“Uh, Yeskin, can you get us down?We didn’t have any climbing gear, and we aren’t dressed for repelling.”
There was a laugh, and Serin watched Yeskin move to an open area on the path.He transformed into a water dragon, and another dark elf grew golden eagle wings.He raced the dragon to the top of the cliff.
Serin grinned.“I am really loving life in the islands, Deno.Our little girl is going to have fascinating friends.A lot of them are already on the way.”
Deno chuckled.“Kekoa is already working to set aside land for new family homes.”
“Good.We are going to need them.Now that the ceremony grounds are finished, bonding tourism is going to pick up.”She smiled.“And a charter boat for the participants and a separate vessel if they want to hold to beta customs and not see the bride before the event.”
The baby snuffled, and Serin looked down.“So, little one, you just saw something that I can’t describe.I do know that I am hoping the drones caught it all.”
Deno looked toward Orc, and he turned back to her.“They caught it all.”
She smiled.“I wonder if they would be able to do the ceremonies.”
The dragon and eagle man were returning.
Deno said, “I think she is busy with all the babies.”
She smoothed a finger down the baby’s cheek.“You are right.Maybe she knows someone.This is above the standard beta pay grade.Kekoa can’t do it.He’s in charge.”
Deno nodded.“Maybe in a week or so, we should bring the baby to the palace for a play date.”
“You say that like Haravin isn’t going to be down here tomorrow morning.”She grinned tiredly.
Yeskin set down, and Piper and Calypso dismounted from his thick neck.
“Calypso?I have a quick question.”
Calypso wore a black, gauzy outfit, and the scars on her body glowed silver in the light of the full moon.“What do you want to know?”
“Why did she come so fast?”
Calypso laughed.“You have been in labour since yesterday.You are just so used to discomfort that you took it for granted.All those little twinges?That’s when it started.”
Serin blinked.“Well, fuck.”
“Watch out.Little ears hear everything.”
Serin looked at the little lips pursing softly.“Not yet.Oh, I have to run it past Kekoa, but do you know anyone who would be a good candidate for an officiant for the bonding ceremonies?”
“Do you want presence or power?”
“Genuine enjoyment of the process.”
“Oh.Let me know about the details.She would need a place to live near the grounds, whatever wardrobe you want to set up for it.Have someone design something.She has a day job, so she can be here in two weeks from when you say go.”
Serin nodded.“Fair.Compensation?”
“Room, clothing, food, and possibly some sport instruction.She isn’t very sporty.”
Serin laughed.“I think we can get her surfing.”
“You will have to get someone to teach her to swim first.”
“Oh.Shit.”
“Yeah.She works indoors, works with numbers, but is an amazingly powerful speaker, and she has a presence that would be exactly what you need.Serious earth mother vibes.”
