The Law of Glork Pt. 07

Lily shrugged. "It was their idea. Honestly, it seems like fun." She leaned forward. "What are the five events, Sara?"

Sara pursed her lips. "They said they were doing gifts first - from what I understand, that's just a matter of finding or otherwise gathering some kind of offering. Could be anything - food, herbs, weapons... Whatever they think you'll like."

Jack tilted his head. "Where do they find this stuff? I thought they didn't really go into the underground."

"They don't." Sara folded her arms and leaned back. "There's a lot more on the surface than first meets the eye. They've been teaching us about it during our stay here." She shrugged. "Most of our time is spent gathering and preparing the moss, especially since it's our main food source. We'll get more diverse diets once you've hunted more."

Howard cleared his throat. "In any case, what about the other events?"

Sara counted off on her fingers. "Second, they suggested interviews. The word doesn't translate wonderfully..." She thought for a moment. "Think of it more as quality time. A set duration to spend time with you one-on-one. Again, they'll probably try to impress."

"Third was poetry. That's the one I know the least about. Apparently it's related somehow to the marriage vows?" She peered curiously at Jack. "So I think you'll know more about that than me."

Jack's eyes widened. "Yeah. I get the picture."

"Fourth is cooking - pretty self-explanatory. They all cook you a dish with their best ingredients, and you choose which one you liked best."

"What about the last one?" Lily wondered aloud. "Pntmr?"

Sara dipped her head, a small flush rising to her cheeks. "Well, it's... a measurement of body."

Jack winced. "I'm supposed to judge their bodies? Aren't they all kind of... I mean... similar?"

"Jack, I don't think she was talking about modeling," Howard proposed drily.

"Well, then what-" Jack's face reddened. "Oh."

Lily slapped his back. "I thought you'd be used to the idea by know, Jack."

He shook his head. "Maybe one on one, but so close together? And judging between them?"

"Why not?" Lily rolled her eyes. "Just pick whoever feels the best. Case closed."

Before she could continue, Sara interrupted. "You have all day to get to that point."

"In the meantime," Howard said, stretching, "I think I'll go get acquainted with the great outdoors. Maybe explore that cave nearby. Nothing dangerous," he assured, "But I'm thinking if we're going hunting tomorrow, I want to be ready."

Jack nodded. "I'll come with you." He glanced over to Sara and Lily. "You two okay here by yourselves?"

Lily shrugged. "We'll be fine. We've got plenty on our plates for today - especially if everyone else is busy with the spntr."

With that, they went their separate ways.

****************

The cave entrance was as disappointing as Jack remembered. The tunnels split off in multiple directions almost instantly after forming a cohesive ceiling. He and Howard explored down a few of the paths, only about fifty feet down any, making sure they wouldn't get lost. Frustratingly, it seemed that they all continued to worm downward - no dead ends, and no quick stops.

Howard finally called it off after a couple of hours. They both winced and covered their eyes with their hands upon reaching the surface. Not for the first time, Jack wished he had the eyes of the natives. The changes in light were near debilitating.

They returned home, only to find that none of his wives had returned. Still, that gave him some time to refresh himself at the pool and get a long drink.

He turned the corner only to immediately realize his mistake. He had forgotten to knock. Sara's clothes were folded neatly along the side of the spring, her back to him as she washed. She was humming quietly to herself, a tune he could only faintly recognize.

He snapped his gaze away and retreated back around the corner. She hadn't noticed him, fortunately. He closed his eyes and shook her naked form from his mind.

"Hey, Jack." Jack stiffened at the sound of Lily's voice. He whipped around as Lily came down the ramp, her hair pulled over one shoulder. "Are you planning on joining us?" She smiled, her eyes teasing.

Jack coughed. "Wouldn't dream of it. I was just planning on getting a drink."

Lily folded her arms and smirked at his bright red face. "Looks like you're even more thirsty than when you came down."

He rolled his eyes and pushed past her. "Shut up." He could feel her gaze on his back as he ascended back to the house. Of course, she would show up right at that moment.

Her reaction confused him - if she had assumed he was peeping, she should've chewed him out. At the very least, he would expect her to feel embarrassed on his behalf. Making a suggestive joke? Back at NASA, she didn't have nearly that kind of tolerance for lewdness. Now she seemed perfectly comfortable with it. He supposed it was one way of handling the new environment.

