Starlight Gleaming Ch. 21 Pt. 02

Izel went through her luggage, but everything she had was expensive and high fashion, and while not gowns, they also were not designed for relaxing or for doing much of anything other than looking pretty. Some of them had actual gold thread, which made the dress fairly heavy to wear. Janetta shook her head and helped her rifle through the folded clothing.

Finding nothing suitable, Janetta went to her own dresser and pulled out a pair of dark blue exercise shorts. Fitted with an elastic band, it was embossed with the slanted letters "IAS" for Imperial Air Service adjacent to the silhouette of a jet on the left leg, as if the lettering were part of the jet's contrail. Janetta had several, often wearing them when we exercised at home together. She tossed the pair onto the bed. Then she went to my dresser and pulled out one of my gym tee-shirts. One that said, "Catch the Sparrow -- The Best Ultralights" and in smaller print below it said, "Lio Airways."

Satisfied with Izel's casual appearance wearing sports gear exhorting flight, my new wife checked out her appearance, then shrugged. Then we headed back downstairs.

Very quickly, everyone in the house gathered in the family room. Janetta frowned while surveying the room while Izel looked at me for instructions on where she was to sit. Ixma and Zinja had taken their usual places at the ends of the center couch with Sisi and Mina, leaving the center cushion for me.

"If you like, we can get you your own recliner," Janetta offered. "You can have my chair tonight."

"Thank you, but that's yours," Izel replied.

Sowitwee offered his place next to Nariya, but Izel declined that as well. With a shrug, Izel parked on the floor next to Cholan who was leaning against Calia. Behind them sat Terra and Salvia. I noticed Izel's servants hovering by the dining area.

If servants could read, their education tended to be rudimentary or focused on the practical. As a result, storytellers and street theater as forms of public entertainment tended to be popular in many places, and video dramas -- when the family was rich enough to afford it -- were in high demand. When Terra and Salvia had first joined us, they had reacted quite positively and strongly to the stories I read. Granted, it had only been a few months, but the effects for the young women had been dramatic. They smiled and opened up even as they worked really hard to do the necessary mundane chores around the house. They loved participating in the exercises with us, too, especially the dancing. I was not surprised by the actions of Izel's servants at all, and wondered how long it would take them to find their places beside Terra and Salvia.

Haytam and Cooma went around checking windows, including making sure the upstairs door was secure.

Taking the center seat, there were sighs of released tension and a sense of expectation. Picking up the book, I began to read.

My girls followed along intently, answering questions when I asked, and Mina happily stood leaning against me, her arm on my shoulder while she peered down at the book. I think it made her feel bigger.

When I finished reading, the girls were yawning as it was nearly an hour later than our usual starting time. After Sisi's report to Janetta, which enthralled and charmed Izel, Sisi gave everyone in the family room their hugs goodnight. Afterward, Zinja and Ixma took the girls upstairs to prepare for bed.

As I stood, I helped all three of my front-row listeners to their feet. Calia collected the books and put them away in the growing collection of children's books stored in the front room. Cholan looked somewhat more aware yet at the same time also in more discomfort. Concerned, I asked her how she felt.

"Worn out," she answered, sighing as my arms went around her. "The blockers don't seem to be doing much, and this stronger stuff the medico prescribed doesn't hit it."

"I'm so sorry you have been feeling so poorly, Cholan," I told her.

Janetta rose and took her to the kitchen, followed by the just returned Calia. When I faced Izel, she took my hand and gave me a tired smile.

"I'm sorry you were on the floor. It was gracious of you to sit there like that."

Izel shook her head, then beamed at me. "Not at all. Actually, it was marvelous and as entertaining as I thought it would be. I loved hearing you do the voices and watching your daughters was fun, too. And it's clear that everyone else loves gathering around you and hearing you read. My own personality is more that of an academic and playing the docile housewife than the haughty grand lady that others ascribe to me. I weathered the experience just fine. Besides, many would consider a wife sitting respectfully on the floor at her husband's feet to be the mark of a good wife. I was also able to see your family in action. Your women love you, Ranji, and it's not just the adults. I daresay it won't be long before I'm completely under your spell. As for Janetta's offer, I see no need to squeeze in a recliner for me, especially since I can't imagine where it will fit. As long as my bones allow, I will take my place here with the others and bask in your gentle paternal presence."

