Chapter 5

Podlings never needed much of an excuse to turn one of their nightly feasts into a rolicking party. The return of the Gelfling travelers, the return of one of their own long thought lost, the discovery that another of Thra's lost races still lived, and the news of a new baby to come into the world all deserved to be celebrated in their own right; together, they were cause for a long night of food, drink, and most of all, music.

Aughra excused herself from the festivities early on, but not before she'd taken the time to hear Jen and Kira's account of their travels. While she was disappointed to hear they still hadn't found any surviving Gelfling, she urged them not to give up hope.

"Thra still has plenty of secrets to be discovered. Even Aughra cannot guess them all," she'd said as she prepared to head back to the Castle. Then, remembering, she'd added, "Speaking of! Meet me tomorrow morning, in the Crystal Chamber. I found out something very interesting tonight."

Puzzled, Jen asked, "Are you sure you don't want us to come now?"

"No, no, not yet. Still have a few questions of my own to answer first. You both need to rest. Have some fun while you're still young." With one last good-natured huff, she departed into the night.

Once Aughra was no longer occupying their attention, Ydra launched into a long spiel on all she knew about Gelfling pregnancy, which turned out to be fairly extensive. {"You'll want to start drinking more nebrie milk. It's good for the joints, and it'll help the baby grow nice and plump. When your belly gets sore from stretching, there's a balm made of dyillorkin root and curram-butter that's supposed to help. From the look of it, you're maybe halfway along, so you can keep coupling for a few more unum if you're careful…"}

Kira gave Jen an affectionate nudge over her second bowl of ruva nuts. "See? I told you that was all right."

Jen flattened his ears in embarrassment, and hoped his face wasn't as red as it felt. When he and Kira had first become lovers, it hadn't bothered him that she'd been with another boy first (far from it - he'd been grateful at least one of them knew what they were doing), nor had he thought of sex as something shameful or to be kept secret.

Rather, it was his own lack of knowledge that embarrassed him. As a child, when he'd come to urSu and the other Mystics with a child's curiosity about where babies and new life came from, they'd answered him truthfully, but only in the barest way. And they'd been still less helpful as he grew even older and had even more questions. UrRu were very different creatures from Gelfling, with different bodies and different concepts of gender, and none of them had ever been as young as he was - there were many things they simply did not know, and could not tell him.

As with so many other things, it had fallen to Kira to teach him about love between mates. She was everything he could have dreamed of, and he liked to think that, even if they had grown up in a world full of other Gelfling, they would still have found and chosen each other. They had never held a marriage ceremony (despite Ydra suggesting it more than once), simply because they saw no need for one. They were each other's, in a way few people ever had the chance to be, and no power on Thra could break that.

Yes, the two of them had found happiness … but would their child ever have the same chance?

He watched as Kira and Ydra went on swapping stories from their time apart, and as Lenev let Dermag coax her out on the dance floor (dancing was a new concept for the female Gruenak, but fortunately Podlings cared more about enthusiasm than they did about matching every step). It was certainly possible for people from Thra's different races to find family, friendship, and love with each other, but it did not change that they were different, and that it was lonely being the only one of your kind.

As the night went on, those thoughts continued to gnaw at Jen. And, as he watched her, he could tell something was troubling Kira too.

When the hour had grown late enough that many of the Podlings had gone to bed, she finally gave voice to what was on her mind. The musicians had put down their instruments for the night, and the dim, smoky room was quiet, except for a few giggles as Lenev entertained some stay-up-lates by using her copper light-rod to make shadow puppets.

{"Ydra…"} Kira addressed the old Podling, where she sat next to Hup. {"There's something I don't understand. You told me there used to be a long friendship between Podling and Gelfling. And Hup said you used to help them in their fight against the Skeksis. But … when I was little, you never wanted to tell me about it when I asked. You told me Gelfling places weren't safe, that bad things would happen if I went to them."}

Ydra's usual jolly demeanor faded. This, Kira realized, was a question she'd probably been expecting for some time now, and one she wasn't looking forward to answering.

{"I know that wasn't easy for you, Kira, and I'm sorry for it. But it was the only way I could think of to keep you safe. The Crystal Bats were thicker than ever in those days, when they were hunting down the last Gelfling. Gelfling villages would've been the first place they'd look. And-"}

She hesitated, and glanced at Hup. He gave her a "go ahead" nod, but Ydra still said nothing.

