Page 37 of Scales of Time
Kris laughed, and he blinked in surprise. Kris sighed. “Sorry. I don’t hiss for laughter unless I remember to do it.”
“It is fine, Nana. It was simply startling.”
“So, what do you grow here? If you have time. I mean, if you are busy, we can come another day.”
Mortetic smiled. “I have time. That is why I hire assistants. It leaves me time to take my family on tours.”
They began the tour, and Kris was so happy. The methods weren’t different, and finally, there was something that Kris could see on an alien world that had a simple comparison with Earth. They discussed tilling, composting, leaving areas fallow, and the different methods to plow and plant.
She was about to step into the aquaculture area when an amused Essan wrapped an arm around her and kept her dry.
“It is time to head to Yorness’s for dinner.”
Mortetic smiled. “You know Yorness?”
“Yes. She is how I got here. I was her bodyguard on a few worlds. Me and a friend of mine, but the friend decided to pursue her interests on a different world.”
He nodded. “I will be seeing you at the family gatherings then.”
Krist looked up at Essan. “They will?”
“Of course. Most of them make their way to the palace every five years for a celebration and introduction of new family members to me.” He hissed softly. “Guess what year this is?”
“Family-gathering year?”
“We have a month, and then, they arrive.”
Kris sighed. “Uh-huh. So, when can I call Harwin?”
“We will discuss that after dinner. Thank you for your hospitality, Mortetic. We will see you soon.”
“Oh, definitely. She is worth knowing. Finally, a woman of good sense in the arms of a Hmrain.”
Essan laughed and arranged her in his arms comfortably. “Well, we are bound to find one if we look hard enough.”
She glanced at him. “You weren’t even trying.”
“And yet, you fell into my arms.”
“You pulled me off a bird.”
“And then you were in my arms.”
“I was plastered against your chest.”
He hissed and opened his wings. “The point is I have you now.”
Essan lunged skyward, and her rebuttals and Mortetic’s amused hisses were left behind.
Time for dinner.
Chapter Eight
Kris stared at the lights and the huge amount of people milling at Yorness’s home as Essan came in for a landing. He walked to Yorness and inclined his head. “Thank you for your invitation, Yorness.”
“My pleasure, Overlord. I have invited some of my family, and they all decided to come to meet Lady Kris.”
Kris laughed and looked at Essan. “I appreciate the effort, but with this crowd, he isn’t going to be too far from me.”