#Zevnyr leif

[alarians-history-and-lore]

Leif and Mekyz

"So, you are working on that shiny new machine of yours again, my boy?"

Zevnyr looked up to see his father standing on the lawn nearby, his usually stoic expression slightly intrigued.

"What even is it, Zevnyr?"

"Ah, afternoon, papa. Yes, I certainly am." Zev twirled the tool in his fingers with a grin. "It's going to be amazing when it's done, but it's going to be a surprise." He laughed, though he took the goggles off and leaned on the wall of the house.

Zelazath Leif raised an eyebrow.

"You keep saying that, boy. I would just like to know what you keep taking the junk parts for. And using my tools. Well, but I am concerned."

Zevnyr chuckled, though his serious father really didn't. He wasn't upset, just not amused easily.

Zev cleared his throat slightly.

"Don't worry so much, papa. I can handle myself around metal and machine. You taught me well. Your tools will be okay." The confident young man grinned, spinning the tool in his fingers again.

I'm more than at home here, you should know that. You taught me everything I know.

This caused Zelazath's ear to twitch just slightly.

"That welder is expensive. If you break it, I will not hesitate to have you start working to buy a replacement."

"You got it, papa."

Zev chuckled again, putting the goggles over his eyes and getting back to work on his project.

Any day now, and I'll be able to ride with the wind. Finally, I was tired of sitting still so long.

Zelazath just sighed quietly, shook his head, and walked back into the house.

"That boy..." He muttered as he went.

---

"Throw me a '12, bro!"

Zevnyr called.

He saw the metal tool in question fly at him a moment later and caught it easily, moving to tighten the bolts holding the frame together. Finally, the assembly.

"Thanks!"

"You're welcome, man. I just want to see what the junk this thing even is." Elazeh laughed, shaking his head.

He was leaning on the wall of the garage by the wall of tools, watching his older brother put together this seemingly incomprehensible mess of metal pieces he'd worked on over the months.

He shook his head.

"I've been telling you all, it's a surprise. Also, it's mine. Only I get to use it because I built it myself." Zevnyr looked back at Elazeh. The younger just shrugged.

"Better not be overly dangerous. Mama will fret."

Zev huffed, putting the power source he'd saved his allowance for into it's casing. He looped the last wires up to the panels, and stuck the steering bar into the front.

The shiny painted panels with lightning bolts went on the side, a seat on top.

It was then Elazeh realized.

"Dude did you build your own hoverbike?? Mama's going to kill you!! Those things are crazy fast!"

Zevnyr grinned, waving his younger brother off. "Nah, I'll be fine. I've always wanted one of these things, so I made my own. It'll be great. Plus, I might be willing to give you and Katy rides, with enough... compensation."

He put a pretty well made custom key into a hole on it and turned the thing on.

The bright red and yellow hoverbike lit up, hovering quite well off the ground.

Zev made a very pleased sound and got on, loving how it felt.

"Okay, you do look cool on there. What, gonna go impress some chicks? Like maybemmmmm I dunno, that gorgeous miss you've been eyeing?" Elazeh teased.

Zevnyr blinked. "No don't be ridiculous I built this for myself. If girls see me and swoon thats their own fault."

"Swoon over you? Ha!" Katyrez' voice appeared in the doorway along with her face. "Gimme a break. Me and El are the pretty faces in this family." She laughed, walking over and nudging Elezah.

He huffed, laughing alongside her.

"Yeah, you're built like a twig, Zev. No meat on your bones. Miss Zenny isn't going to swoon for you, bike or not."

Zevnyr rolled his eyes. He was very well built. He was broad shouldered and strong, just like her.

Yeah, okay. As if I'm not built broader than a building.

"Aight sure. Well, you can just say you're jealous. I'm gonna go test ride this bad boy. I'll see you for dinner."

He revved it, loving the way the engine sounded, and drove off out, absolutely not graceful just yet.

Katy watched him go, leaning on short Elazeh with an arm.

The young woman shook her head.

"Man, he's such a nerd." She remarked.

"Wanna go fix some stuff, El?"

Elazeh looked up at his sister, shoving her off him with a grin. "Sure." She huffed at being shoved by him, shaking her head. She was built like a brick wall, it was amazing how he could manage to push her around.

The two walked off to work in their father's shop, since he enjoyed the help.

Zevnyr was sure to be grounded.

---

Zev rode to a nearby area, nice and flat. He knew it would work to practice on. He did loops and straights to work on steering and balance, having a great time of it. Woops and yips came from him, especially when he pulled off a cool trick. He didn't regret a thing.

