Talia Of Animalistic 16 Wild Lawyer

Talia gets to work on time the next morning and gets to have a normal full day of work. She treats her staff to lunch and Richy joins them for lunch. Richy is much more at ease in this type of social situation than Talia. Talia has a hard time making and maintain proper eye contact and she often doesn't get the jokes that are being told. At five p.m. sharp, Richy is back to get Talia and make sure she goes down to Dr. Zaniski for follow up testing.

"Come on," Richy calls from her office door way. "Uncle Bob and Margie are gonna meet us at the elevator."

"I'm coming," Talia responds unenthusiastically. "It's not like when my time comes anyone can do anything to stop it. And as far as I can tell, I'm not dying any faster than anyone else." She saves and submits the day's work. She can hear her staff calling greetings to Richy as they begin to filter out. Richy turns and waves, exchanging a little banter with a couple of the guys.

Talia steps up to Richy and his arm comes down across her shoulders. As he guides her out of her office, she pulls the door closed behind them.

"You're going back down to Dr. Zaniski," inquires Jude concerned as she walks with them to the elevators. "I sure hope everything is alright."

"I think I'm fine," Talia tells Jude. "But the people who love me won't take my word for it."

Richy smiles, "Being loved can be such a pain in the a.s.s."

Talia continues, "So I get to go down for follow up testing."

"Poor baby," says Richy teasingly as he kisses the top of her head.

Talia smiles as she asks Richy, "When was your last prostate exam?"

"My prostate is just fine," responds Richy unamused.

"How do you know," asks Talia with a sly smile, "if you haven't had a prostate exam? How can you be sure? I would be devastated if I lost you to prostate or colon cancer."

"Those are legitimate concerns," adds Margie having caught enough of the conversation as Richy and Talia got near her and Bob to give Talia some back up.

"No," responds Richy firmly, "I am happy, healthy and hardy. I haven't had a hole in me recently," he says as they step onto the elevator.

Uncle Bob touches the fourth floor sensor, "Those are still legitimate concerns though. I get a complete physical every year like I'm supposed to."

Old Doc Baker gives me the once over every year," responds Richy.

As they step off the elevator, Jude and some of Talia's other staff members wave good-bye. Talia and Richy wave back along with Uncle Bob and Margie.

When they're about to enter the clinic, Talia squeezes Richy's hand and asks, "Do you smell them?"

Richy nods, "Yeah."

"Who do you smell, Tali," asks Margie hugging Bob's arm.

Talia answers concerned, "A free female and her two half domesticated children, a boy and a girl… Uncle Bob, they're so scared and…"

"Wounded," adds Richy, "they're wounded."

Talia and Richy enter the clinic focused on the scents of the frightened woman and her children. They immediately spot her and her children.

"Hang back a little," Talia tells Richy. "Uncle Bob, let them know I'm here for my appointment please."

Sitting with the frightened battered free woman and her frightened children is the a.s.sistant director of Devons.h.i.+re Tower's homeless shelter. The free woman and her children are a sad sorry pathetic sight. They're terrified, battered and bruised. Their heads have been shaved. No free woman would shave her or her daughter's head.

Talia approaches slowly. She greets the a.s.sistant director first, "h.e.l.lo Daphne. Who do we have here?"

"Hi, Talia," responds Daphne with a pleasant smile, "She wandered in about an hour ago with her children. She hasn't said much yet, not even her name. Just that she heard there was a wild lawyer here. I told her we have a lawyer with a wild niece, but as far as I know none of the attorney's here were wild. I talked her into coming up here because we need to doc.u.ment her and her children's injuries.

I think she just got things mixed up. We may not have any wild attorney's, but we have the best attorney's. We can help her."

"Actually," Talia informs Daphne as she stretches out her wrist for the free female to smell, "we do have one wild attorney. And of course we can help her."

"We do," asks Daphne.

"Yes," answers Talia as the free woman catches her scent and makes eye contact with Talia. Talia smiles warmly and tells the frightened mother, "You found me."

The free woman begins to cry and throws her arms around Talia. Talia hugs the woman and strokes the stubble of her shaved head as she tells her, "You're safe now. You're in a safe place. But Daphne is right about needing to doc.u.ment your injuries."

Talia takes the woman by her shoulders and is calm and confident as she asks, "What's your name?"

"Hyena," the woman answers relieved, "Hyena Webster. And this is my son, Jason, and my daughter, Summer."

"Hyena," Talia glances at the woman's wedding ring, "I'm your attorney, Talia Devons.h.i.+re. And I'm very happy to meet you. I'm from the Animalistic Tribe of Wild Mountain Territory. What tribe are you from?"

"Desert People," answers Hyena, "From Desert Wilderness Territory."

Talia is surprised as she tells Hyena, "You are a long way from home."

"He did it on purpose," says Hyena, "So I couldn't leave him and go back to my people. I may never see my people again, but I will not go back to him. Until a couple of days ago, he had never hit the children. But Jason tried to help me, tried to push him away from me, and he punched Jason… (She sobs.) Then he smacked Summer because she was crying and he didn't want to hear it."

Talia smiles warmly at the two children, "Such brave beautiful children. Thank Mother Earth your mother has you. Your strength gives her strength." Talia re-establishes eye contact with Hyena, "I can get you an emergency divorce based on spousal abuse, if that's what you want?"

"Yes, please," answers Hyena, "that's what I want. But what about my children? He said if I ever left him, he'ld take them and I would never see them again."

"Quite the contrary," Talia informs Hyena, "It was just a threat that legally he cannot make good on. You nor your children will never have to see him again if that's what you want?"

Hyena nods, "Yes, that's what I want."

"Good," responds Talia with a confident nod, "Now first things first. We need to doc.u.ment all your injuries, yours and your children's. This is my mate, Richy, my Uncle Bob and our good friend Margie Sumpter.

Margie, would you be a dear and go back with Hyena and her children and get pictures of their injuries for me?"

Margie nods her agreement, "No problem."

"I need to go have some tests run," Talia explains to Hyena. "If you're finished before me, wait with my Uncle Bob and Margie.

Daphne, she won't be returning to the shelter with you, thank you."

Daphne nods her understanding but tells Talia, "I didn't know you were an attorney."

"You've only been here a few years," Talia tells Daphne, "and it's been a while since I was anyone's attorney."

As Daphne stands she asks, "Are you sure you don't want me to hold some beds for her and her children?"

Talia shakes her head, "No that won't be necessary. He'll be looking for them. He or a friend of his could walk into the shelter. No one can just walk into the penthouse."

That makes sense to Daphne and she leaves it in Talia's hands.

"My doctor's waiting for me," Talia informs Hyena as she stands. "Hopefully, neither of us will take very long."

"Are you sick," asks the boy, Jason, with one eye nearly swollen completely shut. "You don't smell sick."

"I'm not sick," answers Talia. "But I was injured recently and they want to make sure I'm healing well."

"What happened," asks the little girl, Summer, with a large purple hand print on the side of her face.

"A hunter mistook me for a deer. A bullet went in here," Talia showing them her scars, "and it came out here. We can talk about it later if you like. During dinner, OK?"

The children nod their agreement. Margie and Uncle Bob sit with them. Richy takes Talia's hand and winks at the children. Then Richy and Talia join the waiting Dr. Zaniski. Some of the tests aren't that different from what Hyena is going through: x-rays and blood tests. Talia gets an ultrasound to check the condition of her internal organs where the bullet pa.s.sed through. She's weighed something Talia would prefer to skip. Knowing she weighs 65.77 kilograms (about 145lbs) doesn't make her happy. The weight averages are based on testing done with domestic women. The doctor telling her she's not overweight because the averages don't account for Talia's denser bone ma.s.s or that she has a healthy 20% body fat ratio doesn't make her feel better when she knows the average female supermodel, who's at least a head taller than her is still at least 6.8kg (about 15lbs) lighter than her. Knowing that most of the supermodels will die from anorexia, bulimia and drug abuse doesn't make her feel better either. The average domestic male doesn't find a healthy curvy girl like Talia s.e.xy. It doesn't make sense to Talia, but her exposure to high society in domestic society has left her with many insecurities.

When Talia and Richy come out, they find Uncle Bob waiting by himself.

"How's my girl," asks Uncle Bob with a smile.

"Fine of course," answers Talia.

Uncle Bob looks at Richy for verification.

