Her grandmother said, “We want you to come home with us.”
“What?”
“You will be recovering for at least seven days.We want to take care of you during that time, if we may.”Nandy smiled and stroked her arm.
She thought about it.She didn’t have anyone at home to help her, and it was going to take a bit to get this new skin to flex, not to mention building up a fat layer under it.
“I...how long do I have before someone kicks me out?”
Her grandfather was grim.“You are a Sethir citizen.No one will steal you or kick you out again.”
“I am also far less portable and a bit meaner than I used to be.”
Riimal touched her cheek, his scales sliding on her skin.“If you are at the stronghold, I am going to be a frequent visitor to your family’s quarters.”
Her grandparents looked really happy about that.Her grandfather said, “It is only appropriate, as you marked her.”
Riimal nodded.“I will be courting her appropriately.”
Her grandparents sighed in relief.
Ival laughed.“Are you worried about my maintenance?I just got my widow’s benefits twenty years later.”
Her grandmother said, “What was your husband’s name?”
“Zukker.A global defender out of Thorassen.”
Riimal paused.“Zukker?I knew him.”
“He was also serpentine in appearance,” she explained to her grandparents.“Wait.Is my activation going to be restricted at any point?”
Riimal shook his head.“No.If they try, drop them.”
She smiled.“I knew I probably liked you.”
He smiled, and his brilliant gold eyes sparkled.
“Wait.Did your eyes change colour?”
He grinned wider.“Yes, my deadly darling.”
There was a soft knock, and Zera came in along with Khytten.Khytten smiled.“How are you feeling?”
“Well, it was Wednesday before dawn, and now, it’s Saturday or Sunday.I missed the party and woke up bald, tasting chocolate.You do weird work.”
Khytten grinned.“Thanks.After that song you wrote for healers, you get special attention.I would love you to play it.”
“Oh.That one.It will have to wait until I can stand on my own feet.They seem really soft.”
“Your hands and feet will be super soft for a while until you build up the thicker skin.You can still make your components, but it is going to be far more voluntary and focused now.You are still set up to have an effect on the nervous system, but you have a lot more options now.The stress they put you under blocked half of your components.Now everything is wide open, and you can pick and choose,” Zera spoke softly.
“I knew the toxin was a panic response, but it was all I was feeling for years.”
“Right, but you said you used to use the secretions to calm people.”
“I would give Zukker a rubdown and massage his temples.He relaxed easily.No worry until he died.”
Riimal tensed and reached out to touch the mark again, as if he was seeking comfort.
