27: 21 ½ Weeks Gestation

Evan's parents have arrived with his little sister, Evma. Only problem is they haven't arrived alone. Veioray is a welcome sight and there is no problem with his young son, Zezvor. The problem is Veioray's life-mate, Zezna. Vor is afraid to look up for fear her mother will catch her smiling. Zezna has a temper that matches her flaming red hair, and Vor has no desire to face it.

Alma, Evan's mother, is not impressed with Eve. All she sees is a small human female. Yet she is thankful Eve is the daughter of two highly respected humans. Alma is just stuck on how small Eve is. She associates smallness with a weak person, weak physically and weak in character.

Everant is delighted to be here. His smile is broad and proud. He doesn't mind bending down to hug Eve.

"You have become quite bigger," Everant putting a hand on the bump. He's rewarded with kicking that lights up his face. "Very strong," he says approvingly.

Evma ask if Eve is a real grown up which gets chuckles from all the adults except Zezna. Even Alma can't help chuckling at that question from her daughter. Everant assures Evma that Eve is an adult. Then he tells her that if she puts her hand on Eve's stomach that she may feel the new life inside move.

"Nate," Eve signing unconsciously with her hands, "Let's see if the baby's awake," so even though she spoke in English for Nate, everyone understood her. Nate loves to feel the baby move and puts Fluffy down. Fluffy then skitters to Eve's feet.

Seeing Nate with his hands on the massive belly, Evma has the courage to put on a hand. Eve then asks Zezvor if he'ld like to feel the new life too. Evan says he should try it.

Zezvor looks up at his father, Veioray for what to do. Veioray assures his son that it's alright and offers to go with him just because he wants to feel it move too. Zezvor nods yes and Eve's stomach is covered with little hands and one big one from Veioray.

Soon the little faces light up. Then there are giggles with Veioray laughing the loudest. Nate decides he's going to take advantage of having a couple other kids around by inviting Evma and Zezvor to play with him. Nate's Malyon is extremely rough, but he's understandable. And Evma and Zezvor are more than ready to play after spending over two weeks on squines with their mothers.

Zezna makes an attempt to stop Zezvor from playing with Nate and Evma. But Veioray, who gives his approval before Zezna can deny Zezvor some fun, thwarts her.

"It will be time for the evening meal soon," Evan trying to break the tension being caused by the unusual quietness of some of the women. Zezna hasn't spoken a word yet. Not even to greet Vor.

"And with so many people," Eve adds, "We should get started. Does anyone object to fish?"

The males shake their heads no. And if there's anyone who does actually object, they're not saying anything.

"[Come on]," Eve patting Vor's back, "Erin, [will you keep an eye on the children?]"

"[Yes]," Erin answers, "[No problem.]"

"[Thank you]," Eve calls back.

"Bob [and myself]," Mr. Chan explains, "[will get the rest of the meal started here.]"

Eve and Vor lead the way to Eve's fishing spot. About a meter behind them are Evan and John. Behind the two of them are Everant, Veioray and Ben chatting happily. Behind the three men are their mates, and things are quiet back here. Zezna hasn't spoken a word yet, not even when introduced. Jude and Alma have exchanged polite hellos, but neither knows what to say to the other. Trailing everyone are Eve's shoats and Fluffy.

"[Your mother's presence has created discomfort for you]," Eve quietly to Vor.

"[Yes]," Vor confirms, "[she will insist I return to the community. I wish to remain here.]"

"[Then you shall remain]," Eve gives Vor's hand a confident squeeze that makes Vor feel more secure.

When they arrive at the fishing spot, Eve grabs her pole and Vor grabs the one Eve made for her. It's longer than Eve's pole to accommodate Vor's height. They wade into the water together and sit their baskets on the large rock sticking up out of the water.

"How are you going to catch fish with just a big stick," Ben asks Eve almost laughing, "there's no line nor a hook."

"And no little bug speared by the hook," Eve responding to her father with a smile, "I am aware of this, Daddy. I don't need a line and I have a hook carved in as part of the pointy end."

Ben laughs, "So, you're planning on spearing the fish."

"Yes," Eve answers matter-of-factly. "Just watch," taking her stance while Vor takes her stance about two meters away.

John and Evan sit on the ground not quite a meter from the water's edge. The shoat, Maw, lies right beside Evan while Girdy and the male shoat have chosen to graze back in between the trees. Fluffy sits right at the water's edge in front of Evan.

"[Make yourselves comfortable]," suggest Evan, "[There are many large rocks good for sitting.]"

"I'm standing right here," states Ben, "I have to see this."

"Prepare to be amazed, Ben," John says, "Vor has become quite good at fishing this way."

"But Eve rarely misses," Adds Evan staring loving at Eve while scratching Maw's head.

"Should she be doing this," asks Jude.

"Mother, you worry too much," Eve not taking her eyes from the water, "And thank you, I love you too."

So, Jude takes a seat on a rock and watches. Alma and Zezna sit on a rock near Jude. But the women deliberately avoid making eye contact.

Eve is the first to spear a fish.

"[Did you see that]," Everant excited.

"You got lucky," says Ben. He'll never admit his way of fishing may be inferior.

"Dad," Eve retaking her stance after pushing the fish off into her basket, "When I decide I want fish, I get fish." Although, these aren't like earth fish. They just haven't come up with a better term yet.

Zezna whispers to Alma, "[Her tone is disrespectful.]"

Alma's not convinced she hears disrespect, "[I do not think she intends disrespect.]"

Zezna wrinkles her nose, "[You pray. She is your new daughter. Why your son chose such a weak little creature is a mystery to me.]"

Alma doesn't respond. She will take the time to get to know Eve before she decides whether she likes her new daughter or not. Alma wonders how Eve managed to defeat Vor, a piece of information that has been deliberately withheld from Zezna. Alma will learn for herself why Evan chose Eve.

Eve spears her second fish while Vor misses her first try.

"That's okay," John tells Vor, "[You will get the next one.]"

"[Try to relax]," Eve tells Vor, "[It is just you and me, business as usual.]"

John's words of encouragement give Vor confidence. Eve's words help her focus. Vor gets the next one.

"That's my girl," John proud, "[I knew you would do it.]"

Vor smiles shyly at John. Zezna is not pleased to see Vor smile. But Veioray is delighted to see his daughter smile.

"[Wonderful]," Veioray smiling, "[Absolutely wonderful.]" It sounds as if he's praising Vor's spearing of the fish, when he is actually praising her smile. After that, Vor spears a fish every other try.

Jude attempts to make conversation with Alma and Zezna, "[How long did it take to get here by squine?]"

"[Seventeen days]," Alma answers flatly.

"[I hope it was a fairly pleasant journey,]" Jude's half smiling nervously.

Alma's reply is flat, "[Irrelevant,]" not a term she usually uses.

"[The children seem to be happy to be able to play]," Jude has a sinking feeling, "[I know my Nate is glad to have other children to play with.]"

Zezna doesn't even bother to look in Jude's direction. Alma glances at Jude with an expressionless face. Jude's not sure what to say in order to get the ball rolling. And making the extra effort to use Malyon isn't working.

"I've been able to spend some time with Evan," Jude trying to share something at least Alma will find relevant, "He is very kind, intelligent and thoughtful. You and Everant must be very proud."

"Yes, we are," Alma confirms, "We wish he keep hair short length, yet always a good son," smiling a little at Jude. It's the beginning Jude was looking for.