Richy nods, "Yep, she's good, nearly one hundred percent."

Talia rolls her eyes not liking that her uncle wasn't satisfied with her answer as Margie comes out with Hyena and her children. Talia greets them warmly and tells Margie, "We can print the pictures in the library."

Talia steps over to the receptionist, "Hi, Tabby."

"Hey, Ms. Devons.h.i.+re," responds Tabby with a real smile, "What can I do for you?"

Talia informs Tabby, "I need complete medical reports on Ms. Webster and her children."

Tabby's fingers tap the keypad, "There are still some blood tests that haven't come back yet."

"Could you please have those reports ready for me to pick up first thing in the morning, Tabby," request Talia,

Tabby nods, "Sure can Ms. Devons.h.i.+re."

Talia smiles, "Excellent, I'll see you bright and early at eight a.m. to pick them up."

"Hey," Talia greets as she rejoins everyone else, but she directs her question at the children, "Do you like pizza?"

The children's faces light up as they say, "Yeah."

"Good, I'll call and order on our way up. Come on." Talia dials the number for her and her staff's favorite pizza place as they step onto the elevator. "Yes, I'ld like to place an order… extrlarge… one deluxe… Hold on a sec, please…

Any special requests?

Richy shakes his head, "I eat everything pizza flavored."

"I like peperoni," says Jason.

"I just like cheese," says Summer.

"And we need one that's just plain cheese, one that just has pepperoni, and one that's pepperoni, yellow banana peppers and mushroom… So that's four extrlarge pizzas… five adults and two kids… Is that enough?"

Richy and Margie both shrug at Talia.

"Sounds like plenty to me," answers Uncle Bob.

"Chicken wings?" Talia repeats the suggestion of the pizza person on the phone. "…Sure, 20 pieces fried and 20 honey barbeque… and some livers and gizzards, and deep fried mushrooms, seven orders… and a fresh fruit and veggie tray…

Devons.h.i.+re Tower… Devons.h.i.+re… I'll pick it up it up at the front desk… About fourty-five minutes… Thank you." Talia ends the call and tucks the phone away as they step off the elevator.

"Right this way," Talia motioning for Hyena and her children to follow her through the penthouse. "This is my room right here. You and your children can sleep in the room right across from mine. You don't mind sharing the bed with the children do you?"

"No of course not," answers Hyena setting her bag on the queen sized bed. "There's plenty of room for all three of us." She takes the backpack off of each child's back and sets those on the bed by her bag.

Let me show you around," Talia tells Hyena and her children. "There's a full bath right here: towels, washcloths and things in this closet. That's another bedroom. Back out here of course is the living room and dining room. This is the kitchen. Please make yourselves at home. Feel free to come get the children or yourself whatever you or they need. Down this hall is my uncle's bedroom and a couple more bedrooms and bathrooms. Right behind the kitchen is the laundry room. And up here," Talia trots up the steps, is the library and media room. This is where we hang out. Let's find something appropriate for the children to watch."

Richy nods his agreement, "No problem." He picks up the remote. He knows the best children's channels. "Here we go. Have a seat and get comfortable."

"Hyena," Talia taking her hand, "step over here with me please. Don't worry they won't be out of your sight and Richy's good with children."

"Where are your children," asks Hyena.

"We don't have any yet," answers Talia. "Margie, you started on those pictures for me?"

"Yes ma'am," answers Margie.

"Hyena," Talia guiding the woman, "sit here with me please. I need to ask you some questions. Some will be easy, just basic information like names, addresses etc. Others may be hard for you because you'ld rather not talk about it, but I need these forms to be complete," Talia pulling up the necessary forms on the desk's PC. "I want to fax them over first thing in the morning right after I pick up the medical reports. I'ld like your emergency divorce finalized by the end of the work day tomorrow. Sometimes, the judge will call and ask for both the husband and wife to come in so he can question them both. They don't like to grant emergency divorces when it's not truly an emergency. That makes pictures of injuries and medical reports absolutely essential because they prove we have grounds for an emergency divorce. Now we'll just go through these forms together and I'll make sure they're perfect. We don't want this rejected for something silly like we left out a period."

Hyena nods her head, "I understand. I don't read or write very well. Will that be a problem?"

Talia shakes her head, "Not at all. If you're confused by anything, just ask me and I'll explain it. Let's begin. Husband's full name?"

"David Scott Webster," answers Hyena.

And they sit there for the next fourty-five minutes with Talia asking questions, Hyena answer the questions and Talia typing in the answers.

"Ok," Talia sitting back, "Let's take a break. Our order should be arriving down in the lobby."

Talia gets up and walks over to Richy on the sofa. "I thought I smelled popcorn." She takes Richy's gla.s.s of water and drains his gla.s.s. She hands him back his empty gla.s.s, "Thank you. You gonna come down with me and carry up the pizzas for me," she asks Richy.

"I'ld be delighted," answers Richy, "but on one condition." Richy motions for Uncle Bob to give him something. Uncle Bob reaches around behind his seat and pulls out a shopping bag that says Shoe Source and hands it to Richy.

Richy takes the bag and tells to Talia, "You choose a pair of these to wear down." He starts pulling flip-flops and sandals from the bag. "I double checked with Jude on your shoe size and Margie went with me to help me find sandals that would be comfortable and durable but could still be worn in the office. And I noticed when you find something that works for you, you by it in multiple colors.

Now these are just basic flip-flops: simple, functional and comfortable. I got you a pair in black, white and brown. Margie thought these were cute with the flower on them. I got you a pair in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. They're cute fun flip-flops while remaining functional and comfortable. These sandals are from a company that prides itself on being known for comfort. They can be worn with casual clothes, office attire or for an evening out on the town. I got you a pair in black, white, taupe, cocoa, red and navy."

Talia doesn't do her usual fussing about clothing purchases. She's touched by the amount of thought Richy put into selecting this array of footwear for her. Instead she says, "The yellow flower ones will look good with that yellow outfit Aunt Seal made for me… And I guess I'll wear the taupe sandals down."

Richy places the sandals at Talia's feet and she slides her feet into them. Then she takes Richy's hand and tells him, "Come on."

"We'll be right back," Richy calls back to everyone.

Waiting for the elevator to come up, Talia says, "I tried not to ask this, but I can't help myself. They weren't expensive were they? The flip-flops and the sandals?"

Richy smiles as he answers, "One of the nice things about flip-flops is they're never expensive, a completely guilt free purchase. The sandals of course cost more than the flip-flops, but those sandals were very reasonably priced." He and Talia step onto the elevator and he informs her, "I'm gonna buy what I want for you. You can worry about expensive if you want. But I'ld prefer that you didn't worry. I like that when it comes to others you don't worry about cost or at least you seem less concerned about expensive when you're shopping for others. But you need to learn to be a bit more generous when it comes to yourself."

Talia shrugs, "I just don't want to become one of those shallow women with no real personality. I was surrounded by girls at school and young women in college that were all about the surface."

Richy puts his arm around her and hugs her. "Sweetheart, I don't think it's possible for you to turn into one of those shallow superficial surface women. So, I think it's ok if you treat yourself once in a while. And don't worry about how much I spend when I buy something for you. I may not be a business tyc.o.o.n, but I'm no pauper either. I work because I believe in being productive, in being part of the solution, not because I need to work. I don't need my job to support myself."

Talia was already aware of that, but Richy's sincerity is heartwarming. "Thank you for the flip-flops and sandals." Then she pushes up onto her toes as Richy leans over and kisses him.

The elevator's doors slide open and Talia spots the delivery person entering the building with their order. Talia pulls Richy by the hand, "There's our pizzas and stuff."

A few minutes later, they're back up in the penthouse. Talia grabs plates from the kitchen. Then they're back up in the library dis.h.i.+ng out food. They serve the children first, then their mother.

"Hyena," Talia anxious to finish the forms for her, "Do you want to eat with everyone or do you want to go back and finish the forms. We're already half way there."

Hyena stands with her plate, "Let's finish."

