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Story: Maklr

“I do. He put his rather large friend in place when the friend was too loud for me.”

“Philtan?”

“How’d you guess?”

“Phil’s the biggest Klagan I’ve ever seen. He’s adorable, but kind of dense.”

“Maklr yelled at him for making me uncomfortable. And he punched him in the jaw.”

“We’re talking about the same guy, right? The medic who couldn’t fight his way out of a wet paper bag? That Maklr?”

“Hi Charlie,” Maklr said, dragging a chair next to Nell. “Good to know you think so little of my protective abilities. Although I don’t use my training much anymore, I am still a fully qualified warrior. I prefer to use my superpowers for good, not evil.”

Nell grinned. “You are learning about human culture.”

“Don’t worry, Charlie,” Maklr said. “You can rest assured Nell is in expert hands.”

“Very capable hands,” Nell piped up. “If I get a splinter, he can help me with that. If I burn myself cooking, he can fetch a regen wand.”

“If you wanted, I could even put a bandage on a stubbed toe.” Maklr and Nell laughed.

“It’s good to see you happier, both of you,” Charlie said. “I have to go, but I’m glad we caught up. Zand will fly out in a few days to bring you back to Eoris. The additions to the center are well underway and will need a few final touches when you return.”

Nell’s eyes turned serious. “Okay. See you soon.” She ended the call.

As soon as she put the tablet down, Maklr turned to her. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Nell,” Maklr said.

“I know we have to go back. Our lives are there, but I’m enjoying myself. For the first time in ages, I feel like I’m living.”

“We have a few more days. We can do whatever you want.”

“Did you have anything in mind?”

“Can we go back to the waterfall? The one with the pool we went to on our first day?”

“Of course. Don’t forget to wear your bathing suit,” Nell said.

“I’m already wearing mine,” he said. “The weather is warm here, and I didn’t bring any pairs of short pants. Actually, Charlotte didn’t pack any for me.”

“I didn’t realize. Good point.” A few minutes later, she emerged from the bedroom covered in the resort’s signature brown robe. “While it may be warm for you, I’m still a bit chilly and I don’t feel like walking to the falls in my bathing suit,” she said.

“Fair.” They walked hand in hand to the first waterfall. Nell kicked off her shoes and sat on the ledge. Maklr stripped his shirt off and hopped into the water. He leaned back, his elbows rested on the stone. “It’s beautiful here,” he said, glancing at the waterfall.

“Are there places like this on Eoris?”

Maklr shook his head, a faraway look in his eyes. “Maybe. To be fair, I haven’t traveled much in the last few revolutions, not since I got off the ships.”

“But you want to travel, right?”

“Maybe. I would love to come back here again,” he said.

“Me too.” Nell unknotted the sash on her robe. She shrugged it off her shoulders. “Catch me,” she said.

Maklr stood in front of her, arms extended. Nell pushed off the ledge into his waiting embrace. He carefully lowered her into the water.