"What is it to be Loved?"

It was well after the party and most of the elves were off enjoying each other or a nice long sleep to wear off what was served to drink. The sounds of the private celebrations carried down the halls. Zarra, however, did none of those things. Her grotto was silent and very empty, except for herself. Her darling son was with his grandparents, having begged his mom to let him go.

It hadn’t taken much to convince her, since after waiting much of the night to show Zhen her dress and the necklace he given her, she wanted some time alone. She never did stay for the end of the party, her hopes had been dashed and her head had started to hurt from the blow Girtam gave her earlier that evening.

Once at her grotto, she had seated herself before the water entrance and stared sadly down at the reflection. It was a reflection of a much softer looking woman. Not the fiery huntress that everyone saw her as, but the elfess that swam beneth the surface of her mask. The only thing that marred the image was the darkening spot upon her cheek. She gingerly touched the tender spot. Seeing that bruise brought tears to her eyes unbidden. It was the harshest thing Girtam had ever done and she found herself fearful of their next meeting. He had caught her off guard this time, but next time she wouldn’t be so easy a target.

**Daughter** The lock-send that interrupted her thought was tender with maternal feelings. Zarra turned to face the doorway as her mother, Wavejoy, quietly stepped in. Embarrassed by her own tears, Zarra looked away as her mother approached.

Wavejoy had felt her oldest daughter’s sorrow like a spear to the heart. But then that was the nature of mothers and their children. It was hard to keep such things from the woman that carried Zarra for two turns of the season under her heart. Wavejoy had always had a special connection with her daughters... Much as her own mother always knew when she hurt. And Wavejoy was pretty sure Zarra knew her son in the same way.

Sitting down next to Zarra, Wavejoy touched her daughter’s hair as she always done when she was little. It was a gentle touch, but always had a calming affect on her oldest. **Your pain is deep tonight. It screams in my head.** She let her fingers drop to touch the developing bruise. **I hate that he does this to you... He has a wonderful lovemate, but can’t see past the Recognition.**

Zarra flinched away from the touch, but didn’t meet her mother’s eyes. Her emotions were so knotted in her stomach that at times she felt she’d throw up. Her thoughts turned to Zhen and her chest constricted with her effort to control the sobs that wanted to get out. She found herself finally asking. **What is wrong with me, mother...** She felt fresh tears trickle down her cheeks.

**Oh my dearest, Daughter...** Wavejoy sent wrapping her arms around the others shoulders. She rested her chin on Zarra’s head and gently rocked. **There is not a thing wrong with you... You only wish to have what so many of us have,** Wavejoy answered in a quiet sending. **You just seem to look for it in the wrong place.**

Zarra knew what her mother meant... Zhen. He was so much older... And not even shaped, but maybe it was that alien beauty and difference of him being a first born that attracted her so much.. There was something utterly amazing about him being so close to the High Ones. **He’s the only one of the males that has shown me more, seen more of who I am.**

**It was but a gift,** Wavejoy reminded her gently.

**More then any of those others ever did,** she offered back sorrowfully. She rested her head against her mother’s shoulder. **The rest don’t see me as anything more then a rough huntress that belongs to Girtam.** Wavejoy shook her head and tried to object. **That’s not true...**

**Don’t be to sure of that mother,** Zarra shot back bitterly, interrupting. **Sometimes I think Girtam scares them away.** She took a slow and shaky breath. **All I want is to find someone to share with... to love.** She glanced to her mother with teary eyes. **What is it to be loved? You and father... everyone.. Now even my sister... they all have found it.. I only want the same... Why can’t I have the same?**

Those last words were almost lost in the emotions that finally broke through her dams... Her mother became a support as Zarra’s whole form shook with long pent-up emotions. The huntress of sharks.. The huntress that knew no fear... that huntress cried that evening.. cried for what she wanted most... Love.