Page 94 of Grulen

“I’ll meet you outside.”She wandered out the kitchen door and smiled.I didn’t know there was a firepit and grill out here.We’ll have to use them.

She found a couple chairs and moved them closer to the firepit.Locating the firewood pile, she grabbed a couple logs and arranged them in the center of the pit.She raided a box of kindling and added her find to the pit.I’ll wait and see if Grulen wants to have the fire now or later.

His fangs gleamed in the sunlight as he held up two bottles.

“Estalan liquor.One smoky, the other sweet.”

“Oh, the good stuff.”

“Yes.”He placed the bottles on the small table between the chairs.“I forgot glasses.”

“I’ll get them.If you want a fire now, feel free to light it now.”

“Let’s wait until the air cools a little.”

“Okay.”She made quick work of finding glasses.Deciding to grab a throw from the living area for when the temperature dropped, she tossed it over her arm and returned.Taking the empty seat, she placed the glasses on the table and the colorful afghan over the back of her chair.

“Which one?”He arched an eyebrow.

“How about smoky?”

“As you wish,ciebala.”He poured some in the glasses and handed one to her.

She swirled it and sniffed.Oh, this smells divine.I hope it takes as good.

Taking a small sip, she moaned as the full-bodied liquid slid smoothly down her throat.It reminded her of some of the best whiskey on Earth.

“This is wonderful.”

“I agree.”He took another sip.“What did you think of Phoenix House?”

“They did an awesome job making it a safe, enjoyable home for the children.I can see a lot of human influence in some of the setup.”

“How so?”

“Well, Emmy grew up in foster care and it was her idea to have multiple bedrooms with their own sanitary facilities instead of dormitory style rooms.They prioritized everyone feeling they have their own safe space over ease of maintenance or oversight.That tells me their primary mission isn’t just to keep them safe, healthy, and educated, but they want them to thrive and be loved.”Morgan hummed as she swirled her liquor.“And the smaller seating areas in the dining area and elsewhere makes me believe one of the women probably suggested it.”

His brows drew together.

“Why?”

“Most large institutions on Earth tend to go with long tables and benches or chairs to accommodate big groups.When I was in high school, neurodivergent needs began receiving a lot of attention.”

“Neurodivergent?I’m unfamiliar with the term.”

“It simply means someone’s brain might work a little differently from what people perceive as ‘normal.’Truth is, no one’s brain could meet the supposed definition of normal, even if we knew what it was.Many neurodivergent individuals might have more extreme reactions to various stimuli—be it sound, light, texture, taste, etc.Some might get distracted by too many details or process information in a different manner or need a little more time to understand.It’s not an issue of intelligence, but their brains sometimes file the new information in multiple places.While it can frustrate them or those around them, I believe it’s one of the reasons they can be as creative as they sometimes are or see new solutions others miss.Anyway, some find it difficult to be in settings that can overwhelm them.Many find it easier to interact in smaller groups.”

“So, more than the difference between introverts and extroverts?”Interest lit his eyes.

“Absolutely.In fact, neurodivergent people can be either.There’s a huge range of behaviors and each person is different.Even how they might react to stimuli can be affected by whether they’re tired, ill, or a whole host of other factors.Honestly, once I understood neurodivergence better, I thought it must be exhausting for them.”Her forefinger traced the rim of her glass.“In some cases, a person’s neurodivergence can affect things like balance, clumsiness, and, unfortunately, their self-esteem and confidence.”

“Now the smaller seating areas around the edges of the dining area make sense to me.”He smiled at her.“I like how you become more animated when you’re discussing something you care about.And you seem to have a natural rapport with younglings.”

Heat crept up on her cheeks.

“Thank you.”She watched as he moved to crouch in front of the firepit and light the kindling.“What did you think of Phoenix House?And so many Zuvgran hybrids?”

“I found it a warm and welcoming environment dedicated to younglings.I wasn’t expecting to like Largon or even Ronan, but I admire them.They’ve worked for decades saving younglings at risk and genuinely care about their well-being.Not behaviors or attitudes I expected from Zuvgran, even without my memories intact.”He returned to his chair and reached for her hand.“Largon offered me a position there if I wanted it.”

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