“It’s just that some of the tools they use are unlike anything I’ve seen before. You saw what they removed our shackles with, and their weapons are definitely unique.”
“I’ve noticed that, but I don’t feel like I have it in me to care at this point. I just want to get us stable.”
“Aren’t you curious as to why they live in primitive housing, yet have tools far beyond the capability of our people?”
“What are you getting at?”
“What if they stole it from somewhere?”
The word ‘warlords’ screams in my head, but I decide not to let it slip past my lips.
“I’m sure eventually we could ask where they acquired them from, but I hardly want to accuse them of anything when they’ve spent days helping us, all whilst leaving us unmolested.”
Fiona and Araelya cross the tree line onto the shore. Three of Grixis’s men buzz around them, dragging their kill toward the fire.
“So, you’re better friends with the other women than I am. How are they receiving the big, blue men?”
“Of course, there are a few that mourn the loss of their nobility and marriage pacts, but I’d say many are coming around to the situation. Fiona and Meg have more than one man vying for their attention.”
“What do you think of them?”
“They’re…strangely handsome. I’ve heard of blue-skinned men at court, but I’d thought they’d been painted that way.”
“I suppose that’s what the men look like in the south.”
“It’s not.”
I cock my head to the side. “Are you sure? I wasn’t aware that you’d traveled.”
“I hadn’t, but I’m willing to bet I’ve read more books than all the people on this island combined. Giant blue men are rumored to hold court with nobility and kings, but they have no known origin.”
“Could it be something they ate?”
“It’s possible.”
I shrug. “Honestly, that’s a mystery for another day.”
Dogan jogs over, pleased that he’s found Nori. He’s one of the younger men that accompanied Grixis and isn’t at all who’d I’d expect to be attracted to Nori.
And that’s not a slight to Nori. I just figured she’d attract an intellectual type.
“Are you ready?” he asks eagerly.
“What are you two up to?” I ask with a smirk.
“I’ve gathered several kinds of bark and wood to experiment with making paper. One of the first things we need is the ability to make a map, so we’re going to explore some prominent features he believes we should mark.”
I’m about to ask her if she would like a female to accompany them, but I know none of Grixis’s men would harm or rape her. They might leave her to die if they find her weak, but she will remain unmolested.
They start away, and I focus my attention on ways I can assist.
Meg is laying into one of the men, who seems to enjoy her ire. These men get off on the whole ‘strong woman’ thing. Asha is sifting through skins and furs that are drying.
“I bet you’re loving this, aren’t you?”
I turn to see Amber, who is looking especially dour.
“I’m not in the mood.”