From the bottom of the Basin

Part 3

"Welcome, Commander." Shreva welcomed Quartis as he entered the temple.

Lewis stood by his wife's throne, watching the Nariimka idly.

His expression was stoic as the alien made his way to the basin, which separated him from the thrones.

"Lewis, Easy. He is here on business." She placed a hand on his which was gripping the arm of the throne.

"You killed my wife." He practically hissed.

Quartis gave a nod.

"I promise it was not something I enjoyed. But she was destined for greater things." He motioned to the palace as a whole and Shreva smiled softly.

There it was again

Destined for greater things.

"I have come to apologize, actually. I know I left abruptly. But I couldn't risk damages to myself."

To this, Lewis pulled his ears back, Examining the grey before making his way down the steps with ease.

Celestia eased his anxiety.

It was good and it was bad.

A man of his stature could do a great amount of damage when confident.

And although he still had his stutters and emotional fallings, Lewis exerted a certain amount of confidence that was refreshing for he and Shreva both.

The cloak he wore trailed along the floor as he moved, wings unfolding as he stepped down the stairs to meet with the commander.

When he stopped, his wings lowered, the tips resting upon the stone floor.

He took a moment to smooth the fur on the shoulders of his cloak.

The fitted tunic he wore, accented with a brown harness and intricate detailing, became more visible as he adjusted the cloak.

"Your strange face amuses me, four eyes." Lewis let out.

Quartis looked bewildered before grinning.

"As does yours, five eyes." He chuckled and winked before nodding to Shreva and turning to leave.

Lewis only felt a smirk tug at the corners of his mouth when the alien left the scene. He stood in silence, shoulders low and wings twitching as he gazed to the front doors.

Upon realizing the man had no intentions of coming back up the steps, Shreva wandered down to him, standing beside him finally.

When he looked down at her finally, he took in her features, admiring her as he always had.

"What, love?" He grazed the back of his hand along the side of her face as she took his hand and held it against her jaw.

"You were destined for greater things, I knew it the moment you stumbled upon me in the woods."

Lewis gently pulled her in, holding her head against his side.

"Thank you for seeing what I could never see in myself."