Upon entering the house again, Jack was surprised to find Nelra already seated at the table. She grinned at him proudly, holding up a small bowl with some form of powder in it. "I have returned with my gift."

Jack smiled, leaving thoughts of Lily and Sara behind. "So I see. What is it, exactly?" He took it from her and brought it to his nose, sniffing it. "Smells... spicy." It was bright blue, speckled with white bits.

She put a hand on the bowl and lowered it from his face. "It's not for you to eat," she explained. "It's for me."

Jack cocked his head. "Oh? So this whole spntr thing was a ruse so you could get yourself a gift?" He held a hand to his chest in mock offense. "And here I thought you liked me!"

She raised her eyebrows in amusement. "It's a special herb. After consumption, I will begin to lactate for a brief period." She smiled. "I thought you might like to try some of my milk."

Jack blinked in surprise. "Nelra... I'm surprised at you. I'll admit, that's not exactly what I was expecting."

She bit her lip. "I noticed the attention you paid my breasts during our mating session yesterday. I figured you might enjoy it if I-"

"I'm sure it will be great," Jack cut her off. "What if we tried it tomorrow night? After I take you hunting?"

Her eyes lit up. "Really?"

He nodded. "Why not? It'll be a new experience for us both." He had to admit, it was a strange offer. There were herbs that just outright stimulated lactation? He shouldn't be surprised. The way she phrased it, it sounded like a bit of a common fantasy here. He had never really considered on it, but he wasn't particularly opposed.

Nelra opened her mouth to speak but was cut off as Vilet arrived. Over her shoulder, she wore a long, thick band of white cloth. She seemed somewhat surprised at Nelra's presence.

He turned to face Vilet, earning a small frown from Nelra. And here he had thought this would be EASIER when he and his wives got along. Before, none of them really liked him, but they tolerated each other fine. Now it seemed like he was going to be in hot water no matter what he did.

Ignoring her glare, Jack smiled at his other wife. "Welcome back, Vilet. What is it you've brought me?"

She slung the cloth off her shoulder as she sat down at the table with them. "Rfkn. For now, it is just the material, but soon I will make you a cloak of it."

Nelra scowled. "You found enough rfkn for a cloak in one morning? I find that difficult to believe."

Vilet leaned forward and sniffed at Nelra's bowl. "Umdk herbs? I shouldn't be surprised, but that's also incredibly rare."

Nelra folded her arms and bowed her head proudly. "I found a patch of it on the second day. You know, while Lzbth treated your blisters."

Vilet narrowed her eyes but didn't reply. Jack winced. If she had been the daughter of a councilman, it followed that she hadn't had to work terribly hard growing up. This had probably been quite the change of pace for her. Nelra had proven apt at normal housework, it seemed.

He opted to change the subject. "So, what's special about Rifkin? Need I remind you," he said, catching her eye, "I'm still kind of new here. Forgive my ignorance."

Vilet waved her hand dismissively. "It is comfortable, durable, and warm. Perfect for hunting in the underground."

Nelra sighed. "It's also meant to be symbolic - her love will keep you warm and all of that." She sounded dismissive, but it was obvious that it meant a great deal.

His eyes locked with Vilet's. It was clear she had no intention to say that out loud, but her eyes betrayed her motives. Did she love him? He doubted it, but he thought her affection was quite clear. She glanced away, her face gaining a small shade of red.

"Anway," Nelra said excitedly, "Which one do you like better? My powder, or her cloth?"

Jack cleared his throat. "Considering I haven't really experienced either, it's impossible to say, isn't it?"

Vilet pursed her lips. "The gifts are about your liking for them in concept, not in actuality. Though that does always help." She offered him the cloth. "Perhaps you would like a feel?"

"In that case, you should also get a taste for MY gift," Nelra suggested.

Jack folded his arms. "No thank you, not at the moment." Oh boy. "How about I just choose tonight?"

Nelra pouted. "But we want to know how we're doing. If you really can't choose that's fine, but I'd like to have some idea."

He sighed. "Alright. Let's wait for Lizbeth - then I'll pick."

They sat there for a surprisingly long time. Vilet kept her hands folded in her lap, her fingers gently stroking the fabric. Nelra, on the other hand, slowly brought her foot to rest against his under the table. Apparently, footsie was a universal game.

