She glanced down and brushed her hair again into her eyes.
He swung his weapon around and rested it at his side. "Do you mind if I continue?"
"Have fun. Will it bother you if I watch?"
"No. We can speak if you like." He started moving through his motions again, and in an unexpected twist, he realized he liked her being there and knowing that she was watching him.
"What did you want to find that was better?" she asked as she sat in a chair on the far side of the room, out of his immediate strike zone.
"This place. It is small. More for a single Kantenan. It is not supportive for a mated couple and potential children."
"What is wrong with it?"
He glanced over his shoulder at her. "It has no personality."
She smiled. "Well, personality can be created."
"There are homes more appropriate for us to live in. I think you will like them. Very secure. Near other families and with access to things a growing family would need."
"Are you thinking a little too far ahead? We have not even created a child yet."
"I am a scientist. It is in my nature to think around a situation."
"I suppose so," she replied. "Would we live near your family?"
"Possibly. If we could find a residence in that province. But I do not think it is necessary. Unless that is important to you."
She chuckled. "This is your world. These are your people. My people are scattered. My family is gone. You are going to be my family now, I guess. So, I will follow your customs and rules." She sipped on her drink. "Within reason, of course."
This did give him pause. "Within reason?"
"I may not be the most attractive--"
"You very much are, and I dislike you thinking otherwise--"
She brought up her hand. "Now, listen. I know I'm more plain and ordinary compared to others. I am fine with it. I mean that there are certain things that I will not do for anyone, you included."
"Which are?"
"I will not be disrespected or demeaned. In any form."
"I would never--"
"Many have said they never would do a thing and wind up doing it anyway. Let me establish my rules. No disrespect or demeaning."
"You have my vow."
"Good. And I promise you the same. I will not disrespect or demean you. You are my mate, and I am willing to respect you. Already you have shown me a great deal of kindness I have received from very few. All I ask is some leniency as I learn your customs and proper protocols."
"Of course. I know you were given some information, there is nuance in any culture that has to be learned by being there, and that cannot be translated into a class." He didn't expect her to be a perfect Kantenan upon meeting. He expected her to learn their customs as they went along.
She nodded. "Then we understand each other." She leaned back in the chair and watched him. "So, tell me about your weapon and why it is so important."
He spun it around. "It is a family heirloom."
He started to tell her all the little details about it as he walked through his workout.
He spun around, twisting the blade in a rather impressive arc, and when he glanced at her, he realized she had fallen asleep on the chair.
