“I want the ve in her new coat and gloves anytime she Leaves your area,” she demanded.


    Damien agreed and I had no issue with that. The mountains were certainly colder than every other time


    we’d been here. The colder air in the tunnels would be distressing to me if I wasn’t dressed well.


    The quarters that Nu-reeh had for us looked just like they had Last time we’d been here. The pool was


    still present and filled with warm moving water. We carried our few bags into the rooms we had used


    Last time. Everything was as it had been before. Smokeless torches already lit the main room, giving it


    a warm feel.


    Inside the safety of our rooms the men couldn’t contain themselves any longer.


    “She didn’t punish us?!” Kein eximed incredulously, pulling the mesh away from my face.


    “Not even a day in the cave,” Bane added, lighting the central fire pit.


    I peeled off the gloves and slid the coat off as Christof marveled at this strange chain of events.


    This was unheard of. They had anticipated punishment for defying Nu-reeh’s wishes, but she had


    surprised us. She just seemed gentle with my family and protective of me. The new Nu-reeh


    disconcerted my men more than the old angry Nu-reeh ever had.


    We rxed and talked until it was time for the midday meal. Damien Led us to the big dining area and


    all talk stopped when we walked in. My men didn’t falter as they walked to their table, but I felt d I


    was so well protected. The attention was unnerving.


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    Several women appeared in the doorways and the usual chatter in the room started again. I saw


    Damien and Evan pass a look between them. I agreed internally, the women were at it again.


    The day’s surprises weren’t done yet. Christof and Bane went to get the meal and returned looking


    perplexed.


    “We did not choose your food,“ Christof said setting arge bowl before me. “Nu-reeh is portioning your


    meals herself. Eat it all.”


    The food in the bowl looked familiar, which was strange. It looked Like Earth food. I would swear there


    were chunks of sweet potato floating in the thick broth of the bowl.


    Bane handed me arge spoon and the men watched me carefully. I scooped up a chunk and tasted it.


    The familiar starchy vor exploded in my mouth and my eyes went wide. It was sweet potato!


    Ang’s Library


    “This is food from Earth,” I whispered Looking down.


    ‘The cooks said it would build your system,” Christof said. “They told us the Healers had told them that


    you will be healthier eating food from your native world. This should be very good for you.”


    There was unease on the faces around me. The idea that someone else was looking after my well


    being was disconcerting. I was their responsibility and they were happy to take care of me.


    “She will stop, you know.” I said quietly.


    “Once the boy is no longer inside of me, she won’t care if I Live or die. You all have never been like


    that. I can always count on you all.”


    The sentiment brightened them somewhat and everyone grinned.


    “Eat,” Evan encouraged, patting my back, “this is good for you.”


    The broth was thick and creamy, the meat chunks in my meal were certainly Paterian. I remembered


    my Grandmother had often spoken about the sweet potato and how healthy it was. Patting my belly, I


    hoped she was right.