"I don't know," she admitted. "Sylis, you killed people up here."
"I didn't!" I insisted. "The first time, I only carried someone back. I didn't want to, but I had to. After that, Tobias showed me how to avoid it. The only time I shot my gun was to help. I mean, because of the sound. Shooting into the air so I didn't hit anyone."
"Oh." She paused, a tiny crease appearing in her brow. "But people will think you did. That's what hunters do, and so many people here lost loved ones - and then weatethem!"
"I stopped eating meat after my first hunt," I told her.
"Then maybe they'll let you," she said. "You might have to become a Dragon first, though. That takes a while, but it's because the people up here take care of each other. I know you haven't gotten to see much yet, but trust me, it's amazing."
"Just this house has been amazing," I admitted.
"Only because you like looking at Omden," she teased.
Which made me chuckle. "That might have something to do with it, yes. I think it's also knowing it's okay for me to be like this."
"I didn't realize I was." She shifted again, burying her shoulder in the back of the couch so she could lean against it. "Ayla and Callah were like sisters. I didn't like them that like that. Gideon was so handsome, but cruel."
"He really is," I agreed. "Both things. But you know what's weird? The men I used to think were attractive? Compared to Dragons, they're very plain."
"Their colors?" she guessed.
"No, everything. Omden has this really nice jaw, and his lips are green, but shaped well. Even Drozel is handsome. He's not only muscular, but he has a nice face too."
"I know," Meri groaned. "And Lessa is so pretty. She calls her color tawny, but I think she's very golden. Her skin is soft too. You know, I sometimes wonder if it's because there's all these different people up here, and that makes them all prettier."
"Maybe," I agreed. "Or it could be simply because it's new."
"Could be." She shrugged. "But I like it. I'm glad I came. I think that if I had to pick a husband again, I'd rather be alone, but this? I'msohappy here, Sylis. And if you want, maybe I can ask Omden what he thinks about you? Because if he likes you too..."
"No, don't do that," I groaned, hating the idea. "There's no way he'd pick me over big, muscular Drozel."
"He doesn't have to pick," she said. "That's what I'm saying."
"But... Meri, I want someone to like me back."
"And?" she asked.
"To like me the most," I clarified.
"But it doesn't have to be like that," she said. "Sylis, that's a Mole way of thinking. I mean, Lessa likes me most for talking about clothes. She likes me most because I let her be a big,strong, protector. She likes Drozel most because she gets tobeprotected by him. And he's strong, so he can take charge, and she says she likes that sometimes. She likes Omden most for being reliable and supportive. Everyone gets to be the best at something."
"But what do I have that someone could like most?" I asked.
"I don't know," she admitted. "I think that's something you'd have to ask them about."
"What do you like most about me?" I tried next.
"I like that you understand where I come from," she said. "I like that you sometimes get embarrassed, because it makes me feel like it's okay when I do the same. I like that you're you, Sylis."
"What do you like most about Omden?" I tried next.
"I like that he's a good friend," she said. "I know that when he says I'm pretty, it's not because he wants something. I like how patient he is with me, and how nurturing he is." Then she giggled. "I also like that he's really bad at lying, but he still tries to do it to save my pride."
"Okay, that only makes him cuter," I groaned.
"I know!"
"So what about Lessa?" I tried next.
