What if you were content without love and then it came your way? With the family preparing to become Paras, the overseers of the worlds and the Tue-Rah, AaQar has many important matters on his mind. Yet even so a mysterious shapeshifting mer swims into his life and then consumes his mind until he encounters her again. And all that was once planned becomes far less important. But this new relationship proves life-changing in more ways than one. This is a prequel novella to The Tue-Rah Chronicles. It is not necessary to have read The Tue-Rah Chronicles, and it does not contain spoilers.
The short story as seen by AaQar’s perspective, the elder of the family of 3 brothers-Naatos , WroOth, & QueQoa.
This tale involves Naato’s idea for them to become paras. Keepers of the Tue-Rah. It is the Vawtrians turn to oversee the worlds, they will present themselves as candidates.
The festival of the Viskaro is explained in this tale-The festival in which Vawtrians choose to whom they will be locked, to find a suitable mate. Viskaro being an endearment meaning wife.
WroOth is already with Mara, AaQar not expecting to meet anyone as is his quiet & humble character with far bigger things on his mind. But he does meet someone-Rasha, a fellow Vawtrian.
From the main books I recall my distaste for Rashas character, cemented in this short story. A very manipulative woman, severely disrespectful of WroOths wife Mara, enjoying highlighting Mara’s insecurities, being derogatory towards her believing she has more of a role to play in their family.
Rasha is a well written despicable character, one who breaks AaQars heart.
I do hope to see consequences brought upon Rasha in the forthcoming book in the Tue-Rah chronicles-Wilderness Untamed.
This short story explains QueQoa’s role in the family, fast becoming one of my favourite characters, bounding around like an excitable little bunny. The youngest of the brothers & adopted into their family as a child.
It was fun to see more of Mara and WroOth and to see the playful dynamics of the new family. Loved how Mara rides Naatos and her lightheartedness. However the fun turned to anger as Rasha showed her nastiness. Then it ended in heartbreak. Like the title says...alone.