Fire Meets Fate

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali had felt stronger in the last while. She put that on the account of the Clan itself growing, as well as pushing herself to new limits, both as a leader and an individual. She had been raised with the belief and example that true leaders embodies the virtues and powers their people could aspire to. The Undead Fires were her people to watch over, and also push further. She hated complacency, even though the double edged sword meant that she still tended to focus most of her existence on her position as Clan Mother.

One of her recent conversations with Megaera had also seen her admit one of her goals, which wove together her personal and political sides. Indeed, she had expressed interest in bearing an offspring, as to continue the Raskor lineage. It was important to her. For that purpose, she had been surveying the Night Brothers with more interest over the past weeks. She wished not to rush in picking a breeder; and it was also a way to distract herself from her wandering thoughts towards a certain huntress. The evening she had shared offering a worthy sacrifice to the gods with Cearia by her side had remained ingrained in her mind.

As she walked by Night Brothers tending to some of the verne, her fingers slipped into the pouch she kept at her belt, in which the volcanic gem Cearia had given her remained safe. Anjali knew it wasn't the final way she would keep it; but she didn't want to part with it until then. At least the couple of Night Brothers that Cearia took with her weren't among the options she considered. Even though they were accomplished hunters, Anjali knew they weren't the appropriate breeders for her goal.

Iss-Ka trotted by her side, hissing with what could be considered like disdain, towards most of the males. Anjali could appreciate bed warmers of any gender, but at this point, the one woman she was interested in was a complicated matter; and she wouldn't share her bed with any male. She was choosy for the Raskor line depended upon her decision.

Lost in her ruminations, Anjali suddenly heard Iss-Ka groan in a rare fashion, and then scamper off. The Clan Mother watched as clan members made way for the poisonous beast, which most of them feared, and not only because she belonged to their Clan Mother.

The voritor then stopped at the bottom of a path, waiting for Anjali to join her. "What is it Iss-Ka?"

The lizard needed not to answer for the Clan Mother felt Cearia's presence then.

The hunting party that had been gone for the past weeks, was returning.

[Cearia Tserta]

The expedition had been gone for close to a month as the hunters expected. Verne sightings had taken them miles past the previous areas they had scoured weeks prior. Cearia knew they had to widen the search and chose new hunters to come with, wanting fresh eyes on the land. One of the new Night Brothers that she had decided to bring with was Enjo. He was excited that Cearia approached him the night of her return. The settlement was in joyous celebration and the Clan Mother had bestowed a blessing on the hunter to continue the search. He was only one of two Night Brothers chosen to go with Cearia and five other sisters.

His fortune grew as he was paired to track with Cearia. The four pairs spread out, following signs of where the verne could be headed. The groupings were small to cover more distance than together and with or without success, they would return at the agreed upon camp two days hike from their home in three weeks.

During their travels, Enjo shared how he created a secure enclosure in a short time and how it can be easily expanded depending on the amount of verne they could acquire. He and other Night Brothers had scouted the best land for the animals to graze and allow for ease to watch over them against any hunters. Cearia was impressed with his planning as he was impressed with her ability to track. Weeks old tracks were easily spotted by the young hunter that others of her age would have failed to spot. Cearia had a keen eye and determination that Enjo admired despite coming up empty handed for days. Cearia assured him that this happened during her last venture and had a good feeling ...

That feeling paid off. They had found a pair of female verne to rope which added to the three verne that others managed to round up, five total. It was a good haul but it concerned her that the animals weren't grouping together for safety. Were there not that many left? Were they sick? Predators getting to them before they did? The specimens they had captured appeared healthy enough and no one saw signs of verne carcasses in travel. That left few verne left and that was a chilling prospect. It meant breeding the verne was a priority to increase the population.

Enjo and Cearia had long discussions about it during the two day trip back home. He was eager to please the Night Sister, coming to respect her greatly and hoped that if he could keep her attention that it may evolve into something more. He was well aware that the clan spoke highly of Cearia during the celebratory night and she would be in demand as a possible mate. He would be honored if he could be chosen and needed to keep their conversations fresh. Be with her as much as possible.

So close beside her he remained as they triumphantly returned with the verne. He tugged on the rope to keep his verne on track, as did the others with their hauls, and noticed that Cearia was searching for someone ...

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali saw the group show up, counting the number of verne they were bringing back, before her eyes fastened upon Cearia, a smile curving her lips as she was the huntress come closer to the edge of the settlement. Iss-Ka hissed in something that sounded as happy as the Voritor could do. The Clan Mother didn't move from where she stood for the moment though, not wanting to get in the way of the hunters taking the verne inside the enclosure. She commanded Iss-Ka to stay put, even though both master and pet were eager to come closer.

The Beast Warden only walked up to the edge of the enclosure once the hunters had safely put the newly acquired creatures inside. She counted three males and two females. Truth be told, more would have been welcome, but bringing two new females meant chances of breeding, and that was a great perspective.

Her attention returned to Cearia, and she noticed how Enjo seemed to stay close to her. A strong surge of anger burned the Clan Mother's soul for a brief but significant moment. She suppressed it; but Iss-Ka saw things differently. The large lizard, nearing to her adult size, she didn't come even close to the enclosure, exhibiting no interest in it. Instead the beast came to stand between Enjo and Cearia. She repeatedly and promptly darted her tongue at the Night Brother, baring her fangs as she hissed harshly. She didn't move until the Night Brother backed up far enough to her taste.

Then, the two-meter long Voritor circled Cearia a couple of times, sniffing her before sitting by her side, tilting her head and happily slowly darting her tongue out.

"Welcome back, huntress," Anjali eventually said, as she had let Iss-Ka do as she saw fit, for she couldn't argue with her beast's reaction, having the audacity to do what she refused to do due to her position.

[Cearia Tserta]

Enjo immediately backed off, fearful of the Voritor and confused as to how he had upset it! Had he incurred ill favor with the Clan Mother? He had been part of a successful expedition and brought verne back for the people. Surely this would be a blessing! When Iss-Ka bared her fangs, he half stumbled back against the enclosure, gripping the wood beam for dear life. Cearia looked puzzled by the Voritor's behavior and what issue it had with Enjo since she knew her stance was aggressive, far aggressive than what Anjali had taught her. All he did was keep a close eye on the verne as they were led to their new grounds. She was ignorant of Enjo's attentions towards her, unlike Iss-Ka.

Her aggression passed once Enjo was what she considered a safe distance away from Cearia. Then she became playful and excited, circling her before settling down to greet her in a manner that the hunter knew was kind.

"You missed me?" she asked quietly, pleasantly stunned by this.

She was going to ask where Iss-Ka's mistress was but Cearia realized that Anjali couldn't be too far behind. Voritor and Clan Mother were always together. The Night Sister soon had her answer.

Enjo stood upright to bow out of respect for their leader, keeping a watchful eye on the Voritor.

"Clan Mother!" Cearia also bowed. "It's good to be home. Though I'm afraid we couldn't find as many verne as before."

Her voice was sharp with disappointment. "But I'm hopeful that we have enough for breeding."

"Huntress Cearia does not give herself justice, Clan Mother," Enjo stated, trying to position himself in other ways with the hunter. "If not for her skills and leadership, we wouldn't have found what verne have."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali inwardly found the interaction between Cearia and Iss-Ka profoundly heart-warming, but she displayed none of it in her facial expression. The Clan Mother was no ice queen; but a fiery one; but she knew when to show composure. An unreliable leader wasn't what the Clan needed. She was satisfied with how the Night Brother had stepped back upon the Voritor's attack. It was only just. The lizard had picked on what the man seemed to develop towards the huntress. Anjali couldn't disagree, even when she may not be ready to act upon her own attraction; but she may still feel slightly territorial.

The Clan Mother smiled to Cearia as the huntress bowed and explained with obvious disappointment the result of the hunt. She was about to say something when Enjo interrupted, forgetting his subaltern position. What followed next was prompt. Anjali lashed out a strong hand, gripping the man's shoulder and forcing him to his knees before her, her other hand gripping at his jaw. Bone didn't crack but Anjali's latent and growing skills had made her stronger.

"Speak out of turn again, and you will lose that tongue, Brother. The Clan has no need for it, only for your hunting skills and your reproductive abilities."

Iss-Ka had moved closer at once, snapping her mouth, a few droplets of poison dropping from her fangs to the ground near Enjo's knees. It was rare to see the Clan Mother's wrath; and this was only a mere fraction of what hell she could unleash, but she wasn't going to have a mere Night Brother interrupt a conversation.

She released her grip upon him, and dismissed him with a glare and a mere gesture. Iss-Ka followed him for a while before returning to sit by Anjali, but her long tail coming to rest its tip by Cearia's boots.

Afterwards, she returned her attention to Cearia, as if everything was back to normal. "He was right though about your abilities. You have led two successful hunts. I agree that we all hoped for more than five verne; but as you pointed out, we should be able to start breeding, especially in this season."

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia stoically watched Anjali handled Enjo. As she may have been touched that he had risked her wrath in speaking well of her, he was a fool that had forgotten his place. Their leader quickly reminded him of it. Night brothers were vital to the continuation of their people and had many skills to allow their community to prosper, but they were still subservient with the Undead Fires. The hunter remain utterly clueless as to the real reasons he spoke out of turn and why Anjali's punishment was swift with promise.

She watched Enjo quickly retreat without a word. Just a quick nod and heavy bows of apologies while making sure there was enough space between him and the Voritor as he escaped. When Iss-Ka returned, she was keenly aware of their closeness. Just a small shift and Cearia's boot could touch her. She was tempted to but the fledgling rapport she had with Iss-Ka was one she did not want to press her luck with. Or she may end up like Enjo ...

The hunter was curious that Anjali agreed with Enjo when he was out of earshot. Though she reasoned that it was due to Anjali not wanting to show weakness in front of the males. That could displace her as leader. It was a different view for her. Males were second to women in her clan but they were allowed to speak in normal conversations. It was a new perspective for her but one Cearia accepted for survival.

"Yes. The gods are kind that we're able to create a herd during this time of year. We should be hopeful for calves in the coming months." Her eyes wandered to several sisters with swollen bellies that she had not noticed a month prior. "And some more babes for our numbers too it seems..."

Anjali's words echoed in her mind about Enjo's uses but quickly she dismissed how ludicrous it would be to believe that he was trying to impress the Clan Mother for that reason!

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali didn't necessarily believe all Night Brothers were subaltern pestilence; but speaking out of turn before her was a sure way to have her unleash punishment, especially if the person was a male. She was keenly aware that her jealousy was another confirmation of her attraction to the huntress. She knew she was better than that; but at least she had managed to keep it civilized and political, rather than personal. She technically had no right to exhibit jealousy in regards to other behaviors towards Cearia; but it was still the painful truth of her feelings.

She returned her attention to Cearia as they discussed the verne and their herd. "This would be great. With the cataclysm, have you ever happened upon sightings of other game that would be good for the clan?" She had remarked that nature itself had been permanently altered, and was curious as whether Cearia's hunting travels had revealed about it.

Anjali smiled at the huntress's comment regarding the pregnant Sisters that passed nearby. "We are currently expecting three births within the next months. Hopefully this number will go up to four soon," she remarked, for she knew certain whispers about her personal research had began to happen among the Clan in the past week, even though she had been investigating for a longer time.

[Cearia Tserta]

Perhaps Cearia had been too quick to dismiss her initial thought about Enjo as she gazed with tempered surprise towards her leader. Clearly Anjali was referring to herself. Cearia just felt the truth of it and wondered what else had happened since she left almost a month ago.

"It's important to carry on your name, Clan Mother. To have a successor to continue your work with our new clan," she said with a trained smile. "I hope the blessings the night before my departure are able to go onto you with an heir."

She bowed her head, meaning every word.

[Anjali Raskor]

Oblivious to Cearia's assumptions about Enjo, Anjali felt no discomfort upon the huntress's understanding of her words. To the Clan Mother, continuing her line and her attraction to the other Night Sister were two completely different matters; but she knew to some it wouldn't be the case. Granted, she was fairly sure for now that Cearia had no idea of how attracted the Clan Mother was to her. Anjali could quite blame herself in that regard; because Iss-Ka had definitely been about a subtle as a Rancor. As if on point, the beast headbutted her owner's thigh while gently resting the tip of her tail atop Cearia's boot. At least one of them got bolder, she mused.

Anjali smiled to Cearia's words. "Thank you very much, huntress. I appreciate your well wishes. I am narrowing down my breeder options at this point; but I do indeed feel it is important for me to carry an heir for the Clan and for the Raskor lineage, regardless of who I may eventually choose as mate."

The Clan Mother briefly pursed her lips, unsure about what to say more, or whether she had already said plenty enough.

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia canted her head towards the ground, fighting a gasp at seeing Iss-Ka's tail touch her boot.

