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The Gift

Stephanie's Storyline, Chapter 7.2

copyright comidacomida 2018

Medved brushed my hair off of my shoulder as he spoke. "Spirits take in energy from Humans, but it is also possible for the transfer to go the other way. Humans give Spirit Energy to Spirits freely and without tiring but it is harder for a Spirit to provide it to a Human-- harder, but not impossible."

A lot of options were laid out in front of me and I realized if I didn't decide on something the choices would only get harder. Hefting my change of clothes and thinking longingly for the shower, I resolved to follow Tom's advice. I'd missed dinner so the least I could do would be to spend the morning with them, have a nice breakfast, and then enjoy some family time before starting my investigation. "Shower first, then breakfast, and then we'll get started. I promise."

The three Spirits attending me in my room may not have all been content with my decision but they were courteous enough not to object. Before anyone else spoke up Tom announced his plans. "I will re-familiarize myself with this home and make certain all goes well in the kitchen. Do not be late for breakfast, Nekh'dah."

The Rhino walked out through the door, leaving me alone with Kyle and Medved. The two remained with me for several seconds before the Bear cleared his throat or, perhaps it was an insistent growl but either way his muzzle motioned to the door in not-so-subtle a fashion. Kyle took the hint. "Oh! Right! Shower! I'll-- I'll, uh... I'll let you get to it then."

Rather than just dismiss the Raven like that I looked to him. "I won't be too long... what are you going to do in the meantime?"

The fine feathers around his beak puffed out slightly and he shook his wings before settling them against his body. "Me? Well... I guess I'll go check on Anapa to make sure he'll be okay to join us when we're wandering around town, and then I'll do a quick walk-around the house to make sure that everything's in order. ...is that okay with you?"

His final question was levied toward Medved who offered only a succinct nod in reply, followed by a very curt "Do not worry about the bathroom. I will inspect it while Stefanika is getting clean."

I'm not sure why Medved's foregone conclusion that he'd be joining me in the bathroom didn't anger or concern me; he was with me my entire life and, as I'd become used to seeing and hearing him it felt as natural as wearing a hairclip. Before the Raven could leave I spoke up, quickly calling "Kyle?

The Spirit had been looking at my bedroom door but when I called his name he looked back at me. "Hmm?"

Smiling, I said a simple but heartfelt "Thank you."

The rest of the feathers on his head stood on end to match those around his beak, which parted in a birdlike grin. "Hey... you're welcome, Stef. Thanks for giving me the chance."

The Raven's eyes glimmered a rich Amethyst just a little brighter and he turned back around and stepped through the door, leaving me alone with my Bear. I looked back to Medved, who remained on the bed, looking up at me with adoration in his eyes; I felt myself blushing. "I... should go take that shower."

He smiled warmly, standing. "Da... you would not like to keep your parents waiting at the table without you, Lapushka."

I made my way across the hall, change of clothes in my arms, pausing only long enough to open the linen closet to grab a towel. Once I was in the bathroom I began undressing, wrinkling my nose as I peeled off the dirty clothes that I'd worn for nearly twenty four hours. Medved had followed me in but he kept respectfully turned, his back facing me as he stood looking at the door. It was a silly sentiment since I was sure he'd probably seen me naked on hundreds of occasions but, at the same time it was reassuring and courteous. I told him as much. "Thank you too, Medved."

He responded with an affiming grunt but remained facing the door. When he spoke, his voice was loud enough that, despite the fact that I'd already started the shower so it would warm up, I could hear him over the water. "I am proud to call you mine, Lapushka, and would thank you all the same. Dushennka, you have chosen a path, and I will walk it with you."

Although I was only wearing panties at the time, when he reaffirmed his dedication like that something came over me and I couldn't help but move to him and, wrapping my arms around him as far as they could go, I rested my head against the furred vest he wore across his back and I let out a deep berath. "I'm glad you're here."

