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“But, these aren’t all hanjins,” she pointed out, without raising her fingers to point. Instead she jerked her head in the direction of the older women.
Sava briefly glared at Elga before replying, “No. This Yulta is open to all that are sponsored.”
“Sponsored,” Paige said, after reflecting hard on the word to grasp its meaning.
“You are sponsored by the senator, as we are by ours. Each woman must have a male sponsor or they are charged an extortionate fee. Only those owning businesses can afford to come without sponsorship.”
“But, if they’re not all hanjins, why are they naked? Don’t their… sponsors mind?” Would Jamen worry if she stripped off and went for a swim?
“Why would anyone mind? Women are free to bathe,” Elga said, rolling her eyes to the dome. “Do not humans prize freedom?”
“Jamen told me that I represent him and should act accordingly.”
“Jamen isn’t here, is he?” Elga said with a shrug. “Or are you afraid of him?”
Paige opened her mouth to snap an answer back—she wasn’t afraid of him or anyone, but Sava beat her to it.
“If you do not wish to swim, then don’t. There’s plenty of other things to do.” Sava took her hand and led her toward a doorway.
Paige heard tinkling. “Music!” She hurried away from Elga and opened the door.
Inside, behind a curtain of potted plants and lit by soft lighting, was a small group of women singing and tapping out rhythms on drums and what appeared to be various stringed instruments fashioned from a metallic substance that created a tinny and exotic sound.
Sava followed her in, but Elga stayed outside.
“I thought the Vendu disliked music,” Paige said to Sava as they remained on the fringes listening. The melody wasn’t as tuneful as a good song from Earth, but it had harmony and a sweetness to it.
Sava blushed slightly. “It is the men, especially the warriors, who consider music unnecessary. A distraction. Women find it soothing.”
Paige wondered about other things she’d been told, about the lack of books and theaters, and that fierce combats were glamorized for the masses to enjoy. However, before she could ask, the music ended and Sava went over to join the group. She picked up a string instrument with a long neck and rounded bottom, and slowly strummed the three strings.
Paige settled on a nearby couch, closed her eyes and relaxed. The music circled the room, picking up singing voices and drifted into her ears. She could come to like this respite a lot.
Sava bowed out of the group after two more pieces and stirring Paige from her daydreaming, the two of them returned to the pool area.
“There.” Sava pointed across a few heads to the far end of the pool.
Elga was swimming, her tattooed arms sweeping over her head in the style of a crawl. When she reached the end of the pool closest to Paige, she spotted the pair and waved. Then, she climbed out of the pool and shook out her hair. The dispersed droplets trickled down her wet body, and their glistening reflections highlighted her tattoos. Elga picked up a towel and wandered over to join them.
She grinned at Paige. “You don’t have a tattoo, do you? Is that why you are ashamed of nudity? Nothing to show for it?”
Paige wanted to slap her. If only Elga knew that back on Earth in the Bow and Tie she stripped off and let people spank her behind until it was bright red—how about that for a tattoo! Instead she gritted her teeth and ignored the remark.
“I’m not in the mood,” she said, swiveling on her toes to face Sava. “Is there food anywhere?” she asked, keen for an alternative venue.
Paige wasn’t hungry nor was she relaxed. The music might have chilled her out, but not any longer. Sava suggested they relocate to another part of the Yulta. While they waited for Elga to dress, Sava tried to reassure Paige.
“She’s struggling to adapt to
her new role. Lapak is a demanding male and very busy. He’s not had much time to… spend with her.” Sava glanced away, her cheeks turning a little pink.
Paige hid her smile of delight. So, Elga wasn’t getting enough attention and was envious of Paige. That might explain some of the attitude, but not all. Why blame Paige if it was somebody else’s fault?
The salon Sava chose to visit next was similar to a restaurant, except they helped themselves to food from a counter. Nobody came to serve them, or take money. The food itself was delicious and tasty, much more so than what Jamen offered Paige. She wished she could bring him into the Yulta.
Licking her lips, she realized that she was missing him. Jamen was her rock upon which she anchored herself. He was the one person who understood her and how strange it felt to be on an alien world. He would hold her hand, squeeze it from time to time, kiss her cheek, and remind her she was capable of anything she put her mind to. He was both her guardian and her lover. She needed both, especially when Elga shot her barbed scowls of displeasure.
“Next time we come here, I’ll swim,” she announced abruptly. “Now that I know I need to be naked. I’ll ask Jamen’s permission.” She thought that sounded like a fair excuse to wait.