Blessings for me as well it seems, thought the hunter, believing that the Voritor's affections was a vivid sign of her leader's approval. Iss-Ka would not tolerate her presence, let alone enjoy it, if Anjali was not impressed with her. She briefly smiled before rising, her expression focused on her conversation with Anjali. She nodded with understanding, despite never giving either prospect of a mate or breeding much thought for herself as she was so focused on feeding her clan. But what her leader said was true of any clan - laying with a male for offspring did not mean an automatic mate. The two could be exclusive of one another, but there are some sisters that may choose one as her mate.

"Whoever they may be as breeder or mate, they will be honored to be with you Clan Mother." She looked past Anjali where Enjo had long since disappeared. "But ... I'm sure I can exclude one male."

She righted herself, hoping her quip was received well. "Not to be disrespectful..."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali was very well aware of Iss-Ka's growing impatience, though she was obviously not going to have a conversation with the voritor about her intimate life, especially in public, and in front of Cearia. The lizard made a very peculiar noise as she forcefully nuzzled her leg again. At least, the sight of her creature resting her tail atop the huntress's boots, and the other woman's pleased reaction were wonderful to witness, and the Clan Mother took that as another sign that life was carrying on and that choosing not to live to the fullest was a mistake if not an actual blasphemy, given the ordeals they had experienced.

The beast master smiled at Cearia's observation about her choosing of a breeder or a mate. She hoped the huntress still felt as such later on. The mention of Enjo made the Clan Mother laugh darkly. She dismissed her apology. "That was an acute observation. Not that he was on my preferred choices anyway."

Then, Anjali decided that the gods, through their power and through Iss-Ka couldn't get much more obvious towards the path she could walk.

"Huntress, I believe you'll want to have some time for yourself after your long hunt; but I wished to invite you to come with me tomorrow morning as I patrol the canyon area."

That was as private as it could without directly inviting her to her living area.

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia furrowed her brow at Iss-Ka's odd noise, wondering if she had presumed too much on the voritor's liking of her. She was thankfully wrong that something was amiss as the vocal voritor nuzzled against her mistress. The hunter wondered if Anjali had another matter to attend to that Iss-Ka was reminding her of?

Anjali's laughter coaxed a smile from her. "I'm sure he's off the list of most sisters after what happened today."

She glanced back as she heard a verne wail loudly and frowned. The new males were vying for alpha and the night brothers were starting to separate them. She sighed deeply, glad for their quick actions and not having to intervene herself. It was a good sign that the males wanted to have breeding rights.

Her attention refocused on Anjali and nodded. "I would."

She needed downtime after such a long time away, but Cearia was surprised by the invitation. Her plans would have to change because she was quick to recuperate and go back out again. There was nothing for her here to keep tangible roots and the land called to her.

"And I accept. We can discuss the animals that may be roaming nearby. I saw bolma tracks this time through but focused on the verne. There were eggshells too. Fliers I believe. If that is true, we can take to the skies again..."

[Anjali Raskor]

"What about your list, huntress? Is he off it?" Anjali asked before thinking twice. It had a natural flow in the conversation after all; and she had no reason to feel bad about asking about such things, even as a leader.

Anjali observed Cearia as the huntress checked what was going on in the verne enclosure. The Clan Mother picked on what was unraveling, and saw it as a good sign, and was also grateful the Night Brothers handled the matter promptly and efficiently. But watching the huntress react in what was part of her element so to speak. So by no mean was she offended by the time the other Night Sister took in responding to her observation and request. She hoped that Cearia would say yes; even though she knew it might have to do with being respectful of her as a leader. One way or the other, Anjali hoped to get this time alone with the huntress.

She nodded to Cearia's confirmation she would need some rest for now. Then the hoped for answer came and Anjali felt very pleased. "This sounds like a great plan. I will meet you shortly after sunrise tomorrow, by the south exit. May the gods bless you with rest, huntress."

Not lingering longer, she turned on her heels, knowing that many eyes had been upon them, even if many hadn't been able to hear the actual exchange. Iss-Ka gave a couple light taps atop the huntress's boot and left , catching up to walk by her mistress's side.

[Cearia Tserta]

"Not at all, Clan Mother," she answered without second thought or offense. "I have no list to speak of too."

She felt comfortable speaking of this, even if this was the first time Cearia spoke of it aloud. No one had bothered asking her until now. Being one of the few without the Force, she had no way to realize how pleased Anjali was that she accepted her invitation.

"I'll be there, Clan Mother," confirmed Cearia and watched Anjali depart.

She smiled at Iss-Ka's farewell and lingered to watch them leave. The smile was still present as she regarded the clan members close by, who averted gazes and started walking off. It confused Cearia that she appeared to be of interest to them.

Probably left over curiosity after Enjo was punished, she mused before taking off for her hut as well.

Her body was suddenly weary, the traveling and excitement with her return hitting her hard. Muscles were tired and eyes wanted to droop closed to sleep and it felt as if her limbs were barely functioning with her commands, almost numb.

Dreamless sleep came quickly to her when she reached her bedroll, not bothering to undress.

***

Cearia was awake well before dawn, the Clan Mothers blessings holding true. Her hut mate had decided to keep her bed warm with one of the brothers last night. She had slept through it and worked quickly, and quietly, with washing up at the stone basin, changing into clean clothes and leathers, sheathing her knife, and collecting her bow and quiver. The pair continued to snore away as she applied her face paint.

She slipped out, gently closing the flap, before making her way to the south exit, popping dried berries into her mouth along the way to quiet her complaining belly.

[Anjali Raskor]

Cearia's reponse about having no list had made Anjali even happier than she had expected; and it was still on her mind the next day when she woke up shortly before sunrise. Iss-Ka had kept guard right inside the heavy leather curtains providing privacy to the Clan Mother. She had plans not to act upon her attraction; but after the recent events, she had revised her course of thoughts, and the morning would tell how events might actually unfold.

It didn't take her that long to wash and get dressed in her usual leather garb, with her two knives and pouches attached to her belt, including the one containing the volcanic gem the huntress had gifted her over a month ago.

She had let Iss-Ka loose while getting ready, knowing that the voritor would go to the river to sate her hunger. She knew that some clan members were still wary of the beast nabbing some of their supplies; but Iss-Ka was well-behaved and Anjali had a bond strong enough with the lizard to know whether she was attempting to get out of line. Iss-Ka had tried a couple of times, and the punishment had been efficient enough that since then the feisty beast did as told.

Right around the time she had told Cearia they would meet, the Clan Mother showed up, Iss-Ka not in sight at the moment. It wouldn't take long, but Iss-Ka had either had little luck or found substantial nourishment.

She saw Cearia about at the same time she felt her presence, for she had briefly been focusing on the voritor. She smiled warmly at the sight of the huntress, as she caught up with her.

"Good morning, Sister Cearia."

[Cearia Tserta]

The walk was uneventful as not many were up. She appreciated the quiet after yesterday's commotion with her return. Having all those eyes on her had felt peculiar but having Iss-Ka's approval was worth it. She selfishly hoped that one day she could have the honor of touching the great beast of the Clan Mother's. It was a fleeting thought.

She saw Anjali waiting for her and glanced the immediate surroundings for signs of the voritor. To her dismay, Cearia couldn't see her. Her attention returned to her leader and when she was close enough, she bowed. "Good morning, Clan Mother."

The hunter had purposefully kept a handful of berries to offer the Clan Mother when they met up. It was respectful as much as it was polite for the sister you were patrolling with. "In case you've not eaten yet, I saved you some dried berries."

She uncurled her hand with her offering.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali caught Cearia's brief glance around them; and she guessed she must have been looking for Iss-Ka, who normally didn't leave her side. The Clan Mother was happy that her voritor liked the huntress, especially as she could tolerate others, but Megaera and Cearia were the two the voritor actually respected. And she had never seen Iss-Ka as pleased and even caring towards Megaera the way she was with the huntress.

She smiled and gave a polite nod as she took the offered berries. "Thank you, I have indeed not eaten yet, although I believe Iss-Ka must have been gorging herself with fresh fish, since she hasn't returned yet."

She began walking outside of the encampment, knowing that her lizard would catch up soon enough.

"How was your night?"

[Cearia Tserta]

"Ah." Cearia glanced around with understanding and a little disappointment. However a hungry voritor, no matter how well it may like her, was best hunting to sate its belly. It also kept the verne safe too. Not that she didn't trust Anjali's control over Iss-Ka, but even a well trained beast would have a wandering eye for food due to instinct potentially winning over.

"I look forward to seeing her when she's done feeding," the hunter added and fell in step behind Anjali.

"Slept soundly. The back to back expeditions made me more tired than I thought but I'm refreshed for our patrol, Clan Mother."

[Anjali Raskor]

"I'm fairly sure that she should be done soon. She left shortly after I woke up. She always keeps watch over me when I rest," Anjali explained as the two woman headed towards the canyon, passing through woods first. She found it fascinating how nature fought to survive and regenerate after the cataclysm. Obviously must has been destroyed in other parts of the world, but whatever survived was fierce and stubborn, just as their clan was. It made the beast warden smile.

She was glad to hear that Cearia had got some solid rest, especially after all her time away. "Are you planning any other hunting travels in the near future?"

A moment later, she heard and felt something slither across nearby bushes. "Sated Voritor coming through," she mused. The next instant, they heard what sounded very akin to a burp, before the large creature appeared and pressed forward to come both women, falling in stride, keeping the Clan Mother between her and Cearia.

"Well, you seem happy," Anjali observed with a smile, and she felt the creature's satisfaction and excitement about the trek ripple through their bond.

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia enjoyed this immensely. The freedom to move through the forest without feeling so claustrophobic within the settlement was just what she needed since she could head off to track or hunt this morning. Not that she would have refused the offer to come with her leader, but she would have to admit that the Clan Mother's presence was one she welcomed. She had no close ties with anyone else with the clan. Cearia had her usual sisters she went to for supplies and for hunting, and now she had her preferred groupings going on the weeks long treks - but of course Enjo was no longer welcomed. Not after Anjali's punishment. She did not want to displeasure her and that would mean cutting off ties with the night brother for the expeditions. She would work with him to make sure the enclosures were erected properly but that's all.

"I was going to head out again this morning, but we had other plans," she admitted. "But by the will of the gods it was for the best. I've been pushing myself too far without realizing it."

She was going to explain further but Iss-Ka made her presence known in a very unique way that made the hunter laugh that had not occurred since the cataclysm. It was a strong, earnest, laugh that came from her belly.

"Well, I'm happy to see you Iss-Ka. Your mistress knew I was sad when I didn't see you earlier."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali was delighted that Cearia had accepted her invitation all the more as the huntress said she would have left again that very morning otherwise. When the other woman admitted having been pushing herself too far, she had the distinct impression more might have been said; but Iss-Ka interrupted. The Clan Mother found herself a little concerned about the huntress. She was grateful for her hard work, and valued that in all clan members, including herself, but she also knew that straining one's self beyond sensible limits could take unwanted tolls.

The Voritor tilted her head and hissed slowly and softly at the huntress's words, happy to be directly addressed. She slowly reached out with her long tail and gently tapped its tip to Anjali's pouch in which the gem was kept, and then upon Anjali's leg.

Smooth, Iss-Ka, smooth....

Making a string of sounds that Anjali recognized as something between a taunt and what could be described as a cackle, she pressed on forward, giving some privacy to both women. Anjali didn't know whether to strangle that creature or thank her. Even her Rancor didn't boss her around like that.

"Most people are more scared of Rancors than Voritors; but I am unsure this hierarchy of danger is well organized," she mused.

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia frowned and became confused as to why Iss-Ka, who had just arrived, went scampering off so quickly. Her hand went to her knife hilt in case it was due to danger, but why would the voritor leave her mistress' side? Iss-Ka would have stood beside Anjali, as would Cearia, protecting the Clan Mother from any threat. She decided to remain a respectful distance behind and to the right of Anjali, her hand slipping away from the knife at her belt. Cearia still wondered what had caught the voritor's attention, quite ignorant of the play between beast and warden that revolved around her.

She thought on Anjali's words. "I'm sure our clan would agree. Iss-Ka's presence has certainly ignited fear and respect for many."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali marveled at the huntress's prompt reaction in case of a potential threat. Of course, it was impossible for Cearia to know what had just unraveled between beast and mistress; but the Clan Mother nevertheless appreciated what had just occurred. It brought a faint smile to her expression, as she realized she had no way out now. Truth be told, she didn't want one. Regardless of the response, she was better than keeping things hidden out of some misplaced sense of duty masking actual fear. She believed in conquering fears, not cowering because of them.

She grinned with pride at what Cearia said about Iss-Ka though. "She was the first sign I saw that told me I would make it through the cataclysm. She's a blessing from the gods."

As they reached a clearing in the deep woods, Anjali knew it was as good a private place as anywhere to speak to the huntress.

"Iss-Ka has gone because she knew I needed to speak to you. I believe you have remarked how taken she has become with you, haven't you?"