I felt my ears burn. "I see. Well, I'm glad you're happy with our current set-up. I wasn't quite finished checking on Cholan, so I'm curious as to what Janetta is doing with her. You can come along if you wish."

Daydo had been handed his grandson, and the man's face was aglow with delight. He whispered a song with a catchy tune, and Izel smiled. "It's a charming lullaby. The singer exhorts the children to hurry because the sun goes into hiding, and that by singing and dancing for the sun, they can coax it to come out and shine once again."

"Maybe we'll ask Daydo to teach it to the rest of us. The Farming Song is fun, but we could learn some new tunes."

She grinned at me in delight. "You know the Farming Song? That was quite a hit on the radio when I was growing up. You are full of surprises, Husband."

"I learned it from Zinja and Ixma."

Taking my hand, we moved to the dining area. Cholan sat at the table, trying to drink down some metl juice, the open bottle on the table near her. Janetta encouraged her to drink it down.

At my questioning gaze, Calia said, "Cholan didn't want to take the evening dose of the migraine medicine, so with her captain's advice and encouragement, she's trying the alcohol to see if it helps deaden the pain."

"Janetta? It would make me happy if the three of you went into the clinic for a general check-up. The fact that all three of you are all experiencing the same worsening symptoms is troubling to me. All three of you are almost incapacitated by this, and you admit it's never been this bad before. What's going to happen next month? Will you get checked out for me?"

Janetta grumbled, but she also nodded in agreement.

Moving behind Cholan in her seat, I put my hands on her shoulders. Knowing migraines can make one sensitive to touch as well as to light, I asked, "Are my hands on you too much?"

"It's all right," she murmured, giving me a tired smile.

Using gentle pressure, I rubbed her neck and shoulders for a bit. Izel sat in the chair next to her. While I was so engaged, Janetta went into the cupboard by the sink and retrieved her cookie bin. I say hers because she seemed to enjoy them and sharing with Sisi and Mina.

"Would you like some, Izel?" Janetta got a small plate and put three cookies onto it.

"Are those cookies? It's still mostly fancy pastries at the capital. What kind are they?"

"Chocolate with pecan nuts," Janetta answered. Then giving me a look of challenge, she added, "I call them my alternate boyfriends."

"Alternate boyfriends?" Izel repeated.

I rolled my eyes at my warrior. She sure was in a mood.

"Yeah. They taste good, don't talk back, and they come with their own nuts. When I run out, I go buy some more."

Izel snickered. "I'll try one."

Sowitwee escorted Nariya to her seat, and she began to nurse her son. Grandpa Daydo sat on her other side, mesmerized by the little guy. "You want some ice cream, Nariya?" her husband asked.

"Ice cream?" Izel asked.

"It's a treat developed in the Seven Nations," I explained. "It's become quite a hot item. It disappears almost as fast as it appears on the shelves at the Commissary. We go through about six gallons a week. Paying a little extra, they set aside that amount for us. Rank and money do have their privileges."

"Stay there, Sowitwee," Calia said. "I'll get her some. Would you and your father like some as well? All right, that's three takers."

"Might as well try some of that, too," Janetta said.

Daintily, Izel took the cookie and nibbled, then hummed in pleasure. "Oh, my."

After pulling out small dishes and spoons, Calia retrieved two ice cream containers and set to work, dishing out portions. After she passed out the dishes, she rinsed out an empty container and tossed it into the recycle bin. Then she went out to the garage and brought in another container of ice cream, setting it into the freezer.

"It's cold and sweet!" Izel remarked. "Mmm. My mouth is full of rich, creamy chocolate. And this one's vanilla! And these cookies are wonderful, too. This is so decadent!"

While we sat around, Calia moved into the pantry. Terra set to work on washing the dishes. After a few moments, Calia came out and wrote on a whiteboard on the pantry door. "When you're done, Terra, you and Salvia can have your treats, too. And see that Lady Izel's servants each get a portion."

"Yes, Calia," Terra answered, and the sisters grinned at each other.

Zinja came around the corner and looked at me.

"Ready for me?" I asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Going somewhere?" Izel asked.

"Saying goodnight to my girls. I'll be back." I followed Zinja back upstairs.

It being so late, Mina and Sisi were more than ready for sleep. They gave kisses and hugs, then settled into the center, asleep as their heads hit their pillows. However, Ixma seemed agitated. Despite my reassurances the previous night, she did not want me to go.

