Page 13 of Grulen

“I am on my way, Lieutenant.Females, it was a pleasure to meet you.”Grulen nodded and left, his tail swaying.He looked forward to learning more about the new females.

A couple days later, Grulen walked with Lady Rachel from the training area to the dining area.They saw the tiny one with short dark hair and eyes ahead of them in the corridor.

Lady Rachel called, “Lin.Wait up.”

Lady Lin pivoted and waited for them.

Grulen grinned.

“Good day, Lady Lin.May we escort you to the dining area?”

“Thank you, Jevax.Hi, Rachel.”Lady Lin gave them a small smile, but he scented her fear.

Grulen leveled a hard look at the other males.“Rovex, Sproid, Mantoor.You were not bothering Lady Lin, were you?”

Lerix Sproid met Grulen’s stare.

“We just wanted to talk to her.”

“About what?”

Klero Rovex growled.“None of your business.”

Grulen crossed his arms.

“Do not pester the females.”His nose twitched when Lady Lin’s scent became even more acrid.

“We just wanted to ask if her small stature was common on her planet for grown females,” Nerid Mantoor said placatingly.He nodded to Lady Lin.“Truly, we meant no harm.”

Lady Rachel looked at the males.

“There are grown females even shorter than Lin, while there are others taller than me.Human females are all sorts of shapes and sizes.”

Mantoor nodded.“Thank you.”

Lady Rachel’s eyes narrowed.

“Perhaps you should come to me if you have any questions in the future.”

“As you wish,” said Sproid, unsmiling.“Enjoy your midday meal.”He and his friends continued.

Grulen gestured to the women to precede him.

“After you, ladies.Let’s go see what culinary delights Previv has made for us this day.”He lowered his voice and tilted his head downward.“I’m sorry you were uncomfortable, Lady Lin.”

Lady Lin smiled and bobbed her head.

”I know I get frightened easily, Jevax.Unfortunately, I’m used to it.”

Grulen frowned and his tail began to move in agitation.

“A female should never feel scared.”

“Relax,” said Lady Rachel with a smile.“There’s no threat here.”

“Let’s just go eat, please,” said Lady Lin.

Once they got their food, Grulen left them to sit with other Svesti, while Ladies Lin and Rachel headed to the table where Ladies Ava and Emmy were sitting.The women exchanged greetings while getting situated.

---