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia mused on her own survival after the world shook with destruction. She was miles away from home on a right of passage to prove her skills and become a proper hunter to the Red Hills. She vividly remembered seeing her mother and sisters sending her off with other clan members, the look of pride and joy that Cearia's day had finally come.

She nodded to Anjali's belief of meeting Iss-Ka as a sign, despite her mind lost on what her sign of survival was - several night sisters bickering among each other on what to do with another witch they came across. Cearia had kept to herself until tensions had lessen, followed the group, and revealed herself once they were close to camp of what was now a much larger settlement of the Undead Fires.

Her sign was not as soul inspiring as the one Anjali had received, but Cearia appreciated the chance to survive and feel useful even if she felt out of place. Except now. The Clan Mother and Iss-Ka made life bearable in her brief moments here at home. They were few moments that she appreciated, patrolling with her leader and finding purpose through her commands. It was why her soul craved the lands, still searching for something besides 'hunter of the Undead Fires'.

The morning sun and its glare didn't bother the hunter, her face paint offering protection and camouflage, as they entered the clearing. Little had happened on patrol which meant that the surrounding areas of the settlement were secured.

Now Cearia was not prepared for what was about to occur.

She was focused on their surroundings when Anjali spoke. Cearia fought back concern as to why her leader wanted a private word with her. It made no sense that she were in some trouble. Iss-Ka would not have left if that were the case.

"Yes ..." she nodded slowly with uncertain eyes. "I have."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali felt a strange sense of certainty about the moment, as the two women were ensconced deep within the forest. The Clan Mother's affinities with the natural world always made her stronger, and even private matters such as the ones she was now addressed, seemed easier to handle with such a connection. After all, whatever would unravel would be better than dealing with the unsaid.

Cearia's response was confirmation Anjali had expected; but at least it was a first step. The Clan Mother looked at the huntress before her, searching for her gaze, before she spoke again.

"I do appreciate you as well."

She paused, knowing she would have to be more upfront than that.

"I have a strong interest in having you as my mate."

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia hadn’t felt this nervous in a long time. Not that she feared what Anjali had to say, the hunter already rationalized that whatever else her leader had to expand on, it was nothing dreadful. Her instincts served her well despite the lack of connection through the Force, and nothing in the Clan Mother’s posture indicated that anything was wrong. So, what could she possibly need from her since Iss-Ka had given her approval of the young hunter.

She knew the gods and Anjali blessed her continued efforts to track down more animals for food, materials, and beasts of burden. Perhaps more responsibilities with the settlement that would keep her grounded within it? Taking younger sisters under her wing to learn how to walk and live by the lands? All her choices of what it could be were singularly related to how to make the settlement continue to prosper and be safe.

A slow smile made its way onto her lips, delighted to hear that Anjali appreciated her. Perhaps that was all this was? A continuation of the conversation from yesterday in a private setting? Cearia was keenly aware of the stares they received, even after Enjo was ran off. It was strange as hunter and leader were not speaking of anything that would turn the ears of gossipers towards them.

She wanted to return the kind words to Anjali, as she appreciated the Clan Mother greatly. The hunter was not sure what life she would live as a night sister, but Anjali’s presence as the leader of the Undead Fires gave Cearia hope. She and the shamans did the impossible – unite the surviving clans and immediately dealt with dissidents fairly to lead by example, not just fear. Killing everyone that was frightened or being disorderly to other former rival clans would dwindled their numbers. Arguments did occur on occasion but at least that spirted energy was channeled into hard labor and trying to impress the leaders with skill for favor.

“Your mate?” she repeated with confusion. The Clan Mother’s mate? Mate?!

She never would have predicted this topic at all, her mind racing, searching for past clues in their brief conversations together. Cearia admitted that she was not looking for anyone to pair with as she felt isolated among her new people. She just wanted to do her part and interactions were strategic. Also, Anjali gave no indication of her intentions.

Or had she through Iss-Ka? Cearia wondered about the voritor’s demeanor around her and how it was evolving positively every time they met. Her eyes briefly widened with a possible realization that yesterday’s incident with Enjo was about her and not the Clan Mother.

Of course, there was the stone I found and gave her. But I did it because it felt right. Was there more to it that I didn’t notice?

These thoughts did nothing to stop her heart from pounding quickly as she looked to Anjali for understanding. “Forgive me if this offends, but I thought after we spoke you were uncertain of a breeder or mate?”

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali was expecting Cearia to be surprised, and the look of confusion on the huntress's face as she repeated some of her words fell in line with it. At least no immediate rejection emerged, which the Clan Mother saw as a good sign. She nodded to Cearia's words, letting them sink in for a moment as she observed the other woman. She felt very certain about her decision now, guessing that Iss-Ka had both forced her to be as well as knowing full well how capable the beast master was in many areas of her life.

The questions that came next made Anjali grin. It was a very valid one. "No offense taken," she said, hoping to assuage Cearia's concern before answering the rest of the question. "We were already well observed by other clan members at that time. While it is true I have three contenders for my breeder's needs, I haven't picked a specific one yet. As for a choice of mate, my interest in you has been deepening since we first met, but I didn't want to speak of it publicly."

She took a couple of steps closer to Cearia. "Given your dislike of attention, I also thought that you would rather I spoke to you about elsewhere than the middle of the settlement, when many eyes were already upon you given your growing hunting success. Am I correct?"

[Cearia Tserta]

Anjali smiling helped to alleviate some of Cearia’s concerns, as well as when she confirmed she took no offense. As she listened, Cearia realized that what she had presumed was inconsequential talk between her and Anjali, was far more interesting to the other clan members then she had first assumed. Everything else shared was the truth with her breeding prospects – Anjali didn’t have one chosen yet

She was still surprised at the Clan Mother’s confession. Cearia never felt that she was special, nor worthy, to be considered by any leader of the Undead Fires. She was just a hunter. Cearly Anjali did not see it that way, nor did others by the sound of it.

It was strange that she could see all the signs of animals that she was meant to find, but Cearia was oblivious to Anjali's interest in her since they had first met.

By the grace of the gods, Cearia managed to stand her ground as Anjali came closer. The Clan Mother's words touched her because it was the first time that anyone had considered her feelings. Not that the young hunter was making it easy being such a recluse, but the fact that Anjali had noticed and acted to make sure that she was comfortable was charming.

"You're correct, Clan Mother," said the hunter with gratitude. "I appreciate you talking to me like this instead."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali's attention was focused on Anjali, and her presence before her in the midst of the forest was a compelling beacon among the flora and fauna in the perimeter. The Clan Mother didn't know whether the huntress was gifted like she and other clan members were; and she hadn't asked, for it didn't matter for one way or the other, Cearia was a valuable member of the Undead Fires, and the Clan Mother's inclination towards the the other Night Sister had begun before she would even have considered such things.

The way Cearia tended to err on the recluse side was something Anjali surprisingly appreciated. She valued self-resilient people, who didn't need constant company or being reassured about their value over and over again. Anjali was herself very independent and while she hoped for the huntress to become her mate, she was most fine with them continuing to contribute to the Clan in their respective roles.

She smiled when Cearia agreed with her reading of her preferences, and thanked for for it. "You are welcome. I understand that my attraction to you might come as a surprise; but I hope it doesn't cause you any anguish."

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia was thankful for the sounds of the forest - the rustling of leaves as the wind brushes the branches, the insects buzzing around, birds chirping, and if she recalled the distant grunting, a boar was passing through. She appreciated the natural setting despite this surprising situation she found herself in.

As she answered the Clan Mother, she hoped they would be interrupted by the boar if it came closer. Of course she had this feeling that Iss-Ka would handle it if it did so it wouldn't bother the two night sisters conversation.

"Surprised, yes. Very much so. And honored you feel this way. But you don't need to worry, Clan Mother, I'm not feeling anguished over it. Just ... confused," she admitted.

She could name several other night sisters that she felt were more worthy of being her mate, especially as they were gifted with being able to touch the Force.

[Anjali Raskor]

Cearia's surprise was still strong, for without prying, Anjali could feel its ripples due to their closeness, and how her gift easily fastened upon the huntress as they had interacted more over time. She forbade herself from prying and took the other woman's body language and words at face value. She felt no qualm asserting her leadership over rebellious clan members; but she had no want to invade the huntress's private thoughts, which she doubted she could actually do anyway, for her training was still blossoming, and she remained a nature-anchored Force wielder.

She was glad that no anguish plagued Cearia upon her admission. It was good, as Anjali knew their shared time had unfolded in good conditions; but one couldn't really know for such private matters, until it was out in the open.

"I'm glad it doesn't trouble you, although I am curious as to why you feel confused."

She took a few more steps towards the huntress, standing fairly close to her at this point.

"Why is that?"

[Cearia Tserta]

Boots still remained fixed on the ground as Anjali came closer, a sign of strength despite her confusion.

"I appreciate how you value and see me. How you respected my privacy. You're the only one that has understood that about me," she began. "And I'm not being disrespectful in saying this, as your feelings are yours alone, but I feel like ... there are others that are better matched for you."

She swallowed, allowing a pause to collect her thoughts. "I'm not like you. I can't ... I wasn't born with the ability to perform great magicks like most of the clan. I'm no Beast Warden either. I'm just ... I'm just a hunter."

Cearia did not speak down about herself or her abilities. She was just honest about her skills and place in the clan. And for one that she admired and was leader of the Undead Fires, Cearia felt inadequate in some ways to a woman of Anjali's station.

"What I do is vital. And I excel at it. Proud of it. But is that really enough?"

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali was very pleased as Cearia didn't step back, even as she moved closer to her. While Cearia disliked being the center of attention, the woman's strength was significant, and it was one of the first things that had attracted the Clan Mother to her. She also valued how she could think to herself, and when asked, would answer, as she did next. Some might have avoided her inquiry; but even confused, Cearia didn't.

She thought others would have realized that Cearia valued her privacy. It seemed fairly obvious to Anjali. Yet her life as Beast Warden, caretaker for her two younger sisters, who died during the cataclysm, and now her role as Clan Mother, reading and understanding people was part of her personality and skill set.

When Cearia said that she believed others were better matches for her than she was, Anjali found that almost amusing. The huntress's admission that she wasn't Force sensitive was somewhat of a surprise, and yet not. It mattered not to Anjali though. As the other woman said, her role as huntress was nonetheless vital to the clan.

She smiled brightly when the huntress spoke of her accomplishments. It was very attractive to see her recognize her own value.

To Cearia's question, Anjali cupped the huntress's face in her hands., as she leaned ever closer.

"You are enough, Cearia," she said before closing the distance between them as she kissed her.

[Cearia Tserta]

Clouds passed over the sun, shading the area where they stood as Cearia waited for Anjali's response. She spoke from the heart and if Anjali decided to end this conversation, reevaluate her decision for a mate, and return Cearia would not hold anything against her leader. She would be forever loyal to her Clan Mother and her people.

Just the way Anjali smiled did make her stand straighter and puff out her chest with pride. She may not feel what the other was thinking, but that was the first time she ever seen her leader smile like that. That smile was because of her and she felt blessed being able to see it.

She didn't anticipate Anjali reaching for her and stiffened. No one had ever touched her, or felt such gentleness from anyone, and still she didn't pull back. Not even when her body shivered despite the warmth of the sun returning when the clouds passed. Maybe it was instinct that drove her, or her way of having some control of the situation, that she curled her hands around Anjali's biceps as her face loomed closer.

So little was said, but it was what Cearia needed to hear from Anjali to allow her confusion to disappear and accept the kiss that was given to her.

[Anjali Raskor]

In the back of her mind, Anjali considered the returning sun and its warmth basking the two women a good omen. She might not have had the strongest faith when younger, despite her original Clan Mother telling her about the powers that be and their constant watch over the living realm. Yet the cataclysm and what had followed had changed her soul, and she more willingly recognized that without the gods, they wouldn't be survivors. They had to play their part; but honoring the gods and seeing their signs had become important to the Beast Warden.

She smiled as Cearia not only didn't shy away from her touch, but reached out to curl her hands around her arms. When the woman she had chosen returned the kiss, she felt a sudden rush, anchored in the senses; but her soul briefly felt as if in the eye of the storm. The uncanny feeling receded before she let go of the huntress's lips; and she couldn't explain what it meant. Time would tell.

She looked at the other Night Sister and smiled, as her hands trailed down on her arms, mirroring her stance. She had no time to say or do anything else though, because a quiet and happy hissing sound caught her attention. She chuckled as she saw Iss-Ka standing there. The Voritor then came closer, swatted the Clan Mother's thigh and then sat by both women's side. She then gently wrapped her tail around Cearia's leg for a moment.

[Cearia Tserta]

There was a light, pink, flush that peeked between her black face paint when their lips parted. The kiss was brief, but it left her mark on the hunter as a moment she would never forget. Hearing her name spoken without title and the closeness of Anjali stirred something inside her that was difficult to explain. What she did know is that being close to her leader like this was welcomed and felt right. She smiled back and squeezed Anjali's arms, uncertain of what was next.