Talia thinks Hyena is a very brave woman and walks back to the desk with Hyena. Hyena's relations.h.i.+p with her husband had started out wonderfully. He lavished her with attention and talked her into leaving her people to be his wife. She had no brothers or sisters because her mother had died just hours after giving birth to her and her father had been trampled to death by a herd of stampeding gnu when she was a toddler. Growing up an orphan had left her a little distant in her tribe and had made her a low ranking female socially. David had made her feel special, told her she was beautiful which she was. Jason had been born shortly after their first anniversary and that was when David's behavior had started to change. He was anxious for her to get pregnant again while telling her she was spoiling Jason. He sometimes made her have s.e.x with him first before he would let her pick Jason up because he was crying to be nursed. Then the verbal abuse started, calling her stupid, accusing her of cheating. It got better while she was pregnant with Summer, but again he was anxious for her to get pregnant again right away. He seemed less jealous of Summer than he had been of Jason, but the name calling began again, then the unfounded accusations and it finally escalated into him beating her on the regular basis. He was always sorry afterward, and would promise to never do it again, and he meant it when he said it, but he always broke his promise.

Hyena had planned slowly and carefully to leave David. She didn't want to find herself being slowed down by a pregnancy. So she secretly got a birth control implant at the public health clinic. She knew she would need money of her own. So with David's permission she got a part-time job sweeping up at a hair salon. When he asked why she wanted a job, she told him so she could do stuff like buy the children ice cream when she took them to the park. He seemed to understand that she and the children needed time outside every day. But that didn't keep him from accusing her of cheating if she ran a few minutes late with dinner.

So Hyena had slowly spent the last five years patiently saving up to leave the man she loves. And enough was enough when he'ld lost his temper with the children. And it was all started by a simple compliment given to her by one of his buddies who was over to watch a game with David. Hyena was simply being a dutiful wife, serving sandwiches, fetching drinks, refilling the chip bowl, when one of his buddies complimented her on her hair, asked her what she did to it. Hyena had simply thanked him and said she washed it.

Hyena hadn't thought twice about the simple compliment. But shortly after his buddies left, Hyena learned that the simple compliment had really bothered David. He accused her of f.u.c.king his friends behind his back. And when she denied it because it wasn't true, that's when the beating began. And when he decided to shave her head so no other man would want her, Jason had tried to help her. And when he punched Jason that was when Summer, who had been crouched in a ball waiting for it to be over, went from crying quietly to crying loudly and begging her daddy to "please stop." David had responded by smacking Summer and told her to "Shut the f.u.c.k up." And before he was finished with his rampage, he had shaved all their heads.

The next morning, David ordered her not to send the children to school. He had already called them in sick. Hyena hadn't planned on sending them to school, but had gotten them ready as if she were. Her response to him telling her not to send the children to school and stay inside and call herself off from work had been a simple docile, "Yes, David." He said he was sorry, said he loved her and the children, and he meant it. She could smell he meant it. He did feel remorse and he loved them. She accepted his kiss goodbye as he left for work. She waited thirty minutes for him to get to work and answered the phone when he called to check on her and the children. She told him they were fine and "I love you too." Then she took the children and left.

They stopped by the hair salon where Hyena worked sweeping up to collect her final pay on her cash card. Her employer and coworkers had never seen her look this bad before. Normally, David carefully avoided marking her face, and no one knew what to say about how he had shaved their heads. But the ladies at the shop had been pooling their tips and Hyena received a generous bonus with her last pay on her cash card. After hugging everyone goodbye and thanking them, she walked with her children, Jason, 8 and Summer, 6, backpacks filled with changes of clothes instead of their school books to the nearest bus stop. They had spent most of the day on the bus to get to Devons.h.i.+re Tower.

One of the girls at the salon had told Hyena that Devons.h.i.+re World Law had a wild lawyer who had won back wild land. She wasn't sure if the wild attorney was still there, but she knew they had a shelter that was successful at helping people get their lives back on their feet and she knew Devons.h.i.+re World Law didn't shy away from helping wild folks; even though, it usually never benefitted them financially. So Hyena and her children spent most of the day on a bus, about an hour on the subway, and walked four blocks to get to Devons.h.i.+re Tower to get whatever help they could find and they found Talia.

"Well, we've accomplished what we can for now," Talia tells Hyena. "We'll review it in the morning before I go down and pick up the medical reports and fax it all over to the court house. Depending on how busy they are we could hear back as early as midmorning or not until the end of the day. The good thing is they have a department with several judges devoted to emergency divorces. Unfortunately, it's necessary to have such a department because spousal abuse and child abuse are happening. The laws are tough on it and the sentences are stiff, but abused spouses are still afraid to come forward; especially, spouses like yourself who are still learning their way in domesticated society."

"We haven't talked about cost or fees," says Hyena concerned.

Talia smile is soft, "There's no need to discuss that because there are no cost or fees. I'm not going to charge you anything. And any fees for court costs, or anything that you and your children need, I will take care of. You just let me know if you need anything. Now, make me feel better by eating a little more. You're skin and bones."

Hyena nods, "David's afraid I'll get fat so I'm not supposed to eat stuff like this." Then Hyena smiles and takes a large bite of pizza. "Maybe I'll try to get fat just to see what it's like."

"So once the divorce is final, what do you want to do," asks Talia. "Would you like to return to your own tribe? Live here in Megalopolis? What?"

Hyena is quiet for a few minutes as she thinks. "I really hadn't thought much farther than getting away from David and making sure my children are safe… There's no real reason for me to go back to my tribe. I don't have any close family other than my children… Megalopolis? ... (She shakes her head.) I don't think so."

"Would you like to visit my tribe," ask Talia. "Animalistic is a big tribe. My older brother Roar is chief, and he's a good chief."

Hyena knows there are many advantages to being adopted by a tribe you weren't born into. Besides, she likes Talia and would like to get to know her better. She would like to be able to call her friend, "I think we would enjoy a visit with your tribe."

"Good," says Talia. She knows her tribe will reach out to this woman and her children in a way they will never reach out to her. "Tomorrow night we have a charity ball to attend and the day after that we'll head back to Animalistic Territory."

Hyena nods, "That sounds fine."

Tali finds herself and Richy up bright and early making breakfast: French toast with eggs and beef sausage, vanilla soy milk and pomegranate juice for the children. Talia has a gla.s.s of pomegranate-cranberry juice and herbal tea. Together Talia and Richy make plates for the children and Hyena. Richy makes Talia's plate and gives her a look that says sit down and eat. Hyena's children are the quietest, politest children Talia and Richy have ever seen. Talia reviews the forms requesting an emergency divorce with Hyena. Richy asks to look them over too and is impressed. Tali is more than thorough, the forms are perfect. Talia didn't miss a thing. Hyena doesn't want alimony or child support, just full custody of her children and David's parental rights terminated.

"Alright," Talia informs Hyena, "I'm going to go down and pick up your medical reports. I'll take them back to my office and fax everything over to the courthouse. Hopefully, we'll hear something by lunch time at the latest depending on how busy it is.

In the meantime while I'm at work in my office, if you need anything just let Richy know, or Margie once she's awake." Talia kisses Richy and rushes to the elevator. And less than fifteen minutes later, Talia is sending a color fax to the courthouse. She wants the photos received in color.

Talia makes a phone call to the courthouse to ensure her fax was received in its entirety. A few minutes later, Jude arrives and brings her a cup of pero, heavy on the cream and sugar.

"Thank you, Jude," says Talia appreciatively. "And I'm expecting an important call from the courthouse."

"From the courthouse," questions Jude.

"Yep," verifies Talia, "the courthouse."

"Those are really cute sandals," Jude noting the navy sandals that match the navy skirt and suit coat.

Talia smiles as she tells Jude, "Richy bought them for me, and they're comfortable too."

About 11 a.m., Talia receives her call from the courthouse she's been waiting for. But instead of the call informing her the emergency divorce is final, that they're faxing over the finalization papers and sending a copy to the now ex-husband via police officer who would also arrest him for the abuse; Talia is asked to accompany her client to the courthouse for a brief interview with the judge. Talia of course agrees to be there with her client in thirty minutes.

Talia stops at Jude's desk as she calls Richy. "Jude, call down to Mr. Shaw and have him hail a cab for me please. I need to get to the courthouse ASAP.

Richy? ... Are you in the penthouse? … The arboretum, good. I'm on my way down. We're going to catch a cab to the courthouse.

…I'm sure everything's fine. Judge Suzuki is fair and just. It's not unusual for him to ask for an appearance. He likes to make note of personal observations of the condition of the victims. It's hard for an abuser to try to disagree with a judge who observed with his own two eyes the injuries. So there's no reason for Hyena and the children to be scared or nervous.

I'll be stepping off the elevator in just a minute."

