Page 61 of The Goddesses' Gifts

“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.”

EMMA

“Iheard you and Ozanna took down some sort of monster today.” I smiled pleasantly across the table at Imryll.

“Oh dear, yes.” Imryll dabbed at her lips with a napkin. “The thing was skulking along the houses and fences. It looked to be stalking the leashed piglet.”

Nicolas and I waited a few days to give the Pernala’s time to rest and visit with Lhoris and Ozanna before inviting them to an official dinner between dignitaries. We sat opposite the other couple in the formal dining room.

I knew exactly which piglet Imryll was talking about. “Oh, poor little Brice. He would have been heartbroken if Hamm were attacked.”

“Yes, I think so. The little fellow is quite proud of his pig. He told me it was going to win prizes when it’s all grown up.” Imryll chuckled quietly.

“Do you know what kind of creature it was?” I asked.

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