The Fire and The Storm - The Nexus of Kellaran #2 novel Chapter 68

Part 12

“Do you want to mate with me?” Talvol asked Reggie, who blushed almost purple in the firelight in embarrassment, which was aggravated by his sisters and Karzog breaking out laughing.

“Uh, I’ve heard that Sylvan females gain status amongst themselves by being mated by males of high status.” Reggie stammered. “I assume that’s why you’re asking me? Since we’ve assumed control here, I’m the highest status male?”

“That’s right.” Talvol smiled. “And males gain status from mating more females than the other males. We don’t mind that if the male has really high status like you, so if it’ll help convince you, you can have all three of us.”

“Sure.” Meblit agreed. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

“We don’t mind that you’re small or anything.” Lutimik added. “You’re kind of cute in a really weird way.”

Valentia, Helemia, and Karzog had been having trouble controlling their laughter enough to follow what was being said, and with the last comment they lost in completely. The girls rolled around on the sand, braying and squealing with hysterical mirth, and Karzog had to tell those fighting in the ring to pause until he could spare them some attention again. The Sylvan around them who were following their conversation chuckled a bit at Reggie’s embarrassment, but they didn’t really know why he was embarrassed, or what the three found so hilariously funny.

Reggie was so mortified that he covered his face with both hands until he had a grip on himself again. “Look. I’m flattered by your offer, but I’m not going to be mating with you or with anyone else!”

“Why not?” Meblit inquired. “We figured we had a better chance with you since we’re smaller than the older girls.”

“Because I just turned six years old, that’s why!” Reggie declared in exasperation. “I’m not interested in that kind of thing yet, and I’m not going to be mating with anyone for at least ten years!”

“Eww. Now I’m embarrassed.” Talvol muttered with a pinched face. “Excuse me.” she said as she stood.

“Yeah.” Meblit agreed as she and Lutimik joined their friend in beating a hasty retreat.

Now the laughter of the rest of the Sylvan was as enthusiastic as that of Reggie’s companions, and the three girls ran into the woods to escape it.

That episode seemed to break the ice between the young Sylvan and their four conquerors. Soon a group approached bearing offerings. “We’ve made up a vat of juice from the leftover berries and fruit.” their spokesman said as they approached with pitchers and glasses they’d fashioned from black volcanic glass. “Would you care for some?”

“Certainly, and thank you.” Helemia said as the three half-elves accepted, and Karzog declined with a shake of his head as he re-started the interrupted fight.

“He said you were young, but we sure didn’t think you were that young.” a Sylvan girl declared as she poured juice. “You sure don’t act like it. How’d you get so smart so fast?”

“We spent a lot of time psionicly Linked with each other and with our parents, from before we were even born.” Helemia explained. “And besides that, we work on getting better at everything as hard as we can, and we have the very best teachers.”

“And exceptional intelligence runs in our families.” Valentia added.