"Sit up," I said at last. Looking at her dresser, I found her hairbrush. Gasping, she gave a look of adoration before turning her back to me. Releasing the hair tie, I began to work through her hair. "Don't be afraid, Little Mama. You aren't being replaced. I love you and I want you in my life. We have a child together, you and I, a beautiful little girl named Mina. It's always your choice to be my lover."

Still she quietly wept, only slowly calming down. Zinja sat on the opposite edge of the bed, stroking Mina's hair.

After a few moments, Ixma wiped her eyes, saying quietly, "Ranji, I want to leave the Air Service."

Her mother stared at her.

"I'm sorry, Momma. I know we've talked about this before, and you're right. The captain has done so much for all of us. I've tried to do my duty, and I love my Mina dearly, but I don't want to have a career in the Air Service. I want more children and I don't want to wait for years. Children that I want Ranji to give to me. Besides, I think it would be good if Mina had brothers and sisters to grow up with. You were a wonderful mother and you did your best, Momma, but I remember being lonely growing up. I can't have kids while I'm in the Air Service. I know I'm a disappointment, but I swear I've tried to do as you ask. I really have."

Zinja sighed, then smiled. "It's all right, baby girl. I know, you're a woman now, for sure and for certain, but in my heart, you'll always be my baby. I should say, my eldest, since Sisi's mine, too. This is actually a good time for you to leave. Since the Atlanteans killed all those pilots, there are a lot of crews now without an officer. There's pressure to return the lower ranks to the general labor pool, but these are skilled teams used to working together on combat aircraft. The captain tells me she and others in the 233 are thinking about taking on a fourth or a fifth member to the ground crew so as to hang onto them, at least until new pilots arrive to fill the empty slots. Of course, a pilot gets the final say on their crew, so there's no knowing who will get taken or not. If this is what you really want, baby girl, the captain will be okay with it. There aren't as many women in the ground crews, so it'll be weird having men in the bay. And... and I won't deny I'll fiercely miss working with you, Ixma. But you have to follow your heart."

"I'm not going away, Momma. I'll see you, Cholan, and the captain when you come home. This is my family!"

"You're a bright girl, Ixma. A solid worker when you want to be. There's more to life than taking care of others and having babies. His lordship here bought you your own tablet because he wanted you to find your calling. Promise me you will keep on with your studies. I want you to take it as far as you can, girl. There's nothing wrong with being a Free Farmer, but I want you to show your momma what you can do."

"Okay, Momma. I promise." She sniffed, wiped at her eyes again, and then smiled.

"There, all done," I said, embracing her from behind. "Feel better?"

Turning, she kissed me slowly. "Yes," she breathed. "Do you love me, Ranji?"

"Yes, Little Mama. I love you, true."

After a long kiss with less heat and more about simple affection and contact, Ixma settled down behind Mina and closed her eyes. Sometime during the kiss, Zinja had left us.

Closing their door, I stepped into the hallway. Our bedroom door across the way was open.

"Ranji?" Janetta called. "We're in here."

I looked at Janetta and Zinja moving stiff and slow, then turned to my dresser, looking for the unguent Calia had given me. Not finding it right away, I searched to no avail.

"You looking for this?"

Calia's hand touched me and once again, I jumped.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I'm practicing hiding my thoughts.

I smiled while narrowing my gaze at her. That's twice now. Whatever you're doing, it's pretty effective. Now I'm wondering, are you trying to get my attention, sweet Calia?

She winked at me, thereby keeping me guessing whether she was just being affectionate or she really was wanting me to do more later. And knowing her, even if she hadn't meant anything more, she'd be up for anything I wanted to do to her.

In her hand, she held the jar I'd been looking for. "I just finished using it on Cholan. Come on. If I help, it'll go faster. I'll do Zinja."

Izel marveled at us massaging the unguent into their muscles, asking questions that Calia answered. She explained the ingredients and some of the properties of each. Janetta and Zinja both moaned quietly while we worked until it was fully absorbed into their skin.

Once we moved off, they pulled back the blankets and crawled into bed. To Zinja's surprise and delight, Janetta pulled her into her arms and kissed her, then held her. They had finished off the bottle of metl juice, downing four shots each before coming to bed. In no time, both were sound asleep.

