“It is not, and I am sorry I was not here when you became upset.” He strokes my head. “I will not ask what happened, but I will listen when you are ready to tell me. In the meantime, perhaps you would like to try and eat some of the food I brought.”
God, the thought of eating right now makes me nauseated, but Katem went to all the trouble, I need to at least attempt it.
“Thank you. For everything.”
He inclines his head and picks up the bowl lying on the ground near him. In it looks to be some type of delicious smelling stew, along with a piece of bread. With the crude-looking spoon, I scoop up a small amount and sip. The broth is lukewarm, but the flavor is plentiful. I take another, bigger spoonful—this one with bits of meat. Once more, spices burst across my tongue. I glance up at Katem who watches me.
“This is so good.”
He grins broadly. “I am glad you enjoy it.”
While I eat, he points out various people that wander through the village in our line of sight.
“That is Talek, Cecily, Bazel, and Carter.”
Two Tavikhi children and two human children race after each other. They all look to be about the same age, except for the human boy who looks closer to a middle teenager.
“There is Jodah and Healer Sage with their kit.”
To my surprise the healer is a human woman, although I shouldn’t be shocked considering the name. It doesn’t sound like a Tavikhi one.
“Was she a doctor back on Earth?” If so, that means she was a part of the upper tier. Why in god’s name would she be on Tavikh?
Katem shakes his head. “My translator says a doctor is another name for healer, but to my knowledge, she had no other training until she became Kyler’s apprentice when she first arrived.”
Interesting.
He tells me a little history of the planet including a few details about the Krijese and another species called Njeri. Finally, I finish eating, a little surprised I cleaned the bowl.
“Are you ready to rejoin the elders?”
“I think so.”
Katem takes my empty bowl and helps me to my feet. We walk back over to the fire where quite a few of the elders have already dispersed, including Nellora, Alesha, and her mate. Instead of sitting again with the few remaining people, we head for one of the tents. Katem smacks the door flap and we wait a few seconds before rustling noises come from inside.
The hide door is swung open and Alesha steps out with a kind smile, her gaze taking us both in. “Greetings once more Katem and Piper. I hope you are feeling better.”
My body heats that she witnessed my panic attack, but there doesn’t appear to be any judgment in her gaze, merely concern. “I am, thank you.”
“I am glad. Now, your mate tells me you wish to learn how to mold clay.”
“Yes, please.”
“Why do you wish to do this?”
I blink at the question. “What do you mean?”
“I am curious to know why you wish to learn this skill.”
“Because it looks interesting.”
Alesha nods. “Is that the only reason?”
I feel like she’s looking for a specific answer, but what that answer is, I haven’t got a clue. Katem already said she’s willing to teach me, but still, I take a moment to dig a little deeper and give her a reason she might find more acceptable.
“I want to create something with my own two hands that has a purpose. That has meaning. I want to put a small piece of myself into something that will be here long after I’m gone.”
Alesha smiles and nods and a sense of relief filters through me like I passed some sort of test.
