To his credit Joule remained expressionless at Renata’s provocation, regarding the other with an almost apathetic expression. It was a sharp turnaround from the boy who’d once come to Kira worried about the things other people had said about her.
That Joule would have already leapt into battle, a marionette bound by his emotions for others to manipulate.
Kira found it interesting how the woman had changed tactics as soon as she sensed her side losing ground. She’d gone straight for Joule’s perceived weakness, hoping to taunt him into a foolish reaction.
“I can take her,” Joule assured Kira.
Kira considered him as the rest of the crowd faded into background noise. A smile grew on her face. “I believe you.”
Although, if she was honest, she wished he wouldn’t have to.
Unfortunately, Selene had been right before. There were some things he had to do for himself. Maybe if his goal had been less lofty, not something as major as resurrecting his fallen House, it would be different.
Kira sighed, knowing she had no place in stopping him. “Do what you want.”
Joule’s attention snapped to Renata, a bit of the warrior he’d someday be in his young face.
“Don’t think your tricks will work this time,” Renata informed him as he moved to the center of the empty circle.
“You care for him quite a lot,” Selene observed.
“He has potential—if he can find the right teacher.”
Selene’s lips pursed. “Is that a hint?”
“If you want to take it as such.” Kira shrugged as Ziva’s gaze moved back and forth between them. “I just thought since you don’t have a lot to do while here you might give him a few tips.”
Kira took it as a good sign when the other woman didn’t show anger at her suggestion. A few more subtle-ish hints and she might actually convince Selene.
Kira mentally rubbed her hands together in glee.
A disturbance spread through the crowd as Joule and Renata took up combative stances.
They paused as a pair of oshota pushed through the circle, striding directly toward Selene and Kira.
“What now?” Kira whined.
“My, my, you’re so popular,” Selene observed, lifting a hand to cover her giggle.
Kira shook her head doubtfully, noting the focus on their faces. All of which was on the woman standing next to her.
“I don’t think they’re here for me.”
Kira had a feeling if she hadn’t been standing next to Selene, they wouldn’t have given her a second look.
Behind her back, Kira made the sign for retreat.
Elena pulled Ziva away, fading into the crowd as she headed for where Auralyn still leaned against the tree.
Good.
Kira didn’t think things would get out of hand in such a crowded setting, but she didn’t want to take any chances.
Until they knew what these Tuann wanted, it was best to be careful.
Selene’s amusement faded at the other two’s approach, leaving her expression guarded as she took in the synth armor that announced their House allegiance. A deep red with black accents.
“House Kashori,” Selene murmured for Kira’s benefit.
