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Kate
I awoke to the sound of Alya already bustling around the small dwelling, preparing breakfast. My body ached, still not fully recovered from the crash landing. The thin mattress on the floor offered little comfort, but I was grateful for Alya’s kindness in taking me in.
As I changed into the simple Surlon dress Alya had given me, I glanced around the modest home. Woven tapestries and clay pots decorated the walls. A small fire pit occupied the center, with ventilation shafts above to filter out the smoke.
Alya smiled warmly as I joined her. “Eat up, you’ll need your strength today. We have much work ahead.”
I nodded, mouth full of the sweet root vegetable porridge she had prepared. The Surlons subsisted on simple fare - grains, tubers, meats, and eggs. Nothing fancy, but it filled the belly.
After the meal, Alya led me outside into the bright sunlight. I squinted against the harsh glare. Twin suns beat down, already heating the air. Alya seemed unaffected.
All around us, Surlon women and children were emerging from dwellings, ready to take on the day’s chores. Alya introduced me to each one. The initial reactions were a mix of curiosity and distrust. I tried to smile reassuringly.
Alya showed me the large garden plot where the women grew food for the village. “As you get stronger, you can help tend the crops,” she explained. The children were tasked with collecting eggs from the hen-like creatures scratching around.
Next we stopped by a creek flowing nearby. Several women were washing laundry in the cool water. Alya found me a spare scrub brush. I joined them on my knees, scrubbing diligently at the pile of muddy clothes. The woman next to me kept side-eyeing me warily. I focused on my work, hoping to prove myself useful.
By mid-morning, the suns beat down intensely. The Surlon women erected canvas shades to shelter the children during lessons. I sat nearby, listening as Alya taught the youngsters about their myths and customs. They stole curious glances at me while Alya spoke.
Alya then led the children in practicing their psychic connections with the siroccos. My lack of abilities became glaringly apparent as I failed to make any sort of contact with the creatures. The Surlons’ natural bonds with their animals remained mystifying to me.
After the lessons ended, Alya showed me the loom where several women wove fabrics. She guided my hands in the intricate process, interlacing the threads over and under. I picked it up quickly, falling into an easy rhythm. Alya nodded approvingly.
We broke for a midday meal of foraged fruits and cheese. As we ate, I asked Alya about her people’s customs surrounding family and marriage. She spoke fondly of her husband, Rorn, a hunter.
The afternoon brought more tasks - preparing preserves from foraged fruits, stitching leather garments, shaping clay into bowls and urns. I immersed myself in the work, embracing the opportunity to learn.
At one point, Vala joined us, silently taking up pruning shears to harvest medicinal plants. She kept her distance from me, her dislike evident. Apparently, she wasn’t totally sold on me yet. I tried engaging her in light conversation, but she only answered tersely without meeting my eyes.
As we carried baskets of plants to the healer’s house, I stumbled on the rocky path, dropping my load. Vala let out an irritated huff, glaring at me while she scooped up the spilled foliage. “You don’t belong here,” she muttered under her breath.
It stung because I’d believed that I’d really begun to win her over. I bit my tongue, stung by her words. She wasn’t entirely wrong. I was like a puzzle piece hammered into the wrong spot. But I had no intention of giving up so easily.
Dusk fell, the air cooling rapidly. Alya brought me to a large fire pit where villagers were gathered, ready to unwind after the day’s work. The smells of roasting meat and wood smoke filled the air.
***
I made my way over to where Kian was sitting with some of the other men, enjoying the evening fire. He looked up warily as I approached.
“Kian, I was hoping to ask a favor,” I began. “I’d really love to learn how to ride one of the siroccos. It seems so integral to your culture, and I want to understand it better.”
Kian studied me for a moment before answering. “It’s true a bond with the siroccos is important. But they are sacred creatures, not simple beasts of burden.”
I nodded. “I understand completely. I would treat the experience with the utmost respect. I simply want to learn more about your ways.”
Kian considered this. “Very well. We leave at first light on a hunting trip. When I return in two suns, I can begin giving you lessons.”
My face lit up. “Thank you! I look forward to it.” I hesitated before adding, “Will I be allowed to join the hunt someday as well?”
Kian raised an eyebrow. “Most of our women stay behind to tend the village. But I suppose if you are set on learning our ways, you may join a hunt one day. A few women do participate.”
I bristled slightly at this, but tried to keep my tone light. “On my world, both men and women hunt. I was one of the best shots in my training crew.”
“Is that so?” Kian smirked. “Well, you are not among your people now. Our roles have been set for generations.”
“Maybe your ways could use some changing,” I suggested boldly. “If women hunted too, just think how much more food the village could produce.”
Kian’s expression darkened. “Our traditions serve us well. We have survived this harsh land for centuries by maintaining order. Be grateful we allow an outsider such as yourself to remain among us.”
