Chapter 14: Shopping
When the Selt'ox heard the warrior roaring he snapped his neck in his direction. Watching as Cat made her speech and then her point he was most pleased by her. Glancing at his seniors at the table he clicked "I believe I should go save Lo'qe before the ooman finishes him" All the Yautja were surprised by the oomans skill, though she didn't know it yet she gained some respect among the Clan.
Grabbing her around the waist he had to hold tightly since she was thrashing so much. He carried her out of the eating hall and out of the sight of Lo'qe to get her to calm down. When she stopped struggling he released her. Patting her head, he clicked "You did very well Cat"
Still shaking from anger she glared into the entrance of the eating hall speaking vehemently "I don't care that he questioned my being here. I resent what it implied. You gave me this new life and I won't allow anyone to disrespect you, especially a dumb mountain like him."
Almost like he could hear her, Lo'qe came to the hall. Seeing him, the Elder moved his arm in front of her. "I will not hurt the ooman Elder. I came to speak to her." Selt'ox chuckled "I am not protecting her hunter, but you." Looking down at Cat he caught her eyes asking silently if she wished to speak with him. Calming down a little she nodded but still glared at the hunter. Moving away the Elder left them in the hall, going back to finish his meal.
Stepping close to her the predator gave a slight purr from his cut mandibles. He cut them with a tusk when she slammed him into the table "You are impressive ooman. Are you mated?" She couldn't believe his audacity! "First he attacks me and then he purrs at me!" she really felt the urge to slug him, but she didn't want to break her fist. "My status does not concern you… hunter." Adding silently "and I use that term lightly" Turning down the hall she headed for her rooms "if I can remember where they are" hearing him follow and click "I wish to know female." When he grabbed her shoulder to stop her, she froze and turned on her heels so fast he almost took a step back.
Opening her mouth to tell him off again, she spotted Ke'varde coming their way. Grinning, she instead sidestepped Lo'qe and moved to her bodyguard "Take me to my rooms Stripes."
Grunting at her affirmatively, he glared at Lo'qe who glared right back. They disliked each other immensely. Ke'varde had known the hunter since his chiva and he knew that nothing good happened to those who caught this Yautjas attention. There were already questions raised by his past hunts where he was the only survivor, the video feeds conveniently damaged, among other issues. When they start questioning your word and therefore your honor, it was a good indication you were on your way to become a badblood.
Looking from one to another Cat was amused by their staring contest "You could cut the tension with a knife" she had the gut feeling there was more to this, then the previous outburst. Hearing them start to growl at each other she stepped between them and raised her hands "Enough" pointing to Lo'qe she said "Go away" to Ke'varde "We're leaving. Now" taking his hand in hers she tried to drag him away, when he still didn't budge she hissed "If you don't move, I'll hurt you" amused at her threat he let her pull him away. She was lucky with Lo'qe since she had the element of surprise on her side, but him she couldn't take since he knew how she fought.
Growling at the hunter watching them leave one last time, he turned to her "Keep away from him Cat. He is dangerous and devious" glancing at him from the corner of her eyes, she grinned teasing "Aww you do care Stripes and here I was worried you didn't like me" Reaching her door she was startled when he grabbed her by the arms and pushed her against it growling "I am serious ooman!" For a second she was frightened by his demeanor, glancing down she saw she was three feet from the floor. Her good humor vanishing she glared at him "All you've been doing lately is avoiding and ignoring me, so why do I suddenly matter?" caught off guard at her question he almost told her, instead he opted for half truths "You know why! Your safety is my assignment and I will not fail the Elders orders." Hearing that hurt her, though she would never admit it now. Sighing tiredly she needed to be sure "That's the only reason?" placing her on her feet and letting her go he nodded "Yes" taking a step back. Turning from him she opened the door before the pressure of tears became too much, whispering "I understand. I'll be careful"
Watching the door close behind her, he knew he hurt her. He could see the disappointment in her eyes and the pain in her voice. He really wanted to hit something right now. Turning he clicked "I take it you heard everything" seeing Ek'tan uncloak a few feet away. The younger hunter came closer clicking "Was that necessary? You and I both know you care for her as she cares for you" Looking at the young one Ke'varde knew denying it would be pointless, he also knew he could trust him to keep it secret. "She is ooman Ek'tan, her life would be over centuries before mine if not sooner, Ho'ke would kill her in an instant before he would allow it. I cannot risk her" that said he left to go sparing. Positioning himself in front of her door, Ek'tan knew the senior Ho'ke hated the oomans for killing his firstborn on a hunt, therefore was ruthless when it came to them. He wasn't even allowed to go to the blue planet because the last time he almost killed an ooman pup.
