Page 9 of Home

“Of course. I do think that it would be best if we are allowed a little time to adjust, and to welcome our youngling before we are thrust to the forefront.”

“Absolutely, and I was thinking of offering exactly that. I am relieved we are of the same mind.”

“I agree,” Quin said.

Ba Re’ and Elisha stood off to the side, quietly waiting for the activity to die down so they could find out where they were quartered and make a getaway to some peace and quiet.

Eula noticed them and went straight to them. “Ba Re’, I am so very happy to have you back here,” she said, advancing on him and forcing a motherly hug and kiss on the large male.

Ba Re’s gaze searched for Quin nervously. He knew better than to push the Sovereigna away, but was clearly uneasy with her openly showing him affection.

“I so miss the days of you and Quin and Jhan running and playing in the Palace, jumping from the balconies and sliding down the banisters!” She stepped back and laid a gentle hand on his cheek. “You are like a son to me. I cannot tell you howoverjoyed I was to hear that you would be joining us. My heart almost stopped of fright several times while Quin and his forces searched for you.”

Quin grinned at him from several feet away, and winked, offering him no quick avenue of escape.

“Uh, I uh, thank you, Sovereigna.”

“I don’t think so!” Eula exclaimed. “Mumum, is just fine. Just like you called me from the time you and Quin first became friends as younglings. You are family here.”

“I am?” he asked.

“You are. And so are you,” Eula said, turning her attention to Elisha. “You are a most fascinating female. I admire your fire and courage. Without you, Ba Re’ may not be standing here with us. Our gratitude is endless.”

Elisha smiled graciously. “Thank you, Sovereigna.”

“Thank you, Elisha. And welcome home. If you need anything at all, please let me know and it will be seen to at once.”

“Thank you,” Elisha repeated.

Eula smiled and embraced Elisha before walking back into the center of the room and clapping her hands quickly to get everyone’s attention. “I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome all of you to the palace. We are thrilled to have our Quin and Vivi home with us, and are equally happy that you have volunteered to continue your positions in service to them here on Cruestace,” Eula said.

Every male and female gave her their undivided attention.

“Quin and Vivi and their youngling have been given the East wing of the Palace, and each of you will have quarters there as well. Their quarters take up quite a bit of space, but the East wing is very large, practically its own smaller palace within the palace, so there are plenty of choices for you all. Au'revele, yours in particular are assigned. You’re next to Quin and Vivi’s because of the access to the nursery that you’ll have as nanny. Zahn, I understand you’ll be taking over as lead for Quin’s and Vivi’s security here on Cruestace?”

“Yes, Sovereigna, I have moved into that role but plan to continue in my position as an active member of our Sirena’s security team as well.”

“You will be quite busy,” Eula said with a smile.

“I would have it no other way,” Zahn said with a bow.

“There are apartments and quarters of all types to choose from in the East wing from housing for security personnel to standard family quarters to smaller accommodations for those who prefer their solitude. Feel free to claim your own quarters and assign others at will. As my Ehlealah said, I see the East wing as a separate palace altogether. It is to be run as Quin and Vivi see fit,” Zha Tahl cut in.

“Yes, Sovereign. Thank you,” Zahn said, not quite making eye contact with him as was customary. “I would like to meet with those in charge of your security here so that we can be sure we are aware of all their protocols and they ours.”

“Of course. Ban Lo is our head of security here,” Zha Tahl said, turning to look for the male who was always just out of sight, even if he appeared not to be there.

As Zha Tahl expected, Ban Lo stepped into view from the outer edges of the great hall. “Welcome, Zahn. I am available at any time to help you acclimate to your new home, and to discuss measures taken to ensure the safety of all within the Palace and the countryside contained on the royal grounds. While it’s not necessary to assign constant guards to the family because so many are always on duty both within and outside the Palace, we can certainly help with that if you’d prefer to have particular guards assigned to those you are accustomed to protecting. Do not forget that several of the Sovereigna’s personal guard have already taken vows of loyalty to our Sirena as well.”

“Thank you,” Zahn said. “Those of us here have chosen to leave the warship and accompany our Sire and Sirena planet-side to see to their safety, just as we did on Command Warship 1. We welcome all assistance as we acclimate our new lives as well as assist our Sire and Sirena as they acclimate to theirs.”

“We have already begun the process with Asl and Kail as they oversee the dispersement of all the personal belongingsthat arrived with you. We are anxious to continue to work together,” Ban Lo said, giving a quick nod of his head.

Zahn bowed his head briefly. “Thank you.”

“Vivian, may I show you all I’ve done in preparation of your arrival? I’ve been so excited to share it with you!” Eula said excitedly.

“Yes! I can’t wait to see it,” Vivi answered. She let go of Quin’s hand where she clutched it in an effort to not show that she was leaning her weight against his. She plastered on an overly excited smile so she wouldn’t disappoint Eula. “Can Au'revele come?”

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