Chapter Fourteen: Skylar

(In case of confusion, the beginning of this chapter takes place back on the first day during the two weeks Kweide left for his hunt. And then continues from the current timeline. Also sorry for the late update!)

My first coherent perception was the well rested feeling sitting within me. I was warm and content amidst my furs and pelts but the fact I was still allowed to sleep was a shock for me. Kweide always woke me up. Admittedly I hadn't been here long but there was enough time to form a routine. And the light jolt to my side from his foot had become a common place wake up call.

Today was different, I had the chance to open my eyes and look around for a moment. It was nice at first to relax but it quickly drained away with one realization. Kweide wasn't there. "Kweide?" My voice was raspy from lack of use but I was perfectly awake. I waited for him to comeback, he had to eventually.

After at least an hour of sitting in silence I gave up and decided to leave the room. Aware of my injured hands it took me several tries to stand up and awkwardly make my way to the door.

Sighing softly I stared at the keypad, zooterkins. I could barely remember the way his fingers moved across the pad there was no way I could copy it with my heavily bandaged hands. "I'm going to die here alone." I grumbled out loud. I turned around to go lay down again when the door slid open behind me. Quickly, I turned around expecting to see Kweide staring down at me with his usual cold demeanor. Instead I was face to abdomen with fishnet covered obsidian skin. Working my way up in confusion the adornments of skulls and golden armor gauged my memory.

"Small bird." The Elder stepped forward and shook my shoulder in greeting though he stopped me before I could attempt to do the same. As much as we had talked alone within that time I couldn't shake my weariness of him, he was ranked far above Kweide and the power he held was terrifying despite his kinder disposition.

When we had spoken to privately yesterday I was beyond shocked by his more informal attitude, more than likely i'd bet his confidence and position of power had shaped that demeanor. He had constantly been assessing me as we spoke for those few minutes and in all honesty he seemed as curious of me as I was of him

"Elder" I tried to look down out of respect, the Yautja didn't like eye contact I was told, but he quickly lifted my chin to face him. Instinctively my eyes closed again and I felt his claw tap my cheek.

"Among ourselves you must face me small bird. It is no request." The Elder's order had me opening my eyes quickly. Yautja society was so confusing, first i'm told that now I am bottom of the barrel among these proud and dangerous aliens. Next I'm supposed to face one of the most honored warriors on the ship with direct eye contact? The very one that told me eye contact could get me killed.

"Yes Elder." I nod and force myself to bring my eyes up to stare into his. They were a predatory shade of amber, unsettling but beautiful. Which was quite the stark contrast to the rest of his face, through and through he looked like a crab human hybrid that crossed with some form of creature...and perhaps a porcupine too. My eyes were drawn to the quills surrounding his face and head, they added an interesting affect, even giving him a form of eyebrows.

"What are you thinking small bird?" He questioned as his held tilted, he stepped into the room so the door could close behind him and shut out prying eyes. No one could know how casual we were. I'd bet it wouldn't end well for him or me what with his society's low view of humans -or Oomans as they called us-.

We had only spoken for a short amount of time but his willingness to truly speak to me was refreshing, I felt like I could breathe a little easier knowing the top dog wasn't so cold as Kweide. I had no idea if I could ever feel entirely calm around him but it sure as day was easier to be myself. And even a small amount of the tension constantly running through all of me being released was something I'd cherish.

Then it hit me in an odd way, I was more relaxed with him? I'd been taken from my world to be a servant for another yautja, forced apart from my friend and tossed straight to the equivalent of a hierarchical bottom of the Mariana trench. I felt my shoulders clench again.

Breathing out hard I tried to stop tensing to no avail. And suddenly a rough hand was on my head. When I looked up he was staring down at me with question, gauging my emotions. My shoulders fell back down as I let the hand be of some comfort to myself.

I know he wasn't innocent in all this madness. But...even if it was some form of non romantic Stockholm syndrome, sue me. I was holding on to the only one who treated me more like an equal, my only comfort at the moment, and that was him.

"Nothing Elder"

"Do not lie small bird, you are too intelligent to be thinking of nothing." He commented as he pulled his hand away, walked past and then turned to observe me.

"I was...just thinking your quills remind me of a creature from earth." I couldn't help my eyes from roaming across his brow line. "I don't mean offense" I added quickly as I glanced away. Pissing off an eight foot creature of pure muscle and deadly skill wasn't appealing.

"What creature would that be small bird?" He questioned as he sat himself down upon the edge of Kweide's bed. He beckoned me closer as if a further inspection would encourage me to tell him.

