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He leaned forward to rub his scent gland in my hair, filling the air with sage. I pulled in a deep breath, feeling at peace.

“It's going to be fine,” I murmured, “It's all going to be fine.”

Chapter 21

Opal

“...and this is Servant Citizen Osluma,” Dulsrum said, naming the last of the six Talins in the room that I hadn't met yet. “They make up the Committee for Stations and Travel. It's an extremely important committee that makes sure all ships, stations, outposts, and trade agreements meet exacting standards.”

“We don't normally all travel together,” Halmoris said. “But this is our annual off-Talarian meeting. We pick a different station to visit each time.”

“It's fortuitous that we chose the same station that your owners came to seek care for you and Human Sloane,” Milsorum said.

“I heard Human Sloane is still very ill,” Osluma said. “I'm sorry your companion is unwell.”

“It does make me sad,” I said, making an exaggerated sad face.

“Is that a frown?” Milsorum asked. “Are you angry, Human Opal?”

Before I could say anything, Halmoris spoke. “I think it's a variation on a frown, indicating unhappiness."

“Don't be unhappy,” Osluma said. “Your friend will be better soon. Talin healers are the most skilled in all the universe.”

I tried hard for a natural expression. “They are very good. I'm sure you're right.”

“That is a very pretty outfit, Human Opal,” Jorlis said, interrupting whatever Osluma was about to say. “Is it the one I sent?”

“No,” said Bomorum. “It’s orange, so it was from me. I sent her all orange items because I knew it would look good with her dark brown mane.”

“I'm not sure who gave this one to me,” I said, tugging at one of the sleeves. “But it's very nice.”

Jorlis sounded an irritated rattle and faced Bomorum. “I also sent orange items. That could be one of the ones I gave her.”

Bomorum’s quills straightened out, as if preparing for a fight. “Statistically, if I sent all orange items, then it’s more likely she chose one of my gifts.”

This was the strangest argument I’d ever witnessed.

Before those two could go further, Gislorum stepped between them.

“You’re both being juvenile. She’s pale, she needs to sit down,” Gislorum said.

They both jumped into action at Gislorum’s words.

“We’ve created a soft spot for you,” Bomorum said.

As he stepped to the side, he forced the other Talins next to him to move away, giving me a clear view of the rest of the room. Strangely, there wasn’t any furniture in the room. The floor was covered in rugs, similar to the way Tolly and the crew had used in the ship, and a mound of pillows covered in a bright blue blanket.

Tolly walked me over to the pillow. My legs weren't shaky, but I let Tolly help me sit and let out an exaggerated sigh once I was sitting.

All the other Talins remained standing, making me uncomfortable, but thankfully they all sank to the floor once Tolly sat down on the pillows behind me.

The mavens remained standing near the door. Narmuna and Lexarit walked over to sit on either side of my pillow throne.

Now that everyone was seated, they all started talking at once.

“Why are you wearing pants with your wrap garment?” Bomorum asked. “That’s unusual for a human.”

“Do you like the rugs?” Jorlis asked. “We tried to find similar ones to what is on your ship.”