This is awesome! Finally, some freedom! I can go wherever I want!

With his newfound confidence, he drove back to the brick streets and rode around in the summer heat, the wind whipping his dark hair around.

More and more, he would have his freedom. He already had his first tattoo, he wanted a second. He wanted an earing, too. Maybe he was a bit of a showoff, but why not be the coolest guy around? He could be safe and mature about things when he grew up all the way. He'd barely gotten old enough to make his own decisions, he was going to do that.

He couldn't wait to move out on his own soon. Start his own things. Metalworking was cool, he could be a mechanic or something...

I'm not going to be just like dad. I can't be. If I disappoint him, so be it. I'm going to be me. I'm going to be my own man. And this man wants to ride a hoverbike and get tattoos and earings.

He rode by the park, seeing groups of people playing games and having meals together. He waved and got some waves back from people he knew, most of them schoolmates.

He was looking for his crush. She just had to notice how cool he looked.

I'm not going to work in a stuffy old shop my whole life. I'm going to be free. I'm going to live.

---

Zevnyr finally spotted Zenalya standing with some friends near the lake in the middle of town, looking like they'd just finished a rousing game and were laughing and teasing each other. He swooned softly at seeing her, his heart skipping a beat. She was beautiful. He sighed, then put on the cool and hovered closer, letting the engine rumble and revv a little.

They all turned to look at him.

Perfect.

"Hey, how's it going? Having a good afternoon?" He greeted with a smile.

They blinked, then murmured some agreements that their afternoon had indeed been fun. He leaned forward on the bike, putting it into a parked state, then tried to strike up as casual a conversation as possible.

"Looks like you just finished a game, or I'd ask to join. Looks like fun. If you ever need another player, I'm always down." He gave them a suave point.

They seemed just a little starstruck by his bike, it seemed. Or maybe by how cool he was. Or both.

They exchanged glances.

"Who are you again?" One of the guys asked.

"The name"s Zevnyr Leif. My friends call me Zev, hah. Pleased to meet you."

There were a couple snickers.

...Why did they laugh?

"You build that hunk of junk yourself?" One of the others asked.

"Did you crash it already?"

One of the girls added.

Zevnyr felt his heart sink a little, but tried not to let it get him. He could save face. He was cool. "Pff. Crash? Nah, I'm an expert. Put this bad boy together with my own hands, finished it today. Cool, right?"

He could feel their stares just... on him.

Was he..... a loser? No, surely not. Besides, these were the fun and cool kids, who liked freedom and cool stuff and being tough and nice.

Why would they be mean to him specifically.

More snickers.

"Yeah, I guess." One of the girls said. "What say we all head out, there's a noise in the air."

The rest seemed to agree.

Zevnyr noticed his crush hadn't said a word, shame on her face. She wouldn't look at him.

He tried to figure out what was going on, but was drawing a blank.

"Hey, what gives? Do I have a branch in my hair or something?"

Silence.

One of the boys scoffed finally.

"We know you have a crush for Zenalya, Leif."

Zevnyr blinked.

"She doesn't like you, dude. Buzz off."

"Take the hint, hoverboy."

"Yeah, she's got a boyfriend already anyway. Did you even notice?"

"Weirdo."

They all called at him before walking away in a group, grabbing their stuff and going.

Zenny looked back at him for a moment, giving him an apologetic look. But he could see it in her eyes.

She wasn't into him. She'd known, and now her friends knew, and they didn't want him around.

And worst of all, she'd already found someone, and he hadn't even noticed.

He felt stupid and oblivious.

Had he been so transparent?

He turned on his hoverbike and drove sadly away, alone.

---

He didn't even join his family for dinner that day, his appetite dried up. He avoided them, covering up his hoverbike and leaving it in the corner of the garage.

Zevnyr didn't even feel like riding it. He made a pitiful sniffle once he was up in his room alone, away from the questioning eyes of his parents and siblings.

They were sure to see his bike and he would get some firm lecture about safety and riding it properly, but for now all he wanted to do was lie down and think about how badly it had gone.

So he did.

I mean what were the odds that I'd get with the prettiest girl in the neighborhood... nothing, right? I should have known better. I'm just the son of a mechanic. I'm not some super rad guy. No one's ever gonna like me like that. I'm not grown yet...

He sighed.

Guess I shouldn't push her, though. She found someone. If she's happy... then that's okay. I'll let go.

Zevnyr fiddled with his thin beard, a somewhat miserable expression on his face, but one of acceptance.