About twenty minutes later, Talia is checking in at the court house with Hyena and her children along with Richy and Margie in tow. They sit together on a bench for a few minutes. Talia is calm and confident which helps Hyena keep from crawling out of her own skin yet the wait seems almost an eternity for Hyena. But Talia not being the least bit nervous helps.

A slim man in a dark suit steps up to them, "Ms. Devons.h.i.+re, Judge Suzuki will see you and your client now. Right this way please."

"Thank you, Nigel," says Talia as she stands and motions everyone to follow. They're led into Judge Suzuki's office which also doubles as an informal courtroom. Talia directs Richy and Margie to a comfortable couch near the door. She directs Hyena and her children to a love seat near the judge's desk and Talia sits on a chair in front of his desk.

"Ms. Devons.h.i.+re," the judge glances at Talia over an electronic pad, "it's been a number of years since you've pet.i.tioned the courts yourself."

"Yes, your honor, it has," responds Talia. "My pet.i.tions may be few and far between, but they are never frivolous, impulsive nor without merit."

"And the court is grateful for your selectiveness, Ms. Devons.h.i.+re," says Judge Suzuki scanning the room. "Please introduce who you have with you today."

"Yes, your honor," Talia obeying the request. "This is my client, Ms. Hyena Webster, and her two children, Jason Webster and Summer Webster. With me when I met my client and her children and seated there are Sherriff Richard Griffin of Bayberry Falls and Deputy Margie Sumpter also of Bayberry Falls. Deputy Sumpter was kind enough to take the photographs for us doc.u.menting my client's and her children's injuries."

Judge Suzuki continues, "Well, my asking Ms. Devons.h.i.+re to bring you here before me Ms. Webster is nothing for you or your children to be worried about. I'm sure Ms. Devons.h.i.+re informed you that I prefer to put in the order once I've observed for the requesting spouse myself. Occasionally, the abusing spouse will attempt to have an emergency divorce order rescinded claiming the allegations are false. And on the rare occasion someone has pursued an emergency divorce via false allegations using digitally alter photos and fake exam reports. This way I can put my seal of approval so to speak by doc.u.menting that I viewed your injuries for myself, that I called and verified the exam reports and that I spoke and met with witnesses who viewed your injuries. This way no judge in his right mind will rescind the emergency divorce order. It's just an extra step to help ensure the future safety of your children and yourself. Do you understand Ms. Webster?"

"Yes, your honor," answers Hyena with a nod.

"Good," responds Judge Suzuki. "Also, having Ms. Devons.h.i.+re bring you down was a good excuse to get to see my G.o.ddaughter.

Ms. Devons.h.i.+re, do you have a hug for your old G.o.dfather?"

"Of course," answer Talia smiling as she gets up from the chair.

Judge Suzuki hugs Talia warmly, "Now introduce me to your fella."

"Cyril, this is my fiancée, Richy. Richy, this is my G.o.dfather, Judge Cyril Suzuki."

The two men shake hands.

"Bob tells me you're both coming to the charity ball at the Dommond tonight," shares Cyril.

"Yes, sir," confirms Richy. "Tali's not exactly excited about it, but I'm looking forward to it."

"You've obviously never been to one of these overpriced overrated events before," Cyril tells Richy. "It's mostly a bunch of stuffy under worked overpaid spoiled upper crust brats trying to look like good concerned citizens of the world when they really don't give a rat's patoot."

"Will you be attending sir," asks Richy.

Cyril sighs, "Unfortunately, yes. So I'll see so you there.

Ms. Devons.h.i.+re, I'll fax over the granted order to you within the hour. As well as the necessary order to the local PD to deliver to Mr. Webster.

Ms. Webster, good luck. You're a free woman."

"Thank you, your honor," says Hyena gratefully as her eyes well up with tears of happiness and relief.

"So have you two set a date yet," ask Judge Cyril Suzuki.

Talia shrugs, "That's his job. He's the wedding planner. I'm just going to show up and walk down the aisle."

"We haven't set a date yet," answers Richy, "but I'm hoping to do it in about a month."

"Well, here's my card," Cyril hands it to Richy. "My personal phone number is on the back. Give me as much advanced notice as possible. And get a list of names and numbers from Bob. I'm sure you've noticed Talia's not a social b.u.t.terfly. On short notice most won't make it, but folks like the Drumpts would be insulted if they didn't get invited at all."

Richy tucks Cyril's card away, "thank you sir."

"See you at the charity ball tonight," Cyril sees them out of his office and they wave good-bye.

When Talia arrives back at her office after lunch, the fax from her G.o.dfather, Judge Cyril Suzuki, is waiting for her. She, Jude, Sally Johnson and her Uncle Bob leave work early to get ready for the charity ball at the Dommond. Having Jude, Sally, Margie and Hyena help her with her hair and make-up doesn't bother Talia like having strangers poke and prod at her in a salon. It doesn't feel like it's poking and prodding with women she knows. It feels more like the tribe activity of grooming and Hyena is delighted to be involved in the familiar activity. Young Jason while helping look after his sister is reporting to Richy what's happening with Talia.

"I can't believe I'm wearing this," says Talia turning from side to side in front of a mirror as she looks at herself.

"You look like a princess," Hyena tells Talia excited for her.

"I don't know what kind of a princess is walking around in a slinky little red dress," Talia trying to let the pocket shawl hang low enough to cover her tribe tattoo. But when she gets it low enough to cover her tribe tattoo then you can see the tattoo at the base of her neck.

"Talia," Jude realizing what Talia is trying to do, "No one else there will be trying to hide their tattoos. Most of them will definitely be trying to show them off."

"A tattoo on me isn't the same as a tattoo on them," responds Talia. "Mine aren't just decoration. They're about family and tribe and who I am. They're personal and some idiot is going to see them and use them as an excuse to touch me." Talia doesn't like to be touched by strangers, and domestic folks all get really touchy feely after they've had a few drinks, snorts or whatever poison they like to put in their bodies.

Drugs were legalized centuries ago after it was deemed that the war on drugs was a losing battle. They're treated like alcohol and cigarettes, manufactured and taxed heavily. DUI now also includes cocaine, meth, crack etc. not just alcohol. And besides DWI, there's also DWH: Driving While High determined by the level of drugs in one's system. The meters used to test this, which every peace officer carries, look like the meters diabetics use to check their blood sugar. The meter p.r.i.c.ks the finger and tests the blood.

"I knew she was being too cooperative," says Sally Johnson.

"Come on sugar'," Margie calls Talia, "Richy and your uncle are waiting for us."

Talia sighs, "OK… Hyena, we'll see you and the kids later. Are you sure you're ok with being here by yourselves?"

"We're fine," Hyena a.s.sures. "Now go. Your uncle and mate are waiting."

Talia takes a deep breath, "OK." And she follows the other three women out of the bedroom.

Margie is greeted by Bob with a careful kiss so he doesn't mess up her lipstick. Her royal purple gown looks a little like something from the ancient movie Gone With The Wind.

One of the things Richy likes about Talia is she's not aware of how beautiful she is. Talia is very aware she doesn't fit into the strict rules of beauty for domesticated society and she's lived with those rules most of her life, more than free society. But it's actually rare to find homely free people. Natural selection has weeded out many imperfections that still exist in domesticated society because they often chose their spouse based on materialistic wants and desires.

"Do I look OK," asks Talia.

Richy's response is that quick snaking out of his arm, pulling Talia against him and inhaling her scent as he gives her neck a quick nip. He wants very badly to kiss her but he doesn't want to smear her lipstick. He can ruin it later after they've returned from the ball. He likes the way they swept her hair up, the deliberate wisps of curls placed just so around her lovely face and the base of her neck. The make-up hasn't been overdone, but high lights the already wonderful features of her face: her full pouty lips a vibrant red, her high cheekbones lightly dusted golden with a touch of pink, the slant of her eyes enhanced by the eyeliner and mascara, the tone of her naturally tan skin evened out and made s.h.i.+mmery with a tinted s.h.i.+mmer lotion making her bare legs look almost as if she were wearing nylons.

The form fitting dress has forced Talia to go commando so there's no panty line. And Talia is terrified that if she makes one wrong move in the dress, one or both of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s are going to spill free. The thin straps are snug across her shoulders along with the thin spaghetti strap that stretches across her back doesn't make her feel secure. But Richy's reaction, along with the smell of his arousal, tells Talia he likes the way she looks in the little red dress and that's good enough for her. For him, she'll endure the make-up, hair, dress, shoes and jewelry.

