Bab 777: We've Returned

Astra PoV

Walking side by side together, Renna and I held hands and shared small talk as we used the last bits of sunlight to make our way home, another day spent outside of the compound and another day used perfectly to deepen what we had, which I knew was going to be to the 'chagrin' of everyone else.

And honestly I had spent a larger amount of time with Renna over everyone else in these recent days, but the call of both work and the stronger, newer flame was too much to just ignore, so that was my excuse.

It was still just that though - an excuse - so I needed to make sure I gave my entire family some loving and reminded them all that I loved them all dearly, be it my two wonderful and most likely 'jealous' wives or my amazing daughters who were all learning more about themselves still.

Then there was the two that had once had some limelight but had faded away into the 'shadows' of everyone else's brilliance, which were Prixisia and Yiksa; the two concubines and Blood Slaves hadn't been given the attention that they deserved as members of the family for a long time now, and it was my fault there too since I was their 'owner' and their primary lover.

The problem was the fact that I was a busy gal, and I had so many things to do, people to fuck, places to go that any time I did have that wasn't spent eating or sleeping was usually spent having sex with whomever my mind was on at the moment, and they just... hadn't been there in a little while.

It was a problem that would forever persist as this family grew larger, and I had no idea on how to tackle it since there was - to my current self - anyway at all to tackle it reasonably, though the obvious answer was to just ensure I spent some time with them anyways.

"You're doing a lot of thinking..."

Renna gave my hand a squeeze and stared at me for a few seconds before chuckling softly when I said "I was just wondering how to ensure everyone gets some attention from me within the family... I won't deny I have favorites, but still... that shouldn't stop me from giving everybody some love."

The Nymph's smile widened a little at the 'favorites' part, and the slightly smug demeanor she had as she gave her answer told me it was quite clear who was currently occupying that 'favorite' spot for me right now, which... was a part of the problem, but again... I am only human.

Whatever that entails, anyways.

"This all wraps back around to your personality, in a way. On one hand you really do love everyone - no one could deny that - but the problem is the depths of your love and the thing that you do love about them. From what you said of Yiksa, for instance, your love for her is rather... superficial.

She is a troubling part of your past that you've come to terms with, yes, but all in all she still doesn't have a large piece of your heart. And you want to keep her satisfied and feeling wanted, which isn't wrong on either of your parts.

On the other hand though, you've admitted to liking the control you have over something, and that shows most clearly with your family; you want to control everything and everyone even if its not insidious or harmful in nature. You want everyone to have a good life and be assured in what they do, and if you don't keep them happy your control over them slips away."

That made me pout a little at my lover, who simply shrugged even as she pulled me a little closer while also smiling even more, her happiness not being dimmed at all by the things she was saying.

"Again, it isn't terrible, and it is understandable. Right now your children love you to pieces, your wives all are content even with the need to share you around, and the people who come from the outside and come to stay without being directly tied to you are content. The two concubines and Inik aren't direct wives nor are they children, so keeping them happy and content means maintaining control."

"Well... still... that doesn't help me understand what I should do to keep everyone happy. And it's not entirely about the 'control' I would have over them, just that I don't want them to be unhappy and feeling left out inside what should be their own home."

Renna chuckled again and gestured at the walls of the compound that protected us, their simplicity being rather endearing as we got closer; the Nymph directed my attention to them as she continued to speak, ensuring I was understanding what she was saying.

"Anyone who steps foot inside of your home feels welcomed, Astra. It's warm and inviting, the people are wonderful and everything about it is cozy. It's stable and peaceful, where all needs are met; a warm bed, warm meal, ample space and things to do, people to talk to and people to have sex with. All needs are met here, and it is up to everyone to ensure they get what they need.

Meals are all served at roughly the same time, but if you get hungry between meals you can go make something for yourself if you please. Feeling bored? Head outside and spar, or train, or tend to a garden. Remain inside and read, play a game, talk to someone. Do you want to alleviate some stress? Ask someone if they want to have sex, and more than likely the answer is yes.

Everything they need is here, and they are given all that they need daily without needing to ask. If they ever want more, or feel like they need something, they can go and ask for it or get it themselves. And one of those things, Astra, is you. As crude as it sounds, you are like a meal to us all. We need you at set intervals that are different for us all, but if we want more of you, we need to go get more of you.

So don't feel like you NEED to spend extra time with someone, because we'll be able to tell. You spend the time you want to spend with people, and that'll be enough. Of course I am biased saying that, but both Yiksa and Prixisia have things that they focus on; Kalia and alchemy respectively. They aren't hurting for more Astra time, but I know they wouldn't say no to it."

Reaching the gate, Renna and I stepped inside with Christina and Duru behind us, and instantly I was forced to think of other things as a fluff ball flew straight into my arms, followed quickly by a warm brown 'muffin' and a winged child.