Darin looked up, startled as the woman said her name instead of calling her Astra-Sol. Why had she done that? Was there a reason or was the human thinking too much into it? The title used, Ri'atal, was one she hadn’t heard for a long time. It brought back memories of a simpler time, or maybe, a younger time. Had her life ever been simple? Now it seemed like it was simpler back then, but at the time it had seem complex. Would there be time when she looked at back at her time in Tasen and think that it had been simpler then? What was with her and the introspective thoughts now? Would she be having them forever? Darin gave her head a shake. Now was not the time for that.

She took the apples from Ajoran’s arms to show the woman, “I was hoping you could teach me how to make fried bread. I want to try putting apple pie filling in it.” She smiled shakily, “Kind of like a blending of culture.” She seemed worried, “If that’s okay. Ms. Iari.”

It seemed to be alright because the older woman lead her around the kitchen. Darin followed the instructions in making fry bread closely but not exactly. Baking was more art than science. Still, after a couple of tries Darin had a better than passable attempt at fry bread. After she was sure that she could recreate it at will Darin moved to teach Iari how to make apple pie filling. Darin had too much fun doing that. The end result was something that made Darin smile. It wasn’t quite an apple dumpling back it was close. It was … apple fry bread.

She smiled as she handed a piece to Ajoran, “What do you think? I like it! We need to share with Ridahne.” Her smile faltered, “Do you know when she’ll be done with what … with what she’s doing?”

Darin wanted to see Ridahne. There was too much to talk about and to be honest Darin had put it off for long enough. Whatever had happened with the man that she had seen in the marketplace was just a starting point. Darin hoped beyond all reason that he wasn’t dead unless it turned out he was a murderer or something like that. If that was the case his death could only be expected. But if he hadn’t done anything wrong, killing him would be murder, not justice. Would Darin be allowed to ask? Okay, that was a dumb question. She was Astra-Sol, The Seed-Bearer. She had a bad feeling that if she went into the Sols and told them to do something over the top or seemingly unnecessary, they would probably do it without question. That was beyond alarming. She would have to try not to abuse the privilege.

^_^

Harai looked up as the Taja he asked for water came and gave him some. Could it make it pass the pair of guards? Probably not, plus it would depend on if he could get loose from his bonds and that seemed completely unlikely. The ones on his wrist were top tight to even wiggle. The Taja had to hold the cup so Harai could drink. He tried not to look at the Elf. He could feel the distain on the warrior’s face. He wasn’t even sure escaping was the best course of action. The Red Hand would kill him, probably. Would The Seed-Bearer have him kill or kill him herself. She had killed. Harai did not want to think about it.