Iss-Ka broke the moment with what Cearia presumed was a happy sound. She smiled brightly at the voritor, keeping her elation tempered to a silent, mental, cheer as Iss-Ka curled her tailed around her boot for a brief moment.

She also gave her a knowing look. "You've been planning this for awhile. Haven't you?"

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali had tamed a few Rancors in her life, and came from a line of Voritor Sisters; but Iss-Ka had to be the most stubborn and devious creature she had interacted with. That was probably why they had bonded from the moment Iss-Ka had chosen her. She hadn't thought she would find herself with a Voritor attached to her, but the gods had visibly decided otherwise. The Clan Mother was glad, even when she wanted to strangle the large and venomous beast.

She couldn't help chuckling at Cearia's reaction to Iss-Ka, who looked as smug as a Voritor could. "Oh, she has. I believe she might have even understood things before I did," Anjali admitted with a faint smile. Iss-Ka let go of the huntress's leg and then playfully patted the Nightsisters' still linked arms, as the Beast Warden hadn't let go of Cearia yet.

Anjali stepped back and crouched before the large beast. "You know you will have to give us privacy more than once, don't you?" As much as she valued her Voritor, she was seriously hoping Iss-Ka wouldn't feel entitled to sit and watch, because that would be annoying.

The Voritor hissed and snapped her fangs once at her mistress, who didn't flinch. "Yes, I know. You protect us, but we can take care of ourselves sometimes."

Iss-Ka canted her head and then headbutted the Clan Mother, who had braced herself, feeling the lizard's intention. Then Iss-Ka looked up at Cearia and headbutted her leg, as she had only ever done with Anjali until then.

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia understood what it meant to be a Beast Warden and how strong the bond was between warden and their chosen animal. What the hunter did not fully understand was how deep the bond forged between animal and warden. It was very interesting how Iss-Ka could understand deep emotions and play off of that knowledge to assist Anjali on a personal level. Having a venomous lizard by your side to invoke fear and respect was a great asset, but so was the connection on a spiritual level it seems. She wondered just how long the voritor was secretly hoping that Cearia and Anjali would become mates.

She smiled, watching Iss-Ka do what she considered a blessing of approval when she patted their arms. It was endearing to see the predator act like that towards her. Cearia felt comforted by it. Then things turned curious as Anjali tried to explain some boundaries to the voritor, especially about privacy. That caused Cearia's heart to race knowing what Anjali was referring to. She barely registered the rest of the conversation when Iss-Ka focused on her and headbutted her leg. If the hunter's mind wasn't so distracted, maybe she could have braced herself against the power of Iss-Ka's playfulness. Instead she stumbled, lost her balance, and landed on her ass.

It made her laugh with delight.

"I'll need to be prepared for that ..."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali had been focused on driving her point across with Iss-Ka, so she was oblivious to Cearia's reaction to it. She had got used to Iss-Ka playfulness. Having had her since she was a baby had also helped the Beast Warden adjust to the physical strength the creature had been gaining over the past months. It had also been part of the lziard's training to know how much strength she was allowed to use, when, and with whom. While they had a deep bond that was anchored in how the gods had brought them together, and Anjali's talents and education, there was also a lot of training involved. The Clan Mother still held dominion over the Voritor, even though as a true Beast Warden, she let Iss-Ka have a lot of freedom, believing in letting her express herself.

When Iss-Ka suddenly headbutted Cearia, Anjali watched her be caught by surprise and land on her ass, which made her laugh. It was quite adorable really. "Now you know it can happen," the Clan Mother teased.

Then she took advantage of it. She shifted position from crouching to pouncing the other Night Sister. It would have been a shame to miss such an opportunity. Hovering above Cearia, as she straddled her, hands on each side of her, she grinned.

"I didn't ask that devious creature to do it, but you look nice on the ground."

With a hiss, Iss-Ka scampered off, just in case.

[Cearia Tserta]

Iss-Ka was so close to touch that Cearia wondered if she should try her luck and see if the voritor would allow her the honor of touching her. She licked her lip as Anjali laughed, hearing nothing mean spirited contain in it. She had to look quite comical falling over from a playful voritor bump. Her idea was short lived as Anjali had other ones. With an oof, Cearia fell on her back and when her eyes adjusted, Anjali had a smug look on her face, making herself comfortable on top of the hunter.

She flushed, her skin prickling in a surge of what could only be a mix of desire, anticipation, and anxiety. Everything was new with Anjali and now Iss-Ka ran off! The damnable voritor got her into this mess and now she decided to run off and listen to the Clan Mother?

Eyes drew away from the retreating lizard to her beautiful leader. For now hands remained on the grass, not sure what to do with them. "Is there anything that I may do that doesn't make me look nice?" she asked curiously.

[Anjali Raskor]

While Anjali hadn't wanted someone as her mate as she did Cearia, she had had her share of lovers since her mid adolescence. The Clan Mother was thus very comfortable around her chosen partner; but she knew that reining in some of her eager appreciation might be best at the moment. She acted and reacted accordingly to what she was willing to offer to the huntress and what Cearia was comfortable with.

She grinned at the other Night Sister's question; but answered in earnest. "I don't think so."

From survival feats through the huntress's contribution to the clan, all the way to how adorably she had landed with her ass in the middle of the woods, Anjali did find Cearia attractive.

"I don't want you to change for me."

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia nodded thoughtfully. There were no doubts with accepting Anjali's offer in becoming mates, knowing the full extent of that commitment. What was difficult was how the hunter would be able to fulfill that role since she had no basis of a relationship with anyone before - casual or not. The Clan Mother was eager to remain close. This would take some time in getting used to it and missed Iss-Ka’s presence since the voritor provided a distraction for the hunter. The playful lizard was able to distract Cearia’s apprehension.

She hadn’t lied. This didn’t cause her angst, just was a new way for Cearia to think and behave. Though there was visibly relief on her face - eyes softening as her lips pulled into a thankful smile.

“As it should be. For both of us.”

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali returned Cearia's smile. She leaned forward and gently kissed the other woman. She didn't press further than that; enjoying things as they unraveled with the gods' blessings.

Letting go of the huntress, she got back to her feet, extending a hand to her mate.

"I believe we have a canyon to check out. If I recall correctly, you had mentioned the possibility of finding eggs, right?"

Exploring together was something she looked forward to, and she liked the idea of watching Cearia use her talents.

[Cearia Tserta]

Being well aware of Anjali's gifts, more specifically the Force, gave the Clan Mother an advantage to someone like Cearia who had no affinity for it except being part of that energy of life. Yet the hunter never would believe that her leader, and now mate, would ever use that against her. She would concede the possibility that Anjali could pick up nuances from her emotions but she felt comfortable with that.

She clasped Anjai's hand, trusting her implicitly.

"Yes. I found broken shells scatted about. Just no actual fliers spotted yet," she answered while being pulled to her feet. "Hopefully we can change that."

This would do them both some good and bond further.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali was glad that Cearia took her hand without hesitation. She was looking forward to spending more time together; and they had some of it on their hands, as they had agreed to explore the canyon area, besides the whole mate matter.

"If we could take up the skies again, as you mentioned yesterday, it would make a difference for the clan."

She knew that they had already received many blessings since the cataclysm; but the Clan Mother knew that it wasn't about numbers.

"This is one of the benefits of having to rebuild our settlements from nothing. We have room to expand and adjust to different needs."

[Cearia Tserta]

"The tactical advantage of being airborne would help in the defense of our home, but we could cover more lands in a shorter period of time. We can track more animals. Find more survivors too," she spoke passionately and with hope.

They just needed to find those egg shells again so Cearia could potentially pick up a trail.

"The Night Brothers would have to work on more enclosures. We have the Rancors and verne, but the fliers would pose a challenge. The ones not bonded would require tethering until they're trained," she mused, thinking on exactly what the settlement would need if they were able to expand with this. This was all talk for now, because their search could turn up nothing, but it was best to discuss it now so they could prepare.

Cearia led the way down the same canyon she had just marched through yesterday, knowing the best footpaths to take to get them down to the bottom safely. As they worked their way, the majestic view below was breathtaking. A river wound around a large cliff, creating a small pool around it. There were small mammals bathing and drinking, smaller feathered birds chirping inside the brush around the pool where the land was green and lush.

"It was down that ravine," Cearia pointed to the right of pool, "that I found some shells. Some of the trees may have nests."

[Anjali Raskor]

"I agree. At this point, I believe we found most survivors; but there is still the possibility scattered smaller groups are further away from us."

They had needed to stop the search at some point, and focus on building the Clan's resources. But if they could be airborne again, it would change a lot. Anjali listened to Cearia's observations with great interest. She reasoned both like a hunter and like a beast warden, she mused. It would come in handy, because they could use all resources and talents they had to become powerful again.

"Agreed on the tethering. I am still in the process of handling the Sister's training with the few Rancors we have, and I hope we find more soon to be able to have better breeding. If we find eggs, there will definitely be needs of riders for the fliers. I can also help with that; but I am hoping to be able to train more Sisters in the beast wardens ways. After all not all beast wardens necessarily have affinities with all creatures."

At this moment, Iss-Ka returned and walked between both women again, hissing in a pleased way. Anjali smiled warmly to her lizard.

"For example there are many Voritor Sisters in my lineage; but I was drawn to Rancors as well. The Clan Mother of the Lavender Rift used to tease me that the more dangerous and challenging the creature was, the more interested I was."

Anjali knew how some people had expected that her birth clan was more benevolent, if not weak, based on their name. Enemies had understood over the years that their name came from beautiful but very poisonous fields around their territories; many Clan members well versed in the arts of poison making.

She stopped at the top of the ravine, and listened to what Cearia said about finding nests. "Hopefully we find eggs," she observed before giving a look at her reptilian companion. "No eating those eggs. Am I clear?" Iss-Ka hissed, her body language visibly offended. "Better safe than, sorry, Iss-Ka."

The Voritor sat at the top of the ravine, and watched the two women advance towards their destination.

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia was not well versed in the ways of the Beast Wardens since she had no affinity for any of the creatures that were brought back home. She collaborated with them on many occasions for tracking, but Cearia was a child of the ground. The grass whispered to her of long gone animals that passed through, branches and leaves hinted of direction, signs of packed mud, twigs and weeds where her prey slept, or feathers and hair carelessly left behind to give her the advantage. All of it were puzzle pieces and it was up to Cearia to place them together correctly, or spend days on the wrong trail, resulting in nothing.

All the mistakes she made as a young girl under the tutelage of the seasoned hunters made those mistakes few. Cearia's added skills with the other hunters had kept bellies full and brought hope back with them with the verne. She was determined to find those fliers for her clan. She did not feel pressured, but it would be disappointing that the work that had brought her and Anjali closer and being chosen as mate, that she would fail now.

The conversation between Anjali and Iss-Ka was funny. Even Cearia could tell that the voritor was wounded that her mistress would think she'd eat the eggs they were looking for. "I'm happy you're here Iss-Ka. If you do happen to pick up a scent, let me know."

Cearia crouched to the ground and spread her fingers along the dirt, recognizing tracks. She pointed them out to Anjali. "These belonged to my hunting party. If you look close enough, you can see some of the verne hoofs trampling over ours."

Looking to the sky, she gauged the distance from memory. "Just another hour from here."

[Anjali Raskor]

Iss-Ka slowly stuck her tongue out at the huntress, canting her head to the side, before scampering off a little ahead of them, but remaining within their sight. Anjali was amused by the Voritor's behavior; but mostly she was very pleased of how she had succeeded in training the creature, as well as how the predator was responding to Cearia.

Since the huntress had been in the area only a day ago; the Clan Mother let her lead the way. She had no reason to take charge in this moment, for it was her fellow Night Sister's domain. Her eyes traveled towards the tracks pointed out. She stretched her senses out, after she had seen the trampling marks on the ground.

She nodded to the huntress, when told they were a mere kilometer away. As they proceeded forward, Anjali felt ripples of life in the distance, besides the two most potent presences nearby that were Cearia and Iss-Ka. At some point, she felt something coming close to them. It was very faint, but it was a whisper of life. She saw large trees ahead. While the nest was not in direct sight, she believed the faint ripple of life confirmed its presence.

"There is a nest," she said quietly, as she continued to follow the huntress towards the trees.

[Cearia Tserta]

Anjali's declaration put the hunter on defense. She pulled her bow free, knocked an arrow back, and looked from the trees to the canyon rocks and the skies. It was done with a quiet hand and quick precision to keep their position hidden.

She kept her voice low as well, eyes remaining alert. "I'm not seeing a mother ..."

With a quick tilt of her head, she strained her hearing and heard faint clicking and chirps that were higher pitched then the soft rustle of leaves or the wind whistling through the canyon. Focusing past that, she heard nothing else carried on the wind. Her eyes fell back onto the surrounding area and looking for other predators as she paused her stride at seeing an egg shell.