"Well..." I trailed off as I approached warily, being close to him was intimidating after all, "You look kind of like a..." He leaned forward as I reached a hand up towards his forehead. I stared down into his eyes for permission and after a moment he leaned toward my opened hand giving me a sign of silent compliance. "Like a porcupine" I finally finished speaking just as my uncovered fingertips hovered across his quills gently.

They were softer than expected but still firm with a smooth texture to them. I froze when the elder's head cocked back in a trill of laughter. "Small bird you are quite the entertaining one. To compare me to a porcupine is something I had never imagined"

He trilled again and lifted his clawed hand to run his finger over my brows back and forth. "You are unlike anything our kind has ever seen. Humans are such a rare being."

"I can say the feeling is mutual." I giggled softly at the ticklish feeling spreading on my face. My hands fell back to my side as I continued to allow the Elder's curious examination of my eyebrows. "Elder, if I may ask, why do you call me small bird?" My head tilted naturally as I lifted my wrapped hands to flatten the ruffled eyebrow hair after he ceased messing with them.

"It is for your name, Skylar." The Elder brought his wrist gauntlet up to pull up the image of a bird. "Your name is like the Skylark, a bird from your home world.I have chosen to call you small bird among ourselves for that very reason."

I nodded with a soft smile, "That's lovely, thank you." I appreciated the familiarity as much as possible and in the moment. Even knowing it was unlikely he'd ever help me escape, I decided I would extend an offer of familiarness back. "Elder, you said your name means Dark Moon right?" He nodded as he waited for me to continue.

"It's very lovely as well, but, may I call you something too? When it's just us." I motioned between us hesitantly. Perhaps being so informal with him would be pushed too far one day. But that day wasn't yet it seemed.

"What would you name me then?" Elder leaned forward with an amused stare. I don't think he was quite prepared when I told him I wanted to call him Elder Porcupine. His eyes were quite shocked in fact, right before his mandibles rapidly clicked in what I guessed was another form of laughter. "I will gladly take that name small bird." He raised his hand to copy my motion from earlier, "But only among ourselves".

It was a fair warning, he was a respectable warrior after all. And if the others felt I insulted him by calling him anything but his title then I'd be strung up to suffer. With a happy nod we continued our day inside that room for the most part. Mostly discussing the yautja ways and what was expected of me.

Our days while Kweide was away were comforting as we spoke. I heard may of his stories and even shared a few rare ones of mine. They were mostly about Kayla in the end though. He even asked about the bond we shared after the eighth tale of her, this one about her trying to scale a wall every day in second grade until she finally did it. It was almost normal, almost comfortable, until about two weeks into him being around I got sent to the medic for a check up.

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The day had started like many before it, I woke up leisurely and looked around Kweide's room for a few moments. The many trophies on his wall always caught my eye, I chalked it up to an unhealthy fascination in the end and moved on. But more than most, my biggest temptation was his empty bed. It looked so comfortable that I often found myself staring at it longingly. My pelts weren't bad by no means, but his looked so cozy that I almost plopped down on the bed on several occasions.

Today was no different as my hand reached out to touch the bed. And then the door opened. "Small bird." Elder Porcupine's tilted head and the look of amusement let me know he wasn't angry at catching me red handed. In my defense, I may have been centimeters from touching the bed but I still hadn't actually done it. So I stood awkwardly and shuffled over to him. "Good morning Elder, are we going to watch the others train again?" I asked filled with curiosity and perhaps a desire for a subject change.

Over the past week he had taken me to one part of the ship in particular to observe the culture of the yautja. It was difficult to keep my head lowered in observation so he often commanded me to watch. The commands offered a good cover, the other yautja were satisfied with him ordering me around and I could look up without offense or challenging another yautja.

"No small bird, today we will get your hands checked and then it is a fine day to go to the central room. Kweide will be returning shortly as well as your Kayla being out. So be quick footed." Elder porcupine turned to leave but my arm moved before I could stop myself.

My fingers just barely grazed his arm to grab him before I realized my mistake and thoroughly bowed my head. I should have never touched him without his permission. I dropped to my knees in case I had gone too far but I steeled myself against the quivering, they only grew angrier with cowardice. "I apologize Elder, I let myself grow too comfortable, it is my mistake. I only...I only meant to ask if this was the last time we would..." I trailed off the moment my voice cracked.

Better to not talk then sound like an anxious mess in front of him. I was happy to see Kayla, God only knows how much I missed my best friend with every fiber in my being. But a huge thought dragged me down hard.

Truthfully, I didn't want to be back by Kweide's side. It would be far easier to escape from him than Elder porcupine but the coldness was biting. I was so mentally and emotionally underfed with him, he only got me to teach him things just barely before he left and I had no idea what would happen when he returned.

