"They're human," Covath pointed out.
Gawain arched an eyebrow at the Tenrin. "Do you recognize every Tenrin?"
"Yes."
Gawain's eyebrows furrowed as if he hadn't anticipated such a response.
"Humans are many and our settlements can be spread out and isolated," Eva explained, stepping into the resulting silence. "We don't know every one of our kind."
Covath's gaze sent a small chill down Eva's back as he stared at her.
It was never easy being the focus of a predator. Even more so when you got the sense the predator would like nothing more than to see what color your insides were.
"Interesting. We picked these two up while they were fleeing from your camp," Covath mused.
"Oh look, your perimeter wasn't as effective as you thought," Emersyn muttered to Roscoe.
Fiona's eyes narrowed as she gave the woman a hard look that said she'd like to address this subject a little more violently but wouldn't while their guests were present.
"Then it seems we have you to thank," Eva said with a closed mouthed smile, careful not to show her teeth.
Ajari and the Kyren had taught her many interesting things about their culture that humans wouldn't typically consider. The first being that when a mythological smiles at you with teeth then you'd better get your weapons ready.
For them the display of teeth was a hostile action. A declaration of intent much like when a dog bared their fangs as a warning to back off.
"I see why my brother is so taken with you," Covath remarked. "For all your humanness, you play our games quite well."
The subject shift was unexpected, leaving Eva at a loss for words.
If she took his words at face value they sounded like praise, but if that was the case, his tone wouldn't be combative.
"I'm beginning to see the resemblance between you two," Eva said, shooting a look at Ajari.
There was no clue in his bland expression on how she should handle this. Whatever Covath's motivations, she'd get no hint at them from his brother.
Very well then.
If they wanted to play games, games they shall play.
"You both choose roundabout methods to achieve your goals when simple requests will win you far better results," Eva finished, not bothering with diplomacy any longer.
It had been a long night, and it wouldn't work anyway. They were too like the Trateri.
Covath's mask cracked, some of his anger spilling out. "Is this how you thank someone kind enough to catch the enemy mice who breached your territory?"
Eva didn't cower or back down, knowing that was what he wanted and that the second she did any authority she'd managed to claw her way would disappear as quickly as smoke.
"I already said thank you. You're the one who keeps dancing around the subject," Eva said, keeping a neutral expression on her face when Covath showed her his teeth. They were fit for a nightmare, pointed and sharp, made for ripping flesh from bone.
Seeing no reaction, Covath's closed his mouth, studying her carefully.
Eva waited expectantly.
"We're here because my brother could no longer hide the fact that the Kyren have chosen a Caller," Covath rumbled.
Eva couldn't quite hide her surprise, her gaze darting to Ajari. She'd been under the impression the Tenrin knew and approved.
After all, Ajari was a big part of the reason she was handed this position.