She kicked the broken shell over and saw the insides were dried and far from the tree, which was no where near as fresh as the ones she found yesterday. This one had to be a victim for someone's stomach. She shook her head and pressed forward, peering through the branches to find ...

"There," she whispered, pointing the tip of her arrow at the tree right where she saw twisted branches and fluttering dark bodies. "They sound very hungry. Makes me believe there is no more mother. She would usually attack by now."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali didn't feel ripples in the Force indicating a mother either. "I don't sense one either," she murmured as she followed the huntress towards the trees. Iss-Ka wasn't on high alert either, which would have indicated a larger creature nearby. While Voritors had few predators, due to their speed and venomous capacities, they were sharp beasts and very attuned to their environment. Although Iss-Ka lived at the settlement with her, she still roamed the wilderness by herself often enough, and was by no means a domesticated being. Anjali commanded her but she respected and appreciated how dangerous her reptilian companion was.

She looked around and eventually saw what Cearia did, about right when the other Night Sister pointed it out to her. She smiled, glad they had found baby fliers. "I'm sure she would have, and I still don't sense one nearby."

Iss-Ka came to stop by both women, sitting and looking up at the nest. Her tails swatted briefly but she stilled herself, not making a move towards the tree.

"Could we feed them here before we transport them? Or should we do that back at the enclave?"

Anjali had never dealt with fliers in the past, even during her training as beast warden. There had been a few flying riders in her birth clan; but she hadn't got to train with them yet by the time of the cataclysm. Rancors, Voritors, and even a few other terrestrial species were familiar to her; but not the fliers.

[Cearia Tserta]

With confirmation from Anjali for the second time that she didn't sense the mother, Cearia lowered her bow. She quietly placed the arrow back in the quiver and slipped the bow over her head as she considered the question.

"With all the noise they're making, best to feed them," she said on approach.

She gently touched Iss-Ka on the head, feeling strangely comfortable in doing so. It was just a quick pat before she started towards the tree again. "Keep an eye on predators for me please."

Cearia took a moment to assess the best way to climb the tree without disturbing the nest. With a quick hop, she clutched the overhead branch and pulled herself up. Back against the trunk, she slowly stood up to keep her balance before reaching for the next branch. It was like that for the next two branches until she could go no further. At this height, her weight wouldn't be supported. Hugging her body close to the trunk, she reached up to gently push the leaves back. What she saw made her smile.

Three baby fliers chirped loudly, perhaps in hope that the soft rustle was their mother returning with food. Cearia was not exactly the savior they wanted, but she would have to do. She brought her hand back down and tugged opened a pouch to pull out some dried fruit. She popped the food into her mouth to masticate, spat it back into her hand so it was a palatable consistency for the young fliers. Her hand snaked through the leaves and small branches as the scent of food hit the starving babies senses. They immediately started pecking at her gloved hand. The impact stung, but it wouldn't cause any lacerations. After a few adjustments, Cearia's smiled as she watched the three babies greedily eating out of her cupped hand.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali felt everything still for the briefest moment when Cearia gently placed her hand on Iss-Ka's head. It was a blessed shred of eternity; and it confirmed anew that blessings were upon them. Her expression might remain unchanged, but she felt her soul flutter in a rare manner.

Iss-Ka started to slowly patrol the perimeter in her usual way, when she was keeping active guard. It was also her way to preemptively keep anything from coming closer should any wish to.

Anjali took a few slow steps towards the tree; but remained on the ground, for Cearia had things under control, and also it would have been more problematic than anything to have them both try to reach for the nest. The way her mate was handling the little fliers was once again a testimony to what the Clan Mother recognized as Beast Warden behavior. She only got glimpses of Cearia because of the branches semi-concealing her, but Anjali knew that it wasn't just Cearia being a huntress. Of course she was a very skilled one, but there was more to that.

"What can I do to help?"

She looked up as she inquired about it, for she could tell that Cearia was more of a natural with the fliers than she was. Baby rancors were right up her alley, even when they were annoying and deadly dangerous adolescents, but it was her first experience with fliers.

[Cearia Tserta]

The ravenous fliers were almost done with their meal when she heard Anjali speak closer. She glanced down, unhindered by fear of how high up she was. Cearia had been climbing trees for as long as she could walk.

"I could use a bigger pouch. Carrying them in the nest will be too cumbersome," she explained as one of the babies started pecking at her finger.

She could use part of the nest to pad the bottom of the pouch to give them some comfort and familiarity, especially if any residual scent of their mother remained.

"And some more dried fruit. Seeds? Even meat? They're starving." She tried to pull her finger away but a talon curled around it, weakly tugging it back. "There, there. We're going to bring you back home where all three of you will feel much better."

[Anjali Raskor]

"I have a larger pouch. Iss-Ka and I will work on some more food for the little ones," Anjali replied.

Iss-Ka tilted her head to her mistress, having heard her name; and came closer. The Clan Mother remembered having seen some bushes with edible fruits; and she had felt the ripples of small animals around.

She crouched before her large Voritor, to get her to go kill some of the animals. She knew that her beast was still sated, and would naturally bring her kills to her, maybe just gorging on one or two, which would give her plenty of food for the baby fliers. Without hesitation, the predator scampered off, ready to hunt.

"Iss-Ka will get us some meat. I can go get some fruits. It won't be dried ones, but would that help?"

[Cearia Tserta]

At this moment, Cearia had already retrieved her hand and was delicately removing the nest. The fliers squawked as they were jostled around despite the hunter's best intentions. The mother that had crafted the nest had went above and beyond to make it sturdy, safe, and well hidden.

Frustrated as they pecked at her, she had to reach out and pluck one off her arm that started to crawl up it. She looked at it directly in the black, bulbous, eyes and frowned. "You need to stay in the nest or fall. Your choice."

It chirped definitely but once it was placed back into the nest, it made no attempt to move again. Now that they were settled, Cearia could answer her leader and mate.

"Yes it would. Thank you." She looked down at Anjali and waved her hand. "Can you toss me the pouch? I want to try and bring them down since they've settled."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali could see and especially hear Cearia. She found herself smiling at the gentle but strict interaction between her mate and the baby fliers. She liked getting to witness this moment.

She was already retrieving the larger pouch neatly folded inside a smaller one. Checking the size, she knew it would provide enough space for the young ones they had found in the abandoned nest. "Here you go," she said before angling it right for Cearia without risking hurting the little ones.

"I'll be back in a few minutes," she then added.

It didn't take her long to get to the bushes she had seen moments earlier. She double checked but these berries were safe, and would hopefully help the baby fliers, once Cearia brought them down the tree. She soon felt a tremor in the Force, and knew that Iss-Ka was returning, feeling quite satisfied for what she sensed.

With berries in another pouch, Anjali walked back to where she had left the huntress. Iss-Ka was sitting, looking content and curious, with three little mammals dead at her feet.

"Well, we both found what we were looking for, Iss-Ka," she said with a grin, to which her Voritor dipped her head in agreement.

[Cearia Tserta]

She gave Anjali a brief, tight, smile as she climbed to a lower branch. Cearia planted a boot below her, curled an arm around the branch, and leaned down to carefully retrieve the pouch. "I should be down by the time you return."

Cearia pulled herself upright and slung the pouch strap over her head before climbing back up to the talkative fliers. They were screeching loudly, desperately climbing and hobbling around one another.

"You three are going to be trouble."

As soon as she spoke, they looked towards her and returned to chirping. That gave the hunter momentary pause before reaching up to divide the nest in half with an arm. With a watchful gaze on the babies, she carefully began to crack the nest in half. Wood splintered and leaves frayed, falling to the ground as she worked. Still using her arm as a barrier, she stuffed the broken off piece of nesting into the pouch and worked it down with a flat hand so it covered the bottom. Satisfied that they would be comfortable, she plucked the first lively flier up by by the tail, avoiding it's sharp beak. It wriggled with confusion as it disappeared into the pouch followed by the next. The last one awkwardly hopped onto her hand with a chirp to settle, the opposite of its siblings.

"Least one of you is behaved," she murmured, and gently placed the blue skinned reptile into the pouch before making the descent.

As anticipated, Cearia was on the ground just as Anjali approached, both amused that Iss-Ka was looking triumphant. "Well ... you two were certainly busy. And successful."

She approached Anjali and peeled the pouch open so that the leader of the Undead Fires could meet its newest members. "Say hello to your Clan Mother little fliers."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali might have missed the trouble Cearia went through to get the baby fliers into the pouch; but she was glad to see her mate on the ground as she returned. She peeked inside the open pouch and smiled warmly, feeling the tiny tremors of life rippling from the nest. These three were survivors, like the rest of the clan. It warmed her heart. "Hello, little fliers. We will take good care of you."

She looked up at the huntress and grinned. "Let me guess, two terrors and one that seemingly plays nice for now, at least until they think we're fooled?" She couldn't help teasing about it, as it had been a pattern she had seen among rancors several times, and it might make sense for the fliers to operate the same. Or rather humans could be as such. It was what the Lavender Rift Clan Mother had told her about how things were before she became surrogate mother to her younger twin sisters.

"We are lucky to have you, Cearia. Having beast masters among our ranks can make a tremendous difference, especially as we seek to rebuild." She was so proud of her mate, and Iss-Ka quiet and slow hiss marked her approval. The large lizard canted her head to the side and Anjali gestured for the Voritor to come closer.

Iss-Ka looked at her mistress, raised a little, and looked at Cearia, waiting for permission to peek at the baby fliers.

[Cearia Tserta]

She chuckled, surprised at Anjali's accurate description of the little fliers. "The blue one is the most behaved. The others have enjoyed trying to hop away or bite at me. Least they're lively. It helped them survive. Which means they come from good stock."

It was crowded in the pouch, making it difficult for wings to stretch out. They chirped excitedly, beaks snapping at each other in frustration while they shuffled around to find a place to lay down. Cearia half smiled towards the Voritor and extended the pouch at arms length so Iss-Ka could take a peak. The hunter had great respect for her Clan Mother and the Voritor that followed her obediently, but she never would have allowed the lizard to come anywhere near this pouch before getting to know her. Now she trusted Iss-Ka without question.

As the Voritor stole a glance, Cearia looked at Anjali quizzically. "I'm not a Beast Master. You must be referring to the ones back at the settlement?"

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali grinned when Cearia confirmed her intuition. She was glad to hear they were all lively. As her mate said, it meant the fliers were strong. "Survival skills come in handy for all of us," she agreed with a serious look on her face. The Undead Fires had grown through a lot and any addition, human or not, required significant resilience even now. While the cataclysm was over, the Dathomir life remained challenging.

The Clan Mother looked with joy at the fliers in the pouch. She observed the tacit exchange between the huntress and Iss-Ka. The way her Voritor had welcomed Cearia and behaved with such good and affectionate manner towards her was lovely to witness. When allowed to come closer, the large reptile moved with ease and came to peek into the pouch. Had it been under any other circumstances, Anjali knew that her beast would have naturally preyed on the fliers; but Iss-Ka was extremely smart and well-trained. She didn't make a sudden move and eventually retreated slowly, hissing very slowly and as nicely as possible to Cearia in thanks. Then, the Voritor came back to stand by the Clan Mother who rested her hand atop the scale-covered head of her lizard companion.

She was still confused why Cearia didn't realize that she was a natural at Beast Mastery. "You might not be in title, and would need further training; but you are exhibit most traits a true Beast Master requires. I believe this might have stemmed from your excellent hunting skills."

[Cearia Tserta]

She closed the pouch and gently slipped it over her neck. With a small tug, Cearia opened enough of a hole to make it easier to breathe despite the cramped quarters for the little fliers while musing over what Anjali had to say.

Before the cataclysm, Cearia's lack of Force ability had made it abundantly clear by the Red Hills Clan that she wouldn't amount to any position of power, unlike the rest of her family. Anjali speaking of being trained as a Beast Warden was too farfetched for the young hunter to comprehend. Old habits died hard from a lifetime of being told no.

"Natural skills without the Force can only get me so far," she stated firmly before heading back towards their settlement. "You're kind to consider me greater than I am, Clan Mother, but I know my place is providing food and live stock for our people."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali fell in stride with Cearia, Iss-Ka following close behind them, as the huntress headed back towards the settlement. She had noticed how her mate always pushed aside her capacity as Beast Master because she wasn't Force sensitive. While she wasn't planning on fighting about it yet, she still had one last thing to say.

"It isn't kindness, but having been trained as one myself. Most Beast Wardens are Force sensitive; but not all. Your affinity with the fliers, or even with your interaction with Iss-Ka shows that you have strong potential there. The Clan does need you as Huntress for sure, but you shouldn't discard your other talents."

