It was early fall on the little planet and the nights were cool. Jake offered to take them back up to the ship when it came nightfall. They all politely refused. They had their purrs to keep them warm.
"Stay with Mya and me tonight," Arr invited Margaret and Jake to share his home.
"I don't think that's a very good idea," Jake whispered confidentially to Arr as he drew him to one side.
"We would enjoy the company." Arr grasp Jake's shoulder and leaned closed to speak for his ear alone. "Besides, we can't act as mates until after the Spring Festival. I'm afraid it will have to be a Fall Festival instead this year." Arr smiled at his friend. "I can't wait till spring."
The next few days were spent building tree houses. Jake and Margaret helped the one single female, Lal, build her home. When the building was completed there were plans made for the dance. They all knew of the dance. Some could vaguely remember watching in their youth, but no one could remember it in detail. So a new dance was invented. Lal appointed herself as drummer. She created a slow sensuous beat that the feet could not resist. Everyone spent a full day, in secret, constructing their masks. Many a bird was caught, plucked of a few feathers and then released. Many dyes were made; even a few Goo Chews were applied before the job was completed.
Jake and Margaret prepared and brought down a meal from the cruiser the evening of the Festival. The Henu added their gatherings to it. Arr was already teaching them what to gather among all the other duties he acquired.
The feast was joyous - the dance heady. Margaret and Jake were just barely able to resist joining in the celebration, so when Mya urged them to, they too got caught up in the ritual of the Spring mating dance. As the night wore on the Henu found their mates behind the masks and they quietly retired to their houses in the trees. Margaret and Jake retired to the ship.
A peaceful hush fell over the small Henu planet.
The Henu were home at last!
THE END
*****
Watch for the continuing adventures of the Star Travelers
in the upcoming volume entitled
The Heirs of Henu
Author's Note
Thank you for reading.
I hope you enjoyed this adventure in the Star Travelers Series.
About The Author
I spent my childhood - dreaming of interesting characters, aliens and other worlds.
The internet, and the kindness of a friend, has made it possible for me to share my worlds with you. Come along. Strap on your breather and your blaster. Write a note to the ones you love and tell them you will keep in touch. We are off on an adventure to explore the worlds beyond our galaxy.
Learn more at
www.TheresaSnyderAuthor.com
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