Not that there aren't beautiful places on Earth, but I don't want them.
I wouldn't trade being home and safe for just how alive and cherished I've felt in my short time with Thivoll. I would go anywhere with him, but why not here? I haven't missed technology.
Or the oppressive expectations of culture.
Okay. I miss warm food. And human companionship. And probably lots of other things I'm ignoring right now in the moment's glow.
Those could be built here. There's just the slight problem of a bunch of sadistic aliens who think this is their blood-soaked playground.
I might not be able to get my own claws dirty making sure the blood on the ground turns into their own, but I know I can support others as they do it.
I'll start with supporting Thivoll. And then maybe Szhe'ka, Kuret, and others.
That reminds me we need to visit the clearing and ridgeline they said they'd return to. I'll be sure to mention it to Thivoll on our next run.
I stay alert during all my musing and so I see Thivoll as he scales the cliff. I'm relieved I don't have to shoot anybody.
It only takes him a few moments to get to me and I move to make room for him. I'm also thrilled to no longer be so close to the ledge.
"Do you have her?"
"Yes. Let's get her up. But I want you to stay up here this time."
I bite down on my tongue, something in me wanting to tear into him even though it is completely reasonable.
My aggression is what isn't reasonable.
It's something I'm still not accustomed to and assume it must be part of the genetic changes.
I nod. I know why he is feeling protective right now and being reactive to it isn't helpful.
I simply show him how to tie the knot, check the rope after he throws each end down, and then lay down so my head can peek over the ledge with less surging panic about the height.
It's a far more nerve-wracking experience to watch him this time, but he must have perfected his technique last time because it seems like he flies up the cliff face.
He moves Amethyst into the small chamber and my heart aches to see her in Silver's place. I hope the woman is okay. That the male is treating her like my Thivoll treats me.
My Thivoll. My lips twitch at how his idiosyncratic language is rubbing off on me.
I place a blanket over her to give her privacy, then gain her even more by using the hooks at the top of the opening to create a fabric door.
She isn't conscious, but it feels respectful.
Before we go out again, I'll figure out how to write her a note in case she comes out of cryo while we're gone.
Thivoll has replaced and fluffed up our bedding while I worked and beckons me over to it. I watch him as he settles in.
All those things about him that initially made him so strange and even frightening are just a part of what make him mine.
"Are you satisfied now, my Ree? I have plans."
I look him up and down. His long orange mane is puffed out, as usual. His tail is tapping impatiently on my leg and his hooded look is promising me all kinds of naughty things.
I still feel that spike of aggression and taking on my usual submissive role just doesn't appeal tonight.
"No, I'm not satisfied. But how about I tell you exactly what you can do to change that?"
By his surging purr I know he likes the idea.