Jack played along but took Vilet's hand under the table as well. She glanced to him, but he kept his eyes firmly set on Nelra as their game progressed. Vilet returned her gaze to the table, but she did seem somewhat contented, despite her obvious knowledge of their activities.

Sara and Lily returned after several minutes, laughing and elbowing each other as they entered. Upon seeing the situation in the room, Lily gave Jack a wink. Sara seemed a bit more embarrassed on his behalf, and she excused them as they went back up to their room to deposit their dirty clothes. On their way, they exchanged hushed whispers, glancing at the trio. Jack supposed they were placing bets, or more likely, mocking his situation.

He shrugged it off. Whatever their opinions, it wouldn't change his decision. Probably.

Finally, Lizbeth returned. Her hair was puffed off her back in a comical manner, like a spooked cat, and her body was flushed red.

She kept her gaze low as she strode toward the table, before plunking her item onto it. It was a stick, probably about a yard in length, made out of a mysterious, metal-like material. She sat down dejectedly, not meeting his gaze. "This is all I could find. I was hoping for a longer one, but there weren't any that I could lift."

Vilet, however, appeared impressed. Nelra seemed more confused than anything. "So... what is it?"

"It's a spear," Vilet remarked. "Used in the hunt. Made from mnmlm, by the looks of it. Very durable, and very sharp. She must have retrieved it from a crater."

Jack inspected the weapon. The tip bulged out slightly, forming a jutting, roughly tear shaped point. The shaft was smooth, aside from the occasional slight wave to the quality. The appearance was metallic, but the texture was very strange, resting somewhere between metal and wood. Perhaps stone.

He hefted it in his hand. It was a good weight - had it been full length, it wouldn't have been terribly useful for throwing. He wanted desperately to test throw it, see what it could do, but he suspected that would result in him "testing" the others' wares - and he felt strange enough as it is.

He set it on the table, considering his options. Of the three, he had to admit, the spear definitely seemed the most useful. Still, could he just throw aside the others? Nelra's gift sounded... pleasant, incredibly so. After yesterday afternoon, he was looking forward to spending more time with her - and he felt sure that the experience would be amazing.

On the other hand, Vilet's gift was somewhere between practical and sentimental - the fact that it held symbolic value made it a strong contender. From their discussion earlier, Jared had gathered that hers was likely the hardest to find, which deserved some credit.

"I think I'll have to go with... Lizbeth," Jared decided suddenly. She looked up in surprise. "I'm new to this world, and this material is much less foreign to me than a wooden spear." He smiled. "It seems very useful, and I appreciate it."

Vilet's poker face offered only a small trace of disappointment, but Nelra seemed almost relieved. Lizbeth offered a small smile, but before she could speak, she was cut off by Nelra. "So... interviews now, right? Who do you want to go first?"

"Oh. Well... Lizbeth, would you like to? Go first, I mean?"

She hesitated and glanced to Vilet, who gave a small nod. She nodded, the smile returning to her face. "Yes, Jck. I would like that."

Jack offered her his hand and together they ascended the ramp to the crn. Nelra remained in the main room, while Vilet went up with them, breaking off to go to her room once they reached the second floor.

As they settled themselves next to the bowl, Jack couldn't help but marvel at her size. She stood with his chest at her eye level - not to mention her exceptionally slim frame. After a quick estimate, he surmised that he could probably fit his hands around her waist - touching fingers, even.

He cleared his throat as she looked to him questioningly. Her light brown eyes studied him, her slight nervousness apparent. "So... Where did you get the spear?"

She settled her hands in her lap. "As Miss Vlt guessed, I recovered it from one of the craters."

"Craters... Like from meteorites?"

She shook her head. "Not exactly. They are naturally formed in the ground, usually holding a great deal of various ores."

Jack frowned. Naturally formed craters? That didn't sound right. "What makes you think they are naturally formed?"

Lizbeth shrugged. "We have had a great many rocks crash into our planet over the years - none match the craters that were here before. They are far too wide and shallow, covered in an ashen substance."

"Huh." He'd have to ask Lily about it later.

An awkward silence began to form. Jack shifted as Lizbeth cleared her throat.

"Would you like a massage?"

Jack blinked. "Are you sure? I mean, this time is kind of yours. Are you sure you wouldn't-"

"I'm sure." She stared at him steadily. "That is, if you'd like one."

He smiled, giving a small nod. "That sounds nice."

He slid into the bowl, this time opting to leave his shirt on. Not a lot of use in removing it, after all.

