Calm by Viola Grace Page A

wrapped his arms around her while the family congratulated them.
    Ys finally tackled the elephant in the room. “It is a shame you are so small and pale.”
    Meri laughed. “Yes, I know. The horrors of being a Terran on a strange world. I am never quite right for the situation, too short, too pale, too bony.”
    Ys continued, “I mean, I wonder if Vehn will even fit.”
    From above her head, she heard the low and amused voice say, “I fit.”
    Hisk snorted as Mir and Ys darkened.
    Meri was entertained. Despite their casual references to spawning and the children thereof, it seemed that they were a little unprepared when sex simply happened.
    Niika wanted to know what would fit where, but she was left wanting. It seemed there was information that even contact telepathy could not work out of unwilling participants.
    Meri distracted Niika, “What was your favourite part of school today?”
    The distraction worked, and Ys herded them all into the dining room for a charming dinner. Sunset was creeping in, and it came as a bit of a surprise. “How long were we in the lake?”
    “Seven hours.” Vehn put some green shredded veg on her plate and winked. “How time flies.”
    “Well, we were occupied.” She smiled and blushed as Mir and Hisk shared a glance.
    Ys laughed, “See, it is quite something to witness when you are not the one dealing it out, Mom.”
    Meri could see Hisk’s arm and based on the angle he was holding it, his hand was not on his own thigh. She snickered and reached for her glass, sipping at the water while the family life of the Lahash lapped at her from all sides.
    She worked through the peculiar foods one at a time, and when she heard conversation turn to her, she perked up.
    “So, Meri, you have a problem purging?” Ys was curious.
    Niika nodded. “She made horrible noises.”
    Meri nodded in agreement. “The gills were installed, I wasn’t born with them. It takes me a few days to get used to using them. The first time I used them, I had to have the locals hold me under until the gills started to work. It was traumatic for them.”
    Niika’s eyes were wide. “You were born Sivith?”
    She shook her head. “No, I was born as something else, something strange from beyond the stars.”
    Vehn lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to it. “And I am very happy that you fell into my path.”
    “I didn’t fall, I was summoned.” She turned her hand in his and stroked his palm with her fingers.
    Niika was working something else out. “So, if you are an alien, is that why your fingers don’t have webbing?”
    “That’s correct, nor my feet. None of me was designed for life in water until the Alliance techs got a hold of me. They had me floating in a tank in a matter of days.”
    “They didn’t teach you to purge?” Niika’s eyes were shocked again.
    “No, they hung me upside down by my ankles and drained me that way. It was not fun.” She enjoyed the general amazement around the table. “If you don’t believe me, ask Vehn, he was there.”
    “Yes, they hung her upside down, and the water came out. It was really something, as if they had never heard of purging.” Vehn shook his head.
    Meri smiled, “I can answer that. Most species with gills have them either up on the neck or lower on the back. The back gills are the most common. The Lahash are a distinct species. You should have seen the expression on the tech’s faces when Vehn demanded the collarbone placement.”
    Vehn laughed. “They were most surprised. I think they had to look it up.”
    Meri returned the conversation to Niika, “Now, did you meet any nice children your age at school?”
    Niika frowned. “They are all younger than me, but teacher says that as soon as I catch up, I can get into my age class. There are two girls in that class.”
    Mir got to her feet and retrieved dessert. Fruit drizzled with sweet syrup. As she set the tray down, she asked Meri, “So, do you cook?”
    Meri shrugged. “I haven’t cooked