The limo is waiting. The doorman is all smiles as he holds the door and they thank him. A few minutes later, the limo pulls up in front of the Dommond. Talia's grip on Richy's hand tightens.

"What's wrong," asks Richy.

"Paparazzi," answers Talia. "I hate paparazzi."

"But you photograph beautifully," responds Richy hoping she'll relax. "…They probably won't pay us no mind. It's not like we're movie stars."

"Unfortunately, that doesn't matter in this case," Uncle Bob informs Richy. "She's a Devons.h.i.+re, the only 'wild' Devons.h.i.+re. And even though I'm still alive and kicking, along with some other Devons.h.i.+res, she technically owns Devons.h.i.+re World Law and Trust and everything that comes with it. Our Talia is simply the most powerful woman in the world."

"Rubbish," says Talia.

"The most powerful woman in the world," Uncle Bob continues, "and she's not living a wasteful jet set life. She's an antisocial recluse which means they love it when they have the opportunity to take her picture…

Here we go," he says as the limo pulls up to the red carpet. The driver gets out and opens the door for them.

Uncle Bob steps out first. And as he's a.s.sisting Margie from the limo, Talia and Richy can hear someone announcing that Robert Devons.h.i.+re has arrived and they can see the flashes of cameras going off as Sally and Jude exit the limo. Richy slides out of the limo and reaches back for Talia. She takes his hand and he helps her from the limo. The flashes of the cameras swing in their direction and the frequency of the flashes quadruples.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Talia Devons.h.i.+re has just stepped from the limo. She's invited to this event every year, but she hasn't attended for the last decade!"

"Ms. Devons.h.i.+re! …Ms. Devons.h.i.+re! … Look this way please!"

"Ms. Devons.h.i.+re! Who's your date!?!"

"Ms. Devons.h.i.+re! This way please!"

There are all kinds of shouts to Talia and she certainly can't respond to them all. She points to the backdrop where they can take pictures and she can answer a few questions. Her uncle nods his agreement because it's a good idea.

Bob leads Margie to the backdrop, Talia and Richy follow. Richy and Margie hadn't expected this kind of a fuss, but as peace officers they have a face for it. Margie puts on a sweet as pie smile and Richy puts on his good old boy smile. And both are very aware of all the microphones pointed in their direction and hanging above their heads at the backdrop.

"Ok," Uncle Bob tells the photographers and reporters, "we'll answer a few questions, but only a few because we're expected inside." He rest a hand on Talia's shoulder as a show of support.

"Who's your date Mr. Devons.h.i.+re?"

"This beautiful lady on my arm is Margie Sumpter."

"Ms. Devons.h.i.+re, who's your hunky date?"

"My fiancé, Richard Griffin."

The cameras flash and reporters shout their questions all at the same time.

"Please, please," request Uncle Bob, "my niece can only answer one question at a time."

"What does Lance think of your engagement?"

Talia shrugs uncaringly, "I don't know. He may not know I'm engaged yet," answers Talia.

"You and Lance were a couple for so long, haven't you remained friends?"

Talia answers honestly, "Lance and I were never friends, but I do wish him good health and happiness."

"Mr. Griffin, how'd you meet Ms. Devons.h.i.+re?"

"I startled her in the woods," answers Richy honestly.

"Are you wild too?"

Richy's insulted by the question, but continues to smile, "I'm free like Talia, yes."

"Free?"

"I don't like the term wild," shares Richy. "It indicates that you think we're less human than you, that you believe we're little more than animals."

"I'm sorry to cut things short," interrupts Uncle Bob, "but we're due inside."

"Ms. Devons.h.i.+re, just show us the ring real quick before you go inside."

Talia slides her right arm around Richy's waist and lays her left hand on his chest displaying the ring with a smile as she creates a photo opportunity she knows they'll appreciate as the cameras flash. Then they wave politely and step away to head inside. Jude and Sally were waiting by the doors.

Inside Dommond tower's ballroom, they're shown to their table. They're informed of their choices for dinner and make their selections. There's a large band playing softly. And high society socializing with its fake 'Good to see you's and air kisses is all in high gear. Richy finds himself shaking a lot of hands as people come up to Talia out of curiosity not because they're really glad to see her or anything like that. More than a few women leer at Richy. And more than a few men leer at Talia, something she's really not used to. And it didn't take Richy three guesses to figure out who the one man watching them was. He's a couple of inches shorter than Richy with brown hair. And Richy's not surprised when the man finally approaches them. Talia wasn't happy to see him coming their way.

"Talia, I brought you your favorite, a Blue Hawaiian," Lance offers her the drink.

"Thank you, Lance," says Talia politely as she takes the drink. "Lance, this is my fiancé, Richard Griffin. Richy this is Lance Drumpt."

Richy shakes Lance's hand, giving Lance's hand a stronger squeeze than necessary.

Lance is clearly not so pleasantly surprised, "Fiancé… congratulations… And Talia, you look amazing…" He informs Richy, "Talia and I used to date."

"I've heard," responds Richy. "That was quite some time ago."

"Yeah, but we're still friends," Lance lies. "We were pretty hot and heavy when we were dating."

Richy laughs as he tells Lance, "You're an awful liar."

Lance looks shocked.

Talia informs Lance, "I'm not the only one here tonight that can smell a lie."

"What? He's wild," asks Lance looking the distinguished looking foe up and down. "He doesn't look wild to me. So are you a half breed like Talia?"

Richy doesn't like Lance, but he answers, "Yeah, something like that. So what do you do Lance? You work somewhere in the family business right? Being a Drumpt, you must have gotten the best education money could buy."

Lance knows Talia knows he barely earned a high school diploma and flunked out of college his first year and he's never attempted to go back to try to earn a degree of any kind, and he correctly a.s.sumes Talia has informed her fiancé of this. So Lance responds, "I really couldn't get into school. It just wasn't my thing. So what do you do for a living or do you just run wild in the woods?"

Richy releases a harsh laugh, "I've been known to do the latter, but my day job is Sherriff of Bayberry Falls. The pretty lady with Uncle Bob tonight is one of my deputies."

Lance can tell no matter how hard he tries he won't be able to put a dent in the fiancée's manhood. So he focuses on something else, "Talia you haven't even tasted your drink."

Talia shakes her head, "I can't. It doesn't smell right."

Richy takes the drink from Talia and sniffs it, "It smells fine to me." He takes a sip, "Taste alright too. You sure you don't want it?"

Talia nods, "Positive. If I drink that I'll be sick."

Richy sets the drink on a pa.s.sing waiter's tray, "Please take this away. The lady doesn't want it, thank you."

"Talia, I know after the way I behaved the last time I saw you, I don't have the right to ask anything of you," yet Lance asks anyway, "But may I have this dance?"

"Wait a minute," Richy stepping in front of Lance's outstretched hand. "Exactly how did you behave? … Talia, did he hurt you?"

"No of course not," Talia a.s.sures Richy, "He just got a little over zealous and Jude had to call security for me."

"You put your hands on her," Richy says none too happily to Lance.

"I would never harm a hair on her head," responds Lance, "and I didn't know about you. I knew she was seeing someone, but I didn't think it was serious."

"Oh, it's serious," Richy tells Lance, "and don't you ever put your hands on my mate again. And no, you cannot have this dance. Now get lost."

"Talia," Lance implores.

"You need leave now," Talia tells Lance. "I can't dance with you."

Lance nods slowly, "OK, my table's on the other side. They're probably wondering where I'm at," and he walks away.

"Was that really necessary," Talia asks Richy.

Richy gently scent marks her shoulder and kisses her neck and cheek, "He needed to understand that you are not available… Now, may I have this dance?"

"You do ballroom," ask Talia letting Richy lead her to the dance floor.

"I do many things," Richy tells Talia with a smile, "ballroom dancing is just one of them."

Talia spends the evening shunning all alcoholic beverages opting for ice water with her dinner instead of wine.
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"Are you feeling ill," Uncle Bob asks Talia concerned.

Talia shrugs, "I'm fine. But the wine and stuff smells off to me. The smell of it makes me nauseous."

It seemed an odd complaint to Uncle Bob, but his nose just isn't as sensitive as Talia's, "How's the wine smell to you Richy?"

