“How do you live without music?” Mashie asked.
“What do you do on a day off if there are no plays to attend?” Miffla asked at the same time.
The other cubs all started asking questions as well, but Melee silenced them all with a quiet word. Then she focused on Miran.
“Would your people welcome performers?"
Nova watched Miran’s face light up with joy. “Yes, I think we would. I bet developing an entire entertainment center would be welcome. You and your family could coordinate visiting acts aswell as doing your own routines. It would be nice to have things to do for simple enjoyment again.”
Standing up, Nova jumped across the small circle of chairs and onto Miran’s lap, knocking the snack box to the floor.
“First you were willing to leave with me and now you’re employing my entire family,” she said. “If I didn’t love you before, I would definitely love you now!”
***
Miran
For the rest of the time they spent with the Tiema family, Nova refused to stop touching him. If she wasn’t snuggled on his lap, then she was sitting between his legs. If not between his legs, then she sat on his shoulders, or stood behind his chair and petted his head.
It seemed she wanted to touch him but couldn’t keep still. He didn’t mind, she was an adorable distraction.
Eventually, he and Melee worked out the details of them coming to Hissa, including a salary. This was probably the first time he’d ever had to negotiate a higher salary! Melee and the cubs were reluctant to accept too much for fear that the funds would run out sooner. It wasn’t until Nova told them about the dimmerion rich moons that they agreed.
After everyone was in agreement, Nova told Melee about the children. The Tiema family immediately demanded to meet them. Nova practically danced as she led everyone to the Assist. She absolutely ignored everyone who tried to stop them and soon stood proudly in front of the children and introduced everyone to each other.
The Tiema family was quick to start interacting with the children in a soft, gentle way they must’ve developed after so many years of entertaining.
Nova grabbed his hand, lifted it over her head, and twirled under it as if he was moving her. She was so happy that she reminded him of an overexcited child.
She stopped and faced him, eyes swimming with tears. “I started life as a thing to be sold with no family. Now I have a family that others could only dream of.”
He pulled her close and held her tightly for a brief moment before letting go because she was vibrating with the need to move.
She grabbed Nikla and without any obvious prompt they did a comedic slip and fall routine that must’ve been one of their old acts.
The children laughed uproariously.
That led to another act that included the twins. Then one where the entire family was involved.
Miran had been impressed with Nova’s wild-human act, but now he realized that had used only a small portion of her talent. She had amazing comedic timing, perfect body control, and so obviously enjoyed what she did that it shined with every movement.
When he noticed it, he thought it had to be a shadow.
“Miran, it’s appearing,” Cifon whispered. He and several other warriors were standing in a small group to watch the entertainment.
“I’m not sure,” Miran said. After waiting so long, he was scared to believe it.
“It’s getting darker,” Hisum said, squinting at Nova’s neck.
“I’m positive,” someone else said.
Then she turned again and stepped under a strong light and there was no mistaking the mating marks forming around her neck and shoulders, perfectly displayed by her Hissa-style tunic.
He was so overwhelmed with relief and love that his legs felt shaky.
Hashor stopped the interaction, alarmed by the red lines. “Nova, there’s something wrong with your skin!”
Nova touched her neck with a frown. “What?”
