Vareen & Mica (The Alliance Book 2) (16 page)

“You didn’t miss much.” Nellia turned to grab her drink off the table.
“The rest of the trials weren’t nearly as interesting with you gone.”

“I’m just glad that Drake’s father was able to win his challenge. Now we
can enjoy the dance and celebrate with everyone else.”

“Mica was right that there weren’t any changes to the leadership. I’m
glad for everyone involved.” Vareen had to yell to be heard over the music
being played from a stage set into the middle of the arena. She was talking with
her two friends on the outside of the arena, away from the dancing, but the
music carried on the air.

“How did your days in seclusion with Mica go?” Nellia asked.

“They were
heavenly,
” Vareen smiled
broadly and her friends laughed. “Mica is perfect. He’s sweet, caring,
understanding, funny, supportive…”

Vareen stopped short in her description of Mica’s perfection when her
friends laughed harder. “What? He is all of those things. He understands my
desire not to return to space duty right away and is letting me keep one of
Luna’s cubs.”

“We wondered how you felt about returning to work on a spacecraft. As
long as you are happy with your decision you know that Nellia and I support you
too. You’ve been through a lot.” Cali looked over her shoulder at the arena
full of dancers. “Should we try to find the rest of our party?”

Along with both Dani and Martac, their group had swelled to include all
of the other heirs, Vathral, Nevir, Drake and his brothers.

“We won’t have an easy time of it. That arena is crammed with dancers.”

Vareen turned to head toward the arena when a deep male voice stopped her
short.

“Vareen?”

She turned with a start. “Jaden?” Vareen laughed happily at seeing the
doctor outside of the hospital. She’d wanted a chance to thank him again and here
he was.

“How are you doing?” He asked while wearing the same concerned look on
his face that she was used to seeing.

“I’m doing very well. Thanks to you and everyone at the hospital.” Vareen
gestured to her friends. “You know Cali.”

Jaden and Cali spoke for a few seconds and then Vareen indicated Nellia.
“This is another friend of ours from Cestori. Nellia Adet this is Jaden Takari,
the doctor who helped me at the hospital. Jaden, Nellia.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Nellia offered her hand and Jaden shook it.

“The pleasure is all
mine,
” Jaden
smiled gallantly and Nellia blushed.

Vareen looked between the two and wondered if maybe she shouldn’t ask
Nellia to stay on Titus for a bit longer. She had already given the medical
facilities of Atheon a full report on the needs of the Cestori refugees. Surely
she could take some time for herself. Perhaps get interested in a certain
doctor?

“Nellia is a very accomplished medical ambassador for the people of
Cestori. She’s been working closely with Atheon to help our people adapt.”

“You’re a doctor?” Jaden’s eyes lit with interest.

Before Nellia could answer they were interrupted. “Are you Nellia Adet?
The
offworld
doctor?”

The male voice was deep, with a strange twang to it. Vareen turned to see
a very
handsome
if somewhat rough looking
male standing near their group. His reddish-brown hair was wild and unkempt.
His eyes were slightly blue around the edges, but a deep amber otherwise. Since
he was smiling faintly in greeting, Vareen could make out two attractive dents
in his cheeks. He
wasn’t dressed
similarly to a male from Titus and her mouth dropped open. Was he wearing a
dress? She’d never seen a male in so short a skirt before. Not that he didn’t
have nice legs, but where was he from? She’d never visited Metari City or
Denary yet. Maybe they wore this type of outfit in those clans. Vareen shook
her head at her own thoughts. That didn’t make sense, all of the clans wore the
same clothing. It kept things simple. So where was this male from?

“Can I help you?” Nellia asked curiously.

Jaden didn’t step back from them,
in fact,
he moved to stand before the other male almost aggressively.

She looked to Cali, who was assessing the strange male along with her and
Nellia.

“What do you want?” Jaden asked rudely.

“Are you the doctor?” the man asked again, ignoring Jaden and moving to the
side so he could see Nellia.

Stepping around Jaden her friend said, “Yes, I am a Nellia Adet.”

Vareen tore her eyes from the newcomer to Nellia. Her friend was blushing
furiously and had a slightly breathless note to her voice. She was staring
almost transfixed at the figure in front of them.

“I need to speak with you. Please.” The male reached out and to Vareen’s
utter surprise Jaden jumped between them and swept the three of them aside.
Her, Cali and Nellia were now behind his outstretched arms.

“The females have nothing to say to you.”

Vareen had never heard Jaden sound so hostile. He’d always been so nice
to her, but then again she’d been a patient.

“I don’t mean to be rude, but I can speak for myself.” Nellia stepped
around Jaden and moved toward the stranger. “He’s obviously sought me out for a
reason.”

“I’m Jarin of the Janari. May we speak in private. Over by the path?” He
bowed low and then stood to tower over Nellia. Her friend didn’t cower or step
back. Instead, she seemed to be pulled toward the stranger with an engrossed
look on her face. Vareen had seen that same look on Cali’s face and was pretty
sure she’d worn the same look on her face when Mica’s stasis pod opened.