Medved rotated slowly, which was easy enough for him to do since my arms together barely encircled him half way, and, before I knew it, he was embracing me too. The Spirit's enormous body folded around me, engulfing me in a way that should have been smothering or, at least claustrophobic, but all I felt was safe, secure, and loved. The broad nose of his muzzle brushed across the top of my head, and his breath blasted against me with his two syllable response. "Vsegda."

I'm not sure how long I lay pressed against him or how long he held me but it ended in a mutual separation-- probably about the same time we both realized that I could feel something thick and hard against my abdomen through his pants. Without a word he went immediately back to facing the door, clearing his throat as he spoke quickly to himself in babbling Russian and I retreated to the shower, blushing profusely. I'd never considered myself particularly attractive or 'sexy', I guess you would say, but something about Medved made me feel beautiful... desired, even.

Despite the distraction, I fought to control my thoughts as I was in the shower, putting the focus back on my day and any plans I could make beforehand. I had a lot to do and I knew I wouldn't be able to stay in town for long-- two or three days tops. My first day would get started after breakfast with my parents which, I realized, considering how long I'd been gone, would probably last at least two hours... more if they wanted some family time besides once we'd cleared the table.

Assuming I finally got some time around noon then that would give me half the day and who-knew-how-much-time out of the night. I'd need to figure out how to go about doing as much in as little time as possible. If I was going to the sheriff's office then I'd have to do that before five, and I honestly didn't know what time the coroner's office closed... or if they'd even accept public visits. There was so much I still didn't know and, as I slowly turned off the water I realized that I was no closer to planning my day than when my shower started.

Medved's voice rumbled just beyond the frosted glass of the shower door and I could see a dark brown blob holding a smaller, cream-colored one. "Your towel?"

I cracked the door just enough that the Bear could hand me my towel and I dried off quickly. There were any number of things I could have said but, in order to stay focused, I kept it direct and, 'professional'. "I'll be in the kitchen in a minute... can you go check on everyone, please?"

He accepted the dismissal without objection and, for a moment I was surprised that I didn't hear the immediate opening and closing of the bathroom door to signal his departure before I realized that Spirits didn't have to use doors to leave and I let out a long sigh. "Damn... I guess I AM pretty messed up."

I took the time to compose myself before getting dressed, seeing to some morning self-care, and then, finally heading out to start my day. Dropping off my dirty clothes in my room, I lingered just long enough to take the little bear totem off of its shelf and stuck it into my pocket. After that, I grabbed my laptop case and headed out to join my parents for breakfast.

I can't for the life of me remember what it was we discussed or the stories that they'd told me, but it felt good to just let down my worries for a little while. The family time ended up going until nearly twelve thirty, which set me behind, but, nevertheless, served as a much needed reconnect. Even if I was on a tight schedule I had to admit that it was good getting to do something halfway normal with my parents and, in the end, my mom relinquished keys to the minivan, which, to be honest, was a godsend.

They were courteous enough not to pry about what I'd be doing with my time, but my mom did ask if I'd be home for dinner. Considering I was still no closer to figuring out how I'd spend my day, I honestly didn't know how to answer truthfully. I the end, I chose to stick with honesty and offered up a middle-ground. "I'm not sure... how about I text you this afternoon?"

It was a good enough answer for her and, with that, I got the unspoken go ahead to begin my investigation in earnest. All four Spirits joined me outside; I was relieved to see that Anapa was with the rest of my retinue, even if his eyes didn't glow anywhere near as brightly as normal. Medved intercepted me before I could get into the minivan and he gave me a quick, gentle hug, speaking as he did so. "I will be with you again the moment you step out of the automobile."

It was an apology of sorts, and I understood as much. Returning the hug, I set his fears at ease. "I'll be fine. Don't worry, Medved... see you again soon."

With all goodbyes and understandings complete, I got into the mini van. Kyle was about to join me in the passenger's seat but Tom very pointedly directed him to the back; the Raven accepted the location change, but not without fluffing up and squawking indignantly to himself. Once everyone was situated I spent one final moment taking stock of the situation before I--