As they continued their way from the canyon back towards the enclave, Anjali mulled over how to best ensure the baby fliers wouldn't escape. "There is space in the underground caves where several of us are now staying. It might be an idea to have them there at first, until we can let them outside and under close watch until they bond with their riders. What do you think?"

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia said nothing more on the matter of being a Beast Warden but offered a nod of acknowledgement out of respect. She was not entirely convinced with what was said, but would think on it. The hunter felt that Iss-Ka was kind because of Anjali's training and approved of her union with Cearia - not from a natural affinity. She studied animals and learned their ways solely for the survival of her clans, past and present. Anything else was fanciful thought in her mind because she simply couldn't accept someone telling her that she was special. Even her Clan Mother, the woman she agreed in becoming her mate, chose her because of her abilities and spirited nature. Cearia silently questioned her wisdom but was pulled out of her thoughts to deal with the logistics of the fliers.

"That would probably work best for now. We need to keep a close watch on them. One wrong hop and something devastating could happen. We can't afford to lose any of them." She gently pat the pouch as they crossed the canyon, moving closer to the steep path back up. "We have close to a year before they mature, so ..."

She clicked her tongue in thought. "... probably 4-6 months before they'd be too big for the caves."

As they spoke, a tiny beak snapped through the hole, trying to make it larger. Cearia frowned, recognizing that blue sheen, before tapping it down with a finger.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali listened to what Cearia said regarding the fliers. That sounded like clever advice, and she approved of this course of action.

She nodded seriously to the observation about the Clan being unable to let any of the fliers die or leave. It was a precious resource for the Undead Fires, and they would do their best to ensure the fliers grew healthy, strong, and found suitable riders. Anjali already knew that she would step back from interacting too closely with them. While she was a Beast Warden, she had strong bonds to both Iss-Ka and her new strong-willed Rancor, and spreading herself out would bring nothing good to her own ventures, or to the clan's at large. She would always be willing to assist in any capacity, but she recognized the importance of expanding others' spheres of influence in the group.

Of course, she hoped that one of the fliers would take to Cearia; and the little beak snapping through the hole, with her mate soon interacting and bringing quiet to the baby flier's attempts to have it their way, brought her some hope.

"Speaking of the caves; my quarters are open for you to share with me when it suits you."

Anjali was ready to have her mate occupy her personal space; but didn't want to force Cearia to do something she wasn't ready for.

[Cearia Tserta]

Anjali's offer by itself was not a surprise. The Clan Mother had chosen her mate, Cearia had accepted and logically they would share a living space. The immediately after accepting the honor and being offered the relocate with Anjali on the same day was a surprise. She didn't immediately answer, face drawn tightly together as she hiked up the path back to where she had met Anjali earlier today. The silence was not meant to be rude but the hunter needed time to think over the immense changes that happened today.

She appreciated how the offer was worded that allowed a choice to move, much like their arrangement as mates. Anjali had made her intentions perfectly clear and Cearia searched deep within to understand her reasons in wanting her. The kiss they shared shed all doubts. She never felt pressured. In fact, Cearia felt perfectly at ease with her leader and wanted to respectively think this through to work through doubts that may cause conflict further on.

Personally it would be beneficial moving from the crowded hut to a larger living space. There were as many bodies as there were space in the huts depending on needs and rotating duties that may take them away from the settlement - like Cearia's expeditions. It wasn't an ideal living arrangement but in these times, a bedroll on the ground as home was a blessing as a survivor.

Logistically, living in the caves would allow Cearia to keep a watchful eye on the baby fliers. She was sure Iss-Ka would love to help too with how curious and playful the Voritor behaved. There really was no reason not to accept the offer except for the insecurities that Cearia felt beginning to surface again and now that they reached the top of the canyon, her silence had to end out of respect. Anjali needed something.

"Becoming mates, finding the baby fliers, and now an offer to live with you?" She shook her head with a disbelieving half smile. "This day continues to take me by surprise."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali continued to make her way out of the canyon with Cearia in silence. She understood that the whole sequence of events might have been quite unexpected for Cearia. It had even been so for the Clan Mother in a way. While she had realized her attraction for the Huntress, she hadn't planned to speak her mind as she had done earlier. She had no regret about it, because she was certain about her choice of mate. Finding the baby fliers was another unexpected blessings. Even though Cearia had mentioned possible nests, it hadn't been a certitude they would actually find healthy little ones, especially without a mother. As for offering Cearia to share her living space, it had been the most natural thing to do.

While the Night Sister appreciated her privacy, especially after how the expanding group of survivors that now formed the Undead Fires, had been stuck together in uncertain and temporary accommodations for so long, she was very comfortable at the idea of welcoming her mate in her quarters.

When Cearia eventually spoke again, Anjali chuckled a little, echoed by a slow hissing and tongue clicking from her Voritor behind them. "I might be running out of surprises at this point, although the gods may have more up their sleeves. One never knows."

As they got closer to the enclave, she spared another look at the Huntress. "There is obviously enough space for us in my quarters, but if there is anything specific you need besides your belongings, by all means let me know."

While she was the Clan Mother, she wasn't one to view a partnership as a hierarchy, and she was happy to make Cearia feel at home with her.

[Cearia Tserta]

"The gods have blessed me more than I can imagine," she admitted as they traversed even ground back home.

The fliers were vocal but they weren't trying to pry the pouch open anymore. She did feel pressure against her thigh now and then as the babies adjusted with their confinement. It was comforting to know they were safe beside her as she mused on her those blessings. Surviving the cataclysm, her skills keeping her alive until she found friendly allies, acclimating to a new way of life in with the Undead fires? The sequence of events brought her to stand beside Anjali as more than just a hunter.

She could correct her mate and suggest that she remain with current living arrangements, falling back into safe habits that would only end up distancing her from Anjali. If that was the end result, why would she accept the kiss that solidified their bond and not live with her? That made no sense to Cearia and so, she fought the anxiety that wanted her to recant, and nodded.

"I need nothing more than what I have, Clan Mother." She looked poignantly towards her and sighed. "I already have more than I could ever imagine or deserve."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali knew where her heart and desires were; but it was important she gave space in the blooming relationship for Cearia to make her own decisions as well. It was why she felt tremendous joy when the huntress accepted to share her quarters without further discussion. She would have addressed any concerns though.

The look in Cearia's eyes made her smile fondly, and she looked at the other brunette with fierce devotion. "As I do," she replied simply, before reaching out to trace the side of her mate's face with her fingers as they briefly stopped right outside of the caves.

She then led the way into the depths of the underground accommodations that had become much of the Clan's home in the recent times. She showed the huntress an available area that would be a good fit for the fliers. "What do you think? I am sure you can see with others how to make it the most suitable for our new additions. And it is very close to my quarters so you can keep a close eye on them with ease."

[Cearia Tserta]

Eyes immediately closed at the contact, feeling her throat tightened with apprehension as Anjali's fingers brushed along her face. It felt more intimate than the shared kisses revealing a tenderness Cearia never knew existed. When her eyes opened, there were no concerns with other watching as she was mesmerized by the intensity of Anjali's focus on her.

She offered a thoughtful nod to the few words her mate had said before following after her. Cearia's curiosity helped her to focus, never being this far into the caves. Her role with the clan was providing food and it made more sense for Cearia to bunk in the huts outside given how early she often woke. She also knew that the most prominent figures of the clan were further in the caves for protection.

Cearia heard the 'my quarters' and thought the description odd after everything that was said and felt just outside the caves. Her preoccupied look digesting that was well covered up as she looked at the area Anjali had offered. She knelt down and began arranging smaller rocks the size of burra fish in roughly a 2.5 meter circle. The fliers were quite small being weeks old, but they were going to grow quickly now that they had food and safety. This allowed them a place to roam if they decided to leave the safety of the broken nest. Even halved, it smell familiar and was home to the fliers and they may want to sleep together huddle in comfort before exploring.

Gently she lifted the pouch strap over her head and loosened the opening. The fliers chirped and wailed loudly making sure they gave Cearia a piece of their mind. She smiled with amusement and was prepared for the impending nips and headbutts of irritation as she reached in to pull the nest out. The chirping slowed, small heads whipped around taking in the continued darkness and strange sounds, and how the discordant echoes didn't mirror the ones that bounced along the canyon.

"It's alright little ones. I know it doesn't seem like it now, but you're in a safe place." She eyed each one. "I promise."

As predicted, they stayed on the nest, shivering with fear. She plucked out the berries and popped them in her mouth, mashing the food into a consistency they could eat. She placed the food before them in offering and that calmed them for the time being, instincts taking over to eat for survival.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali felt the brief but tangible tension in Cearia when she gently reached out to touch her face. While it was a little surprising, she reminded herself that all of this was not only overwhelming, but also very new to her mate. She found solace in the huntress's posture relaxing soon. She smiled to her fellow night sister before carrying on. She had felt the many stares upon them; and she cared not about them. While she wasn't making a show of it on purpose, she had no issue making it known that Cearia was her mate. She was joyful and proud of this blooming connection, and had no reason to hide it.

When they arrived to the area suitable for the baby fliers, Anjali stood by, letting the huntress take care of setting them up in their new home. She was ready to assist if need be; but as much as she was a trained Beast Warden, she recognized her mate's skills with the trio of little ones. The clan thrived because everyone was giving their best to the group, and depriving Cearia from that would be wrong.

She observed with great attention, her expression stoic most of the time. There was little doubt in her mind that one of the fliers would chose Cearia as its rider. She wondered who else would become attached to the other two. Time would tell. For now, Cearia's care would ensure that they grew well. And she knew others would help when needed, for she knew her mate often had to travel for hunting purposes.

"Do you have any ideas of who you would like to assist you to take care of them?"

[Cearia Tserta]

The smile that was attempting to take over remained small but quite gratifying as the fliers pecked at the food. This was an even better sign because the babies felt safe enough to eat and Cearia let out a breath she was holding with the anticipation.

"Good. Good. Thank you for trusting me." She lightly stroked each one in kind from crown to tail, knowing that this would help them get used to being around people.

Legs protested at being moved, quite content at remaining in a crouch, but Cearia needed to rejoin Anjali to discuss her question further. "I'll admit my ignorance with this. The hunters I run with are always a possibility. I'm just not sure if they've worked with fliers before. But I can find out. Are there wardens that are looking to bond? Their help would be appreciated."

She was also hoping that the little fliers would find who they would bond with that way. Warden and flier could begin their relationship when the later were young, much like Anjali and Iss-Ka. Their bond was impenetrable and the control her mate had over the voritor is exactly what was needed for these babies. She was trying to take herself out of the equation, knowing she was not worthy to have one as a mount.

Though the lively, blue, one that had pecked at her hand fervently and tried to pry the pouch free, was looking towards her, cawing softly for attention. The Clan Mother wish would come true in time when her mate would accept that she was special.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali would not bring up the topic of Cearia's exhibiting the skills of Beast Wardens; but what she observed only comforted her in her evaluation of her mate. The Huntress was most experienced in her craft; but was also gifted beyond that. In due time, she believed Cearia might come to this realization. It was even likely the Clan Mother discussed it anew, but now wasn't the time.

"I believe one or two of our Wardens are looking to bond. And Wardens' help might make more sense because we only have so many hunters. I still want you to be in charge of the fliers until the day they bond; but I don't want them to keep you away from your hunts."

She smiled at the sight of the lively blue staring and cawing at her mate. She felt Iss-Ka subtly tapping against her leg, and looked at her Voritor who then tilted her head towards the huntress, as if she had picked on the flier's behavior towards Cearia too. Anjali briefly rested her hand atop the large reptile's head as a response. Iss-Ka then walked up to the edge of the area and sat down.

"I think Iss-Ka is going to keep watch over them."

The Voritor would normally take such position in front of the heavy curtains concealing the Clan Mother's room from the rest of the caves; but Iss-Ka had decided otherwise for now.

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia nodded with agreement. She wanted to make sure the fliers were well cared for but her duties to the clan could not be discounted. Some hunts required days away from the settlement and competent members had to be found.

"Did you want to approach the potential wardens? I think it would be best coming from you, Clan Mother." She didn't want to volunteer as this was Anjali's area of expertise and she had no idea who was looking to bond.

A brow rose at the exchange between Anjali and Iss-Ka. There was so much said with looks and touches - entire conversations occurred this way - and wondered what was happening now. She stepped aside and closer to Anjali as Iss-Ka scampered closer to the stone circle. It was an endearing sight watching the voritor watch over the fliers. Perhaps it was natural instinct that emerged within her to protect the baby reptiles.

[Anjali Raskor]

"I will approach them, and refer them to you." It made sense Anjali spoke to the other Beast Wardens; but she considered Cearia as the Sister responsible for the baby fliers. She didn't doubt that the huntress would get needed help.

She smiled to her mate as she came to stand by her side, as they observed the protective and quiet force that Iss-Ka had become towards the baby fliers. It was a sight to behold, and Anjali felt the tides of the Force come to a resting point in the room. Time and space came to a still point, where vitality and clarity crystallized.