It was just life.

Sometimes life just didn't do what you wanted.

And that was okay.

Maybe he would find his way.

---

Zevnyr was sitting in the gazebo in the rain, having been caught in it during his latest ride on his bike after work. He watched it pour over the glass, falling across the park trees and grass, leaving that lovely rain smell everywhere.

He couldn't help but smile a little, singing to himself, thinking over the past week.

His mother had taken the hoverbike surprisingly well, just making him promise to be safe and not stupid. To not get himself into some dumb accident.

He more than agreed, assuring her he would wear protective gear and drive safely and still do his chores and work.

His parents let him keep it.

He left miss Zenalya alone, refusing to let himself be weird about her. She wasn't interested.

So he just didn't see her anymore.

It did mean he was lonelier again, since Zevnyr... couldn't seem to keep friends.

He was friendly enough to get some, but for some reason they always drifted away.

He didn't know why.

And now the friends and potential girl he had been persuing...

Just shoved him off.

So he was lost and alone again.

He kept on singing in the rain, enjoying the sound of it pattering away on the roof of the gazebo.

And then he heard footsteps and a yelp, looking up and stopping his singing just as he heard a splash and a cry of disdain.

"Oh, fiddling flipperdoodles, I'm soaked! Ugh I hate when that happens!" A voice spoke to herself.

"Oh wait shelter! Oh thank golly."

Zevnyr watched a sheepish, sopping wet woman peer into the gazebo, looking around and spotting him.

"Oh jeeps there's a guy in here... uh do you mind if I dry off in here?" She asked.

Zevnyr blinked.

"Nope. Isn't my gazebo, ma'am. Not as long as you don't mind me and my bike being here."

The woman walked in without hesitation, shaking water off of her to not much success. She was still sopping wet.

"Thank you very much, sir." She said politely. The woman shook more water off of her as best she could, her clothes and hair simply sopping wet. Zevnyr smiled a bit, and took off his much drier jacket, offering it to her.

"Here, miss. Maybe this'll help."

The woman smiled a bit, taking it and getting some of the wetness out of her wild red hair.

"Thanks."

There was some silence, with him idly watching her dry off, sitting on a seat and trying to stay warm. He could see her shivering a little, and moved to sit next to her. "Here. Can't have you caching cold, miss." He said quietly, using his large, warm body to soak cold from her.

She blinked up at him. "Uh! Thank you!" She said a bit awkwardly, sneezing once before leaning into him. "I would like to not get sick." She giggled softly, rather liking how warm and friendly this guy was. "So what's your name, big guy?"

Zev scratched at his light beard.

"Zevnyr. Zevnyr Leif." He stated.

"I'm Vohzyn. Vohzyn Moryz Mekyz." She giggled. "It's a mouthful, just like I'm a handful! That's what papa tells me!" She wiggled with glee, clearly a soul full of laughter, easily amused.

Her giggle brought a smile to Zevnyr's face.

"That certainly is a mouthful, ma'am." He murmured.

"Moryz was my great grandmother's name!" Vohzyn stated without prompting. "I'm named after her! What about you?"

Zevnyr blinked.

"Uh... Ohkan. My middle name is Ohkan. It's my father's dad's name."

Vohzyn bounced a bit. "That's such a nice name. I like it. Sounds strong and wise." She seemed to be warming up next to him in more ways than one, seemingly unafraid that they didn't know each other. He'd been nice enough to help her, so that's all she cared about. "Zevnyr is such a cool name too. You sound cool. Is that your bike?" She pointed to the machine he'd already referred to.

Zevnyr's ears twitched softly, and he turned a bit red. "Uh... uh yeah. That's mine. It's not all that cool."

Vohzyn looked confused. "Not cool? What gave you that idea? It's awesome looking! Where'd you get it?"

Zevnyr felt embarrassment wash over him. Nobody else seemed to think his homemade hoverbike was cool. Maybe the color choice was bad, or it looked like a junkyard...

"......I made it." He mumbled, looking just as embarrassed as he felt.

Vohzyn gasped, eyes wide. "You MADE that!?" She hopped up off the seat and looked closer at the machine before he could protest.

"Yeah, its no big deal... just a hunk of junk." He said quietly, kind of ashamed. Maybe those mean words had hit him more than he thought.

"Junk? Are you kidding me?" Vohzyn put her hands on her hips. "That's the coolest thing I've ever seen, mister Zevnyr. You should have more confidence in yourself. You made this all by yourself?"