Calia stood at the end of the bed, looking at Izel. "Ranji, I think you should do Izel, too."

"I don't need that. I'm not in any pain," Izel replied.

"Nonetheless, it'll be good for you," Calia said. "You're his wife now. This will help you get used to his touch. Ranji likes to kiss and hug, and we enjoy it as well. " Turning to me, she grinned. "After you work her upper and lower back, make sure you get her glutes. Work them over good."

After a brief but intense kiss, Calia left, closing the door behind her.

At my instruction, Izel quickly undressed. I laid out a fresh towel for her to lay on, and she laid down on her belly. For the next half hour or so I worked her back muscles from upper to lower, and she sighed with appreciation. When I reached the globes of her rear, her noises deepened.

Straddling her legs, I asked, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm not sure," she answered. "I feel really good. I've had massages before, of course. You have a firm yet gentle touch, Ranji. It was relaxing and reassuring, like Calia said. But when you massaged my butt, I liked it but it also did things to me."

"Let me put this stuff away and wash my hands. Then we'll get into bed and you can tell me about it."

"Okay."

When she got up, I took care of the towel, the jar, and washed my hands thoroughly. Bringing out a fresh towel, I turned the light down to five percent.

Izel stood, waiting for my return. "I wasn't sure if I was to sleep on the inside or the outside."

"I think Janetta prefers that I be between you two."

"Ah, that makes sense. That way we get to share you."

Sliding into bed, I set the towel on the headboard. Holding up the blankets, she got in close to me. Putting my arms around her, I lay onto my back. At my encouragement, she lay against me, then a little bolder, she grinned as she draped herself over me.

"Like that?" I asked.

Whispering quietly, she said, "Yes, I really do. I had a really good time with you today, Husband."

"I'm so glad, Izel." I caressed her cheek. As my eyes adjusted, I could make out the faint outlines of her face.

"We're married, and yet with both of us naked, I feel so naughty lying next to you."

"Nothing to be ashamed of, Lady Kandikan."

"Oh, Ranji, this has been the best day of my life, even with all the chaos and Chiatl acting out. I just want to know one thing right now."

"What's that?"

"Can... can we do it again?"

"You mean when we made love?"

"I feel so forward asking you. But you felt so wonderful and you were so deep and so strong. When you were taking me, you made me feel safe and alive, and what you did felt amazing."

"Is this because of the massage at the end?" Calia planned this, I thought.

"Probably. It did do things to me down there. Please, you made me feel so good in the temple. I want to feel that again. I want your hard staff stirring inside me, Ranji. Nothing else will ease the longing you've aroused in me."

"Let's practice kissing first."

"Okay," she agreed, looking at me shyly.

Pulling her up closer, we lay together, kissing. Not just tongue-to-tongue, but all over the face in a curious and affectionate manner. This was new for both of us, and we needed to learn each other.

As my mouth began to wander along her jaw and then along her neck, with a few licks around her ear, she gasped and sighed, running her hands over my arms and shoulders while she enjoyed the experience. Inhaling her nipple caused her to gasp in surprise, then to arch forward, giving me full access. After I'd made my acquaintance with the first breast, I moved over and shifted my attention to the other. My free hand rubbed and kneaded the first one so that it wasn't neglected. Rolling the nipple between my fingers while I flicked the other one with my tongue, I was rewarded with Izel's whimper of pleasure that became more frequent.

Writhing slowly on the bed, she said. "Please, Husband, I want you inside me."

Moving my hand down, I reached between her legs. Izel spread them at my touch, and I felt her swollen, dripping lips. With the barest of pressure, my fingers slipped inside.

"You really are a wet girl, aren't you."

"It's all because of you." She bit her lower lip. "But I'm long since past being a girl."

"I use the term as one of endearment, Izel. I meant no offense. I'm your husband, but I also truly want to be your friend as well as your boyfriend."

"So if I'm your girl, you're my boy?"

"Yes."

"I know what it's like to have a husband, but I've never had a boyfriend before. I think I might like that. Are we going to have sex now?"

"I want to make love to you, Izel. Don't forget, anytime you aren't comfortable, just say stop or say no. I might ask why, especially if you are in pain. But I won't force you."

"You really mean that, don't you. Oh, my. Ranji, I want you to take me and make love to me."