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Updated: June 18, 2025
The brief physical touch had even given him the feeling of belonging shared by n'ruhar what English inadequately referred to as clanmates. Steve was worthy of Ch'kara; Hovan was convinced of that. And the sense of belonging in Steve's touch made it almost certain he would accept the offer.
He came to realize, however, that as long as Ch'kara existed he would have its love, giving him a peace he could never have imagined before attaining his new maturity. That night, while his body was surrounded by sleeping n'ruhar, Tarlac took advantage of his new powers to explore. Having the freedom of the galaxy was exhilarating, far better than the suit-enclosed EVA he'd enjoyed before.
She had only relaxed when her best-loved es'ruhar, he who had given her life, came to give her this gift as well. And those who were with them included her other closest n'ruhar. Now the ones Steve knew best were here to show their approval and joy.
He returned his attention to his n'ruhar and waited. After seconds that seemed to last forever, Yarra glanced around at her n'ruesten and said, "Es'ruesten, I do not doubt your honor, or Cor'naya Hovan's. None of us do. We believe you saw Kranath's Vision, and that you have made your Decision, which Hovan judges correct. What concerns us now is your endurance." "Endurance?"
He wasn't ashamed of his fear Hovan and other n'Cor'naya had told him that nobody went into the Scarring unafraid but he did wish he'd been spared the physical symptoms. His mouth was dry, his palms were wet, and sweat was beginning to trickle down his ribs. Finally, the doors opened to admit them. His n'ruhar formed a silent aisle, as they had the first time Tarlac had seen the gathering hall.
The man mumbled something, so slurred Hovan couldn't make it out, then released Hovan's arm and closed unfocussed eyes to slump bonelessly to the floor, still smiling. Looking around at the n'ruhar who had seen Steve's collapse, Hovan translated the Ranger's earlier prediction aloud into Language, then smiled indulgently down at him. "And it seems he was right. He has had a very successful party.
He played with the younglings in the nursery, he helped load dishes into the cleaning units, he emptied dust traps and when he wasn't occupied, he welcomed simply being with the n'ruhar who wanted to ask him about the Empire and his experiences in the wilderness. There was unspoken but very real tension in the clan the next morning, and to Tarlac, time seemed to creep and fly simultaneously.
The four adjourned to a small dining hall, to find themselves anticipated. Four mugs of the steaming beverage waited for them, and they drank silently. For the rest of the day, Tarlac was given the unobtrusive but unmistakable support that his n'ruhar needed to give and it helped them moderate awe to the acceptance, casual but touched with deep respect, they held for the other Lords.
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