We will all be learning English tomorrow.Vari says.
We learned some because my brothers’ mates taught us. And while living in our little village, we tried to speak English. Though too often we defaulted to our silent communication, as it is easier and faster for us.
Vari and Orik talk about trying to teach the humans to make the fiber they have been making socks out of. The humans expected to sit in a room and be told what to do while Vari and Orik wanted to take them outside to gather the grass stalks and show them how to strip them and turn the fibers into a fine rope suitable for hooking into garments. Ruby is now helping them and Bridget with making clothing, as it was decided it is no longer appropriate if she is a soldier. She does not seem pleased.
I tell them a bit about the laundry set up, but also how they allocate the jobs to humans, depending on how well they do in their classes.
“It is no wonder the food is so bad if it is made by people who do not enjoy cooking.” Edilk says, causing some more laughter.
“I’m not sure even Orik could make this edible, and he has worked some wonders,” I add.
Orik grins and places his hand over his heart. He is the best cook we have.
A human man stops at our table. He wears the black uniform of the soldiers. Most humans walk by our table without stopping. They stare but try not to be caught.
Annoyance radiates off this man, like he’s looking for trouble.
We all ignore him, not wanting to be drawn into whatever argument he wants to create.
“I think it’s disgusting,” the man says.
“I agree, the food is terrible.” Edilk says without looking at him, even though we are all aware he is not talking about the food.
The man snarls. “Not the food, the way you took our women.”
“No one asked you.” Edilk sets down his fork.We do not want a fight.He adds silently to us.
We may not want to fight, but if it is brought to us, I will take the challenge.
“Are you upset that no woman has chosen you?” I ask, knowing that is not how the humans go about mating, but I don’t care. “Perhaps you need to show them why you would be a good mate.”
“What are you talking about?” The man snaps. “There are plenty of women. I don’t need to be picked by one.”
Edilk considers him for a moment. “Then why are you interested in our mates?”
“You took them and they didn’t have a choice and now you won’t let them go.”
I stand, towering over him, but keep my hands lowered even though my figure tips burn with the charge. All the humans are watching, and some of the other guards stand as if to back up their ignorant friend. “Choose your words with care, as accusing a Honey warrior of forcing a woman to be his mate is a very serious matter.” I take a step towards him. “It is our most serious crime.”
And very rare. Because what warrior wants to be bound to a woman who doesn’t want him, who will leave him to die painfully? It is why even a banished warrior is tasked only with bringing a woman back to the tribe, not returning with a mate.
“Uh.” The man steps back. His gaze darts between my brothers and their mates.
Ruby stands. “I chose a man who wanted to be mine. And I’d choose a Honey warrior over a man like you every time.”
“You’d rather have alien di–”
“You are on our world, human. You are the alien here.” I cut him off. I don’t care what he has to say. But I do care that he isn’t the only one thinking these things.
“I’d rather have a loving mate,” Ruby says. “Than a human man who is only interested in how many women he has slept with. Yeah, I know some of you are keeping tally. Weallknow.”
The human man swallows. “It shouldn’t be allowed. That’s all I’m saying.”
The others are buzzing comments in an effort to help, as if I do not understand diplomacy. “Are you suggesting that a woman shouldn’t be allowed to choose a man?”
He glares at me. “They shouldn’t be allowed to choose aliens.”
I smile. “Are you worried that if given the choice between a Honey warrior and analien, the woman will choose a Honey warrior? If that is so, you have proven yourself unworthy.”