I stared at the floor as I saw Elder porcupine squat down slowly. He couldn't have been mad because he had brought himself down to nearly my height. That was something a Yautja would almost never do. "Small bird, why do you cry?" His clawed hands lifted my face as his head tilted.

I hadn't even realized that tears were slowly leaking down my eyes. "Why do humans cry, or why am I crying?" I asked, I was a stickler for answering correctly even when I was upset. His fingers wiped at the tears in a curious way before he spoke.

"I know oomans cry from fear and anger but yours seem different. Why do you cry?" He asked again, this time he emphasized the you part.

"Bluntly speaking,I don't want Kweide to come back... I want to still be able to talk with you like this, I'm feeling...sad." I finished speaking and glanced away from him as he tried to understand what I was meaning.

He was silent for a moment as he mulled over what I was saying, I don't think Yautjas fully understood that type of emotion. Grief was never dwelled upon for them it seemed and it only happened in the most extreme of situations. To put it plainly, for the most part they were not emotionally intelligent.

"Sad?...Sad." He was speaking lowly to himself as if assessing that word on his tongue. "I will call for you when I can, but I cannot offer more than that for the time being. Your situation is...complicated" I didn't understand what he meant entirely but I sighed in relief. I wouldn't have to deal with Kweide's coldness without reprieve at least. As the last of whatever tears had welled up in my eyes fell out I moved to wipe them away but stopped.

Elder porcupine had beat me to it by wiping my cheeks clear and then pulling his hand back. I was confused as he stared down at his hand with curiosity. That's when I saw the tear drop running down his thumb. I raised an eyebrow as he lifted his hand to his face and opened his mandibles. What the heck was he doing?

I watched with a morbid curiosity as his tongue reached out from those sharp teeth and licked his thumb where the tear had run. One thought ran through my mind in that moment, 'what in the actual fish fry was he doing?' I squinted as my mouth quirked in a disgusted like manner. After a second though, my first reaction disappeared and was replaced with understanding.

His face was almost childlike with fascination towards the tear. Even a Yautja as experienced and well lived as him still had much to learn about humans it seemed. In that moment I felt a little relieved. I didn't feel as dumb knowing that there was little even their Elder knew about us.

I chuckled a little at the sight and then wondered if the Yautja could cry at all. He hadn't mentioned tears from his own kind, and if they did cry it surely wasn't salty like ours if his surprise was anything to take into account.

"Small bird we must have a discussion about crying later but as for now we have to go." In my mental wanderings he had stood from his crouched position. I nodded and got myself up as quick as I could, there was no dependence on the earth version of chivalry. I may be injured but it had been time and I was still expected to be independent with the 'minor' injuries that I had.

When we left I followed closely behind him, still trying to memorize the layout of such a big ship. In my defense apparently the size wasn't exactly normal even for them, their clan was just larger than most and filled with many experienced warriors. Needless to say, they needed the space.

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In no time at all we had arrived to the medics room, his name was Lar'ja-thwei according to Elder Porcupine and also his son. Lar'ja-thwei's coloring was a contrast to his name, he was bright green though it wasn't exactly neon and his eyes were darkly colored like a forest. In truth, he looked nothing like his father, but you could tell by the shape of his face in some way.

I sat patiently on a steel table as they spoke in their native tongue. I was still learning but the bits and pieces I picked up made me feel accomplished. "Sma-" Elder Porcupine paused with a slightly frustrated look as he turned his face to me, apparently not calling me by his given nickname was hard for him too. It had become a habit of familiarity and now we would have to cut it out. I looked down as was aggravatingly proper while the feelings of vexation boiled low in my gut, I could kiss being somewhat comfortable goodbye now.

He made a sound in what I assumed was a clearing throat gesture for his kind. "Kweide's servant is here for her check up." He no longer faced me as he spoke to medic Lar'ja-thwei and then moved to stare at the wall of medicinal jars, forcing interest in them if his strained disposition was anything to judge by.

"Ooman, your hands." Lar'ja-thwei spoke in lesser English, nowhere near Elder Porcupine's skill in the language. Then again he was the youngest of Elder's massive brood so the little he knew was impressive anyway. I held out my heavily wrapped hands eagerly, to be able to use them properly again would be so nice.

"Her hands are healing well Elder." I didn't know what he was saying but I still observed his movements carefully. My hands were now unwrapped for the last time -at least I hoped it was the last time- and I couldn't be more overjoyed. I flexed my fingers hesitantly as I loosened my weak hand muscles.

