Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Now, that’s one sweet gal,” Ashura remarked as his eyes followed the human woman who had just delivered a fresh blueberry pie to him as she turned to wave to the two men one more time before she walked out of the Inn’s front door.  “We’re very lucky to have her in the valley.” 

 He turned to see Hodari glaring at him. 

“There’s no need to look at me like that, Lad,” he stated with a knowing smile. “I’ll be happy to share, after all.” 

Ashura was probably the only one in the village who could call the muscular miner in front of him a “lad” and get away with it, but that was not the problem at the moment.  In truth, Hodari blinked in confusion a few times and it also took him a long pause and a deep breath to calm his rising anger towards his friend before he realized that the other man was actually talking about sharing the pie...and not the woman who had just left.   

Therefore, Hodari automatically shook his head in both denial and personal mortification that he could ever think such a thing in the first place. 

What in the Dragon’s name is wrong with me? he could not help but to wonder. I just get so wound up when it comes to her!  

After all, Ashura’s meaning should have been clear – especially since she had also already delivered a pie over to Bahari earlier in the day.  It just so happened, though, that the miner had hit a promising vein and had decided to work through lunch.  Consequently, he only realized that he had been unfortunate enough to miss her visit when his daughter gleefully informed him about it when he finally made it home. 

Not only that, but the pie was already half-eaten by that time, as well.  Therefore, Najuma understandably did not want any supper.   

In fact, that was the reason why he had decided at the last minute that he was in no mood to cook just for himself and so he planned to head to the Inn to get an early meal before the dinner rush.  The thought that he might even be able to run into a certain attractive human somewhere along the way may have been a factor in the decision, as well.  After all, since she had not stopped by on the previous night, and he had missed her visit at lunchtime, he had not actually seen her for almost two days. 

He could admit now...at least to himself...that he had missed her. 

However, upon his arrival at the Ormuu’s Horn, he had not expected to find the woman who now held his heart and the man who was like an older brother sitting close together by the fire and talking so earnestly...or to see the woman enthusiastically embrace the innkeeper who smiled with obvious fondness at her when they stood up.  In fact, Hodari’s heart almost stopped at the sight and he must have made some sort of noise, too, because they both turned to look in his direction.  When they finally noticed who stood there, though, Ashura grinned knowingly and the woman's eyes widened. 

“Oh!  Hello, Hodari!”   

She was evidently surprised to see him in the village at such an hour, but she still greeted him with her usual quiet cheerfulness and a genuinely pleased smile, as well.  Despite his confusion at what he had just seen, his heart still gave a little jump at the attractive sight.

After all, that particular smile had always affected him...even at their very first meeting.

Then she brought the sweet gift of pie out of her bag to give to Ashura...and to help cover up the ensuing awkwardness that had settled between the three of them for some strange reason. 

“Well, I should get going,” she finally admitted.  “After all, I have a couple more of these to deliver since my bushes decided to practically explode with fruit yesterday.  They must have really liked the new fertilizer that Nai’o gave me to try.  At any rate, I ended up spending all night baking instead of heading out to forage in Bahari the way I normally do when I just can’t sleep.”  

Hodari nodded in understanding when he realized that comment was apparently meant to double as an explanation to him, as well. 

Ah!  That’s why she didn’t come by, then, he thought to himself with relief, but he did not say anything aloud since Ashura was still standing right there next to her.   

After all, good friend to them both or not, the man did not need to know about their usual...or unusual, as the case may be...insomnia routine – even as innocent as it was.  That was especially true since the Inn was second only to the General Store as the gossip center of Kilima.  He did not really think Ashura would say anything, though...but it was still better to be safe than sorry.  

After all, for the first time in years, Hodari actually no longer dreaded the fall of night and the long empty hours until the dawn...and it was all because of her.  Even when he still could not sleep, he always felt more rested after just sitting on the opposite side of the room from her and having a couple hours of quiet conversation and/or companionable silence while she read in the armchair and he worked on Mining Guild paperwork or project plans at his worktable.   

It was certainly far better than tossing and turning...miserable and alone...in his bed all night.   

He did not want her to be concerned or embarrassed about their nighttime meetings, though.  Plus, he was worried that their comfortable routine might be ruined if the wrong person said something to her about it...even in a joking manner. 

Not only that, but...even though it had only been two days...Hodari was extremely relieved that she had not purposely been avoiding him. He was even a bit worried that he might have accidentally said or done something to upset her.  After all, he knew that he could be a bit gruff and plain-spoken sometimes.  He was glad that was not the case this time, though.  Nevertheless, he still could not help but to feel like something was a bit off about her reaction...and he wanted to know about that hug he had just witnessed, too. 

After all, he had never received one from her...and he realized that it was probably because of that "careful physical distance" he had originally created between them when he was still trying to avoid her...and his feelings.

I'm an idiot, he told himself for the umpteenth time as he watched her leave.   

Consequently, as soon as she was completely out of the building, he looked back over at Ashura with the obvious question in his eyes. 

