Page 106 of Culture and Curiosities
“Oh, that’s…” Betty sighed dramatically as the oasis came into view, but everyone else in our small group nodded along with her at the sight. “It’s like a movie.”
Well, I guess a people who used magic on a regular basis for damned near everything could make a badass rest stop in thedesert, but my favorite part was the long curtains on the large tent that would block out a lot of the sun and the river someone had created that was running around the large tent.
They fucked with nature more than we did because water in the desert topped fucking with flowers out of season.
“They put couches for us to sit on.” Kaden found the situation fabulous based on the marvel on his face, but there were mixed reviews.
“Do you think the couches could hide insects like scorpions? They have those in our deserts but do you think they have them here?” Shilo, the cutest little worrier I’d ever seen, shivered. “I lived just outside of Phoenix for six months and it was the scariest place I’ve ever lived.”
Phoenix?
Before Daddy could ask, I sent him a picture of a scorpion, so he didn’t have to think about it.
“No.” Shaking his head, he frowned. “We have less dangerous insect-type animals here but there is a barrier around the tent that will keep out any forms of animal.”
“Some of your animals called apes may be able to go through the barrier, however. It is based on having higher-level thoughts.”
That was cool.
“We won’t mention that since it’s not going to happen. Nothing animal related around the portal could do that.”
And anything else weird would hopefully get noticed by the people guarding the portal.
“All food and drinks should be safe to eat but they have kept the options simple for the time being just in case.” Daddy gestured toward glass-looking containers that seemed to have juices in them and an array of what looked like meats, crackers, and fruit. “We’ve discussed allergies and food issues, but please let me know if you have any ill effects.”
Fingers crossed we’d be fine.
“It looks great.” I just wasn’t going to ask what the meat was yet. “Thank you.”
Curiosity took over and probably the desire to get out of the heat because everyone set their stuff down and quickly went into the tent and over to the food. We were still being watched like bugs but it wasn’t too bad.
“I’ve eaten alligator and all kinds of things. It doesn’t matter what the meat is.” Kaden kept quietly repeating the words over and over as he bravely went over to the table and started picking up a few of the snacks. “It’ll be fine.”
I wasn’t sure if he was actually hungry or if he was just trying to be hospitable but either way he was brave.
“Let’s try some of the juices, my girl.” Albert looped his arm through hers and led her over to the table while everyone else found a spot to pretend not to watch Daddy and the professor.
We were all a bit too obvious for it to be believable and that seemed to be fascinating to the group of elvish-looking people watching us. I behaved myself, though, even if a part of me wanted to stick my tongue out and see what they would do.
But the human in the zoo was going to behave themselves so it didn’t shock the people watching.
Even if they weren’t subtle at all…blank-faced…but not subtle.
“So, are we going to bet on what he’s going to say?” Klynn sat with us instead of with the other members of his people, and it didn’t go unnoticed to anyone else that he’d sat right beside Agent Cranky Pants who’d become Agent Quiet and Watchful with everything going on.
Quiet didn’t mean he was ignoring Klynn, though, because he raised one eyebrow as he glanced at the usually grumpy bookworm…bookdragon. “I think you’ve got an advantage with that bet, so I won’t be taking it.”
If I was reading Klynn right, he was pleased with the agent’s response, but I could have very easily been wrong. Hanging out a few times while we chatted about dirty books didn’t make me an expert but I might’ve been his best friend if we weren’t counting Agent Murphy being high on that list too.
“I’m guessing shocked but not offended…” Klynn’s voice trailed off as Daddy led the professor far enough away that their voices were barely a hum. “But I don’t know him that well.”
“What are you getting through the bond?” Agent Murphy paused as he questioned me. “If that’s alright to ask?”
“Yes.” I shrugged. “On our world at least. I don’t know about here, but Toman didn’t say anything about it being taboo or rude.”
We were definitely going to run into that sooner or later, though.
Maybe sooner based on the fact that the professor’s mouth had just dropped open.
