We entered a second cavern lit with torches that lined the room. If the other room was for people to get away from sensory overload then this room was for people to find it. There were three hunters in the cavern and every sound they made echoed loudly off the curved walls and high ceiling.
There was a pit in the center of the room where two hunters were wrestling each other, using each muscle to its maximum capacity to pin the other down.
Another hunter sat in a basin much like the one in the other cavern but as I drew closer I spotted some ice in the water.
“The cold helps break the cycle of anxiety that Brexl sometimes feels overwhelmed by. It also helps the other hunters cool down after they’ve been sparing.”
“Where do they get the ice?”
“We gather large chunks of it from the top of the mountain where it is always cold and the snow never melts.”
I shivered at the thought of such a trek.
“The hunters that enjoy this cavern also enjoy the challenge that the trek up the mountain provides.”
“I see.” Again I was impressed with the ingenuity and thoughtfulness of Tarak and his dekes.
“What is the purpose of this room?” I asked as I looked around and saw what looked like a rock climbing wall as well as large wooden blocks that lined one of the walls.
“Some of my hunters need to get away from the noise and light, while others seek it out. They need to push their bodies to the limit to help them work through their feelings and to let loose the energy that bottles up inside them.”
“That makes sense. I know a few people back on Earth who could use spaces like these.”
I covered my mouth as I yawned. It had been a long day, and I didn’t have a watch, but it certainly felt like it was getting late.
“You must be tired. Come, I will show you where you will sleep.”
I was surprised when Tarak led me back to his cave. I didn’t want to impose on his space, but maybe there weren’t any empty caves available.
“You will sleep in my furs and I will sleep here.” Tarak pulled some extra fur blankets from a basket and laid them out on the floor.
“I can’t let you sleep on the floor. You’ve been so kind to me, you should sleep on your bed and I’ll sleep on the floor.”
Tarak shook his head, “It is decided: you will sleep there, and I will sleep here.” He turned his back to me as he rummaged through another basket.
“Here, this is for your hair.” He handed me a silk drawstring cloth.
I watched in amazement as he placed the cloth on his head, pulled the draw strings down and tied them at the nape of his neck. He tucked any loose strands of his thick brown hair into the cloth and turned to me.
I couldn’t believe it. This man was wearing a bonnet to bed. Lord, I didn't think Tarak could get any more perfect, but it turns out I was wrong.
“Do you need me to show you how to use it?” Tarak asked since I had not yet made any move to tuck my 3c curls into the bonnet that was still in my hands.
I didn’t need help but I was not going to stop this man from putting on my bonnet for me.
“Yes please.” My voice came out raspier than I had expected and I coughed to try to cover up how affected I was by this blue alien male in this moment.
Tarak moved to my side and ever so gently laid the cloth on top of my head and tucked my hair into the bonnet as he pulled the drawstrings down. He gently tied the strings at the nape of my neck and his fingers lingered on my neck for a long moment before he pulled himself away.
“Not everyone on Earth wears hair coverings so it’s nice that you guys do.”
Tarak shot me a confused look. “Why wouldn’t they? A covering keeps the hair healthy.”
“Humans have a variety of hair and cultures, and not everyone wants to wear one,” I explained.
“That is foolishness. Sirrets have different kinds of hair but we all wear coverings.”
He had a point there. “It’s just a cultural thing I guess.”