{"And what? "} Kira insisted. {"What aren't you telling me?"}

Ydra sighed. {"... I can't be sure about this, Kira, but I think they would've been looking for you especially."}

Hup gave Ydra a comforting squeeze with his good hand, and picked up where she'd left off. {"The last All-Maudra stayed in Ha'rar until the very end. When the city finally fell, she died facing down the Garthim, alongside her people."} There was clear, long-remembered admiration in his voice. {"But she had a child. A baby girl. While the All-Maudra and her warriors held off the Garthim, her youngest sister managed to escape, and she took the childling with her."}

{"We heard about it when it happened,"} Ydra went on. {"Gelfling scouts told us she was heading for the Swamp of Sog. The All-Maudra's mate had been one of the Drenchen, so she must've thought they'd find safety there. The scouts told us they'd likely pass near our village, and asked us to give them shelter and help them on their way."}

Kira listened, wide-eyed. A storm of surprise, wonder, and anger churned uneasily inside her, hot and cold by turns. Old memories came to her once again: being carried through fire and forest, being hidden in a tree by a Gelfling woman she had believed was her mother (because who else could she be?), the dying scream of that woman mingling with the terrifying sounds of the Garthim…

{"But the All-Maudra's sister never made it,"} Ydra said. {"All we found was you, out in the forest that day after the Garthim attacked. And there were plenty of Gelfling refugees passing through in those days. I can't be sure you're the childling we were told about."}

{"I can."} Hup met Kira's eyes warmly. {"I started to wonder about it the first time I saw you in sunlight. You look just like the last All-Maudra, down to the shape of your eyes. All that's different is the green in your hair. That would've come from your Drenchen father."}

{"I…"} Kira choked, clenching her hands under the table.

It was so much to take in. If Hup was right, that meant she wasn't just another war orphan. She was the daughter of the dead All-Maudra. The rightful heir to the rulership of all Gelfling. A queen, just as she'd felt on that day when she and Jen had entered the ruins of the Old Ones, when she'd taken the abandoned throne and felt as if it had been made for her.

… But that would also mean the face she kept in her memories wasn't her mother at all, but her aunt. She would truly have no memories of her mother.

And what did a throne mean anyway, when she, Jen, and their unborn child were the only Gelfling left in the world?

The Podlings had their own chieftains. The Gruenaks recognized no leaders. The plants and creatures of Thra did not need a monarch to rule them - even Aughra did not claim to do that.

If this was Kira's family legacy, it felt like an empty one.

She swallowed, a lump in her throat. {"I … I understand why you didn't tell me."} Seeking comfort as she tried to sort through these new, conflicting feelings, she huddled against Jen, who hugged her close. {"Is my name even Kira?"}

{"Of course it is!"} Ydra stroked her hair gently, the way she so often had when her daughter was small. {"It's your name because you've made it yours. Little bulb, none of this changes who you are."}

{"And that was what the All-Maudra named her daughter too,"} Hup added. He looked as if he'd like to join in the hug, but wasn't sure if he'd be welcome. {"After the Kira-Staba, the sacred Great Tree of Ha'rar."}

{"Yes, I heard that,"} Ydra nodded. {"But I always liked the name. I would've called you that regardless."}

Kira wasn't sure if Ydra was telling the truth, or just trying to comfort her. Probably it made no difference, but it was still one more thing to take in, on top of a night full of them. So much she hadn't known, so much to have learned only to realize it was already lost to her …

Tears came before she could stop them. It was embarrassing - she hadn't cried in trine, and this was hardly a cause for it now - but there was no holding them back as they streamed hot down her cheeks.

"Oh Kira, my love, please, it's all right!" Jen sounded more distressed than she was. He hugged her tighter, nuzzling her hair in the way he'd learned she found comforting.

Ever chivalrous, Hup fetched a dry cleaning cloth and offered it to the crying lady. {"Kira, I'm sorry. I never meant to upset you with this."}

Kira took the cloth gratefully, and shook her head. {"You didn't, really. I'm not sad to know where I came from. I don't know why I'm acting like this."}

Ydra shook her head gently. {"It's normal to be moody while you're with child. The littlest things can have you sobbing, and this isn't a little thing."}

She joined in the hug, and Kira let her. The three of them embraced for a long while, Jen and Ydra giving her comfort in a way no words ever could. Reminding her that she was loved just as she was, and always would be.

At last, the tears stopped. Kira wiped her eyes and nose, and turned to Hup. Her face still felt hot, but she managed a smile. {"Would you tell me about them? The All-Maudra and her family? What were their names?"}

Hup smiled. {"I'd be glad to. The All-Maudra's name was Seladon, daughter of Mayrin. Her mate's name was Gurjin - I remember he was a bold warrior. And her sister, Brea, was one of the first leaders of the resistance…"}

By the time Jen and Kira finally made it to the Castle, the eastern edge of the sky was just beginning to lighten.

As tired and full of good food as they'd been, Hup's stories had been too much to resist. The Podling was a gifted tale-teller when his heart was in it, and they had both been hungry to learn more about the deeds of their people. And, though it might have been painful for him at first, they could tell it had brought Hup comfort too, to share the happy memories he had of his friends.