Zevnyr shrugged. "Yeah. Nobody's really cared that much. The girl I liked and her friends called it junk. I guess it got to me." He tried not to look sad about it.

Vohzyn softened, looking sad for him. "Well they're wrong, and probably a bunch of bullies. It's amazing. Don't listen to them."

Zevnyr smiled shakily. "You... you think so?"

"Yup."

His smile grew into a far more genuine one, looking relieved, almost.

She felt her heart skip at the smile on his face.

What a sweet and genuine guy! Look at that adorable smile...

Zevnyr sat in a bit of silence, looking awkward, but happy. "Thanks, miss."

He looked out at the rain, noticing it had let up some, and would probably stop soon. "Guess I should probably start heading home soon, now that it's nearly stopped raining."

Vohzyn looked out as well, kind of wishing it would keep raining. What if she never saw this intriguing, wonderful stranger again?

"...Do you think I could get a ride home?" She asked, hoping for a yes. Her heart was doing funny little things around him and his warm smile, things she couldn't explain.

Zevnyr shrugged. "Uh, its a bit fast, you'd have to hold on tight. But I'd be willing to do that."

Hold on tight? I'd like that... She caught herself. He's a stranger, Voh! Calm down!

"Oh, uh no problem! I've got a good grip! I'd appreciate it a lot, Mr. Zevnyr."

He laughed softly, shaking his head.

"Just call me Zev."

She smiled. "Alright. Zev."

He snorted, grabbing his bike and leading it out of the gazebo. "Hope you're okay with speed. I'm a bit of a junkie for it. I'll go a bit slower for you."

Vohzyn felt her heart skip beats, and she made her way over. "Oh, I'm okay with that."

Zevnyr turned it on, the machine coming to life with a rumble. He hopped on, giving her a wave. She gladly settled herself behind him, arms around his chest.

Oh that's... so broad and muscular... oh dear. Get ahold of yourself, Voh. He's hot, but... you don't know him! ....then why am I about to ride his bike with him?!

He began riding off, and she barely heard him ask her where she lived, noticing the edge of a tattoo on his neck, just peeking out of his shirt.

Oh Eito. Oh my gosh he's got a tattoo. Oh he's so mysterious.

"Ma'am?"

"W-what?"

"Where do you live, miss Vohzyn."

"Oh! Uh... I'll lead you. South from here." She stuttered, face a bit red.

Was she crazy? Or was he the hottest man she'd ever met...

No, she was crazy. And it was both.

"No problem, ma'am. South it is."

And then he drove them off down the brick paths.

---

Zevnyr had not expected to see Vohzyn again, that was certain. But he did, nonetheless. He wasn't sure how, but it sure did happen.

There she was, following a tall and lanky man into their shop. Probably her father.

Uh oh. What did I do now?

He thought. Was he in trouble?

He sort of sat to the side, watching as his own father approached the visitors.

"Afternoon, Welcome to Leif Mechanics, how can I help you." He said in his usual serious tone.

The other man walked right up and offered a hand to shake, grinning.

"Howdy there, sir! Name's Kyranez Mekyz, nice to make your acquaintance!"

When Zelazath put his hand in the other man's, the grinning Kyranez shook it so soundly and excitedly that his arm was quite nearly shook right off.

He made a soft grunt of disapproval, waiting patiently for his hand to be released.

"Zelazath. Again, what would you like?" He asked very seriously.

Kyranez never frowned even a little, a big grin on his face.

"I got me a rig that needs fixin, sir! Ain't a place in town that seems able to do the job, but I heard great things about your business! Reputable sources tell me your bunch get the job done real good!"

He stood there with a big smile, friendly and radiating this unstoppable energy.

Zelazath just gazed evenly at the other man, the polar opposite. Quiet, relaxed, even and stoic. "Ah. Well, I shall need details. Follow me into my office, we can talk there."

The two men walked off, leaving Vohzyn there with just Zevnyr.

She hadn't noticed him yet, and was looking machinery parts over, humming happily and looking curious.

She hadn't touched anything just yet, but she looked like she wanted to.

Zevnyr didn't move, just sitting off to the side, and deciding to pretend he didn't see her.

He continued polishing the tools he had been working on when the Mekyz duo had entered.

He heard a gasp and looked up.

She'd noticed him and was staring right at him.

"Ooohhh Hello there! Remember me? It's me the girl from the gazebo! Vohzyn! Right? Remember?" She asked, inexplicably pink across her cheeks, bouncing foot to foot.

"I remember you a lot, Zevnyr!"

Zevnyr just..... blinked, uncertain how to even approach this.

