Love, Against All Odds

IV - Chapter 11

Dorlon walked close to Becca as they approached the tavern for their romantic dinner tonight. Even though she was a warrior, the energy around her was electric. She was breathing harder than normal, and she hadn't released the sword handle at her side since they left the inn.

'Quit that,' Becca muttered.

'I can't help it,' Dorlon replied with a growl.

'This was your idea.' Becca concluded they'd both need a drink with dinner to loosen them up. Otherwise no one would believe they were together.

'I had hoped Kal would reject it.'

Becca snorted and gave her friend a pointed look. 'She might be an Alpha, but she's Kal first.'

Dorlon sighed, then indicated the tavern with a flick of her chin. 'It's up here.' The tavern was made from stone, like most of the buildings, but it had been painted black with red trim. The closed shutters filtered warm light, and inviting noises flowed from the entrance. The wooden board above the entry door had the name painted across it.

'The Winter Rut?' Becca asked, amusement lacing her tone.

Dorlon shrugged and replied, 'Their tunjer is very good here.'

Becca grinned at the mention of the sweet alcohol that was first made in Kardos. It was made from the tunj fruit and took between three to four noreds to ferment. Batches were made through the summer and ready by the first snowfall. 'Thank the gods for that.' She followed her friend into the tavern and allowed Dorlon to stay in the lead. Their arrival silenced most of the tavern for a tick, but after several head turns, everyone returned to their business.

Dorlon sniffed the air, then went to her right and passed a fire pit. She and Becca took a seat at a four-person table among a circle of other patrons. It was a strategic spot, giving people a chance to see and hear them. 'Also, their terdyn steaks are the best in Kardos.' Seated on the other side of the table, she stretched out her legs and scanned the busy tavern.

'Tah for bringing me here,' Becca said, keeping her volume up so others overheard them. 'It's nice to get away from New Earth.' She hoped that her friend was able to ease into the fake romance between them. 'The council meetings are so tiring.'

'It's good to be out of Dagan.' Dorlon turned a charming smile on Becca. 'I'm glad we could sneak away tonight.'

'Do you think the High Commander will notice?' Becca asked, leaning against the table. From the corner of her eyes, she noticed the patrons glancing at them. A few conversations at the other tables quieted at times.

Dorlon grunted and replied, 'She doesn't poke around in my personal affairs.' She straightened up when the barmaid approached the table.

Becca smiled at the timid barmaid, who greeted them. 'Turen.' She might be the first human that the barmaid ever met in person. Most Earthlings stayed close to New Earth and only ventured beyond their region in groups to engage in trade.