After a moment she rested a hand upon her mate's arm, looking at her. "Are you ready to see our quarters?"

[Cearia Tserta]

"I look forward to working with them." She meant it. There was a lot she can learn from the other Wardens and it would be a perfect marriage of skills to give those fliers a good life here with the clan.

A heartfelt laugh emerged when the blue flier squawked at Iss-Ka when it realized it was being watched by the huge reptile. Cearia was oblivious to Anjali's feelings through the Force and how she perceived the moment with being engrossed at the gentle scene of flier and voritor communicating with little noises and subtle movements.

The touch caught her by surprise. She looked at the hand around her arm and what it represented - a comforting presence that she needn't fear. One that was accepted. Still accepted. Her body relaxed as their eyes met as an emotion she couldn't describe made her chest tight and eyes moist. That reaction confused her but any concerns about Anjali's motivations about their union vanished with her answer.

"I am, Clan Mother."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali hoped that working with other Beast Wardens would make Cearia realized she was gifted for such ventures as well. Maybe others' comments about her abilities would help her accepting she was more than a talented huntress, which was quite an accomplishment in itself. Time would tell; but the Clan Mother had hopes. Besides the bond she had chosen to form with Cearia, she was naturally inclined to see more Beast Wardens, and ensure that all Clan members embraced their talents to the fullest.

She was still a bit puzzled whenever her mate was startled by her touch; but as she had done since earlier that day, she reminded herself that all of this was a lot to take in such a short amount of time.

The moment their gazes met, the Clan Mother smiled fondly to her mate, grateful for the more positive reaction.

Without a word, she gently moved her hand to cup the huntress's elbow as she led them away from the Voritor and baby fliers. As she had said earlier, her living accommodations were only a little further into the cave. They passed a few other Night Sisters who held certain positions in the clan. They all looked at the unexpected couple, although they gave her space to the Clan Mother and didn't pry.

As they reached their destination, Anjali used her free hand to push the heavy curtain providing her with privacy, and let Cearia step in first. She followed her and adjusted the curtains so they wouldn't be disturbed or observed.

She nevertheless didn't give much time to Cearia to look around, for she promptly laced her arms around her mate, and with a firm grip on her ass, the Clan Mother hauled her up against her. She might be willing not to pressure the huntress; but it didn't mean she would provide invitations to take things further. Her lips briefly pressed against Cearia's, before her mouth trailed down the other Sister's neck.

[Cearia Tserta]

Accompanying the Clan Mother through the caves offered a perk that Cearia wished she had outside by the huts - quieted mouths. She had admitted to Anjali that it was difficult being in the clan since not too many understood that the hunter wanted privacy and the only way to obtain it was to go out on expeditions all the time to minimize contact. The power Anjali had as Clan Mother ceased verbalized curiosity even if minds were quick to gossip, which was sure to happen once the pair was out of earshot.

The distance from the fliers to Anjali's quarters wasn't far at all and that pleased Cearia immensely. As she was encouraged to enter first, Cearia's mind was working through the cave acoustics, hoping she would be able to hear the fliers if they were in distress until suitable wardens were chosen to assist. Then there was the willingness of Iss-Ka watcing over them. In the short time since meeting the voritor, she knew that Iss-Ka would come get her quickly if there were any issues.

These thoughts kept her from really noticing what was in the room, eyes lazily taking in colors and shapes. This worked to Anjali's advantage as her mate was taken by surprise. Hands were quickly on her, intimately grabbing at her so their bodies were pressed together tightly. She stifled a gasp as lips met and vocalized it as Anjali's lips continued their journey on Cearia's neck. The hunter wasn't surprised by Anjali's physical demonstration but Cearia was lacking any skill in reciprocating. Everything was a first with Anjali - the kisses, the gentle touches, the feel of her weight atop her near the canyon - and by the gods, it felt good and frightful. She had no idea what to do with her hands, except she had enough sense to stiffly hold an arm around Anjali's back to keep herself steady with the other hanging loosely by her mate's side.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali knew she was taking Cearia by surprise; but when she wasn't rejected, she took that as a promising sign. And to be truthful, the string of events leading to have the huntress in such private proximity was intoxicating. And Iss-Ka being busy with the baby fliers meant that the Voritor didn't risk walking in on them. The Clan Mother generally trusted the Voritor to be discreet; but the beast could be quite obnoxious every once in a while.

The sounds she elicited from her mate as well as the arm wrapped around her back pleased Anjali. She was set on coaxing many more sounds from the huntress, but all in due time.

Even though Cearia seemed a little bit at a loss of what to do with herself, Anjali was fine with it. She was glad to take care of her mate, and let her reciprocate as she was comfortable with. She wanted to give space to the huntress to experiment, and not just tell her what to do. The novelty of it all was compelling even to the more experimented Night Sister.

Without losing balance, Anjali navigated them towards the sleeping area, eventually getting them atop the furs and leather cushions, so they would be more comfortable. She was tempted to undo some of the fastening of her mate's attire, but she chose not to. Instead, she crawled over the huntress, and continued where she had left off, exploring her neck and collarbone, kissing and nipping her way across Cearia's skin.

[Cearia Tserta]

Everything moved so fast to the huntress. At first Anjali took the opportunity she had been waiting for since Cearia agreed to be bound as mates. She was keenly aware of the desire that the Clan Mother had for her when she had mounted her after loosing her footing due to Iss-Ka's playfulness. It was in her eyes, the wanting, but Anjali did not claim her then. That had not surprised Cearia at all because she trusted her leader and knew that wasn't where she would be comfortable, in the literal and emotional sense, there. It felt good for them to canvas the canyon together with the voritor, find the fliers and bring them safely home.

The discussion of their living arrangement cemented the tension between them in her eyes even if it was something that Cearia wanted - to be close to Anjali and Iss-Ka inside the caves, having privacy with someone she trusted.

During her thoughts, Anjali somehow brought them to bed. She hadn't realized how quickly their feet had shuffled and danced with Anjali's guidance, and now she was atop comfortable furs and cushions, surrounded by decadence in her mind only having the hard ground and thin animal skins for sleep. And speaking of animals.... Anjali was eying her like a ravenous rancor who was soon climbing over to resume its meal.

The Clan Mother was doing exactly what was she had paused in doing moments ago but having her continue it in this position created an indescribable sensation in the pit of her stomach that had never been felt before. Fiercely she closed her eyes and clutched at Anajli's hair with a whimper.

[Anjali Raskor]

While Anjali was an attentive and skilled lover; she had realized earlier in the forest that Cearia was the first inexperienced partner she had. While it changed nothing about how she felt for the huntress, and how deep her desire ran; she realized that she had to adjust to the other brunette's needs and wants. It was ironically a new experience for the Clan Mother as well. She enjoyed spending lengthy amounts of time being intimate with a lover; but she could also be very fierce and demanding. She had been honest with Cearia at all times; but even now as they were in the privacy of the caves, she had to still herself not to simply undress the huntress with urgent want.

It was tempting, oh so tempting, especially as she could experience her mate's body underneath her own, her hands now free to roam over her at greater length.

Anjali was eager to sate Cearia's appetites, even as they seemingly began to unravel, given the reactions she was getting out of her. The Night Sister shifted her position, so her hands could slither under the garments covering the huntress's upper body. Her hands gently but firmly caressed her mate's sides. The enticing uncharted territory that Cearia was made it difficult for the Clan Mother to reign her lust in; but she wanted to make sure she wasn't pressuring her into doing anything she wasn't willing or ready for.

She might be a ruthless leader; but her tender and loving side came to life under the right circumstances, and the right partner.

[Cearia Tserta]

She panted with surprise as Anjali's hands eagerly found a way to get under her layered clothing to touch bare skin. Hands and mouth were upon her, slow and yearning warring for dominance. Cearia could feel how the Clan Mother's fingers curled against her, nails lightly digging into her flesh. Or how she tugged at her garb ever so carefully, struggling to maintain the lust she felt towards the hunter. Cearia thought it admirable that Anjali was going out of her way to be gentle and caring towards her. The Clan Mother didn't have to and it made her wonder just how profound their bond had been made. She could easily take what she wanted, and Anjali had every right to claim Cearia how she saw fit.

Cearia really couldn't comprehend it all. Anjali answered her question why Cearia was her chosen mate, but she still didn't understand why her? Perhaps she was too quick to say she did.

With a soft gasp, she then bit her lower lip as she tried to fight another whimper and tugged at Anjali's hair with struggle. There were several feelings converging with this situation. It was all new to her, being wanted despite being mundane compared to Anjali's prospects with the clan. Cearia still felt deep inside she was not worthy enough to be here. It was baseless insecurity.

There was a deep need to please Anjali and she felt utterly useless laying here. This is where her insecurity flourished. What the hell was she to do? Give her a spear, she'd fill nets of fresh burra fish. Hand her a bow and arrow, she'd take down a bolma. Give her the lust of a Clan Mother? She was dumbfounded what to do! She rather be challenged to a fight because at least she knew how to navigate that dance!

[Anjali Raskor]

While Anjali was keen on continuing what she had begun, encouraged by Cearia's compliance and especially the few pleased sounds she had elicited from her; she sensed that certain things were still at play, potentially bothering her mate. Tension subtly mingling with what she otherwise perceived as eagerness, the Beast Warden chose against her personal desires.

Still close to the huntress, she stopped in undressing her further, and she slid to lie down by Cearia. She kept one arm around her, gently pressing against her side. She then propped her elbow up and rested her head against her hand, as she looked at the other brunette, wanting to speak as they were on the same eye level. While naturally dominant in many aspects of her life, it mattered to her that Cearia felt her participation and input in their relationship was equally important. She might be Clan Mother to all, including the huntress, but her perspective on the bond she was forming with her mate had different rules.

"You remind me a lot of the baby fliers right now," she observed quietly, for there was this enthusiasm blended with uncertainty in her mate.

[Cearia Tserta]

Gauntlets and shoulder pads had been unfastened and discarded, her waist belt long peeled away so all that was left on Cearia's upper body was the thick black sweater crumpled atop her breasts, still covered by a thin cream colored cloth. If her mate wanted to continue things further, the hunter would have to shift her arms or Anjali would have to change her tactics and go lower.

Neither happened. Cearia watch with perplexity as Anjali just stopped and lay beside her. Had she done something wrong? She mentally cursed that at her lack of participation had displeased her Clan Mother. Heart beat with shame despite her mind knowing that it was foolish to believe that Anjali was anything but understanding towards her. How could her leader hold her gently with such a kind, compassionate, gaze?

Anjali's comparing her to the baby fliers puzzled her and it showed on her face. Her neck flexed with agitation as the hunter pondered this. Their lives had just gone through a major change today. They were uprooted from what they knew was home, was they had believed was safe, for their own betterment. They would have died without the help of the two women laying here. They were scared but there was also this underlying curiosity to where they lived now under the watch gave of the Anjali's loyal voritor.

Cearia could see the similarities. Her entire life was uprooted, as were all the brothers and sisters of the Undead Fires who survived and worked together for survival. No longer was she the newly minted non-Force sensitive nightsister hunter. She was Cearia Tserta, the last of her former clan and name, lead hunter of the Undead Fires and chosen mate of the Clan Mother. The baby fliers had only a day of their new life and it would take adjusting, whereas Cearia's journey towards this path truly started weeks ago.

"The fliers are worthy to be here. In the caves ... with you and Iss-Ka. Other Beast Wardens," she said softly, cheeks still pink from Anjali's touches. "I still feel as though I do not, Clan Mother."

She felt raw with such admittance and weakly looked away, unable to face her leader.

[Anjali Raskor]

While Anjali had developed her Force potential since a young age, the way she had always been rooted in the physical world, special powers or not, made her appreciate tangible interaction as she had with the huntress. She had heard talks of some witches having uncanny bonds with their partner, also Force-sensitive; but the Clan Mother didn't long after that. She knew that the connection she had with Cearia didn't need that to be special. She had found herself not pushing with her extra senses to get a read of her mate. She was proud of all her gifts and her abilities to build significant bonds with many creatures and wield certain powers, besides her leadership skills; but she also had a deep appreciation for connection that needed no frills and ran on what transpired physically and verbally between individuals.

She saw the puzzled look on Cearia's face when she made a comparison between her and the fliers; but she didn't say nothing, basking in the silence. While not an easy one, for she could tell something was weighing on the huntress's mind, Anjali chose to give space and time for her mate to address whatever she wished to.

The Clan Mother waited until Cearia spoke. She wanted to be surprised by the admission; but she wasn't as shocked as she thought she could be. Somehow it made sense, even though she vehemently disagreed with her mate's opinion.

She wanted to reach out for the huntress to look at her, but she simply kept her hand on Cearia's waist.

"My words might not be enough to make you see why I chose you; but is there anything else that would help assuage your doubts?"

[Cearia Tserta]

With a deep sigh, Cearia reached up to clasp Anjali's arm that was around her.

