Page 99 of Cozy Prisons
There weren’t any other buildings yet, but it was clear where they were going to construct the "enclosures" for the humans. The ground had been cleared, and energy lines were laid out. Palathum assured them the enclosures were only for appearances, or if anyone wanted to sleep outside in nice weather.
Nataly wasn’t sure she was ready to be in the same building as everyone else. She needed a little space. She wasn’t happy with the enclosures either; they were all close together.
It was nice to be part of a loving community, but the way everyone kept asking how she felt about everything was becoming too much.
She and Daxus watched Palathum lead everyone into the manor. The happy, noisy group disappeared inside, but the two of them stayed outside. Daxus knew her well enough to know she wasn’t ready to be indoors now that they were finally off the ship.
A wiggle in her pocket made Nataly let go of Daxus’s hand so she could pull the little jeweled lizard out. Carefully cupping the beautiful creature in both hands, she held the lizard up between them.
“Let’s find the perfect place to let her go.”
“That’s an excellent idea,” he agreed and guided her around the manor house and to the thick forest beyond.
Walking the cleared perimeter of the property, they found a narrow path leading into the woods. It was clear it had originally been created by native animals as it wound its way through the forest without any rhyme or reason.
When they finally emerged next to a small pond, the air full of flying bugs, Nataly stopped. “She’ll love it here!”
Carefully, she set the jeweled lizard on the ground near a bush and stepped back. The creature had been perfectly still and content the entire time she’d been with Nataly, but with startling speed, she scaled a nearby bush. Once she was at the top, she started catching bugs with a frenzy of tongue flicks.
“Look at her!” Nataly exclaimed with a little happy hop on her toes. “She’s so happy!”
“Of course she is,” Daxus agreed. “She’s home.”
Nataly turned to face him. “That makes two of us.”
Daxus opened his arms, and Nataly accepted the invitation. She nuzzled her face against his chest. “I don’t want to live in the manor.”
“The enclosures will be finished soon. They’ll have power and nice shelter spots with nests. We could claim one of them.”
“Still too close.”
“What about out here?” he asked.
“You mean live in the forest, like one of the animals?” She’d miss having access to elimination and cleansing rooms, but the idea had merit. As long as Daxus was at her side, she could probably do anything!
He sounded a rumble of amusement. “I meant we could build a domicile out here. We’d need to live in one of the temporary domiciles first, but once more supplies came, we could build a real home. There aren’t any large predators to worry about on Kalor, and you already know which plants to avoid from theinformation Palathum distributed. We could use solar captures on the roof for power and get supplies we might need from the manor.”
“Visits and goodies, otherwise we get to be by ourselves,” Nataly said, liking the idea more and more. “You’re smart for a Talin.”
He sounded another amused rumble. “Thank you.”
Nataly chuckled, then turned a circle, taking in the forest around them. “Do you think Palathum will let us live out here in the forest?”
“Palathum is eager to give you anything you ask for,” Daxus assured her. “She’s still going to want you to sit through meetings though.”
Nataly didn’t mind now that she had the promise of some privacy. “That’s fine. I never have anything to add, but she doesn’t seem to care. I fell asleep during that last one.”
“I noticed,” Daxus said.
Nataly felt her face flush red with embarrassment. “Let’s pretend I was simply resting my eyes.”
Daxus drew her close to him, sounding a quizzical rumble. “Isn’t that what sleep is?”
“Never mind,” Nataly said, hugging her hands around his waist. He leaned over and rubbed his scent glands into her hair. The scent of lemon candy filled the air, making the moment even better.
“Can we set up out here tonight?” she asked. “I’ve spent enough time stuck indoors and then on the ship here.”
Daxus purred loudly. “It shouldn’t be a problem as long as we respond when they ping my Ident. If Palathum tries to object, simply tell her you have a feeling that it’s important you live out here.”