"Yes, I remember you, miss Mekyz. Hard to forget." He said quietly.

Vohzyn walked right on over, trying to look more confident than she felt, and hoping he couldn't hear her pounding heart.

He thinks I'm hard to forget! He remembered me!

She stood in front of him now, and there was a moment of silence while he continued to polish the tools.

"....Well, that's good. Cuz it'd be a little awkward if you didn't remember. I could never forget you, Zev. Gosh, you and your incredible machine you made."

She sat down on the floor, unbothered by any of the tools or dirt of the workshop. She couldn't help but watch him, unabashedly staring, really. Admiring his features, the tattoo she could see peeking out, the little hair braids, the rugged look, the huge muscled frame, his well worn hands.

He is the hottest man I have ever seen.

Zevnyr could tell she was staring, and he slowly grew a bit red, the awkwardness growing.

"....can I help you, ma'am?"

She perked up, turned pinker, and squeaked softly.

".....yes? Yes you can." She said sheepishly, fiddling with her hands.

"Would you.... um... please..."

A pause.

"......go out with me? Like... on a... an outing together?" She asked, eyes wide.

Zevnyr's eyes widened.

"....Outing?? Um...what kind? You want to go out and do something with me? I hardly know you, and vice versa."

She nodded. "Yeah, true. But I want to. I want to know you. Not in a weird way, promise!"

He just... looked so confused.

"Uh.... okay? So what do you want to do....?"

"Maybe just... lunch and a walk?" She suggested.

Zevnyr sighed softly. "I mean, I guess so. When and where?"

She told him and they talked qietly for a few minutes, when Zevnyr heard voices.

He perked up in time to see his father come around the corner.

"Zevnyr, please finish polishing those before the day is over, thank you." Zelazath said evenly.

Zevnyr nodded sheepishly, and continued polishing. "Yes sir, papa."

Kyranez waved at his daughter, beckoning her.

"Come on, lil bug, we're headed home! Mister Leif is gonna drop by in a couple of days to look at our stuff n fix it! We best get home before your mama finishes dinner!"

Vohzyn sprung up with a bounce, following her father. "Okay, daddy. Bye mister Zev, see you later! Can't wait!"

She and her dad vanished down the road, leaving Zevnyr and his own father.

"...What was that about?" Zelazath asked.

Zevnyr shrugged. "No clue. She wants to hang out, though. Guess I have a new friend."

Zelazath raised an eyebrow oh so slowly, gazing at his son, and then shrugged.

"Very well. Stay out of trouble, boy."

"Yes, papa."

---

The first hangout had been pretty awkward, with Vohzyn trying to lightly flirt and Zevnyr entirely missing it, but they'd both otherwise had fun.

Vohzyn didn't give up easily, though.

Now that she knew where to find the hunk, she kept inviting him to things. Often with her friends, to keep him from being too uncomfortable, and since he didn't seem to have many.

He was sweet, and got along with all of the friend group, his friendly nature shining through.

How he hadn't had friends, she'd never know.

But now, he did. And he seemed happier.

More and more often, though, she'd invite him to something with just the two of them, and she'd start her flirting again, trying to get his attention subtly and smoothly.

He was seemingly oblivious.

Zevnyr did not notice a darn thing, really. He just thought she was being nice, and really didn't absorb her attempts at all. She kept complimenting him, sending him little looks, she'd even given him a tiny nose kiss.

And for nearly two years, this was how it went.

She didn't give up, though. Every day she spent with this strong, beefy, himbo hunk of a man, she only loved him more.

Eventually, though, she just couldn't stand it a minute more.

They were sitting on a bench by the lake, watching the sunset after a long day at a local festival, and she watched how the sunlight accented his strong jaw so beautifully, her heart pounding softly.

She had to say something. He still didn't understand.

"Hey, Zev?" She asked.

He made a small sound, half turning to her. "Yea?"

"I love you." She said softly.

"Ah. Okay." He murmured.

"..." She scooted closer. "I LOVE-love you. I want to be your partner. If you'll allow me to."

Zevnyr blinked, confusion crossing his face.

"Partner?" He turned to look at her, bewildered. "What do you mean, love-love? I don't get it, Voh."

She leaned even closer, practically pressing into his bicep.

"I adore you... I'm in love. Please... please let me court you...?"

Zevnyr stared, and the buff braincell in his head bounced around slowly, and then it must have hit the corner.

He yelped, standing up and putting space between them.

"WhUH?"

They stared at each other, though she started to droop. Maybe he would never feel the same.

