He sighs, grabbing at a horn as he does when he’s nervous. "Of course I do. It's just ... complicated."
There's that word again. Complicated. I'm starting to hate it.
"What's so complicated?" I press, trying to brush maybe just a little of the dirt off my robe. "You said your friend Thokk has a human mate now, right? And everyone knows about her?"
Kalen winces. "Well, yeah, but-"
"So, what's the big deal if people see me?" The words come out sharper than I intend. "Am I that embarrassing to be seen with?"
Oh god, where did that come from? Way to let your insecurities show, Liv.
Before he can reply, I spot a group of what look like trolls heading our way. Kalen immediately stiffens, stepping closer to me.
"Hey there, Kalen!" one of them calls out. "Great opening bash at the tavern!”
"Yeah, couldn’t have gone better! Just wait! I plan on putting in more seating and a firepit too!”
“Whatever you touch seems to turn to gold, Kalen. Can’t wait to see it!”
As they pass, one of the trolls eyes me curiously. "Who's your friend? An old crone?"
I clear my throat before I can stop myself.
A crone? Up until the last few days I was beginning to fear that ‘spinster’ might be in my future, but crone?
Kalen laughs, a bit too loudly. "Oh, no, no, no crone here. Just an old forest dweller passing through. Doesn't talk much, you know how they are. Come by the Bullhorn again soon boys."
I nod solemnly, trying to look as forest dweller-like as possible while leaves tickle my nose.
Once they're out of earshot, I turn to Kalen, frowning. "Crone. He’s lucky I didn’t kick him. Meanwhile, allyougotta do is turn up the charm and it’s smooth sailing.
He looks confused. "What do you mean?”
"That, I don’t know...just what I said, you just sort of turn it on and off ... And when it’s on, boy is it on.”
“So that’s good right?”
Is it me or is he getting a little defensive?
“Well yeah, it sure helped just now, but sometimes it can be a little jarring maybe. You know, like even with that. One minute it’s you and me, and then the next you were suddenly all charm and smiles – and me hidden under a dirty old robe."
Kalen shrugs. "Just being friendly. It's good for business. And you know the robe is necessary."
I bite my lip, not sure how to express what I'm feeling. "I guess. It's just ... different from how you are with me."
His expression softens. "That's because with you, I can be myself."
I know he’s right, and that what he’s saying should sound sweet, but somehow it still hurts a little.
“I know. Sorry. Maybe I am a little too used to people overlooking me too. Okay?”
Kalen looks stricken. "Olivia, listen to me. I am not embarrassed of you at all. And if I want anyone overlooking you it is for your safety. Are you kidding? You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me! It's just ... not everyone is as accepting as Thokk and his friends. There's still a lot of tension in town."
I can’t decide whether or not I want to argue more, when a flash of movement catches my eye. "Look! Is that ... a cat? There’s cats here?"
Kalen follows my gaze. "Of course there’s cats! That's probably Othrix. Thokk's cat. Sneaky little guy."
I watch as the tabby rubs alongside a nearby building. It is almost a temple looking structure itself, kind of neo-Romanesque, with columns all around the periphery. And there, right above where Othrix is cheeking - "The seal!"