the fire, with an open section for access to the fire itself.
“Why are we using the table today?” I ask, setting newly picked leaves to stand in as plates in front of each place.
“Delyah wanted it,” Caroline says. “I like it. We have too few parties in this place.”
I side-eye Jennifer, who’s innocently distributing cups and making sure not to look at me. “Did someone maybe tell her something?”
She shrugs. “Maybe. Hey, it’s the first real date anyone has had in this village. We all want it to be good.”
I groan. “Oh no. Does everyone know?”
“Pretty much!” Jennifer cheerfully confirms. “Do you know, Caroline?”
“About Dolly’s date with Brank’ox? Sure. We all like that guy. We want him to feel welcome.”
I carefully place a wooden spoon by each leaf. “So now it’s a big deal and all? Everyone will be watching and analyzing?”
“Nobody will analyze anything. And some of the guys will have dinner at this campfire tonight, too. Just so he has someone to talk to. Apart from you, I mean. Might be weird if he were the only male here.”
I shrug. Not much I can do about it now. “All right. If my date goes to hell, I can blame all of you.”
“Deal,” Caroline agrees. “But it won’t. Here, take these napkins…”
An hour later most of the girls are here, and a couple of the cavemen have joined us.
The very second the sun has dropped below the horizon exactly halfway, a large man with luminous pink stripes comes walking with easy steps. Everyone watches as I get to my feet. The butterflies are going crazy.
“Good evening,” Brank’ox rumbles, and the other girls respond in kind.
I indicate the space next to mine. “Welcome, Brank’ox. Won’t you sit here?”
He does, and then the conversation picks up again among the other girls.
“How are you?” I ask softly.
He smells of soap and he has tried to smooth down his unruly hair with water. He has obviously shaved, too.
“Rested, thank you. Is it my imagination, or did everyone here expect me?”
“They did. Someone told them you were coming, so they put up the table. They mean well. You are the guest of honor.”
He nods. “That’s nice of them. And of you.”
“It was the least I could do after you kept me safe for so long.”
I don’t know what more to say. Last time he was here, he was mostly quiet and left after he was done eating. I should have prepared something. When we were alone in Old Bune, there was less pressure and I felt much more free. But still I’m proud to be sitting next to Brank’ox. He’s just plain impressive.
“Swordmaster,” Chief Brax’tan calls from across the fire. “How are the new recruits coming along?”
“Well enough, Chief,” Brank’ox rumbles. “They’re young and inexperienced, but they have great spirit. Some of them will become fine slayers.”
“We will need them,” the chief says. “Train them well.”
“Of course, Chief.”
Silence.
Jennifer excuses herself and leaves, going towards the food stores.
“Have you been on patrols lately?” I ask lamely.
“I have,” Brank’ox says. “The dragons are keeping away. Mostly.”
“Good. Good. As long as they stay away.”
Jennifer returns with a small pot that I think contains not-tequila. “Let’s have a drink, everyone. Celebrate… um… the soap! That Dolly made. Yeah. It’s a few days since she did, but now we’ve all used it, we know it’s good. So we can safely celebrate it. Just wait, I’ll pour for you all:”
She makes sure Brank’ox and I get our booze first, and we both take a quick sip.
“Mmm,” Brank’ox growls. “Reminds me of the night in the alien… thing.”
I wipe my mouth. “Yeah. That was a nice evening.”
“A nice evening and night.”
“And morning,” I add after another sip.
“And afternoon.” He gives me a little glance.
I smile up at him. “You know, I think maybe the afternoon was my favorite part of that day.”
“Mine, too.”
He’s so close, and his scent is so appealing. What if I put my hand on his thigh? Can anyone see that?
Before I know it, he has put his on mine. I place my hand on top of his and squeeze the fingers in secret support.
Ah. That instantly cured the awkwardness. I must make a note of that.
After Jennifer’s not-tequila, the dinner gradually turns into a pretty jolly event, with loud laughter and a little bit of singing as the girls lose their inhibitions, which are never that strong, anyway.
I finally lean over to Brank’ox. “Let’s go somewhere else,” I whisper.