Gentle Deet, clever Brea, brave Rian … so many heroic lives lost. But they had all died in the cause of saving Thra. By healing the Crystal, Jen and Kira now understood, they had seen to it that those sacrifices hadn't been in vain. Some things might never be the same, but their world would still live on, even if it had to live on without the Gelfling someday.

As they settled into their bedchamber, high up in one of the towers, Jen whispered, "I know it's late to still be dwelling on this, but, are we doing the right thing? I do want to be a father, but … can we give this child a life worth living? Will they still be happy, knowing the history of Gelfling ends with them?"

"Yes they will." Kira snuggled against him under the blankets. "We'll make sure of that. Even if they never sire or bear children of their own, they'll never be alone." She kissed him softly. "This child already has more than either of us did. They'll get to grow up in a world where they don't have to be afraid. They'll know where they came from, and they'll always have friends and family around them. They'll always be loved."

"... You're right." He returned her kiss. "You're always right."

They lay in each other's embrace, enjoying the familiar warmth and scent, but sleep was still slow in coming. In the dark, Jen's eyes opened as he felt Kira start to kiss him again, more insistently this time.

"Kira, are you sure - oh!" He gave a small gasp as her hand moved somewhere interesting under the blanket.

"I am. It'll be safe for a few more unum, remember?"

"But aren't you - ah! …"

She giggled. "Do you want me to stop?"

"... Well, as long as it is safe …"

Since Aughra hadn't said exactly when she wanted to meet with them, the Gelfling allowed themselves to sleep in. If it truly was urgent, no doubt she'd come and roust them herself. It wouldn't be the first time.

The suns were climbing high when they finally rose, washed, and got themselves ready for the day. Being able to enjoy their own soft bed after unum out in the wilds was a joy, but not one they could enjoy endlessly. There was much to be done and learned, now that they were home again, starting with whatever new discovery Aughra had hinted at last night.

They found her down in the Crystal Chamber, talking with Hup and Lenev. Now that she'd gotten her wish of seeing the Crystal, the Gruenak was apparently full of questions about it, and the Podling was watching with undisguised amusement as she peppered the ancient Keeper of Secrets with them. Fortunately for her, Aughra seemed glad to have someone she could talk to in detail about her beloved Crystal.

"Yes, quartz is the closest mineral to it," she said. "But the Crystal has its own unique structure. It's alive, you see. Has nerves and veins just like you. Everything Thra feels, it feels. What hurts one hurts the other. All things connected through it -"

She trailed off as she saw Jen and Kira arrive. "Ah, Gelfling, there you are! Certainly took your time." Before they could apologize, she went on, "Well, no matter. Here, come look."

"What are we looking at?" Jen asked as she beckoned them in front of the glowing white stone.

"Hmph! Was clear enough last night. Must've gotten tired from so much singing." Aughra shook her head. "If he even can get tired anymore."

"Who? Aughra, I don't understand."

"Don't you remember, Jen? No, guess you don't. Too much else on your mind. Before you both left, the Crystal kept sending out those strange notes of song?"

Jen and Kira exchanged a look. They did remember, but only barely. The song had been so faint back then, and the Crystal still so mysterious anyway - they had left it to Aughra's wisdom to deal with. "Are you saying you found out what's causing it?" Jen finally caught on.

"Yes! Exactly! Took some work, but Aughra managed to reach the place he was calling from." To the Gelflings' surprise, the wise and powerful Aughra, who they had never seen be afraid of anything, gave a shudder. "Never thought I'd have to go there again."

Above them, the three suns each climbed toward their zenith.

"Aughra, you're not making sense," Jen insisted. "You're saying someone's talking through the Crystal?"

"Not just talking. Calling for help! Him and the others are trapped in there. And he knows something else. Something he wants to warn us about."

"But who is 'he'?" Kira was losing her patience. "Aughra, please explain."

But before Aughra could, the beams of the suns struck the Crystal.

On any other day, it would have been a moment for brief admiration, nothing more. The sunlight would have refracted through the pure Crystal, casting a wave of warm white light through the chamber. The vines and flowers would have taken nourishment from it (nourishment they would someday return to Thra), and then it would have moved on until the next day's cycle.

But not today.

Today, something new happened.

When the suns hit the Crystal, it glowed to a blinding intensity, strange golden light mixing with the white. Instead of a broad wave, the light was cast out into eight distinct beams.

And, as Jen, Kira, and the others watched, each beam took shape, forming into a tall, luminous, and all too familiar figure.

For a long moment, no one said anything - Gelfling, Podling, Gruenak, or urSkek.

Then, Aughra spoke.

"You. You lot had better have a good reason for showing yourselves here again!"

To Be Continued...