"Wonderful," answers Richy. "I just think that a.s.s, Lance, upset her. He sure p.i.s.sed me off… d.a.m.n jacka.s.s."

"So what did you think of the Drumpt patriarch," Margie asks Richy. "I've seen pictures of him when he was young. The women didn't just flock to him because he had money and the man is still gorgeous. You can just see hints of how red his hair was. And the intelligence and wisdom in those emerald green eyes of his…"

"Margie you're making me jealous," Uncle Bob teases and steals a kiss. "I have a lot of respect for Walter. Only one marriage and divorce under his belt. When she left after ten years of marriage, he kept and raised their two boys by himself. Women pursued him, still pursue him, but he's never remarried. His ex made a big stink about not being able to continue on in a loveless marriage. And he admitted he never loved her, just did what was expected of him. His father was on him about getting married and starting a family, so he did. He loves his boys, but there's been a sadness about him for nearly as far back as I can remember. He adores Talia and he adored her mother Doe. He had hoped one of his boys would marry Doe, but of course Doe fell in love with your father Talia. And he had really hoped for you to marry Lance; even though, he admits Lance isn't good enough for you."

"Well," shares Richy, "I hate to admit it, but I like him. After meeting Lance, I didn't want to like any of them, but I like Walter."

Then Walter Drumpt steps up to their table, "Ms. Devons.h.i.+re, with your beau's permission, may I have this dance?"

Richy gives his permission in the form of a single nod to the Drumpt patriarch and says "That's just fine."

Richy watches Walter Drumpt lead Talia onto the dance floor for a waltz. Richy asks Uncle Bob, "Do you know how old he is?"

"I'm not sure," answers Uncle Bob. "He has to be approaching a hundred at least if he isn't a hundred yet"

Richy admires the Drumpt patriarch. He's Richy's height and build. His hair is nearly completely grey now, but like Margie said you can still see evidence of how red it once was. Approaching a hundred at least, for all Richy knew, Wildcat was approaching a hundred, maybe he is a hundred, but neither man is showing signs of slowing down, which reminds Richy that he's going to be sharing Talia with Wildcat as well as Cougar. He knows Cougar is perpetually h.o.r.n.y and will be mounting her just as often as himself after his divorce is final. Wildcat may not be a young man, but he may be as demanding s.e.xually as a young man.

Richy pushes those thoughts aside. He doesn't want the time he's going to get Talia to himself tainted by negative thoughts. But then a negative thought walks up to Talia and Walter Drumpt as they're standing on the edge of the dance floor chatting happily after the end of their dance.

The red haired man Mr. Grimm touches the bare skin of Talia's back with a finger, startling her. Richy is working his way through the crowd. He sees Walter Drumpt put a protective rea.s.suring arm around Talia and point a stern angry finger at Grimm.

Mr. Grimm smiles at Richy as he steps up to them and Talia slides from under Mr. Drumpt's arm to under Richy's arm and he greets, "Ah, Sherriff Griffin, I was just admiring your lovely mate. She looks good for a woman who was supposedly shot recently and lying at deaths door."

"You just be glad death wasn't home and didn't answer the door," Richy tells Grimm.

"Uncle Walt," Grimm smiling, "I don't think Sherriff Griffin is happy to see me."

"At the moment," Walter Drumpt tells his nephew, "neither am I. I had you in New China for a reason. You may be my baby sister's boy, but you sicken me. Even as a child you were cold and cruel."

"And I suppose you would trade me, your family, your own flesh and blood for this wild she-b.i.t.c.h if you could," inquires Grimm.

"In a heartbeat Gregory, in a heartbeat," Walter Drumpt tells his nephew. "I'ld take her and her whole tribe over you. You can't even be grateful that I retired you instead of firing you and having you arrested for lining your pockets. Did you really think that went unnoticed? Did you think I was too old to catch it? Or did you just delude yourself into thinking you were smarter than the rest of us? Just remove yourself from my sight Gregory."

Gregory Grimm isn't smiling anymore, "Fine Uncle Walt … Sherriff. … I'll be seeing you around Ms. Devons.h.i.+re."

Talia doesn't respond to him. She just watches him walk away.

"Are you alright," Richy asks Talia concerned.

"I'm fine," answers Talia. "He just startled me."

"I'm sorry Talia," apologizes Walter Drumpt. "If I could hand pick all my relatives, Greg wouldn't be one of them. He's greedy, cruel and selfish along many other things that are equally unredeeming. His parents have always turned a blind eye. I've spent the last twenty years trying to keep him where he couldn't cause too much trouble. And I'm so very glad to see you here tonight doing so well.

I'll ask you Richard because I know Talia will down play it. Was it a very bad wound?"

Richy nods yes and shows the Drumpt patriarch, "It went in here," pointing to the small round pink scar circle of skin on Talia's lower back, "and it exited here." He slides aside with his finger the vibrant red fabric of her dress revealing the large slightly jagged circle of new bright pink skin.

Walter Drumpt's eyes well up, "It looks like it's still tender. Is it still paining you?"

"Not much," a.s.sures Talia. "It's just kind of sore like a bruise or pulled muscle. Richy wouldn't have let me come tonight if I wasn't fine now."

"May I give you a hug," Walter asks Talia.

"Of course," answers Talia and she steps into his arms.

"I'm sad you're not going to be a member of my family," admits Walter. "But I'm glad you found someone that will truly treasure you like you deserve to be treasured.

And you have my numbers and email young man. I expect an invite."

Richy shakes his hand, "We'll be glad to have you there."

They leave early the next morning, Richy, Talia, Margie and Hyena with her two children, Jason and Summer. Richy drops Talia, Hyena and the two kids off at Talia's estate. He didn't like dropping her off and normally he wouldn't mind her spending time with her family and tribe, but he hasn't forgotten he gave Talia permission to consummate her relations.h.i.+p with Wildcat, and that's what's on his mind as he pulls away from the estate.

"You live here," says Hyena in awe of the huge mansion.

Talia shrugs, "I was born in the tribe. My parents brought me here to live with my maternal grandparents when I was five. I grew up in the big house, but it hasn't really been used since my grandparents pa.s.sed away. I have a solar car in the garage and I use one of the guest houses. This one here. I just need to grab some extra clothes. Not that Otter minds sharing with me. But like most people, she's taller than me, so some of her skirts are a little long on me. I really prefer pants, but it's hard for me to find pants that aren't too long. Make yourselves at home. I don't keep much ready to eat stuff around, but I have deer jerky and nuts with dried berries if you and the kids would like a snack."

"We're fine," responds Hyena enjoying how homey the guest house feels. Then it pops into her head that this night will be the very first time her children have ever not slept in a bed.

"Ok," says Talia plopping a duffle bag down on her dining table, "besides needing some things at Richy's house, I also need to attend to my stashes on the way to Richy's." She pulls a large rectangular container out of a cabinet, opens it and dumps nuts with dried berries into a couple of gallon sized zip-lock storage bags. Then from another identical container she transfers deer jerky into a couple of other zip-lock bags. "I need to let Roar know I need more jerky."

"May I have a piece," asks Summer.

"Sure," answers Talia and she hands a big piece to Summer and to Jason. Then she puts together a snack bag for each child. "Now, let's all get a big gla.s.s of water," Talia filling two cups for the children and a gla.s.s for herself and Hyena.

"How long to your tribe," asks Hyena.

"They're usually not more than a half a day's walk," answers Talia, "closer in the winter." Talia takes the children's empty cups and says, "Alright, potty time. Who's going first?"

"I don't know if I have to go," says Summer.

Jason shrugs, "I'll go first," and he steps into the bathroom and closes the door behind himself. A few moments later, tinkling can be heard.

"Maybe I do need to pee," says Summer.

They can hear Jason was.h.i.+ng his hands. The water stops and he steps out of the bathroom.

"Come on, Summer, our turn," and Hyena takes Summer to the bathroom.

"What are wild children like," Jason asks Talia.

"Free children are very nice and kind like you and Summer," answers Talia with a smile, "they play nice most of the time. They're not in the habit of being mean like many domesticated children are. They can be a little shy around new people sometimes, but no one is going to tease you or your sister about being half wild or domesticated."

Hyena and Summer return from the bathroom.

"I guess it's my turn now," and Talia goes to the bathroom. And a few minutes later, they're on their way. Hyena and the children's sneakered feet fall heavily startling birds and squirrels. They won't be seeing any deer with such loud foot falls through the forest.