"I know you don't lie to me. I do trust you, Clan Mother." She squeezed her arm. "I just ..."

Her lips pressed tightly together with frustration because anyone else would revel in being chosen by Anjali. Instead years of tradition that was beaten into her brain had created intense doubt.

"I don't know." She shifted closer to her but dare not look at Anjali - instead tucking her head against the furs. It provided a thin barrier between them that kept the hunter's face partially hidden.

"Perhaps I'll never feel worthy."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali was heartbroken over whatever traditions might have unraveled in Cearia's birth clan. She understood that the Undead Fires had brought together a common core but with a myriad of variations.

The fact that the huntress nevertheless reached out to her, and shifted closer, despite not looking at her, was nevertheless something the Night Sister chose to read as a positive sign. They were both survivors and they viscerally knew that life had significant challenges. Anjali hadn't expected their relationship to be one of them; but she nevertheless understood that things were likely easier from her standpoint.

"I don't want you to feel pressured into this. Your interest and enjoyment matter to me."

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia closed her eyes. "When it was just us and Iss-Ka at the canyon, it felt like we were the only survivors. Sounds ... naive. Even stupid, but it was how I felt. It was easy to answer you and accept your offer because it is what I wanted. What I still want."

She smiled fondly at just hours prior of Anjali making her intentions known, kissing her, pouncing her in the grass. As she opened her eyes, reality came crashing down as she glanced at the Clan Mother's comfortable quarters, and the joy that Anjali heard in Cearia's voice became hardened.

"Coming home reminded me of who you are. What it means to be your chosen." She toyed with one of Anjali's belt loops, touching her in tentative exploration. "I told you I know my worth. But that wars with what I felt was my place here."

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali smiled at Cearia's comment that being her mate was still what she wanted. She agreed that the moment they had shared in the forest had had a unique quality. It had felt like a moment outside of time where only they existed. But as the huntress explained, returning to camp was a call back to reality.

While the Clan Mother had all confidence in her ability to lead her people, she didn't know what Cearia's experience might be as her mate. She was on the easy side of inner politics and interactions she guessed.

She noticed Cearia's toying with one of her belt loops, appreciating that her mate still felt compelled to physically reach out to her.

"You had earned your place as our lead huntress even before I fell in love with you."

She paused, looking at her mate for a moment.

"I don't know how others will relate to you as my mate; but I have trust in your ability to handle it, and not just because you are often away to hunt for the Clan."

[Cearia Tserta]

Anjali's admission had dulled Cearia's hearing. Normally an attentive listener, for it was vital to her calling as a hunter, Cearia was only vaguely aware that her leader was still talking. Her brain was too busy processing that she was loved. Not the love of familial ties where affection was freely given despite Cearia's limitations with the Force. Her mother and sisters adored her, feeling that she rose above all expectations to what she could accomplished. Anyone else tolerated her presence because she had mundane worth. Food was necessary, so Cearia had a place.

That was imperative now in these days after the cataclysm, thus allowing Cearia's skills to bring honor to her new people. She felt validated in helping the hungry to eat and to teach the young witches and nightbrothers how to hunt. It allowed her to thrive and get noticed, when being noticed was the last thing on her mind.

Her head abruptly shot up after Anjali had finished, hand tugging at the belt she was toying with and stared deeply into her eyes. "You love me."

It was stated as fact, not in question, and it awed her.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali had learned to speak about how she felt when she had had to raise her two younger sisters after their mother got killed many years ago. The cataclysm could have hardened her heart with all the losses; but instead she wanted to take every day as a blessing, and not just a given. This was why she had expressed her interest in Cearia, and why she had just been honest with her about the fact that yes, she did indeed love her. She had faith it would grow and make her current sentiment but a spark compared to what their bond might become; but she had to put it out in the open.

Her mate's reaction took her by surprise; and she held the huntress's gaze. The shock on her face was visible; but the Clan Mother found solace in how Cearia's next words were a statement instead of a question.

"I do, Cearia."

She reached up to gently rest her hand against the side of her mate's face.

"I love you."

[Cearia Tserta]

This brought her back to the canyon when Anjali had gently cupped her face before their first kiss. That anticipation pooled into the pit of her stomach once more, but it wasn't quite as potent when she had first been touched. She realized something profound as the moment lingered. It wouldn't have mattered what Anjali was to the Undead Fires - a leader, a mystic, a hunter like her, or everything in between - Cearia wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Or with anyone else. Her fears were still there, but they had been quieted by the affirmation, at least for now.

She leaned into Anjali's hand, eyes still completely fixated on her leader's. "You honor me once again, Clan Mother."

Eyes briefly closed, mustering up courage to what she wanted to do next. With a determination that Anjali had seen numerous times since Cearia had joined the clan through successful hunts and rescuing the fliers, the hunter let go of her belt and reached up to touch her face.

It may not yet be love that Cearia had for Anjali, but the devotion she felt for the other woman couldn't be denied as she pulled her mate down so lips could meet.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali remembered how Cearia had stiffened under her touch in the past, even though she had surrendered to it at other moments. How her mate leaned into her touch warmed her heart, and comforted her in the decision to let her heart's inclinations be known. While they were safe compared to the times of the cataclysm, the Clan Mother knew that tomorrow was never guaranteed and she didn't want to live a life of regret. Taking steps to take Cearia as her mate had been a good decision.

The determined expression on the huntress's face intrigued the Beast Warden. She had seen it many times before, but never in the privacy of their shared chamber.

When Cearia touched her face, brief surprised passed across Anjali's features before she smiled. And her mate took her by even greater surprised as he pulled her down. The Clan Mother leaned on top of Cearia as their lips met into what began as a tender kiss, speaking of the deepening bond between them.

Anjali was lost in the moment and their embrace and didn't realize the interruption until they could both hear the cries of a baby flier. The Clan Mother looked over her shoulder and saw Iss-Ka gently carrying the blue baby flier, giving a look at her mistress.

The Beast Warden reluctantly pried herself from her mate, kneeling by her side on the furs. On cue, the Voritor lizard delicately placed the baby flier by Cearia's side, the little blue creature suddenly cawing as it nuzzled the huntress's thigh.

[Cearia Tserta]

Cearia embraced her escalating passion, pleased that Anjali had returned above her before doubts had been sensed. The talk was desperately needed and it was a good one, allowing Cearia to accept her place at the Clan Mother's side, feeling that her affections would match Anajli's in time.

Her mate's hands soon became eager, tugging at her top once more to bring them back to where passions paused. Fingers became braver, exploring what skin was bare before they slid along the length of Anjali's back, boldly pushing their bodies together.

Then came the cries of the baby blue flier - Cearia immediately recognized its voice.

Lips parted, wondering how Anjali felt about the interruption as her mate shifted off of her and allowed Iss-Ka closer. Cearia rolled to a sitting position, tugging at her disheveled sweater, as the flier was given to her. She tilted her head with confusion as the cries turned to soft squawks, the little baby trying to burrow its way under her leg.

"I'm not a nest, yongon." Cearia was firm, despite the term of endearment used on the baby flier, and cupped her hand to lift it up so they were eye level. "Why are we distressed?"

The answer was flapping its leathery wings before stomping around in a tight circle. It cawed one last time before snuggling atop her hand, settling in comfortably.

"I thought I made it clear I wasn't a nest," she huffed.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali wished Cearia and her could have just carried on with enjoying each other's company and explore each other, especially now that their talk had assuaged her mate's concerns for the time being. Obviously, Iss-Ka had decided otherwise. And as much as she understood her beast's decision, and found it wise, she couldn't help the annoyance creeping in her mind and body. She marveled at the Voritor's maternal instincts even with a species that wasn't her own, but timing was quite poor.

Iss-Ka glared back at her and pointed her tail towards the baby flier that managed to relax thanks to Cearia. The lizard had a point; but the Clan Mother was still slightly annoyed in a rather petty way.

Yet she realized that Iss-Ka's decision was only proving further her inkling that Cearia and the blue baby flier were already bonding. It was a lovely sight to behold, even though it had interrupted their intimate moment.

She chuckled at her mate's words about not being a nest.

"Anha think jin naqis flier disagrees," she said with a smile in her voice.

"Fin jin asshekh hasn't ray been full ki surprises enough, me ajjin obvious rek jin naqis ato et ray chosen mae sajak."

There was a chance that Cearia disagreed and argued she hadn't been chosen by the flier yet; but the Beast Warden knew better in this case. So did Iss-Ka.

[Cearia Tserta]

Her nose curled in annoyance at the baby. "I can't hold you all night. My arms are strong. Like roots, but I am no tree yongon."

Cearia found herself smiling towards Anjali, picking up the dialect of her Clan Mother's previous clan. It was interesting to the young hunter the similarities, the selective nuances that bound the Dathomir witches as a people. She may not understand everything Anjali said, but she could piece the dialogue together. It was curious how she slipped into the old tongue. The Undead Fires had no special dialect, using the most common form of Dathomiri to speak to one another for ease.

"Strik won needs kom learn," she countered, eying the sleeping interloper, curious if Anjali was familiar with the Red Hills Clan dialect.

The disarming smile on Anjali's face distracted the hunter, finding it beautiful and calming until Cearia's face contorted into displeasure.

"Yu tu laik plotting gon me." She jut a finger out at the baby flier, startling it awake and it snapped its beak in a tiny, sleepy yawn. "Bilaik includes yu seintaim."

[Anjali Raskor]

Watching the scene between Cearia and the baby flier, as well as Iss-Ka's intense watch made Anjali appreciate all the blessings that the gods had given her both as clan leader and on a personal level. The Undead Fires were thriving in spite of all the trials fate had plagued its members with. She was proud of what they had been accomplishing. That pride included the beautiful and skilled woman holding the baby flier in front of her, the clan's lead huntress, and her mate. While the Clan Mother had known she would continue the Raskor line, she hadn't expected or planned for a mate to share her bed and life; but here was Cearia; and she was grateful for her.

She chuckled as Cearia continued to speak her birth dialect, surprised she had herself reverted back to her own mother tongue.

"It will learn, slowly but surely," she responded as Cearia was attempting to clarify a few things to the sleepy baby flier, who seemed perfectly content to be held by his chosen rider.

She shifted closer to Cearia, leaving a kiss on her neck before resting her chin on her mate's shoulder.

"Iss-ka akka anha hash vo jin ones fin qaf ha yer. Jin naqis ato tat."

She hadn't spoken her birth dialect much and had never heard the huntress use her own. It was interesting how they were both able to pick on certain things thanks to what had bound all the Dathomiri specific dialects.

"Iss-Ka," she commanded leaving no room for argument. The Voritor came closer, head low as she watched her mistress.

"Take jin baby irge tat mae nest."

Iss-Ka then extended her head over the huntress's palm that held the baby flier, waiting for her agreement to retrieve it so both women could have some privacy again.

[Cearia Tserta]

She grunted at both Anjali and Iss-Ka, co-conspirators in having Cearia accept her potential. They have shifted their tactics from plain explanations of becoming a Beast Warden to teasing the hunter about it. Her arguments and doubts were losing footing due to the little baby pecking at her thumb. With a sigh, she caressed it's tiny beak. There was much she had to consider.

"Yu laik the cause gon many questions, yongon."

The soft press of lips upon her neck and Anjali cuddling against her honored Cearia to be the chosen for those affections.

When Iss-Ka bowed her head, she gently cupped the flier with both hands and parted them so the little yongon would be carefully perched atop the voritor's head. With soft caresses of the thumb it had been toying with, Cearia stroked the little one from head to tail to calm him like before.

"Rest, yongon."

Red eyes blinked in defiance before its head lolled over to sleep, succumbing to Cearia's ministrations.

[Anjali Raskor]

Anjali understood that whatever she would say about Cearia exhibiting beast warden talents, even though she wasn't Force sensitive, would encounter a wall of disagreement. While special mystical talents definitely enhanced a Beast Warden's abilities, it wasn't the basis for such paths. One of the most estimated Beast Wardens in the Lavender Rift was like Cearia; and she wasn't to be trifled with and taught three generations of Wardens over many decades. While Anjali hadn't benefited much from her tutelage for the older Sister passed away when she was only a child, she had a few vivid memories of that woman.

The Clan Mother nevertheless believed that due to the already fledgling bond between the baby flier and her mate, that the huntress would come to realize that Iss-Ka and her weren't so conspiring against her, as admitting to more talents Cearia possessed. Time would tell, but Anjali knew that the blue little one wouldn't let the huntress get away with denying her Beast Warden abilities forever.

She smiled as she watched the scene as Cearia placed the little one atop Iss-Ka's head, the flier falling asleep almost immediately. The Voritor looked very satisfied. Anjali clicked her tongue and the lizard hissed slowly and almost in a whisper as if not to wake her precious charge. Slowly, Iss-Ka departed the room, ensuring the heavy curtains were back in place with a slow swat of her tail.