"....You... you LOVE me." He stated, eyes wide. "You mean we've been hanging out for like two years... because you... you liked me?"

Vohzyn would have laughed if she wasn't so worried that he was about to leave her behind.

"Yes, you big dummy... I liked you the whole time. I love you so much. You're so kind and friendly and soft. And I only fell deeper and deeper in love with you."

She just bared her heart to him, hoping...

"You're the best man I've ever met, I feel so much more complete when I'm with you. I know it's silly and sappy, but you make me feel so happy, Zev. I've been trying to show you this whole time, and I guess you just didn't notice..."

Zevnyr looked in absolute disbelief, staring at her like she had four ears.

"....oh that's what all that weird stuff was. Why you kept acting like that. I thought... okay, now that makes more sense. I thought you were just... uh..."

He trailed off, watching her, and then slowly sat down again.

"I mean I always thought you were kinda cute, so. I just didn't want to say it in case you thought I was being weird. And I wasn't over my crush like I am now. So that... uh didn't help."

They just gazed at each other, bewildered and confused, but something was clicking.

"You want to be my partner, ma'am?"

She nodded, maybe a little too vigorously. "Yes. Absolutely. Please?"

Zevnyr smiled, that genuine smile. It was warm as sunlight.

"Well okay then! Why didn't you just ask me sooner? I don't do well with subtle hints. Sure, we can court."

Vohzyn felt like she could have leapt over the moons.

She tried to contain her excitement, though she did wiggle excitedly on the bench. "Oh you make me so happy!" She proclaimed, hugging into him and wiggling with glee. "Promise I'll just be straightforward with you, you big hunk."

She looked him in the eyes, transfixed by that deep dark green.

She leaned in and kissed him so hard he yelped a little, and she felt his heart pounding under her hand, her fingers pressed to his chest.

At first she wondered if he might not like it, but after a moment of tense hesitatation, he pulled her in closer and kissed right back, strong and passionate.

When they finally parted, needing air, they both just stared at each other...

And broke out laughing.

She eventually cuddled up into his side again, warmed by his body, and couldn't help but purr.

It was crazy, but it worked... I did it, I bagged me a man... and he's a dream...

---

Only a few years later, and they were so hopelessly in love it was perhaps a little pathetic.

Zevnyr was lovingly teased by his siblings, but they approved of his girlfriend. They loved her excited, bubbly personality, it lit up a room, it brought the sun in on a gloomy day.

She would talk about anything with them, always so interested in getting to know her boyfriend's family.

Vohzyn's family seemed thrilled that she'd gotten herself a boyfriend, and her father was especially supportive.

Zevnyr's mother told him to be a good partner, to treat the lady right, and his father was mostly just pleasantly surprised.

Both sets of parents met and seemed to get along quite well, to the relief of their kids.

Elkanyz absolutely adored Vohzyn, and very quickly became a very wonderful mother in law to the girl.

Really, it was all working out so well, it wasn't really a surprise at all when Zevnyr finally proposed, giving his future wife an absolutely beautiful Leif made dagger.

The wedding was soon upon them, both families getting together for the big event.

Zevnyr and Kyranez sparred fiercly, the lanky dad was an incredible swordfighter, and pretty good with a spear, too. Zev had to fight hard, but he did. He used the sword his father had gifted him when he was younger and won the spar, Kyranez nodding at the boy and bowing softly.

"I can see that you'll truly be a good fit for my daughter. You take care of her, boy." He said gently, moving aside.

A much lighter spar followed, Zev and Voh nearly dancing around each other in perfect sync, madly in love.

There were cheers, and then ooooohs when they ended up just making out at the end, nearly unable to not do so.

The celebration continued, with the two being officially declared as one, and everyone ate and drank, danced and sang, late into the night.

Zevnyr really couldn't believe it had all happened so fast, and how lucky he was.

I can't believe this woman married me...

---

After a very warm, passionate seal of the deal, the newly married duo was snuggling in bed together, enjoying the warmth of the gentle songs being sung in their chests.

Zevnyr couldn't stop purring, holding his wife close to his chest and rumbling near constantly with love.

Vohzyn was pressed as close as she could get to him, her ear to his fuzzy chest.

"....goodness.... this day couldn't have been better, my handsome man..." She cooed. "I love you so much... I hope this adventure we're on together never ends..."

Zevnyr made a soft sound of love, kissing her neck a few times, unable to contain all of the emotions and feelings. He even nibbled lightly at her neck and jaw.

"mmmnh... Voh~" He cooed.