“
Certainly,
I’ll speak with you,”
Nellia agreed and added to her and Cali. “I’ll be over by those tents with
Jarin if you need me.”

“Don’t let us keep you.” Vareen hid her smile behind a forced clearing of
her throat. “We’ll be at the dance if you need to find us.”

“Check in before too long,” Cali looked just as astonished as she was at
Nellia’s reaction to the stranger.

“Just a moment—” Jaden tried one more time to get Nellia’s attention, but
Vareen feared it was hopeless. If he had any interest in Nellia he’d just lost
a chance at getting her attention to the mystery male.

“Jaden. I’ve been meaning to tell you about my recovery.” Vareen
distracted him, putting her arm in his. Before he could protest further she
pulled him along the path toward the arena and the dancing.

Nellia certainly had changed since their days on
The Reliant
. In a very good way too. Vareen couldn’t be happier at
her friend’s newfound self-confidence.

“You can’t let your friend stay with that male,” Jaden protested
heatedly.

“Why?” Cali asked from her spot
at
Jaden’s side.

“He’s an
Other,
” Jaden said the
word. His mouth puckering as if tasting that sour drink Cali made.

“So what?” Vareen stopped at the edge of the arena. She wanted to find
out what the problem was with Jarin being an Other without the distraction of
maneuvering around dancers.

“He isn’t to be trusted,” Jaden insisted.

“Just because he’s an Other?” Vareen didn’t know if she should be worried
or not.

“Vareen.” Mica’s voice carried over the music. “I was beginning to wonder
when you’d get back.”

“Mica.” Vareen
let
go of Jaden’s
arm and hurried to pull her mate along the path, back the way they’d just come.
When the music faded enough she asked, “Is it safe for Nellia to be speaking
alone with a male from outside the clan boundaries?”

Mica took
her
by the shoulders, “A
male Other? Can you describe him?”

 
“He was handsome, with
reddish-brown hair, amber colored eyes. About six foot two, muscular build. He
was wearing what looked like a short skirt, with brown boots.”

“They call it a
t’lik,
not a skirt.
Was there a distinct color or pattern to the cloth of
t’lik
?” Mica didn’t seem fazed by the fact that a strange male was
talking to Nellia so she didn’t worry too much.

“Not that I remember.” Vareen tried to
recall
details of the males clothing. “I think it was brown with green woven through
it.” She picked out details as she remembered. “He had the same type of shirt
that you wear, only it was brown as well. The material of his
t’lik
was thrown over one shoulder and there
was a nice pin attached to it.”

“Can you recall the symbol of the pin?” Mica seemed excited at the
details she was remembering so she tried harder to recall.

“Let me think.” Vareen bit her lip and focused hard on the symbol she’d
seen. “It had a green circle with brown or golden three pointed lines entwined
with it. It was very intricate.” Vareen tried to pull more from her quick
glance at this clothing but was losing her focus. “I’m sorry. I’m having a hard
time recalling it all now.” She ended frustrated with her attempt.

“No,” Mica assured her. “I have an idea who it was.”

Mica turned from her. Drake, who’d just finished talking with Cali,
joined them.

“I can tell you who it is,” Vareen got Mica’s attention again. “He said
his name was Jarin, from the Janari.”

“He told you his name and clan?” Drake looked from Cali to Mica and her.

“Yes. Is that so odd?”

“Well, most of the time the Others are very reclusive. They don’t usually
state their name or clan that easily, to strangers no less.”

“What is Jarin doing here? I’m surprised Nicho let him come to Metari.” Drake
wondered out loud.

“Janari? Nicho? Jarin?” Cali called out from next to her. “What do those
names mean? Who are they?”

 
“Nicho is the leader of a band of
Others. They were
gypsies
of
sorts
but have since settled into one location
close to the boundary of Metari. They call themselves the Janari. They are
skilled artisans when it comes to metals and gems. They craft the most
beautiful rings, earrings, pins and bracelets on Titus. Both Nicho and his heir
Jarin
were invited to the ceremonies but
I’d heard they declined.” Drake spoke loudly enough for the three of them to
hear. Vareen assumed Jaden had kept on into the dance when she pulled Mica away
because he was no longer with their group.

“Why wouldn’t they come if invited? Why was Jaden acting so strange about
Jarin being an Other?” Vareen asked Mica.

 
“There are those in the clans that
don’t like the Others. Some people feel that they are
inferior
or violent deviants. The Janari are caught in the middle.
Living in the old way but embracing the new as well.” Mica continued, “The
Others are allowed to live peaceably outside the clan boundaries as long as
they obey the rules. The Janari have never been brought before the Jataci and even
help when we are looking for outlaws in their lands.”

Drake picked up the telling, “They can, and do, sometimes send their
children to school in Takari. Jarin was one of those educated with the rest of
us. He is the same age as Tae, Dak, Arik, Mica and me. I think Tae and Jarin are
close friends since Tae travels often to
Jarin’s
village with other merchant lords to get ideas and trade with them.” Mica
rubbed his head. “Why would Jarin ask Nellia to talk away from the dancing? Why
not come and say hello to the rest of us?”

