* * *
The visit to Catty’s was as awkward as expected. Cattalice still didn’t say anything to Aly while she was there, and even Quongun had a hard time opening up a conversation. If nothing else, Aly scored a great dinner made by the mistress herself. It was nice getting fancier food without the need of a broken hand or feeding an adversary all day. Still, when Catty asked if it was okay for Aly to leave, she was relieved.
As the two headed back to Shanvi’s, Aly belched.
“You could say ‘pardon me,’ you know.” Catty fanned the air.
“What?” Aly rubbed her belly. “Too improper for a snob?”
“Say that again.”
“Or what? Maybe I’ll break the rest of your ribs.”
Catty offered Aly a free shot by raising her arms up. “I helped you pick up your mess today because I felt sorry for you, but don’t get the idea that I’m scared of you.”
“Truly, and do not get the idea that I am in need of your pity,” Aly countered, her cheeks flaring up.
Catty kicked a rock and whistled loudly, waking up some of the silas in their nests. “Fine. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry, all right?”
“Whatever.”
“Truth’s Grace, I’m trying to be nice! What’s with the attitude?”
“Just leave me alone.”
The mastras didn’t talk anymore on the way back into town. When they made it to Shanvi’s hut, however, they looked at each other, bewildered.
“Were there this many people here when you left?” Catty asked as she stopped.
Aly shook her head, eyeing what had to be a hundred people lingering outside her hut with caution. She paused when everyone stopped talking and stared at her.
“Uh uh.” Catty shoved Aly through the crowd. “I don’t even want to be out here. Pardon me, Masters and Mastras. Excuse me, and excuse you.”
When they made it through the door, Catty turned around and slammed it behind her, sighing as if she had just evaded a monster outside.
Shanvi came out of the kitchen to see who it was. “Oh. I didn’t hear you approaching.”
Catty tilted her head and Aly raised a brow.
“What?” they both said.
“Sorry. I was concentrating on… Thank you for walking her home, Catty.”
“Of course, Master Shanvi.” Catty bowed, but still looked bewildered. She looked and pointed over her shoulder with her thumb. “If I may, is there any reason why there’s a crowd outside?”
Shanvi glared at the door. “No, there isn’t. Excuse me.” He went and opened it, and cleared his throat. “Truly, did I not say this already? We be closed. Be well!” He slammed the door and sighed as he heard the crowd disperse.
Catty and Aly looked at each other. Shanvi pressed his back against the door, grumbling to himself. Then he froze as the Little Ones stared.
“Catty, why not stay for the night? It’s been a while since you’ve done that, anyways. I’ll make your favorite.”
Catty rolled her eyes and took a seat at the counter. “You people are so weird.”
* * *
Evaluations of the Tribe - Prossia Book 0 : A Coming of Age Space Opera Page 19