The woman melted with a sigh.

Tonight had made her fall even harder for this man, he was so gentle but so passionate.

"I hope you do that every single time, my big strong husband... how long until we have kids, eh? I seem to remember you saying you love kids and want a whole handful... five, maybe? Six?" She giggled, swatting at him a little.

Zevnyr's eyes widened again, and then he nodded.

"As many as you want, sweetbean. Say the word and we'll have one, two, five... as many as you'd like." He peppered her in kisses, now almost on top of her again.

She giggled with glee, pretending to fight him off, not that she could. After growing up with machinery and those genetics he had, the man was a brick wall of muscle.

She wondered if their kids would be as beefy as him, and made a nervous chuckle. "...maybe we take it slow. With your genetics, I might get torn in half every time." She joked, fiddling with his fluffy hair, a hand brushing along his tattoos.

"But yes, I want so many beautiful little Leifs... just as wonderful as you."

Zevnyr made a happy himbo noise and wrapped himself around her again, prorecting her with his body.

"Our future is bright, my dear love... I can't wait to spend my life with you."

Vohzyn made a soft sigh of love, yawning and starting to drift to sleep in his gentle large muscly arms.

"It's gonna be great... I love you... my Zevvy..."

The duo fell asleep in their new home, cuddled up like they were glued together, and excited for their bright, beautiful future.

~ End ~

[alarians-history-and-lore]

Their Fate

The peace they had gotten so used to had been shattered in what felt like moments.

Four children, one of which was still so young. But none were old enough to experience the horrors that would come.

The peaceful Alarians suddenly attacked at their home by a hostile and very mysterious race. They didn't communicate. They ignored any pleas, if they understood them.

Any ablebodied warrior was called to defend their planet however possible.

That included Vohzyn and Zevnyr Leif.

They left Khoti in charge until this was over. The four boys watched their parents leave with wide eyes, Ayatos letting out terrified cries from next to Taanyth, Khoti's face filled with determination and fear.

Alyru looking up to the sky as if the answers were there.

The last hugs the four boys ever got from their mother and father passed far too quickly, and then they were gone.

The two warriors went off to join the cause in trying to defend their home, watching their house disappear into the city below.

"You think they'll be alright?" Vohzyn asked her husband, shaking a little.

Zevnyr stared down out the ship window, nodding. "They'll be okay. Khoti is responsible when he has to be. He had to grow up eventually. Alyru will follow his lead. They'll protect each other."

Vohzyn sighed softly. "I just wish they didn't have to live through this at all. Ayatos is so small still." She shivered and leaned into her love. He kissed her on the forehead, trying to comfort her.

"We'll fight to keep them safe, dear."

He nodded at one of the captains who came by to issue them more offical armor. They'd left their own armor with their sons to protect them.

As they approached the destroyed area the attackers had hit first, a chill silence fell over the ship.

Entire buildings toppled over, smoke filling the sky.

Vohzyn shivered, hoping her children never disappeared into a sight like this.

Zev gently nuzzled against her, sensing she was terrified for her babies. "Easy." He murmured.

The woman just let out an uneasy sound.

"Please let this end well..."

---

The war raged for far longer than either species really expected.

Three years.

The attackers found it harder to hit cities as the Alarians held a defense. They may have been a peaceful race but they could defend themselves.

But every battle that happened was a loss for them. Bodies disappeared.

They were being taken.

It became rumors that these aggressors wanted cores.

It only made the Alarians more determined to live.

Zevnyr was on the front lines with his wife, in small ships among the swarm of fighters, taking out as many attackers as possible and driving them away from cities.

They even came close to their home town a couple times, but fortunately it semed it was a small enough city to not really be targeted.

Though, in the end it didn't matter...

---

The next attack they went into was devastating. There were far more than there had seemed to be. The attackers had lead them into a trap.

There were ships being shot down left and right. The last thing Vohzyn heard of her husband was a cut off yell for help and then silence. She began to panic, calling his name over the comms, just for nothing. She saw his ship plummet past her and crash into the ground. She turned to try and get to him, landing her own beside his.

It was raining fire as she ran to it, prying open the door with her bare hands.

Her husband was lying unconscious and bleeding in the cockpit. She grabbed him out and began to carry him away, heart pounding in her ears.

"Hold on, my love..." She told him, desperately getting as far away from the bloodbath as possible. More ships crashed around them, but the only thing she could do was try desperately to live.

She found a relatively quiet spot beside a wrecked building and set him down, looking him over. "Zev..." She murmured, looking over his figure, prying the helmet off his head, starting to shake. "Zev, c'mon..."