“Whatever you’re thinking...it’s not that, either.” Ashura added to his earlier statement with a knowing chuckle.  “In fact, I don’t know if she’s told you yet or not, but apparently our favorite human has applied to Eshe to become a permanent resident of Kilima...and she’s just done me the real honor of asking me to be her Shepp.  I accepted, of course!” 

Hodari’s first instinct was to feel relief that Ashura was not trying to win the woman’s affections, after all.  However, then an unexpected wave of a different kind of jealousy hit him, instead. 

Why didn’t she tell me?  He could not help but to wonder. Why didn’t she ask me to be her Shepp?    

After all, he had never desired to fill such a position before, and would have turned down the request from anyone else because he had never been close enough to another newcomer to even consider it.  However, he knew a Shepp was supposed to be someone you had grown close to and could trust...someone who was like family.  Didn’t she feel that way about him and Najuma?  After all, since his recent eye opening revelation about his feelings for her, he had been trying harder to show her, not only how much she meant to him and his daughter together, but also how much she meant to him personally.  

It must not’ve been near enough, though, he thought with real concern.  I’ll need t’do better!  

“I think you’re putting way too much thought into it, Lad.  Don’t worry!” Ashura reassured him with a real laugh this time after seeing the other man’s reaction.  “After all, I’m pretty sure she has a completely different role in mind for you during her life here...which is probably one of the main reasons why she applied for residency in the first place.”  He paused for a moment before he added in all seriousness, “and I want you to know that it’s perfectly okay for you to feel the same way.” 

When Hodari looked up at the big man with a startled expression that he knew, Ashura nodded solemnly. 

“I think that only those who know you really well can tell...and I’ve been your friend for more than fifteen years...ever since you moved here, in fact.  Therefore, it’s been obvious to me lately where your feelings lie...and I think it’s wonderful!  Take it from someone who knows...who’s been through the same kind of tragedy,” Ashura spoke with the utmost sincerity and there was no need for him to clarify what he meant.  “You’re still a young man compared to me, but don’t wait until it’s too late to live...and be happy...again.  Not everyone’s lucky enough to get a second chance at love, you know.  There’s no need to feel guilty about it, either.  Leta would understand.  After all, she wouldn’t want for you to live the rest of your life with a heart that’s full of nothing but loneliness and regret, would she?  Plus, we both know that girl of yours also needs the lass just as much as you do...maybe even more.” 

With those sage and heartfelt words, Ashura clamped a heavy hand down on the miner’s broad shoulder and proved even further just how well he knew Hodari.  “I know you like your peace and quiet, so how about having some stew and pie with me before Sifuu and the others get here and the place gets rowdy?  After all, when she’s in the village on evenings like this, our gal usually goes over to Jel’s place and has dinner there with the younger crowd, anyway.  Since my cook just took the food over...and I saw another pie in her bag, as well...I’ll say you have just enough time for a meal and a chat before she’s done with hers and is ready for someone to walk her home.”   

He paused with uncertainty for a moment before he decided to go ahead and say what else was on his mind.  “So, there’s just one more word of advice from me and then I’ll shut my mouth on the matter entirely...since it’s between you and her...and this kind of mushy stuff is really none of my business, anyway.  However, you need to know that you may not have any competition from me for that sweet girl’s heart...but I can’t guarantee that the same can be said for those two young men over there with her right now.  Therefore, you may want to get a move on and let her know how you feel sooner than later.  She might get tired of waiting, you know...and they’re both good lads, too.  I do want you to know that I’d rather it be you, but I certainly won’t complain if she ends up with either...or both...of them, instead.    

To emphasize his point, he nodded in the direction of the shop across the path where the tailor and cook were currently enjoying dinner with the woman in question.

"After all, as her Shepp, I just want her to be happy here in her new life,” he added meaningfully before he headed to the Inn’s kitchen to get their food.   

That left Hodari alone with his thoughts as he realized that Ashura was right...about everything.   After all, he had already come to the conclusion that Leta would not want him to be so damn miserable all the time, the way he had always been before the human had come into his and Najuma's life.  She would understand - especially when it was so obvious that the person in question already loved their daughter, too.  Therefore, he was extremely grateful that someone else who also knew what it was like to lose their spouse recognized that fact, as well.  It really did help with the guilt that he sometimes still felt.  

Not only that, but he knew he had some serious decisions to make soon before he really did lose his chance to someone else.  In truth, he really was not surprised to have the confirmation that others also found the woman as intriguing as he did.  After all, he had personally witnessed Reth flirt with her on far too many occasions and even Najuma had told him that she thought Jel felt much more than just friendship when it came to their favorite human, too.   

There may even be others that he did not know about.  The woman had just mentioned Badruu’s eldest, after all, and he had seen her talking and laughing with the young farmer at the stables on several occasions.  Even though he would never admit it out loud, it was a sight that had never failed to cause a hot pang of jealousy to flare up in his chest.  He knew he had no right to feel such a way, though.  That was certainly true before...when he could not even admit to himself that he had feelings for her...and it was still true now, since...even though he had finally figured that out...he had yet to tell her how he felt. 