After a couple of hours, Hyena is carrying Summer on her back. It's been nearly a decade since Hyena has done such a trek and is feeling tired herself. And after another hour, Talia is carrying Jason on her back. He didn't want to admit he was having trouble, but he didn't have to. Hyena and Talia smelled he was growing too weary to continue.

A couple of hours later, they find Talia's tribe. Hyena is surprised to see Talia go from confident a.s.sertive to meek and unsure. She watches Talia greet other tribe members and nods as Talia introduces her and her children to different tribe members. Then Hyena realizes that Talia is a visitor in her own tribe, that she's not much more than a ghost.

Then a giant of a man comes into sight and Hyena's stomach flip-flops.

"It's ok," Talia a.s.sures Hyena and her children. Then she greets him, "Roar," they sniff each other's necks, "this is Hyena and her children, Jason and Summer. This is my older brother, Roar, chief of our tribe."

Talia's never brought strays home before, but Roar greets the woman and her children warmly. It's obvious her domesticated mate abused them, "Welcome to Animalistic Tribe. From what tribe do you hail from?"

"Desert People," answers Hyena glad Talia is more herself in the presence of her brother, but she's still nervous. After all, it's been nearly a decade since she's been near any tribe. And this is her children's first exposure to any tribe.

"Wow," responds Roar surprised, "you're a long way from home."

"It was never really home," admits Hyena.

Roar nods his understanding that if her tribe wasn't a home, it made it easy for the domesticated man who fathered her children to lure her away. You should be at home in your own tribe like you are at home in your own tepee, wicciup or for domesticated people: house, apartment etc. If you don't feel at home, you move and keep moving until you know you're home. Roar tells Hyena sincerely, "Well, I hope you come to think of our tribe as a home or at the very least a safe haven. You and your children will always be welcome, with or without Talia."

"Thank you," responds Hyena with a respectful little bow.

"You're a little anxious," Talia notes of Roar and asks him, "What's up?"

"Zenith is in labor," shares Roar, "Squirrel and Racc.o.o.n are with her in the long house taking turns walking her back and forth. Her water hasn't broken yet. And I guess I got on her nerves because she yelled at me and ordered me out. But Howl and Talon are managing to sit off to the side and make themselves useful fetching things when asked.

Wildcat was outside the long house when I came outside. He heard her yell at me. He told me she'll send for me soon and she won't remember why she sent me out."

"Where did Wildcat go," asks Talia. "I need to speak with him."

"He left to go visit with Amazonia in the Amazon Tribe," Roar answers, but he's not anxious for Talia's next question. He doesn't want to tell her someone saw her coming and Wildcat left because of her. Despite the fact that Wildcat's intentions are in the right place, Roar knows Talia's feelings will still be hurt.

"I'll be gone by the time he comes back," says Talia disappointedly. "I need to talk with him. I need to apologize."

"You don't need to apologize," Roar tells Talia, except the look on her face tells him she believes she needs to just the same. "He doesn't expect an apology. You were vulnerable and needed protectors. He's honored you chose him to be one of your protectors."

Talia shakes her head, "I didn't choose anything, but I'm still responsible."

Howl comes running toward them, "Dad! Dad! Her water broke and she's asking for you."

Talia motions for Hyena and her children to follow her as she follows Roar and Howl. It's Hyena's and her children's first time in a long house. The stone and clay structure is obviously a meeting hall like a conference room. It's a decagon with three rows of rising pews at each wall. As close as you'll get to stadium seating in wild territory. There are two stone fireplaces in two opposite corners for heat in the winter which tells Hyena that this tribe is very stationary and uses this area most likely late fall/early winter threw late spring/early summer.

The windows of the long house are open to let in fresh air and suns.h.i.+ne. A beautiful woman is sitting on the lowest pew platform by a set of pews laboring. There are two chandeliers made of antlers that are holding unlit hand-dipped bees' wax candles. On the walls are oil lamps of hand blown gla.s.s with mirrors behind them to reflect out the light when they're lit. The desert people being extremely nomadic don't have any permanent structures and very few possessions. No need for lots of clothes and shoes in a hot desert region.

Talia points and whispers quickly to Hyena, "That's Zenith, my brother's mate. Howl and Talon are my nephews. Their mothers are Squirrel and Racc.o.o.n. I hope you don't mind sitting with my nephews for a little while," she says as she sits her bag on the floor by her nephews who she quickly hugs and kisses.

"I'm so sorry I yelled at you," Zenith apologizes to Roar. "I don't even know why I yelled."

"It's fine," Roar a.s.sures softly as he slides behind her. "Lean on me and rest a bit."

"Talia," Zenith smiles and reaches out to Talia who takes her hands, "I'm so glad you're here."

"I'm glad I'm here too." Talia wasn't present for the birth of either of her nephews. So she's delighted to be present for this birth.

A contraction hits Zenith and she squeezes a hand from both Roar and Talia as she closes her eyes. Talia looks at Roar and mouths the word ow. Roar snickers at Talia silently as he sits behind Zenith. Squirrel mops Zenith's brow with a cool cloth.

Talia puts a hand on Zenith's thigh and peers between her legs. "You're crowning," she informs Zenith. Then she informs Racc.o.o.n, "She's crowning. She can push now that she's crowning, right?"

Racc.o.o.n smiles at Talia as she sets up to catch the baby and confirms, "That's right. She can push now." Officially, Racc.o.o.n's mother is the tribe midwife. Racc.o.o.n began a.s.sisting her mother when she was a little girl of five years. Every woman is different. Domesticated women plan on delivering their babies at a hospital. A free woman may go off by herself to deliver her baby. She may wander around for hours before plopping down where ever she is to give birth. Or she may wait calmly in her tepee for the blessed even to take place. Zenith had walked back and forth and circled the perimeter of the longhouse floor for hours before she finally plopped down to give birth.

"You can start pus.h.i.+ng with your contractions," Racc.o.o.n tells Zenith.

Zenith simply nods her understanding.

Talia doesn't let go of Zenith's hand as she leans over and watches Racc.o.o.n catch the baby.

"It's a girl," Racc.o.o.n announces happily as she holds up the baby girl who lets out a surprised squall. Then she hands Zenith her new daughter.

"Roar, we have a daughter," Zenith gushes happily as she takes their daughter. "Look at all her beautiful black hair… She's so beautiful."

"Beautiful like her mother," says Roar kissing Zenith's forehead. "Boys come take a look at your new baby sister."

Racc.o.o.n sets the placenta off to the side. Then she ties off the cord. "Roar, do you want to cut the cord?"

Roar tells Racc.o.o.n, "Let Talia do it."

"Really," asks Talia excited.

Roar nods yes as he answers, "Really."

Racc.o.o.n hands the knife to Talia. It's extremely sharp, just as sharp as any scalpel, and slices through the cord like a hot knife through soft b.u.t.ter, quickly and easily. Talia hands the knife back to Racc.o.o.n who continues to clean Zenith up.

Talia's eyes are wet with happy tears as she touches her new niece's tiny fingers and toes. "She's so beautiful. I hope our babies are at least half this beautiful."

"They will be," a.s.sures Squirrel.

"I hope it doesn't take me too long to get pregnant. I try not to think about it, but I do," admits Talia.

Zenith can see the deep sadness that has been growing inside Talia for years and asks "Would you like to suckle her?"

"Me," asks Talia surprised. No one has ever offered for Talia to suckle their infant for them before. Sometimes mother's need a little time to take care of themselves and newborn babies can be very demanding. They need to be fed every two to three hours and sometimes a mother needs more than just a two hour nap, or needs time to bathe, relieve herself, etc. So, close female relatives and friends help out by nursing or suckling the baby while mom gets some extra rest or whatever.

Talia has never had a baby of her own, so she can't nurse her niece. Yet she can still suckle her niece, be a sort of pacifier for her. Women like Racc.o.o.n, Squirrel and Hyena who have given birth will lactate as long as there's a baby to nurse. It doesn't matter if it's their baby or someone else's. But you do have to be careful about nursing another woman's baby in a tribe.

Free males usually asks females for s.e.x, and usually take no for an answer with no hard feelings. But there's something about an unrelated female nursing their baby that triggers an instinct to breed and makes them forget their manners. So when this instinct is triggered, he will mount the nonrelated female as soon as she's finished nursing or suckling his infant. It's considered a forgivable indiscretion where virginity is sometimes lost and pregnancies sometimes occur.

