Raiahlyn. The voice of Lerlande came to mind.
Mmm? The young woman took a sip of water as she walked down one of the halls, exhausted from her daily sparring matches.
My mate has refused to sire offspring.
Water sprayed and Raiahlyn practically choked, coughing madly in surprise at the statement. Lerlande had always been forward, but that was a bit much information.
Apologies for causing you distress, Raiahlyn, but I am in need of...advice...on the matter.
Raiahlyn resumed her pace, returning to her chambers as the mental conversation continued. Well, what happened, exactly?
Breeagh has exceeded my expectations as a warrior and as a mate in all other respects. But the moment I spoke with him regarding the continuation of our bloodlines, he adamantly refused me. Have I done something wrong?
Did you ask him why?
He would give me no answer, Raiahlyn.
I'll ask him then. Raiahlyn commented, then added to herself, "Right after I take a proper bath."
Sometime later, after she had recovered adequately and was looking presentable, Raiahlyn approached the ledge where Breeagh was resting in the afternoon sunlight.
She considered him for a moment. Lerlande was one of the largest of her breed, and still Breeagh was larger. But he wasn't of a size which would affect that particular aspect.... And as a yautjadragon, Lerlande would not rise in flight to mate, so it wasn't Breeagh's missing wing that was the reason....
"Breeagh, might I have a word?"
The great black flicked an ear, but didn't lift his head. "Of course."
"Lerlande was rather...." Distressed? No.... Upset? Maybe a bit.... "....confused. When she spoke to me today. About what happened between the two of you?"
"Ah." Breeagh commented. "What of it?"
"She's concerned because you wouldn't at least explain your decision."
At that, Breeagh lifted his head, looking down at Raiahlyn. "I did not wish to cause her concern. I will apologize."
"Actually, I was hoping to get an answer from you. I think that would be a better tactic."
Breeagh sighed, shifting his position and crossing his front legs, looking much like a relaxing feline. "I suppose I do owe her an explanation...."
You can tell me directly as well. Lerlande commented to both of them as she landed nearby.
The corner of Breeagh's mouth twitched slightly, but he shook his head a bit, as if clearing his thoughts. "I have told you of Aythsil's Curse in the past, and how it caused the downfall of the Koha."
"And how the Kaja are the remnants of your kindred and how there are so few of the Koha left." Raiahlyn continued from memory. "We wouldn't forget so easily."
Breeagh nodded, albeit faintly. "Aythsil's Curse did more than just that. For me to sire children would take a miracle. I am not totally incapable, but.... If by that miracle I did sire children, it would put Lerlande at risk, and that it something I must refuse."
You could have told me when I first asked, Breeagh. Lerlande commented.
"I should have told you far earlier than that." Breeagh sighed.
You act as though that is the end. Lerlande clicked her mandibles together a bit in amusement. Tell me, Breeagh, if Aythsil's Curse did not afflict you so, would you mate with me?
Raiahlyn turned a little red and coughed, suppressing a laugh at Lerlande's forwardness once again. At least there was no water involved this time. Even Breeagh looked a bit taken aback and maybe even a bit burnished under his dark fur. "Of course."
That's all I needed to hear.
Raiahlyn raised an eyebrow at Lerlande's tone. "What are you planning?"
You'll see.