Kiera's Moon

"Evelyn, I was thinking about the prisoner," Kiera started, debating how to get the information she wanted without alarming Evelyn.

To her surprise, Evelyn stiffened and gave an oh-so-casual, "Oh?"

Kiera felt again that she was missing something but didn't know what. She ignored the instinct and said, "I want to roam around the main house, but I'm really afraid of opening doors to random rooms and finding, you know, hordes of tarantulas that attack me or angry prisoners of war."

"Oh! The cats were moved out of the main house, so you don't have to worry about them. I'm pretty sure the prisoners are kept on the same floor as the warriors. You probably shouldn't go down that way anyway."

"Okay," Kiera said. "Which hall is that in case I start wandering in the morning?"

"It's the first corridor leading out of the main house into what I think is the eastern wing. It's actually where I'm staying with Romas."

"Really? Why don't they have a dungeon or something?"

"I think they believe themselves to be more civilized than that. Up! Change!"

Kiera groaned, dreading the idea of a party with so many strangers who were bound to think of her as the women in the bathroom had earlier.

"It'll be fun!" Evelyn said cheerfully. "All kinds of people to meet, great food."

"I think they already know I don't fit in. I don't expect anyone to talk to me," Kiera muttered as she changed.

"Of course they will! Is your translator working?"

"For now. It fades in and out."

"Tomorrow we'll get you a new one," Evelyn promised. "And I won't leave your side tonight. I want you to have a good time."

"Thanks," Kiera said, doubting her outgoing friend would sit in a corner like she planned on doing. "I'm ready."

"You're adorable, K-K." Evelyn beamed. "I chose a color that brings out your eyes."

"Thanks."

She wore a rich tanzanite blue-purple that was darker than the colors worn by the people of this planet. She sighed, resigned to the fact that she would stick out no matter what she wore. Kiera braced herself and exited behind Evelyn, whose quick step led them back to the main house and outside, where the floating tents were still in place.

She stepped into the crowd with Evelyn, who was soon spirited away by Lishana. Being shorter than everyone else would be a boon this night; she waited until the two were out of sight before fading back toward the house. She passed through the throng without making eye contact for fear of leers or judging looks and reached the entrance foyer. Several people loitered there, and she passed them all with a glance.