Chapter 20: Visits part deux
Ho'ke was restless, the guards outside his quarters told him The High Matriarch and the Arbitrators have arrived. His life would end soon and he would join Paya in the eternal hunt. His confinement gave him some time to think. He failed to save his son from that ooman trash. He failed in his orders and he failed his wow to kill every one of those retched beings that crossed his path! Growling in frustration he threw himself into his chair, reaching for the glass of C'ntlip by his side on the table.
Hearing the door open, he saw a shimmer enter, and he knew exactly who it was "I'm surprised you have not come sooner… to kill me perhaps?" The shimmer moved to sit in a chair opposite of him, the computerized voice speaking "I am very disappointed Ho'ke, but I will not kill you myself. Your impulsiveness and recklessness have sealed your fate for me and destroyed our best chance of killing her quietly! Now even an accidental death will be suspicious because you cannot exercise control!
Growling the senior stood to pace "Why would her miserable death be suspicious? One of our Clan members will have her head eventually, she is nothing but an annoyance and an unwelcomed burden!" he was so furious he threw the glass against the wall, his fists clenching. The electronic voice interrupted "You pauk-de! Now that The High Matriarch has arrived she will express her favor of the ooman personally, most will become complacent in her staying here because of it, not to mention the fact that she won when you attacked her! The chances of her death by one of our own dwindle every day. "
Turning swiftly Ho'ke roared "She did not win! If my gear and my son would not have failed me, she would be a stain on the wall! His accursed timing and misguided sense of duty almost got him killed!" Standing, the shimmer moved to the door slowly "Of course she won. Look around, you are waiting for your death, you old fool. This time, I am taking care of her and she will not survive. I will make sure of it!" Stopping for a moment it continued "Neither will anyone else who crosses me to save her."
Staring at the clacked figure the senior nodded after a moment clicking "So be it." As the door closed behind the figure, Ho'ke sat back down in his seat "I rather know you are dead Ke'varde, then disgraced" he was so lost in his thought that he didn't see the blade that stopped the door from closing completely.
Finally dried off and dressed she decided to do something with her hair for a change. Grabbing it up and twisting it into a messy bun, she picked her hair sticks to hold it in place. Since there were no mirrors here, she moved to the window and looked at her reflection there. She decided to look her best today since The High Matriarch was here and she wanted to make a good third impression. She was so mortified of the previous two "I made a complete fool of myself…twice" dear lord the things she'd said! The things she asked! Groaning she hid her face in her hands mumbling "I cried in front of Yautja royalty for petes sake!"
Looking up at her reflection again she decided she would make the best of it this tame. She wore a black knee length loincloth, with tiny triangle armor plates sewed in the hem and the sides of the front, the top was s square piece of cloth that covered her breasts and tied with four strings in the back, it was her best work "If I do say so myself" she only wished she had make up "I'd give my pinky for eyeliner right now" glancing at the green and purple-ish bruises around her neck she wrinkled her nose "Or a heavy duty concealer"
Moving from her bedroom to the main room she couldn't help but stop next to the hole in the wall where Ke'vardes father punched in with his wristblade. It was at the same height as her nose. Brushing her fingers over the offending reminder, her eyes hardened with a decision. Running to the main door she opened it and stuck her head out. Not seeing anyone on either side of the hallway she made her way to Ke'vardes room. Relieved when he wasn't anywhere in sight she walked quietly to his wall of weapons. Taking what she needed she sneaked back out, moving to the platform that would take her one floor down.
She knew where she was going since she noticed the guards outside a door earlier when she went for her walk. It was a good assumption she was right about him being held there. Getting closer to her location she peeked from behind a corner. She was surprised when she didn't see anyone, no guards, no nothing. Frowning, she whispered "I guess I'm on the wrong…" seeing the door open and a shimmer exit "… floor… interesting" As the thing turned and walked the other way she took the chance and hurried to the door on her toes, taking out her knife, she placed it on the jam before it could close. Turning the knife she opened the panel slightly, enough to get a hold with her fingers, sliding the panel to the side a bit more she squeezed her body through. Hoping the one in camouflage didn't see her, she left the knife to keep the door open.
Hearing the beeping of a plasma caster charging Ho'ke snapped his head up and froze in utter disbelief. Not in a millennia would he have thought the ooman would come to kill him like this. Coming back to his senses he tilted his head growling "Why the bother? I'll be dead soon" Staying where she was she said "I didn't come here to kill you." Glancing down at the gun in her hand she smiled "This is to keep you in line. I have questions I need you to answer… please"
Laughing he clicked "What makes you think I will answer any of your questions ooman filth" Not answering him, Cat though for a moment before speaking, knowing it would antagonize him, make him more careless and unpredictable. "I have heard of your past misfortune. I can understand why you hate me and my kind. But don't you think any being would try to defend itself and try to eliminate the threat? Perhaps the human was stronger, more agile?" she hated herself for the last part, but it was necessary.
Jumping up he roared at her "You know nothing! My son was a great hunter and your kind killed him dishonorably!" Keeping her gun up and armed she asked "Are you the only one who is after me?" Growling he answered "Perhaps I am! Or there could be more waiting and hoping for your demise!" Her eyes ever vigilant she said "Lo'qe is one, are there any more? Perhaps a third or fourth party?" Even though he didn't answer she had what she came for. Each time he gave himself away with a movement or a twitch, he told her what she wanted to know. It happens when you are trying too hard hide something important.