Vohzyn began doing her best to heal him, core glowing bright in her chest.

"Please..."

Zevnyr coughed and came to, seeing his wife over him. "Oh, am I dead? I see a lovely guardian star..." He slurred.

"Not the time for flirting, sweetiebun." She told him. "You've got a couple broken ribs, hold still. We are going to go get to our children after this, okay?"

Zevnyr coughed some more and winced. "Yeah... we will." He was in clear pain.

She kept on healing him, desperate.

That's when she heard footsteps and looked up.

Several attackers were appraching. One pointed at her. The lanky armored figures began moving in on them.

"Oh no you don't! Get away from my honeycakes!!" She summoned a spear and stood over her husband, ready to fight for him.

She saw something aimed at her, got ready to fight... and then white.

White and silence.

"No... NO!!"

Her voice echoed and yet felt like it went nowhere.

She began crying her children's names, already feeling nothingness and helplessness. It overtook her so suddenly.

She saw stars all around her as it faded.

Her fight was over.

---

Alyru felt his heart skip a beat.

He and his brothers were hunkered down in their house as usual when he froze.

"No."

Khoti turned to him from his papers.

"'No' what, Alyu? You okay?" The redhead got up and walked over, noticing how suddenly shaken Alyru seemed.

Taanyth stirred from his nap, being careful not to disturb the sleeping little boy in his lap. Ayatos was very clingy and couldn't sleep unless he was next to someone. "Mm...?"

Alyru's cheeks had lit up and the young man began pacing.

"Nooononononooo-" He whined, looking distressed.

Khoti grabbed his hand and tried to ground him. "Breathe. Talk to me, okay?"

Their eyes met.

There was a long pause.

"They're gone."

A tense silence.

"W...what?" Khoti asked quietly. "What do you...?"

"Mom and dad. They're gone."

Taanyth's eyes widened and he shook his head. "No way you could tell that. Do not joke about this, Alyru. It's not funny." His voice was shaking.

Khoti felt chills in his body. Alyru did not look like he was joking. As much as he and his brother liked having fun, joking around, even pulling an prank together.

This was not one.

Alyru looked sick, almost. He was shaking, beginning to cry.

"I felt it. They're... de...dead. They're gone."

There was a long silence between them.

Taanyth looked horrified. "No, it... it can't..."

Khoti was eerily still, his demeanor shifting slowly, his face looking so... horrified. As if he couldn't process it.

His hands tightened into fists.

"No."

Alyru shook his head, wiping tears from his eyes. "They're-"

"No. Shut up. They're not dead." Khoti snapped.

Taanyth froze, looking startled. Alyru looked equally as surprised. "Khoti...?"

The second oldest stomped a foot, almost looking like he was going to punch his younger brother. "They're alive!! And no amount of your freaky powers saying otherwise will convince me!" He yelled.

Alyru winced back like he had been struck and huffed. "F...freaky...?"

"There is no way you just 'felt them die'! I know how weird you are, it's just another one of those oddities!"

Ayatos let out a sleepy coo and sat up, looking a little annoyed. "M trying to sleep..." He whined.

"Blame Alyru!" Khoti snapped, seeming to become even more hysterical out of nowhere.

Taanyth stood carefully while repositioning his little brother and tried to calm Khoti down, telling him to relax. "Nothing is going to get better by yelling at Alyru. Breathe, brother."

Khoti went still, a sort of chill going over him.

"...Yeah. Whatever." He snapped. He turned and went back to what he had been doing like nothing ever happened.

Alyru turned to the other two, looking for anything from them.

Ayatos looked confused. "What...?"

Taanyth gently patted his tiny brother on the head.

"It's okay, little one. Nothing to be afraid of."

"But why is Khoti so angry?" Ayatos looked between them, trying to get an answer.

"Just Alyru's magic again." Taanyth replied. He looked over at Alyru as if warning him not to bring this up further.

Alyru sighed and went upstairs on his own, looking up at the sky from his room. "I hope I'm wrong." He whispered, staring up at the two visible moons past the rings he knew so well.

"Please let me be wrong. Let them come back safe."

Despite it, he knew he was right.

His brothers would soon know that too.

He had felt something snap in Khoti.

The man had been slowly changing over these three years, but that had been a breaking point.

It was all coming apart...

"Please, please protect us, bring us safety. Let everything return to normal. Let them leave..."

He was crying now, rubbing at his cheeks and trying not to hear what he could hear, shut out what he saw.

"Make it stop..."