He closed his eyes and sighed as her hands worked their magic on his back. If anything, he was even more stiff than the last time they had done this.

He grunted as her delicate fingers began working their way into his knots. His back was still scraped up and sore from his venture the night before. If she noticed, she chose not to comment.

He allowed his mind to wander as she returned to a gentle stroking pattern. A thought struck him, and he tilted his head to glance back at Lizbeth.

"Hey, Lizbeth?"

"Hmm?"

"When was the last time you gave Vilet a massage?"

She didn't pause in her ministrations. "Yesterday, after she met with the council. Apparently, she had a disagreement with her father again."

Jack's head jerked up, and Lizbeth froze. So that was her dad. "Oh? What about?"

She hesitantly returned to rubbing his back. "I've said too much already, I'm afraid. Sorry."

Oh well. He could make a guess or two. At least she was being honest when she said that she wasn't cheating.

He relaxed and laid his head back down on the wooden floor of the bdl. "Can you at least tell me more about being a Keeper? What does that entail, exactly?"

She relaxed, her fingers loosening their firm pressure on his shoulders. "I'm her friend, her confidant. Someone who does what she asks without asking why."

"So, like a servant?"

"A what?"

Jack sighed. "Does she return the favor at all?"

She sniffed. "Of course not. I'm her Keeper, not the other way around."

Figures. "How did you end up being her Keeper? That doesn't really sound like a fun, voluntary position."

She gave a small sigh as she began tracing unintelligible designs on his back. "She rescued me when I was down. In exchange for her protection and influence, I offered my services and friendship."

"What did she rescue you from?"

Lizbeth fell silent behind him. Jack sighed. "Let me guess, you can't tell me?"

"No... I can," she answered slowly. "I'm just not sure that I should."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

She hesitated for a moment. "Those girls downstairs. They were... They are..."

Ah. That made a lot of sense.

"Bullies."

She gave a small smile. "Bls. I think that word is appropriate." She resumed her kneading. "They were unkind to me after my mother died. I was young when I lost my father - my mother was taken as a wife into that man's home. I became his daughter, in some sense."

"My new sisters were... not thrilled at having an ugly sister. I was a bit of a constant shame to my family, and without my mother, I slowly dwindled away."

Jack shifted uncomfortably but remained silent.

"That is, until Mistress Vilet stepped in. She was my friend when no one else would be, and she gave me a new home." She stared off into the distance. "Her mother raised me, fed me up. It was then I desired to be Miss Vilet's keeper. For better or worse."

Jack pondered on that for a while. "Do Keepers normally marry the same man as their... mistress?"

"Oh, no. In fact, that night, at your Gtkr, I thought it might be the last time I ever saw her." She looked down and pushed into his back with some new vigor. "And then you chose me."

Jack couldn't help but smile. Interesting choice, huh?

"So, what is Vilet like when she's around you? Is she always so... standoffish?"

Lizbeth thought about it for a second. "Most of the time, yes. She has a bit of a cruel streak for those she dislikes - it's gotten her in trouble more than once. But at other times..." Lizbeth stroked his back with a finger, "She seems serene. Sweet, even. And I love her for both sides."

Jack frowned. So, it wasn't just him. In some sense, she was kind of like he was back in high school. Cruel was a good description for it. Maybe they were an even match.

He winced as a thought came to him. "I'm sorry, here it's our time together, and I've just been asking about Vilet." He sat up apologetically.

Lizbeth offered a soft smile. "It's alright. She occupies most of my time anyway."

Jack sat back, resting his elbows on his knees. "But what about you? What do you do for fun?"

She tilted her head. "For fun? We play games, sometimes. She isn't usually in the mood, especially in recent years."

He leaned forward. "Not what she likes to do. I'm asking what you like to do."

She blinked. "I like her to be happy. That's what I spend my time doing."

Jack bit his cheek. "Okay, so what's your favorite way to make her happy?"

Lizbeth sat back, folding her legs beneath her. "Well... I do enjoy our conversations. I enjoy learning about people and the world in general."

Jack studied her carefully. "You like talking or listening?"

"Listening, mostly."

He tapped his finger on his leg. She liked learning, eh? "Do you like math?"

She raised her eyebrows. "Mth?"

He scowled, trying to think of the Vagonal word for it. "You know, counting? Numbers and stuff?"