Talia is Roar's little sister, so this is not a concern for her. But if Racc.o.o.n or Squirrel don't want to possibly find themselves carrying another child by Roar, they'll be very careful not to nurse his new daughter with Zenith where he may see them.

Racc.o.o.n shows Talia how to hold her niece properly to suckle her. It will be good practice for when Talia finally has a baby of her own.

Racc.o.o.n tells Roar, "You can carry Zenith back to your tepee. I'll finish cleaning up here then come check on mother and daughter."

Roar carries Zenith back to his tepee followed by Talia with his new daughter. Hyena with her two children and his two sons follow them. They gladly tell those they pa.s.s that they have a daughter.

Inside Roar's tepee, Talia turns over her new niece to her mother, Zenith, so she can be nursed. Then Talia introduces Hyena and her children to Zenith and her nephews. Howl and Talon have heard how sometimes domestic mates abuse their free mates and children. But it's their first time to actually meet anyone that was actually abused by their domestic mate or parent. Free people usually rarely ever even spank their children.

"Your domestic mate wasn't good to you," Zenith states. "I'm sorry it was like that for you, but you're safe now."

"Have you chosen a name for her yet," asks Hyena.

"No we haven't," answers Zenith with a smile.

"Maybe we should call her Doe after Talia and mine's mother," suggest Roar.

"She doesn't have to be named right away," says Talia softly. "Her name should be her own, unique, special and beautiful like her."

Zenith yawns, "You and your children are tired," she tells Hyena, "and the sun has set. Please know you are welcome to sleep here with us."

"Thank you for your hospitality," says Hyena appreciatively. Then she readies herself and her children for bed.

Talia steps out into the evening air and takes a deep breath. Roar steps out to stand beside her.

"What's on your mind," Roar asks Talia.

"Is Wildcat avoiding me," asks Talia.

Roar's not happy to answer. "Yes, but it's not because he's upset with you or anything like that."

"For years, he's been one of the handful of people who didn't avoid me like the plague," Talia tells Roar sadly. "I could always count on him to be here for me. And now, he's avoiding me."

"He just thinks you need some time to accept the change in relations.h.i.+p between you and he," Roar explains. "You've gone from practically being his daughter to being his mate. It's a huge sudden change for the both of you. I think he needs time to accept it also."

Talia is still hurt by Wildcat's avoidance of her and heads for his tepee.

"Where are you going," asks Roar.

"My mate's tepee," answers Talia. "Isn't that where I should sleep now when I'm here, my mate's tepee?"

Roar nods, "That's correct," but he had still expect her to sleep in his tepee.

Talia calls back to Roar, "And when my mate finds his way home, tell him I'm low on jerky. I'm not your responsibility any more Roar."

Roar watches her enter Wildcat's tepee with mixed feelings of his own. He's never felt burdened by doing little things for Talia like keeping her supplied with jerky and other food stuffs that she can't buy. As the patriarch of their family, Roar was obligated to look after Talia; even though, she's never needed much looking after. The biggest thing he found himself doing was protecting her from a couple of other chiefs that wanted her as a mate and would have taken her against her will. But Talia is so self-sufficient, he has never felt burdened.

Now that Talia has mates, Roar is free of any patriarchal duties to her. What he's feeling now is just a taste of what he will feel when his yet to be named baby girl is a woman and takes a mate. Talia's mates are excellent choices. Even though Mist and Cougar may be ghosts in the wild community, they are men that will be good on her arm in tamed society. Mist will also keep her sheltered properly, not that she doesn't have a whole estate at her disposal. But since the pa.s.sing of Panther and Reynold, she spends very little time there, often weathering the elements instead of seeking shelter with her tribe or at the estate. Mist means she won't be doing that anymore. And Cougar will see to her medical needs as well as provide her with comic relief. Roar's old respected friend and advisor, Wildcat, will protect her from chiefs that would take advantage of her.

It's going to p.i.s.s Fjord off, but no one has seen nor smelled hide nor hair of him since the day he choked Talia at Mist's. Mist's tribe has moved close to him, situating themselves between the river and his backyard. When Fjord returns, he'll move them away.

Roar steps back into his tepee. Hyena's daughter is already asleep. Her boy is making friends with his boys. Hyena is talking with Zenith, sharing her pregnancy and childbirth experiences with Zenith.

"Where's Talia," asks Zenith.

"She's going to sleep in Wildcat's tepee," answers Roar a little sad.

"Of course," responds Zenith understandingly.

"Who's Wildcat," ask Hyena.

"Talia's mate," answers Zenith.

Hyena is obviously confused as she says, "But I thought Richy was her mate."

"He is," answers Roar, "He's her first mate."

"Talia has three mates," Zenith informs Hyena, "Richy, whom most of us call Mist, Cougar and Wildcat."

"Brothers," inquires Hyena.

"No," answers Roar lying down by Zenith.

"Cousins," inquires Hyena.

Zenith shakes her head no, "Mist, that's Richy, he's Water Tribe but raised tamed. Cougar's his best friend and he's Animalistic Tribe like Roar and Talia, but raised tamed like Mist. And Wildcat is Cougar's father."

"A father and son sharing a mate," questions Hyena shocked.

"It's complicated," Zenith tells Hyena. "I'll explain more tomorrow. Know you are safe now and sleep well."

Hyena nods and lies down with her daughter. In Wildcat's tepee, Talia lies alone on Wildcat's furs and cries silently. She doesn't want anyone to hear her as her tears soak into Wildcat's furs and she cries herself to sleep.

The next morning Zenith explains how Talia came to suddenly have three mates. It's a day of rest, kind people and good food for Hyena and her children. But Talia is quiet and withdrawn even for Talia, more so than when nearly everyone in the tribe was shunning her. Before retiring to Wildcat's tepee for the night, Talia informs her family and Hyena she'll leave for Richy's in the morning. Hyena and her children may come with her if she chooses or Roar invites her and her children to stay with Animalistic if she chooses. But Hyena chooses to go with Talia and Roar informs her she and her children are always welcome to visit and stay with Animalistic as long as she desires, permanently if she chooses.

Hyena thanks Roar for his generous invitation and for being such a gracious host. At first sight, Hyena and her children had been a little nervous because Roar is quite simply the biggest person they have ever seen, and Hyena and her ex-husband are not short. Yet he is still more than a head taller than her husband and solid muscle. Desert People are more willowy, but Hyena's ex-husband's strict dietary restrictions have left her underweight even for Desert People. She's too skinny for any tribe males in this area to take an interest in. Besides being too thin, the healing bruises and the stubble of her shaved head, make it hard to see how beautiful she is.

But Hyena needs time to heal emotionally as well as physically. She's not ready for men to show an interest in her. And at the moment, she thinks it's just fine if Roar never shows any interest in her. Even though as her daughter Summer pointed out this morning as she sat in Roar's lap and helped him hold the baby, he has very kind eyes. The same kind eyes as Talia even though they have different biological mother's, they both have their father's eyes.

Talia is up before the sun at four a.m. She wants to get an early start. She knows Hyena and her children will slow her down plus she needs to attend to her cashes and she wants to make it at least half way by night fall. She knows they'll also need to stop at least four times to feed the children. Plus Hyena has a long way to go before she's back in shape and able to make such a journey in a day.

Talia makes sure Hyena eats hardy before they leave. The still sleeping children are tied to their backs. And Talia with Jason on her back leads the way.

"Wildcat shouldn't have went off," Zenith tells Roar. "Talia's feelings are really hurt."

Roar sighs, "He said he wants to give Talia time to accept the changes that have happened in her life recently. She's found her true-mate, and then suddenly has three mates."

"But she feels like he's shunning her," Zenith patting the baby's back. "For her the only thing worse would be if you and the boys were shunning her."

"I can't order the man to consummate their relations.h.i.+p," says Roar frustrated. "I'll talk with him, let him know how hurt Talia's feelings are because he's avoiding her. But I think he needs time to wrap his head around Talia is now his mate. He's called her Dearest since the day she was born. Now it's taken on a whole new meaning for him."

Zenith puts a comforting hand on Roar's shoulder, "It will work itself out for the best."

"I pray it will," says Roar taking her hand and kissing her fingers. "If we lose Wildcat because of this, Talia will never forgive herself."