Shady

“As if you ever talk to me,” Rana scoffed. Talked at her, sure. Lectured her, no doubt. But she wasn’t sure he’d ever talked to her once in her life. ...

“I don’t have to come in.” Ki’nuu shrugged. “I just came to chit-chat.” And she wasn’t at all surprised the little man misconstrued that.

“You can’t just announce you’re going to force me to get married and then expect me not to have questions about it!” Rana protested, the entirety of her focus on ...

“What is that supposed to mean?” She scoffed, anxiety clutching her gut. “Who are they? I don’t want an arranged marriage.”

“It is.” Ki’nuu stood and wiped her hands on her trousers. “How are you?”

That did nothing at all to make her feel better. Rana got her coughing under control and looked at her father, bewildered. “What?” Lia still thought it was a good ...

Ki’nuu squatted down to draw in the dirt as she waited.

“That’s only three years older than you!” Lia looked at Rana. “Maybe less, even, depending on when his birthday is.” “…so?” Rana glanced over at her with a furrowed brow, ...

Ki’nuu wrinkled her nose but stopped, deciding not to risk it. Who knew what Tove may have waiting in terms of charms or unwelcome surprises. “Be quick.”

Gods, this was painful. It was taking every fiber of Rana’s self-control not to react in word or expression. “How old is Lord Tarr?” Lia asked.

(I may — we will see how it goes) Rana furrowed her brow but quickly corrected it, not looking up, and hid most of her face with her mug. She ...

“Yes, stay away from the fire,” she muttered, even though she knew that wasn’t what he meant. They were nearing the cottage now and she wasn’t sure what to do. ...

Aaand there it was. Rana swallowed down the quip that came to mind and poured herself some tea to busy her hands and hopefully keep herself out of trouble. (You ...

(Ooh yes that’s true! I miss them) Rana glanced at her, then away, considering this. Perhaps Loquitur was a decent human after all. A scarcity amongst men, and especially amongst ...

“And she wouldn’t be upset with you for terrorizing her neighbors?” Ki’nuu asked flatly.