Page 71 of Battling Bright
Hannah was hauled out, and then she yelped as Neekil flipped her over his shoulder.
Azreen looked at his old friend.“So, you grew up.”The silver tucked and pleated faithfully around her, exaggerating her figure to an astonishing degree.
“Yup.This is the last time I will have this waist, so I thought getting it fitted would be best.”
Vaia paused and then laughed.“You are showing it off before the pregnancy takes it.”
“Yup.I have lost an inch already.This dress won’t fit in two weeks.”
Krys smiled.“Well, it fits now and looks amazing.Is that for the gala or the wedding?”
“Both.Nothing else came close to fitting.”
Vaia frowned.“There must have been something.”
“Nope.We tried everything.This was it.”She walked around and then walked back toward Vaia.“Well, I have taken enough of your time, and I didn’t mean to crash your home.It is lovely, by the way.”
Vaia smiled.“It was an honour.What was Azreen like as a kid?”
They walked upstairs, chatting.
Azreen smiled.“No one is ever hostile toward Elida.Well, no one she wasn’t arresting.The moon elves are like that.They engender goodwill.They travel frequently and move across the world.They cause goodwill like Neekil’s people cause lust.”
Krys blinked.“Oh.”
“Yes.It was good to be her friend as a child.Her presence calmed everyone.Of course, it meant that there was never any romance between us.Romancing a cool pond isn’t really a good idea.”
“The pond can’t reciprocate.”
“Correct.”
“So, what bug got up Neekil’s butt?”
Azreen said softly, “The last time he saw her, she was recovering from being shot in a multitude of places, with the young girls hanging from her.His image of her is that of someone who is weak and in danger.He will change his perception, but it will take a while.Hearing that she is pregnant is increasing his idea that she needs defending.”
Krys said, “But why threaten the star elf?”
“Because Neekil is getting hit with too much stimulation.His people seek mates, get mates, and spend the rest of their lives trying to please them.He has gotten a war companion, is marrying her in her traditions, and now has the cousin he forgot all about show up on his doorstep in a vulnerable state.He shorted out and needs to reset.”
Krys chuckled.“They are resetting near the quarry.”
“How do you know that?”
“I have motion-sensing spells all over the property.They are currently setting off several and shocking some wildlife.”
Azreen chuckled.“Good.”
Vaia and Elida came back down, and Elida had a garment bag over one arm.Elida smiled.“Well, I have done enough damage for one day.I wish you all well and hope I haven’t been too disruptive.Vaia, it was lovely to meet you, Azreen, it was great to see you again, and Krys, it is good to put a face to the name.See you Thursday.”
Krys smiled.“I look forward to your performance.”
“Oh, it will be interesting, that’s for certain.”Elida smiled.“Right.I will see the happy couple on Thursday.Good day to you two, and congratulations on your marriage.I see great things in store for you.”
Azreen jolted.“You do?”
“Oh, yes.”She walked away.“I always did.”
Azreen watched his friend leave, and he turned to Vaia.“That is very good news.Very good news indeed.”He walked up to her and hugged her.
