The Nytidea were dramatically smaller than Nefyrians, as you claim Kenji is to you—and could travel with greater speed over short periods of time. From the study of ancient writings, it has become widely believed that the Nytidea went through a brief stage of fervent mating—in aquatic form—early in their pregnancies. The reason behind it is not knowntoday, though there are several loose theories. From what you described, this could be what Kenji is now experiencing.
Of course, we cannot be absolutely sure.
Youcanreturn with him, and we can attempt to make him more comfortable, but from what you’ve described, I believe it might be best for the two of you to weather this short storm privately, if it is what I suspect it to be. If his symptoms worsen, or there are new ones that appear, contact us immediately and we will judge if a return is necessary.
Dr. Alzgn, and many here in the Academy of Sciences, as well, are quite fascinated by the questions Kenji’s very existence might shed light on. The Nytidea have been extinct for nearly half a million years now, so very little is truly known about them. How Kenji has come to carry such a significant percentage of their genetic material is a mystery—but one we’re keen to unlock. The easiest place to begin would be his family line, but without knowledge of his Nefyrian parentage, that leaves us in a quandary.
Dr. Alzgn is assembling a team to dig through the bloodline archives, hoping they might find clues to who his ancestors might have been. We also request that Kenji return to Nefyria at his earliest convenience and allow us to capture more blood samples for further analysis.
I wish that I had more concrete answers for you, but we are walking in the dark alongside you. If there isany more help I can provide, please feel free to reach out.
After reading the message, Qylar eyed Kenji.
“What?” Kenji asked, a brow rising sharply.
“I think you should read this yourself,” Qylar said, holding out his hand.
Kenji took it and read over Qylar’s shoulder.
When he was done, he turned to Qylar, his face devoid of emotion. He didn’t say anything for several beats until, “So, basically, I’m the Neanderthal Man of Nefyrian history. Cool cool.”
Qylar chuckled.
“I don’t want to end up some lab rat, poked and prodded,orbecome something of ridicule.”
“We’ll ensure that doesn’t happen,” Qylar said.
“Nefyrians don’t have carnival sideshows, do they? Come step right up. For just a quarter, you can see the part human, part alien, part extinct man. Don’t get too close or he might grab you and fuck you senseless as part of his ancient mating ritual.”
Qylar gave him a look, fighting a smile. He drew Kenji onto his lap. “You’ll not end up in an exhibition box, either.”
“How do you know?”
“That was from the Qlr Royal Academy. King Krythar, House Qlr, akaAlex’s father.”
“Ah,” Kenji said.
“We can discuss this with Alex before we return and perhaps request an audience with his father to ensure you are protected before you walk into the Academy for their tests.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
“I have one last message from Cryss and then we can go back down,” Qylar said, much more at ease.
“I told you I was fine,” Kenji whispered.
Qylar could be a sore loser at times. He liked to win. But his lose meant Kenji likely was fine, so he’d let his mate win this one. He quickly read over Cryss’s message before lifting his gaze to Kenji, thoughtful.
“What is it?”
“I forgot to share the big news I received while you were sleeping. House Qlr-Kreegl has a new young lord. Xandor Ray was born yesterday, and both Alex and the babe are well.”
Kenji smiled. “If there’s a way you can pass on my congratulations to Cryss and Alex, please do.”
“I will.”
“He was early, right? The baby?”
“Almost two weeks, but all the children came a wee bit sooner than expected, so…” Qylar eyed the message Cryss had sent since. “According to this newest message, they’re planning to arrive in Aspen on the twenty-second or twenty-third. Cryss will let me know a precise date when it grows nearer.”