She stayed in her rooms for two days not wanting to see anyone, not even the Elder. This was the third day she was in her self-isolation. The first night she barely slept. The second, she exercised the whole day until she was tired enough to sleep soundly. Today she took a two hour bath to relax her strained body. Getting out, she padded to her bedroom, glancing at the furs while trying to untangle her hair with her fingers "I really need something to wear" she was tired of being alone and getting her thoughts straight she figured she'd get over the rejection in no time. Now she decided to do some… shopping… and she knew exactly who would be the best thing to cheer her up. Taking a fur off the bed she moved to the main room, glancing at the door she yelled "Broooownieeeee!"
Hearing the ooman yell for him with that nonsense name she gave him, he was relieved she was finally willing to see someone. Even the Elder was beginning to get worried something was wrong with her. Opening the door, he let himself in, watching her move toward him with a grin he was starting to recognize and fear, it never boded anything good as far as he was concerned "You are taking me shopping big guy" tilting his head to the side he questioned "What is this shopping?" moving out the door Cat waited for him to step out before closing it, explaining "I need to see someone who works with metal and someone who has fabric. On Earth humans exchange these provided goods with something that has value, in our case money as a currency of trade"
Clicking he said "I see. We trade for what we need with what others need. Since you have nothing of worth, the Elder has decreed he will trade for you if you should need anything." Nodding, Cat was grateful; she would thank the Elder later for his kindness. She didn't feel uncomfortable or annoyed that the Elder would do such a thing, knowing it was necessary. Her pride would take a back seat until she could trade for herself. Smiling excitedly she grabbed his arm "Okay then, let's go."
Stepping off the platform that worked as an elevator, going up and down floors she noticed they were somewhere near the bottom of the ship. Opening the door for her, she entered what looked like a blacksmiths chamber. Yautjas were working with metals everywhere and there were a lot of them, making what looked like armor, huge metal plates, furniture, weapons,… Some stopped what they were doing and stared at her, others ignored her and did their tasks. Turning her head to the right she saw an older Yautja approach them, he was huge, bigger than any she'd ever seen, guessing she thought he was about ten ft. if not more. Smiling she stepped forward, extending her hand "Hello. I'm Cat" the chief smith was surprised she wasn't intimidated by him, most usually were because of his size, looking down at her outstretched hand he didn't know what to do with it, he instead turned to Ek'tan "What do you want?"
Not liking being ignored she stepped right up to him, taking his right hand into hers she pumped it up and down grinning widely "Hello" Startled the huge predator snatched his hand back almost taking her with him, looking down at her he rumbled "What do you want ooman?" satisfied Cat asked for something to write with "Telling you could be a little confusing so I'd prefer to draw it, if you don't mind?" looking at her strangely for a second he then left, returning after a minute with a giant plate of metal and what she could only describe as an small oval stick. Giving the stick to her, he leaned the plate against the wall and motioned for her to do her thing.
