I enjoy walking in the forest. Going underground is something I rarely do."

  Tera followed him to one of the scout ships, and watched as he activated the ramp by the placing his face near a small vent.

  "Skin scan?” she guessed.

  "Scent print,” he corrected.

  "Silly me."

  Rilla chuckled.

  Once the ramp lowered, they entered the ship and Denyon led Tera to the communications cabin. Sitting her at the console, he brought the computers to life, and then looked at her.

  "Where is your connection device?” Tera queried.

  He touched the console and a small box slid into view. Tera sat the data collector into it and typed in the coordination format. Within seconds the information was being sent to the computers at the Argon healers rooms.

  Within seconds, Sarcan's face appeared on the viscomm. “Tera. How are you?"

  "Fine. Father, this is Rilla, one of the Felys healers."

  Rilla waved her hand, all but bristling with eagerness and excitement.

  "I must come to visit sometime,” Sarcan told her. “Or maybe Denyon could see his way clear to bring you here for a visit. There is much knowledge we could share."

  "I'd love to!” Rilla beamed. “Your daughter has been teaching us to use the equipment she has brought with her."

  "Tera's a good wench,” Sarcan said fondly. “A bit mouthy, but a good wench."

  Tera rolled her eyes as Denyon choked back a laugh.

  "And Wylin is well?” Sarcan queried.

  "He's outside checking out the ships,” Tera replied.

  "And how is your visit to Scytha?"

  "Most interesting.” Tera smiled. “The Felys are wonderful people, Father, you'd like them. The kits are adorable."

  "The kits might be more than an old man could handle.” He grinned back, his teeth a white flash in his graying beard.

  "How's Hanna?"

  "Mourning the departure of the Daamens. She was getting on really well with the two youngest of Simon's crew. And Shamon kept her most happy."

  "Hanna's always had an eye for the Daamens."

  "We've got a soft spot for them.” Sarcan smiled gently at her. “Right?"

  "Right.” She smiled back, half expecting to feel the familiar clench inside her chest, but surprised to feel nothing but a small ache instead.

  "So,” Sarcan said cheerfully. “Lysie is doing well, Denyon, you'll be pleased to know. The kits are developing nicely, and are about the size that your healers informed us they should be."

  "That is good news.” Denyon nodded gravely, his expression pleased.

  "Rilla, I'll send you the information I have collected on the pregnancy, which I have updated last night. You can let me know if everything is still going according to nature."

  "I can't wait.” Rilla rubbed her hands in anticipation.

  Tera exchanged idle chit-chat with her father for several minutes, while the data finished downloading and he sent his information in turn. When the data collector blipped, Tera inquired of Denyon where the printer controls were. He showed her, and she was able to print out the information, which she passed on to Rilla for her knowledgeable perusal.

  After a thorough read, Rilla pronounced that the pregnancy was proceeding at a normal rate, and everything looked perfect.

  After a few more minutes, Tera bid her father farewell, and logged off. Retrieving the data collector from the communications box, she restored the box to its position in the console and stood up to face Denyon.

  "All done,” she said. “I hope to have the food and vegetation samples collected and the data ready to be sent two or three days from now. Is that all right?"

  "Fine with me.” He ushered Tera and Rilla out of the communications cabin. “The sooner we can get all information to Argon, the sooner we may find an answer for our runts."

  Wylin was waiting at the bottom of the ramp. Leaning languidly against the side of the ship, he watched them approach. “Everyone at home all right?"

  "Except for Hanna. She's mourning Shamon, by the sounds of it."

  "The Daamens have left? And the Reekas?"

  "Yes."

  "Mmm.” He looked away for several seconds, before straightening up. “Ready to go back now?"

  "Ready. I want to get a start on the food."

  "I told you that you should have brought more of that fruit with you."

  "Not that, you dolt. The food samples for the data collector."

  "Keep talking sweet to me and you'll make me think you care.” He grinned widely at her

  She gave him a shove, he shoved her lightly back, and then he looped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side. Laughing, she leaned into him, and they followed Rilla and Denyon back out of the cave and into the bright, warm sunshine.

  Tera silently thanked Kiile once more for insisting on sending Wylin with her. His friendship was something she could rely on. Though she knew some of the Felys very well now, and trusted them, her friendship with Wylin was one that didn't need words. It went back to childhood, and was comfortable. He was more a brother than a friend.

  "You mentioned trading,” Wylin drawled when Denyon and Rilla dropped back to keep up with slower, more lazy pace. “I noticed you had work areas near the fields."

  "Really?” Tera looked up at him. “I didn't know there were work areas."

  "That's because you have your nose buried in sperm and DNA samples,” Wylin replied. “I, however, have done some exploring with Denyon and some of the other Felys."

  "Oh, you're so good.” She did a fair imitation of a sneer. “Teacher's pet.
"

  "You're just piqued because you didn't see it all first."

  "How did you guess?” Laughing, Tera turned her attention to Denyon, who was watching her with a quizzical air. “You spoke of trading. I know the Felys make materials in fine silks and other precious materials. One of the Felys fathers was telling me how the plants used to make the materials are grown outside the settlement."

  "He was talking to you about it?” Denyon seemed faintly surprised.

  "It's amazing what people will tell you when you're scraping things across their skin,” she grinned.

  "Or when you're measuring their head measurements using that massage and touching technique,” Rilla added with an amused gurgle of laughter. “That on its own could be used to pry information from an otherwise tight-lipped Felys!"

  "Or send them to sleep,” Tera added. “There was a couple who actually fell asleep while I was doing the measurements."

  "Now that I can believe,” Denyon said with feeling. “Feel free to take my head measurements anytime."

  They all laughed before returning to the conversation.

  "You also have a marvelous plant that is made into that false fur,” Tera said. “It's beautiful. Who do you trade with again?"

  "We sell to the Lypeople, and they sell to others, or keep as they want."

  "Have you thought of trading with the Daamens?"

  "We have. I guess we're still a little wary of mixing with so many different cultures. Some, we find, seem to regard us as simply a strange hybrid of lycat, with no brains. We've been ripped off a few times, and we don't have the numbers to be a threat to ensure honest trading from outsiders. Hence going through the Lypeople."

  "The Daamens are the most honest traders you'll ever find,” Wylin stated. “You'd do well to trade with them. They won't give away the location of your settlement, and if you'd rather, you can meet with them at a predestinated place. They'll see you get your dinnos worth for what you trade. And they'll also offer whatever they have on board to trade, if you choose that rather than dinnos at anytime."

  "Really?” Denyon frowned thoughtfully.

  "They won't come to your settlement unless invited, and won't be offended if they're not invited.” Tera shrugged. “They believe in live and let live. I know you've heard of their lusty ways with wenches, but believe me, they have nothing but the highest regard for wenches, be they young, old, or babes in arms. Your Felys females will be perfectly safe with them. And they make formidable allies."