"Thank you." The smile on my face was sincere as I looked up at Lar'ja-thwei. I did not expect the sharp thwack of his taloned fingers against my forehead for looking up at him. The Pain was sharp but not lasting as it only left a dull throb behind. In a way it felt like a reminder, I could not forget the position I held outside of Kweide's room or the way their kind worked. A toothy smile and staring at him was obviously going to be taken wrong.

Elder Porcupine turned at the sound, his eyes scanning my scrunched and lowered face in confusion. "Please tell him I am sorry, I was simply thanking him..." My voice shook so I went silent and clenched my hands tight.

I don't know if he explained or what he said but he did speak to him. So perhaps he had done as I asked. One could hope. I did not look up until he called for me to leave and then I only did so to follow him out of the door quickly.

I remained quiet as we made our way through the ship and into a room. It held only one large window, almost as big as the viewing room I had been in before, but this room also held ornate furniture of sorts and cushions. I guessed it was some form of rec hall but it didn't look meant for them at all.

Lost in my analysis I didn't expect his hand to rest on my shoulder. "Small bird, I spoke with him to clear the misunderstanding. Be careful in the future." His eyes went straight to the undoubtedly red mark on my forehead.

When I simply nodded and looked away he carried on. "I have been informed Kweide has returned, wait here. I will send him to you." I stared up at him quickly in case it was the last time I could.

"Elder I...thank you" I couldn't help the nerves entering my system so I held up my hand, asking for permission to have contact. He obliged my wish and enveloped my hands between his firmly.

"You are strong small bird. Do not dare think otherwise. Now, enjoy this moment to yourself." He pulled away and left the room without a glance back.Somehow it felt heavier than a simple parting now that I knew goodbyes could really be forever.

I hadn't a clue what to do with myself in the emptiness so I sat down on a cushion only to have the following screech of a creature send me rolling off with fright. I turned around quickly to face the alien staring up at me. A small blob of almost translucent skin, a tiny mouth in a curved 'm' shape and large black eyes was whom the sound had belonged to.

It sat across the cushion in a relaxed spread out state, glowing a faint red as it stared at me. I held my breath and lowered myself slowly to keep the quick movements to a minimum. Hoping that above all else it wasn't dangerous or wouldn't attack, I took a deep breath and raised my hand to pat my own head softly. Maybe if I could prove my defenselessness it wouldn't strike at me or would at least underestimate me.

"Hello there little one, i-i'm Skylar, um Kweide's servant an-" I was cut off by a deep resonating growl from the little creature. "Whoa, whoa, keep calm little one. I'm no threat and I am certainly not happy with being a servant either." I grumbled out the last part with displeasure. I was not going to be killed by this creature on a wrong assumption if the last part was why it got angry..

It watched me in a careful way, it's black eyes revealed an intelligence above my first assumption. I was certain now it understood me. "You know what I'm saying don't you?" It's head nodded and I felt my awe begin to rise as I looked it over. The creature looked a little like a ditto morphed with a ball python, both cute and frightening in a multitude of ways.

"You're magnificent." I couldn't help but let out the breathy exclamation as I took in the intelligent life form before me. Of course there was more than the massive Yautja out there, I should have known more intelligent life lurked away from home.

Suddenly a giggle overtook me as I noticed the creature fade from a red glow to faint pink, "Did I embarrass you? I'm sorry, I'm just so amazed, your intelligence is incredible and the fact that you're quite adorable too is making me say weird things. I'm usually more collected than this." I wasn't able to stop the second embarrassed giggle from escaping myself in front of the new alien creature.

From the way it turned to a bright pink and looked away I could have sworn it was acting almost bashful. It's long purple tongue snaked from between the m shaped mouth and licked my cheek leaving a slimy substance behind. "Oh goodness,"I shivered and wiped my face at the icky substance but smiled still at the cute behavior it was displaying. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to meet this thing, whatever it was.

"I take it you won't hurt me then?" Reaching out to pat it's head I paused for assurance and looked down into it's shiny black eyes. I was surprised when it reached itself up and placed it's forehead into my palm with its eyes wide open. I smiled and began to rub it's head softly. The content sounds it started releasing confused me as they sounded quite like a budgie singing.

"You feel a little cold, let me hold you. I'm pretty warm." When it nodded -as best it could what with being an amorphous like shape- I picked it up carefully and slid us both onto the cushioned seat. "Better?" I asked while placing it on my lap and close to myself. My body curled over it slightly in a gesture I assumed was due to the protective instincts I had immediately felt towards it. The singing sound it made again was my answer I perceived as positive.

We sat like that for a long time, the creature and I, curled into one another for warmth and a little connection. I felt so content I nearly forgot that I would have to leave soon. But only nearly. I was forced to remember as the door slid open and there in the doorway stood Kweide and his ever present masked face. My heart dropped.