If that isn’t a depressing question, I don’t know what is. “I don’t really think I have any.”
“Truly?”
“Truly.”
“We will have to find you something then.”
Chapter 7
Ortak
Krijese are not social creatures. We do not sit around having conversations with one another. This is one more thing we have adapted from the Tavikhi. Now, we often spend time seated at the central fire for the evening meal with the elders and converse about our hunts and tell stories of our pasts. Of course, I do not often participate. I am more of a listener than someone who speaks.
Sorin has never been a quiet kit. This is something that has rubbed off on Gannen in the last few sun cycles. Before that, he was soft-spoken, almost never raising his voice to be heard. He would speak only when spoken to, and even then, it would only be a few words. However, he is more like Kala’s kit. Always saying whatever is on his mind without regret and often without thought. The way he is with Elodie right now.
I should step in, caution him, and yet, I cannot. Because otherwise there would be silence, since my tongue has ceased working. I have no trouble conversing with Kala or any of ourelders, but when it comes to this human female, my words have dried up.
“The shefir has invited us to stay for the midday meal,” Gannen is now mentioning. “You should come eat with us at the central fire. It is better than eating alone in the healer’s tent, is it not?”
Elodie laughs, and it is such a pleasing sound to my ears. “Yes, I’m sure it is, but it’s also quite a bit of distance from here, isn’t it? As much as I hate to admit it, I’m still a little weak from my accident and I’m not sure I’d be able to make it all the way there.”
As if it was his plan all along, Gannen gestures at me. “Gogo can carry you the rest of the way.”
Elodie’s chest and all the way up her face turn several shades of color.
“Gannen, cease.” I turn to Elodie. “I apologize for any discomfort my kit has caused.”
She holds up her hand. “You don’t have to apologize. His lack of filter is…refreshing in a way. That’s one thing you can pretty much always count on, and that’s kids saying whatever. As long as it’s not cruel or unkind, Gannen is welcome to speak his mind even if it brings a slight bit of embarrassment my way.”
“You are far too kind.”
“Eh.” Elodie shrugs. “I was a kid once and spent most of my childhood being censored and told I needed to talk less. Like anything I had to say was useless and unimportant. I don’t ever want another kid to feel that way.”
“I am sorry that happened to you.” Until this female arrived in our lives, I have always encouraged Gannen to talk since he used to do far too little of it.
She waves me off. “It was a long time ago.”
That does not mean it ceases to hurt. “Well, as my kit volunteered, I am able to carry you the distance if you need me to. Or I can ask one of the Tavikhi warriors to do so if you do not wish for me to assist you.”
Most of the color has faded from Elodie’s face, but some still remains. “With your help, I’ll hop as far as I can go and if need be, I’ll take you up on the offer.”
I incline my head. “Whatever you choose.”
Gannen carefully lays his hand on Elodie’s arm. “I did not mean any offense.”
She tugs her arm out from underneath him and wraps it around his shoulders, pulling him into her side and squeezing him. “I know you didn’t. How about next time, though, you ask a person their preference instead of telling them what’s going to happen, okay? We got a deal?”
He nods. “Aye.”
“Good. Now, how about you tell me what you’ve been doing since you left here the other day? You haven’t found anybody else in one of those holes in the ground have you?” she asks.
Gannen laughs. It is a rough, guttural sound that sounds like rocks rubbing together, but it is a joyous noise. He has had far too little happiness in his life.
“No one else has been as unlucky as you,” he tells Elodie.
“Good thing. I’m sure one clumsy human falling and breaking her leg is enough. Poor Sage shouldn’t have to put up with another one of me.”
“Poor Sage can handle it.” The female in question laughs and approaches with a lavender kit on her hip.
