yeah, you guess it: fifth installment.
Oh, yeah...I don't own anything except for my OCs and the same w/ ch. 4. I forgot to mention that...
After Kori closed the door behind him, Luthe sent a silent enquiry to Duena, his Companion.
:That was good, love. Now, get over here, now! I can't hold on much longer!: Duena said shortly.
"I'm coming, I'm coming," He replied, laughing a bit. Duena was in the Companion's barn and was very heavy. It seemed tonight was the night she would have her first foal.
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Over the next few months, Kori was in and out of Haven. Every time she was in Haven, Luthe made a point of seeing her in one fashion or other. Not that the Herald minded that at all…it had been a rather long time since she had received some male attention…
:Looking at Luthe for a prospective mate, Chosen?: Cole asked teasingly.
"No, love, I don't think so. Just…someone to talk to, maybe?" Kori replied seriously. They were on the road, again, but this time they were headed towards the Karsite border. One of the commanders there had turned up a bunch of bandits who had been terrorizing the local villages and had requested some Heraldic help. Cole and his chosen were 'volunteered'. That was fine with Kori; courier duty was getting somewhat boring, anyway. Now, she was getting to look forward to a couple months of living out of bags, rather than a few days.
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They were definitely dragging butt. The bandits proved to be what the villagers said they were: bandits, and were dealt with as such. Unfortunately, that put more strain on Cole and Kori than it did on the Captain and his soldiers. Kori would likely have nightmares for months, now. Not only from what they did to the villagers, but also from what she did to them. It was horrible. On the other hand, they got to go back to Haven one month before they had expected to. That was a relief.
Cole stumbled over a rock, causing Kori to pitch forward. :Are you okay, Cole—and no lying. I don't want to have to nurse a lame Companion.:
:I'll be fine. I'm just tired. I can't wait to get back so I can just relax:
:And enjoy a few lady-friends, as well? Hmm?:
:Only if you enjoy a certain guy-friend yourself. I don't like it that you've so long without a mate.:
:And what is it to you, fur bag?:
:Everything. If you're unhappy, then I'm unhappy. If you're mated, then I'll mate. If you're not, then…:
:I enjoy your self-sacrifice, Cole, but your life doesn't have to revolve around me quite so much, you know. I'm a grown girl, not the little, naive one you found on the side of the road. I know what I want, and how to get it, if I want it that bad.:
:I know, I know. But still, you should find a mate. And besides, I like Luthe and Duena.:
"Duena especially, I'm sure," Kori muttered. :Cole, I'm tired of you trying to hook me up. It's bad enough all my friends have been trying since Grith died. When I find some one, I'll know. Then everyone will be all happy and 'mated'—even you, no doubt.:
:Sorry. Didn't mean to push any buttons.:
"That's okay, Cole. We're both tired. The sooner we get to Haven, the sooner we can relax, so, if you think we're up to it, let's go." That elicited a few strange looks from the farmers who Kori was currently in the middle of.
As an answer, Cole took off at a slow trot, which increased in speed to a gentle canter once we were cleared of the farmers.
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Thanks for reading!
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Kyn!