“I know you and Zera get along.”
“Yes, but I was always in a position of supplication to her.She takes care of those who need help.I am guessing that you and your sisters always appeared strong and competent.”
“Yes.That is our appearance.”
Nelith walked up to her.“May I give you a hug?”
Keska looked at the woman with gold hair and very similar features.She opened her arms and hugged her.There was something so soothing about hugging Nelith.They were both crying when they relaxed and leaned back.
They looked at each other, laughed, and wiped away their tears.Nelith smiled.“I think you are the closest to me emotionally.What they did to create all of you was heinous, but you, you are so very beautiful.”
Keska sniffled.“We are pieces of you and Aluhara.Leftovers they used before they used the good eggs for the others.We were the trial before the others were made.”
“And you feel unfixed because of it.”
Keska nodded.
“Is there a place to sit?”
Keska let out a low whistle, and two chairs wheeled up to them.They sat, and Nelith smiled.“Let me tell you about your grandmother, your aunt, and all your sisters.”
“Can I get some metal to work with my hands?For me, it’s like knitting.”
“Sure.”
Keska sat and listened to tales of Nelith’s brave mother, who never gave up on her.She and her sister were constantly writing letters to the Aksallan government demanding her freedom.It never happened, but they didn’t give up.They kept going.They lived their lives, but they never forgot about her.Then, the links to her own genes were discovered.She knew about Xeva because she was being used as a hostage, but the others were a complete surprise.Now, the surprise continued, but it wasn’t unwanted.It was joy.Life went on, but it was so much more life with the enormous family that had now formed.
Keska sighed.“I am the one who needs people.My other sisters are more self-contained.They are happy in their research and the data streams.”
“And then you started the BDC.”
“Yup.And we learned why the guys need to be neutralized to be patrons.”She smiled slowly.“She’s adorable, though, and I don’t regret a moment.”
“But you want to be a mom, and your other sisters aren’t particularly interested in it.”
Keska kept working with her hands.“Yeah.That.But after what the Sethir did to you around that time, there is no way I was going to live cuffed up in the stronghold.”
Nelith looked at her hands.“I had a son.No one knows, but I ended up pregnant, and when Salat found me, he found the second heartbeat.It was that little dude that saved my life.He’s safe and has been adopted by a good family who takes excellent care of him.In a few years, he can contact me if he wants, but he’s Kessie’s age right now.So, you have a brother the same age as your daughter.”
Keska smiled.“I can keep a secret.”
“I know, but I also know there are enough secrets out there.Sorooth wasn’t the guy who got me pregnant.Just in case it flickered in your mind.”
“I didn’t think so.His rut hit my heat and made Kessie.We still do practice runs a few times a year, but now I know how to work my own birth control.”
“But you want a houseful.”
“Yes!”She laughed, lifted the items in her hands, and began to put them together.When it was done, she held it out to Nelith.“Here you go.Happy Mother’s Day.”
Nelith held it and looked at it, and then there was a chime, and the statue began to move, changing into all the aspects Dmitri manifested.The beast, the fire, the bear, and others were all there.
Nelith grinned.“This is amazing.I am keeping it in my room.”
“It activates with your particular energy signature.”Keska smiled.“Do you want to keep talking?”
“I think we have bonded, plus I just got a cool toy.I have to show it off.I can’t believe you did that while we were talking.”
“I said, it’s like knitting.I can use anything, but wood gets brittle, so stone or metal works best.”