“I think I can answer that,” Vareen offered with a smile. “If my guess is
correct, Jarin is busy trying to figure out how to get Nellia farther away than
just the paths.”

Vareen turned back to Cali and Vathral. “I don’t see anyone from the
leadership yet on the pathway. Do you want me to keep looking?”

“No. Come sit down. We’ll get an update when they’re ready.” Cali patted
the cushion on the couch next to her.

“Nevir might think to bring us word before the leadership.” Vathral was
reclining in a chair across from Cali.

“She’ll come to find you at any
rate
since you’re her chosen mate.” Vareen moved to the couch and sat next to Cali
to wait. “How is partnered life going for you?”

Vathral’s face lit with happiness. “It’s better than I’d ever imagined
partnership to be. Nevir is smart, loyal, generous, honest, with the best sense
of humor. She makes me feel like I can take on the world. The only downfall is
that she’s part of such a big family.” Vathral rubbed his chin. “It took getting
used to, but I can’t imagine a different life now.”

“How are things with the brothers?” Cali asked

“They are getting better. The twins still like to give me a hard time,
but Varian and Drake are much easier to be around. You did warn me that Nevir being
the only sister might cause them to be protective and you weren’t wrong. Her
parents have been much easier on me than the
brothers
.”

“Are you still concerned about your lack of special abilities?” Cali
looked to Vareen and explained. “Vathral and I have talked at length about our
differences from the people of Titus. We’re both a little worried about what it
will mean for any children we have. Not to mention in situations like this with
Nellia missing. Instead of being able to help, we sit here waiting.”

“I try not to let it, but it does worry me,” Vathral admitted.

“I haven’t had as much time to take it all in like you two. I do know one
thing for certain. If Mica had been tested and lost. If we’d had to leave
Jataci and live with the Others or leave Titus for Atheon, it wouldn’t have
changed how I feel about Mica or how he’d feel about me. Where we
are doesn’t
matter, we have a home as long as
we’re together.” Vareen smiled faintly at her friends. She was slightly
embarrassed by her emotional outburst but continued anyway. “Any children we
have with our chosen mates will be equally loved no matter the abilities they
do or don’t have. I’m sure of it.” Vareen sat back on the couch. “As for not
being able to help find Nellia. The people of Titus have to deal with the
Others all the time. I’m sure they’ll find her soon enough.”

Cali’s fingers played with a fold in her dress absently. “I know that
Nellia wouldn’t leave without saying anything, but could it be possible she
left of her own free will?”

Before they could continue their conversation Nevir strode into the tent.
Holding up her hands she sighed, “I don’t have any news. The last anyone saw of
your friend she was walking the paths with Jarin. The leadership is in
communication with the outer settlements of Metari now. If Jarin is taking your
friend back to Janari village, those settlements will possibly hear of it
first.”

“How far away is Janari village?” Vareen wasn’t familiar enough with the
teleportation center and transportation grid to know the limits. She couldn’t
imagine how far away the Janari were, or how long it would take to get there
without those two modes of travel.

“The Janari are the closest to here in Metari, but their main village is
still leagues away. If the search party is forced to go all the way to Janari
village, it will require the procurement of
sesroh’s
.
They are domesticated pack animals that the Others use for transportation.

“I’m going to return to my tent and try to get some rest.” Vareen stood
and hugged Cali,
Vathral,
and Nevir
good-bye. “I’m not sure how much longer Mica will want to stay here. We’d
planned on returning tomorrow. If that is still the case, I want you to know
you are all welcome to visit our home in Jataci at any time. Luna should be
less protective of the cubs if you want to see them.”

“I’d heard that your pet feline had babies.” Cali moved with her toward
the opening of the tent. “I wish I could have one of them, but we have two canines
and I’ve heard they don’t get along. Even as well behaved as Horace and Bella
are, I’d be worried how they’d react to a feline.”

“They would tear up your home and try to kill each other,” Nevir advised.
“Not to mention, the Jataci are in a temperate climate. You haven’t seen a
Renari winter yet and the canines have a thicker coat. Felines are adapted to
the warmer regions.”

“Well, that settles that. Thank you for the invitation. I’ll be sure to
take you up on it soon. You know you’re welcome in Renari at any time as well.”
Cali kissed her cheek and Vareen waved one last time at Nevir and Vathral.

Taking the paths to her empty tent Vareen let her mind wander. The whole
situation with Nellia missing made no sense. Mica had told her on numerous
occasions that the Others, the
Janari
included, only needed to ask and help was provided. They chose to live on the
outside, in the nomadic way of their ancestors. Why would Jarin take Nellia and
even more confusing, why hadn’t she made a fuss?

Vareen entered her and
Mica's
tent. After taking
a solar shower she got
comfortable in bed. She would just have to be patient until Mica let her know
what was going on.