I look over at her, reminded again of just how little she knows about the wider universe. "From the way you look, I would guess there are billions of them in you, doing things I didn't even know were possible. Plus, of course, your translator."
"Is that why my throat hurts like a fiery pit in the ground sometimes?"
"Yes. It's been used for millennia and has always been painful."
She mutters some more of her human curses but doesn't continue the conversation.
Flight-capable creatures call out to each other, and the rustling of leaves creates a soothing backdrop. The path we follow is uneven, the ground covered in roots and fallen branches, but it's manageable.
We descend into a small valley not far from from the forest's edge, the air thickening with humidity as we delve deeper into it.
Impatience niggles at me. The oppressive quiet is grating on my nerves. "I have to admit, Kira," I rumble, breaking the silence, "your fighting instincts are impressive."
She shoots me a sideways glance, a look etched on her face I haven't seen before. "Just my instincts, huh?" she snarks.
"There's finesse there," I concede, "a certain efficiency. Not what I'd expect from such a fragile creature."
There's a flash of movement as her hand darts out, the middle finger extended in what I assume must be an obscene gesture.
"What's that mean?"
Kira rolls her eyes, the exasperation evident. "Never mind," she mutters, shoving the offending digit back into the company of its brethren.
I frown, the movement shifting my forehead spines together.
Did I offend her?
My gaze flickers to the bandages wrapped around her stomach, a silent reminder of the creature we just faced. Perhaps I was too blunt in my assessment.
Or maybe it's that little episode from this morning, the one involving a dull knife, a rather dramatic haircut, and pink threads dangling from my mouth
It seemed like the right thing to do at the time, and the memory of it brings back the tantalizing scent.
Feeling a pang of something I can't name—an unfamiliar and unwelcome sensation—I decide to give her some space.
But apologizing? Not a chance.
My pride, an age-old trait baked into the very ground of our planet and culture, forbids it. Not for this, at least.
Besides, what do I even apologize for?
For the hundredth time since we were thrust together, I find myself pondering the enigma that is Kira.
This small, seemingly fragile creature harbors a wellspring of aggression that would put even the fiercest Maj'Ra to shame. How can something so physically delicate possess such a potent fighting spirit?
Natural evolution truly does work in the strangest of ways.
An irritated huff from beside me snaps me out of my internal monologue and I pay better attention to our surroundings. I can hear and smell water.
Maybe if I pose my compliment like a question, it will be better received.
"Where did you learn to fight so effectively?"
We walk for a while longer and I keep myself from adding any more. She'll answer if she wants. When she wants. The path grows steeper and more treacherous, and we choose our steps more carefully.
Finally, the dense foliage parts, revealing a sight that makes my hide shiver in appreciation. A clear stream cascades down a smooth rock face, forming a deep pool at its base. Sunlight glints off the surface of the water.
The sight of water is welcome. Maybe it will wash off the last of my unease.
