Page 103 of Alien Warlord's Fury
"The council's already approved," Rivera added. "They want regular reports".
I nodded, feeling a sense of purpose. This was about healing. "When do we start?"
The dwelling felt expansive after the healing center. Sunlight patterned the floor. I arranged the data crystals on a small table.
The door opened, and Nirako entered, moving carefully, favoring his injured side. The healers had released him this morning. Our home. The concept still felt strange but welcome.
"The healers sent these," Nirako said, placing dried herbs on the counter. "For pain."
"How does it feel?" I asked.
"Better." He stretched cautiously. "The wound is closed. The rest is time".
I turned back to my crystals. Nirako moved around the cooking area.
"The children asked about you today," I said. "Tarek wants you to teach him tracking."
"The boy has good instincts," Nirako replied. "Sharp eyes."
"They're healing faster than expected," I smiled.
"And your connection to them helps," Nirako added, setting a steaming cup beside me. "You understand their pain". The tea smelled of mountain herbs and honey.
"I never thought I'd find purpose in what Hammond did," I admitted. "But helping the children... it feels right".
Nirako leaned against the table. "Pain can become strength when properly channeled".
"The Nexus monitoring team asked me to join them. The council approved".
"I heard." A smile spread across his face. "Ravik seemed... resigned".
I laughed softly. "Still doesn't trust me?"
"He trusts you," Nirako corrected. "He worries about the bond affecting my judgment".
"And does it?" I met his gaze.
"It changes my perspective. Not my judgment." He moved to the window. The casual domesticity felt natural.
"I've never had a home before," I said suddenly. "Just places I stayed."
Nirako turned, expression softening. "The Aerie teaches home is the energy we create".
I looked around our small dwelling—the blend of our possessions, herbs drying, data crystals, woven blankets. "I like our energy," I said simply.
Nirako rested his hand near mine, not quite touching. Our markings and lifelines responded, light dancing between us. "As do I," he replied.
We sat in comfortable silence. Outside, settlement life continued. I felt whole.
Nirako moved to prepare our evening meal. He winced reaching for a high shelf. I crossed to him, taking down the container. "Let me help." He didn't protest. He shifted, making space beside him.
"The root vegetables need cutting," he said, handing me a knife. We worked side by side. My shoulder occasionally brushed his, markings glowing gently. His lifelines did the same.
"Selene says my new marking patterns are ancient guardian symbols," I said.
Nirako nodded. "The elders speak of them. Thought to be legends".
"And now they're on my skin." I looked at the silver patterns. "Sometimes I expect the chaos."