Smiling she said "You wouldn't by any chance tell me who he is would you?" When he remained silent, she sighed lowering the gun and turning to the door to open it. Turning her head to him before leaving, she whispered sadly "I am sorry for your loss. I'm sorry this situation is what it is. I do wish it were different" Glaring he clicked "Spare your pity and your sorrow! I do not need it. Your death is all the consolation I want." Standing a bit straighter and with complete confidence, she glared right back "I have survived obstacles in the past. This will be no different. I will fight for my future by Ke'vardes side and make no mistake Ho'ke, I will win." She hoped. For one small moment after she left, he actually believed she could.
Finding Ke'varde waiting for her as she entered his rooms, she hid the plasma gun behind her back, exclaiming with a grin "There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Looking up at her, he tilted his head curiously "You have? Why?" Seeing him putting on a loincloth she improvised "No no no! That one will not do! Got anything darker? We should match!"
Looking at her like she just lost her mind he clicked, moving closer "What are you talking about? Why would we need to match?" darting away from him she babbled "So they'll know…that I've… chosen you, yes! It's an… ahh human custom!" nodding her head furiously "Now go in there and change! We can't be late! Go ahead, shoo" waving her hand at him. When he still didn't move, she maneuvered behind him shoving him with her shoulder "Please darling! Do it for meeee!" stumbling, when he moved forward shaking his head and clicking "Fine."
Watching him enter the bathroom, she ran to the weapons wall and placed the gun where she found it, sighing in relief as she turned away from it "that was close" Seeing him walk in with a new darker loincloth she launched herself into him arms, hugging him tightly "Thanks Stripes" Purring he held her, leaning his head on her shoulder, whispering "You are welcome. Now tell me what you were doing with my plasma caster"
Feeling her stiffen up like a statue, he clicked "Did you really think I wouldn't notice little one?" Firming her hold on him she mumbled into his chest "I hoped" Pulling away from her to see her face, he had to lift her chin up to accomplish it "Tell me" Biting her lip for a moment she released him "Okay, but you have to promise not to overreact" Suspicious he gave a reluctant nod at her stubborn face. Taking a breath she avoided his eyes "I took it because I needed it whenIwenttoseeyourfather."
He roared "YOU DID WHAT?" releasing her he paced, growling "Why would you put yourself at risk! He could have killed you! Don't you understand what a badblood is?" Widening his eyes, he grabbed her looking her over "Where did he hurt you? TELL ME!" Shocked, she stammered "W-what are you talking about! He didn't!" Growling he scented the air again "Don't lie to me I can smell the blood! I'll have his scull!" It took her a few moments to realize what the heck he was growling about. Seeing him march to the wall and gab a spear, she ran to the door to block it "NO! Wait! Listen to me!" Stomping to her, he growled "Move or I will move you" aggression and rage pouring off of him. Slapping his chest she yelled "I'm menstruating!"
The silence that followed would have been humorous if it weren't so uncomfortable. After a few minutes of blinking at each other, he tilted his head, clicking skeptically "Then why are you bleeding?" Confused she said "That's how…amm human females…we…bleed to ahh… shed the unfertilized eggs… down there" pointing to her lower abdomen and then a little lower blushing hotly. She was never comfortable or good at explaining these things to men. She already had this type of conversation with Mir'en, so she knew Yautja females had a covert cycle, where the uterine lining was absorbed instead of expelled like with her.
Observing her he clicked "You are truthful?" Glaring at him for that, she said "Yes I am. And no, you cannot look at it!" with that she turned and opened the door.
In the Eating Hall, the Elder and The High Matriarch were sitting down for the feast in her honor. Seeing Ke'varde and Cat come in, Dahi'ra raised her voice to be heard across the long chamber "Come honored warrior and ooman, join me on the dais! You will dine with me." Walking side by side to their new seats, they were watched by every Yautja there. It was considered a great honor it you were invited to eat with their ruler.
Seating herself down next to Dahi'ra, with Ke'varde on her other side, Cat smiled warmly at her "Thank you for the honor your highness" Thrilling with laughter the female leaned close to her "You are welcome small one, but do call me Dahi'ra" Nodding, Cat reached for a glass of water, hearing "Have you come to a decision?" Giving the female a blank look she took a sip, when she remembered, as the Matriarch clicked "About staying here or leaving" Chocking on the water she snapped her head in Ke'vardes direction, seeing his surprise as well as hearing the Elders growled "What do you mean leaving?"
Glancing in the Elders direction she saw he was on his feet gaping at her, feeling movement by her side she knew Ke'varde was standing as well. Looking from one to the other she opened her mouth to tell them, when she was cut off first by the Elders growling "Why do you wish to leave? I know there have been some difficulties, but that is no reason to run! You have accepted your mark and I do not condone you throwing it away like this! You are a permanent member of this Clan!" Looking at him Cat tried to say something again "But I'm…" only to be cut off by Ke'vardes growling this time "You are soon to be my lifemate and I will not accept this foolishness about leaving! I forbid it! No matter what my sire told you or insinuated or threatened, I am not letting you go! You are mine Cat!"
As they quieted down and waited for what she was going to say, this time Cat couldn't speak because of the lump in her throat. The only thing that came out of her, were tears and squeaks, which alarmed the Yautjas around her.