Confused she didn't know what to do with it, looking at both Yautjas with a perplexed expression. Ek'tan took pity on her and showed her how it worked; taking the stick from her hands, he pointed it at the plate carving a few symbols into it. Realizing that it was a laser-pen Cat jumped up and down excitedly "Genius! That's how you carve all those symbols into the walls!" taking it from him she wrote her name a few times into the plate to get a feeling for it. Satisfied when the letters didn't look wobbly anymore she drew a simple comb, a few different sized sewing needles, a hairclip, two pairs of hair sticks and a small knife, all from different perspectives. Stepping away she looked at the smith "Can you do it?" noticing a few other Yautjas have joined them. Taking the plate with him the smith grunted. Turning to Ek'tan she asked "How long do you think this will take?" Glancing at her, he moved to a table that was on the other side of the huge chamber. Following him she was surprised when one of her items was already waiting for her there. Picking up the small needles "They're perfect!" After another few minutes the smith carried the rest of her items over. Looking each one over she saw her name engraved into each item. Moving behind the table to where the smith was standing she looked up whispering "Thank you, they're all very beautiful" The Yautja was shocked when she threw her arms around him and squeezed. Looking over at Ek'tan he clicked "What is she doing?" chuckling the hunter said "I believe it is called a hug, it is an ooman thing" letting him go she cleared her throat "I didn't mean to offend you. I am just very grateful" giving her a slight nod the smith returned to his duties and she with Ek'tan went in search of the fabric maker.
Reaching another level higher up, they entered the fabric makers rooms. Looking around Cat could see all kinds of fabrics everywhere, on the floor, on tables, chairs, hanging from the ceiling, all in a myriad of colors and textures. After a few moments a female Yautja with a familiar coloring approached them "Yes?" spotting the ooman she stopped in front of her clicking "So you are the ooman everyone is talking about. What do you seek little one?" liking the female instantly Cat told her "I'm looking for some light, breathable fabrics; I wish to make clothes for myself and a few long strips to add color to my rooms" thrilling the large female moved aside "I understand. The rooms can be a bit lacking. Come, pick out what you like little one" smiling Cat moved around glancing at and feeling the fabrics "Please, call me Cat" leaving Ek'tan to entertain himself by the door. Clicking the female followed her "Then you must call me Azira'ah, my brother speaks fondly of you." Turning the large female she asked "Who is your brother?" taking a fabric and showing it to Cat she clicked dryly "Tix'ver. He couldn't stop prattling about your story when he returned. I think I've heard it five times already" laughing Cat nodded "Yes I remember him quite vividly" taking the fabrics she picked out she plied them on Ek'tan to carry them for her. Turning back to the female she said "Thank you for the lovely fabrics Azira'ah. Please come see me when you have time. I would love to get to know you better" when the female agreed and they said their goodbyes, the hunter and ooman left.
After pestering Ek'tan to take a longer route to her rooms she took her fill in looking at everything around her and the Yautjas they met on their way. She did notice they weren't as hostile towards her as they were before, but they weren't exactly friendly either. They usually just looked at her and moved on, only a few nodded in greeting when she waved and said hi. Rounding a corner she stopped in her tracks in astonishment. In front of her was an open doorway leading to a huge domed chamber. Hearing Ek'tan call for her she said "Take the things to my rooms please. I'm going to stay here for a while." Moving back to her, he clicked "I cannot leave you here ooman" smiling Cat stepped inside "Don't worry about it. I promise to wait for you here, nothing will happen" sighing he relented "Very well, but stay put. I'll be back shortly"
She didn't even hear him leave. Looking around she was mesmerized "I think I've died and gone to heaven" The domed hall was a garden with grass on each side of the paths, a shallow pool in the middle with what looked like fish in it, plants and trees growing all around, framed by the stars above. It was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. Noticing steps to her left she followed them up to a bridge that spanned the whole hall. Stopping at the center of it, she leaned on the rail observing the wonderful sight. Right now she was calmer then ever and pleased by the decisions she made that lead to this moment in time whispering "no regrets"
Turning around she leaned her back on the rail looking up at the stars, she was so lost in her thoughts she didn't notice when the railing suddenly gave way. Falling back she screamed, turning and grabbed the end of the railing behind herself swinging from the bridge over the pool! When the motion stopped she hung there suspended, glancing at the bridge she saw a shimmer of movement on it "Who are you!" when the shimmer moved away she screamed at it "Help me! You can't leave me here!" not seeing it anymore she looked down gulping in terror "Oh no! It's so high!" closing her eyes she screamed with all her might "HELP! SOMEBODY!" feeling her grip slide a little she thought panicking "somebody better move their ass, I don't think I can hold on much longer"