Page 82 of Cozy Prisons
“Let’s see you learn to survive like we have,” Kiran challenged.
“If any spirits were working through me, it was the witches in my lineage,” Nataly said, her voice sharp. “I come from a long line of capable, powerful women. Don’t you dare tell me they count for less than your precious ancestors.”
Belatedly realizing he’d made an error of judgment, Falkilm looked up from his task. “But, uh, you’re humans.”
Oh, that was absolutely the wrong thing to say. Nataly didn’t bother to respond; she knew Kamie and Kiran would take care of it.
Kamie’s back went rigid, and she crossed her arms over her chest. “And you’re a dumb Talin.” She looked down at Nataly. “Are you good?”
She nodded, understanding the implication of the question. “I’m fine.”
“Shout if you need me to rescue you from dumb Talins,” Kamie said, then, with a last glare at Falkilm, she walked away. Kiran didn’t even say anything; he simply gave Falkilm the same look and followed Kamie.
“Wait, don’t leave,” Falkilm called out. He started to follow, but realized he still had a length of bandage in his hand. He quickly finished wrapping her foot before looking up at her face. “Don’t walk for at least a full rotation before I get a chance to check on the healing progress. Come to me if there is pain.”
She didn’t get a chance to agree before he jogged off after Kamie and Kiran.
“I think he’s about to learn the same lesson I did,” Daxus said as they watched him disappear behind some trees.
“What lesson?” she asked.
“Not to underestimate humans. Your species can be just as proud as we are. You’re so willing to forgive that we forget that.”
“Maybe not all that forgiving,” Nataly warned him. “Some of us can hold a grudge, so watch out.”
“Do Kamie and Kiran have your gift for programming bots?” he asked, making her bark out a laugh.
“No, but those two have their own set of skills,” she said.
“I don’t doubt it.” Daxus went back to purring. “If you don’t mind waiting here, I can set up our temporary domicile, and then you can rest.”
Despite the fact that it was early yet, she was exhausted. “That sounds nice.”
After a quick trip to the area designated for food preparation and consumption to get her a drink and snack, Daxus disappeared into the small tent city that was rapidly forming from the supplies she’d brought.
While Falkilm had been treating her feet, every single Talin and human had come by to thank her. Palathum had teased her that Nataly was the reason the supplies she ordered were always depleted faster than she expected. Then the most powerful Talin among them told Nataly she’d be forever in her debt.
It made Nataly want to cry, but she was worried it would be too much for Daxus to handle.
With Daxus gone, she was alone for the first time in a while. Curling up on her side, she fluffed one of the pillows Falkilm had given her and tucked the blanket around her. It felt good to relax, especially now that she’d gotten to see everyone again.
She was just drifting off when a gentle hand touched her shoulder. “Nataly?”
She opened her eyes to see Grace’s face filling her vision. The woman looked concerned.
“What’s wrong?” Nataly asked, forcing herself to sit up.
“I’m sorry to bug you,” Grace said. “But Hale isn’t doing well.”
Nataly blinked, trying to get her brain fully online. “Hale?”
“Remember how I was when we first got to Dandilow II?” Grace waited until Nataly nodded before continuing. “Hale’s like that right now. They’re not eating or even responding to anyone. I thought maybe you could do the same thing for them as you did for me.”
Nataly wanted to help, but wasn’t sure she could. “I’m not sure it would work with Hale. We’ve been friends for a long time, and lying next to you and talking felt natural. What if I can’t think of anything to say to Hale?”
Grace gave a little shrug. “It couldn’t hurt, and you’re not going to bed any time soon. Daxus is currently arguing with Utharium about where to set up your guys' tent. He hasn’t even started yet.”
“What’s there to argue about? All he needs is a spot big enough and that’s it.”
