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Story: Lost Companion

Ranna looked at her and frowned. “Riley, you look horrible.”

“It is going to take a bit of effort to get used to the quiet of my own room. I haven’t had that kind of space for years. I kept bracing for an attack.”

Ranna paused and nodded. “I understand that.”

Riley realized what that meant and pressed her lips together. “I have questions.”

“I will answer them. Thank you for your patience.”

“So, the clothing won’t be too weird, will it?”

Ranna chuckled. “I don’t know what is normal to your senses.”

“Trousers, leggings, long sleeves, tunics that cover my butt?”

“Dresses of varying designs, undergarments to suit each design, cloaks and veils, boots as footwear.”

“Ooh. Boots. I love boots. And underwear. Mine all wore out.”

“Ah. Well, these will be nice and comfortable.”

“Well, I like you already.”

“Your Hmrain common is good.”

“I always had an easy time with languages.” She changed dialects. “I can manage formal Hmrain as well.” She switched, “Also, Arro.”

Ranna smiled. “Good. We will have to find an obscure language for you to communicate with me so that we can gossip.”

“English, a Terran language, is pretty obscure here.”

“Perhaps. Maybe Vecchin manual. It’s silent.”

“I am rarely silent.”

Ranna laughed. “I am noticing. It will be good practice. I will get you the files.”

Riley was about to get herself a cup of tea when a large green woman stomped in with bolts of fabric strapped to her back. Another female of the same species came in behind her. Ranna sipped at her tea. “Lagolian, thank you for coming so quickly. I wasn’t expecting to pick up a companion, but here she is.”

Riley grinned and curtsied then straightened and waved. “Hello, madam.”

The green woman huffed. “Here to sponge off the lady?”

“Absolutely.”

The room paused, and Ranna laughed, a bright wave of sound that stunned the locals.

Horib brought in more teacups. “She’s done that twice since she met her companion.”

Lagolian paused. “I see. Well, we need a footstool for her as I am not bending over that far.”

Riley refused to make the easy joke, but she met Ranna’s gaze, and the lady smirked.

Horib came to Ranna. “Lady, do you wish your veil?”

“No. I will no longer wear the veil and cloak in my home.”

“Very well, Lady.” Horib grinned when her back was turned to her lady, but Riley caught it.