"I'm afraid we won't be departing yet," Graydon said with a smile devoid of warmth or humor. It was raw, holding all the savagery of a warrior. It said he'd be happy to do this dance with Roderick because he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, he'd come out the winner in the end. "Until Kira is formally claimed, she remains under the emperor's protection."
Roderick straightened, his frown fierce.
A shuttle roared into sight above. It hovered over the wide field they stood on before lowering and touching down softly.
"How many of your oshota are you expecting us to House?" Roderick asked, his eyebrows lowered in displeasure.
"Only those present. However, several humans traveled with us," Graydon said before Roderick could relax. "They wanted to ensure their friend was settled and to provide a reminder of home in this difficult time."
Kira fought her smile as Graydon made the same argument Kira had moments before, insinuating the child would be extremely troubled so far from the comforts and people of home. It seemed she wasn't the only one who found Roderick obnoxious.
She never would have guessed how irritated Graydon had been with the Curs’ presence if she hadn't seen his expression when they first came on board.
The lines on Roderick's face deepened, ire showing as he spat several sentences in his native language. Graydon responded in kind.
Kira wished she knew what was being said.
"You getting anything interesting?" Kira asked Jin, still in Japanese.
On her end, she was catching every other word. She'd made an effort to study the Tuann language during the journey from O'Riley to Ta Da'an. She'd made some progress given she was a quick learner with a knack for languages. To date, she could speak four and read six if you counted binary code.
Jin was even better than Kira at picking up new languages. A fact she attributed to his processing power and people ignoring him because they thought he was only a machine.
"Something about how the humans shouldn't be here. He had no right to bring them into their House," Jin said. He paused for a moment. "He's now saying the Luatha will hold Graydon responsible if anything should happen."
"I'd like to know why they hate humans so much," Kira said, not taking her eyes from the two men.
Himoto had explained some of the reasons for the strained relations, but that couldn't be all of it. There had to be more to the story.
Another question she should have asked Himoto before accepting this assignment.
Kira fell silent, becoming aware of the Luatha looking her over, their thoughts and conclusions hard to read on their inexpressive faces.
"Fine, you win. I don't care what you do with the humans as long as they don't get in our way," Roderick spat. He stabbed a finger at Kira. "She will stay with us. The humans stay with you."
Graydon spared Kira a glance before giving Roderick an abrupt nod.
Roderick grimaced, looking no happier about winning the skirmish before barking several abrupt words at his people. He stalked away.
Graydon waited until Kira stopped next to him, keeping an eye on their not so thrilled escort. His expression remained carefully neutral, though if Kira had to hazard a guess, he wasn't entirely happy with the turn of events.
"Charming bunch you're saddling me with," she said.
Graydon made a small sound of agreement. "They're the oshota for Luatha House. The safety of their House and all those who fall under it are their first priority. You and your friends challenge their purpose."
"Me? A child? I am a threat?" Kira touched her chest in feigned shock. She dropped the pretenses, turning serious. "How insecure."
"Even a child can kill, given the right circumstances," Graydon said mildly.
The emotion left Kira's face. "Yes, yes they can."
She had firsthand experience with that fact. She was just surprised Graydon understood.
His gaze was sharp and piercing, a question lingering in his eyes. Like the smart man he was, he stayed silent, not voicing it. Now wasn't the time or place.
"And as you made so clear from our first meeting, you're not exactly a child," Graydon said wryly.
Kira's sidelong look was sly.
"You would be smart to let them think what they will," Graydon said, raising both eyebrows.
Kira's paused, understanding the warning.
"That's a mighty fine cape he had. Very spiffy," she said, changing the subject. She gave Graydon a once over, taking in the defined muscles even his armor couldn't fully hide. "Why don't you have one like that?"
Graydon's lip curled. "His cape is ridiculous. An opponent can grab it and strangle him with it. No other weapons necessary."
Kira tried to choke back the laugh trying to escape. She was fighting a losing battle, his incredulous expression at her comment too funny to resist.
Graydon watched her with a frown, his jaw ticking.
Kira managed to compose herself, saying with a semi-straight face, "But you would look so dashing."
"All the girls would worship at your feet," Jin assured him.
Graydon's face turned slightly disgusted as he shook his head. He strode off, saying over his shoulder, "Come. Roderick won't be patient long."
"I would like to see him in a cape as well," Amila murmured in an undertone to Kira.
Kira sputtered, losing the battle against her mirth.
A woman took the opportunity to approach. She wore a simple dress and her hair was bound in an unadorned tail down her back. She was the only one on the field besides Kira not wearing synth armor.
"Lady, my name is Ayela. I've been assigned to carry your things," she said in accented standard. Her smile was polite as she bowed her head diffidently.
"You're off the hook then," Jin said, sounding bored.
Confusion shown on Ayela's face.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have anything for you to carry," Kira explained.
Ayela's mouth opened in a small O. "How could your people send you so far with nothing? That is barbarous."
Kira's smile grew forced at the accusation implied there. "I chose to come like this."
Ayela blinked, aware she’d slipped somewhere. "I'm sorry, lady. I meant no offense."
Kira buried her emotions. "None taken. If you'll excuse me, I don't want to fall behind."
"Oh, but—I'm supposed to escort you." Ayela's protest fell on deaf ears as Kira strode away.
"Will all of your people think of humans as barbarians?" Kira asked Amila as they followed the path Graydon had taken.
Amila hesitated. Her silence confirmed Kira’s suspicion.
Kira frowned. If they thought of humans as less than themselves, the same sentiment would filter to Kira since she had spent considerable time among them.
"Not many will be so bold as to do so to your face," Amila admitted. "Strange, that one of her station would be so rude."
Kira didn't comment as she caught up to Graydon and the others.
At the edge of the clearing, she paused, giving the second shuttle a long look where it waited, not having disgorged its passengers yet.
"Leave them," Graydon ordered, instantly setting Kira's back up again.
She sent him a hard look. Not this again.