Nevertheless, he was willing to bet his favorite ore collection that...whoever else was also interested in the woman...they had all probably been a whole lot nicer about the entire situation than he had – especially at the beginning.  In fact, he was more than likely the only fool back then who thought that avoidance and silence had been a better route to take than attraction and acceptance.  

Yet, for some reason, she still seemed to like him...or at least he hoped she did!  It did help that Ashura seemed to think so, too.  Plus, lately...ever since he had decided to drop his guard completely and let her in...well...things had seemed different...closer...warmer...between them. 

He had to admit that he really liked that, just as he really liked her.  In fact, he suspected that his feelings had already gone so far past mere like, that it was actually pretty damn scary to consider.  

In fact, just as he had recently discovered on that early morning in the workshop when...after so much denial...he realized that he actually had romantic feelings for the woman, the thought that she might really feel the same way about him was both extremely exciting and terrifying at the same time.  

After all, it had been a very long time for him, so he was definitely a rusty old tool when it came to things like courting and romance. 

However, rusty or not, even he realized that it was probably way past time for him to finally find out for certain if she really did have the same kind of feelings for him as he did for her.  After all, he was aware that even if she did like him in that way, she probably would not want to take such a leap of faith and tell him - simply because of the foolish way he had acted before.  Because of the lack of good judgement on his part at the start of their acquaintance...even though he really thought he was doing the right thing at the time by avoiding getting too close to her...she might not realize now how he had always really felt about her, how much he cared, or how much he needed and wanted her to be in his life. 

Therefore, he knew he had to find a way to make up for his earlier mistakes and let his true intentions be known. 

~~~~~

A short while later, Tish...on her way back to her shop to pick up some previously forgotten designs that she wanted to show Jel...found Hodari as he loitered with obvious uncertainty on the path between the Inn and the tailor’s shop. 

Since she was a kind soul...who also knew exactly why he was there...she took pity on him. 

“I’m afraid you just missed her, Mr. Pavel,” she told him with her usual cheerfulness.  “She went to deliver a pie to Delaila and the men at the farm...and you know how much the Daiya family likes to talk, so she’ll probably be there for a while!”   

Hodari almost groaned at how obvious he must be if even the village carpenter knew who he was looking for.  However, he remembered just in time that Najuma had said the two women were great friends when she told him how much fun she had with them during a recent “girls’ night”...whatever that meant...the human had hosted at her house.  Apparently, the young archeologist and the mayor’s daughter had been there, as well.   

Does that mean she talks about me to her friends? he wondered incredulously.

The thought made him feel a bit embarrassed - especially since he could not help but to wonder exactly what had been said.  Nevertheless, it was still gratifying to know because it helped him to feel even more hopeful about the situation than before.   

Consequently, he managed to thank the young woman in front of him for the information. After just a short, uncertain pause, however, he also added something else he wanted to tell her...albeit in his usual gruff manner. 

“It’s just Hodari, though.  You can drop both the mister and the surname.  That just makes m’feel older than I am.  But, while you’re here...well...I just wanted t’say thanks for always being so nice t’Najuma...even before she...I mean...the humans...came to the village.  I do appreciate it.  It’s always meant a lot to us both.” 

“Sure thing, Hodari!” Tish replied sweetly.   

After all, she was completely unphased by the request – especially since she was on a first name basis with most of the other villagers anyway.  However, she was still quite amused...and pleased...by the little slip of his tongue that proved where his thoughts really lay at the moment.   

“Najuma’s a great girl,” she therefore continued with an even brighter smile than usual to make it easier on him, “and she always has some really fascinating design ideas, as well!  I know she doesn’t come to the village very often, but she’s welcome at my shop anytime she wants to visit...with or without our mutual friend...and she knows where I live, too.”  She paused for just a moment and her tone was even more cheerful when she added,  “You know what, though?  I believe that’s the most words you have ever said to me at one time before.” 

Hodari grimaced, but he just could not take offense at the truth – especially when it was offered up to him so nicely.   

“Sorry ‘bout that,” he apologized, a bit awkwardly, instead, “but I ain’t much of a talker.” 

“That’s okay,” Tish answered with yet another cheerful knowing look before she added a surprising bit of information.  “She likes that about you because it makes it even more special when it’s obvious that you try to talk more just for her sake.” 

After dropping that particular tidbit, Tish smiled again, and with a little wave, turned and walked back towards her shop, humming and twirling her scissors as she went.  After a couple of steps, though, she stopped again. 

“By the way,” she called out over her shoulder as she turned halfway towards him again, “just in case you didn’t know, her favorite flower is the Crystal Lake Lotus.”   

Hodari stood there stunned into silence for just a moment while he processed what she meant before he managed to grunt out a response. 

“I guess I’ll have to dig out my waterproof boots, then,” he replied. 

“Oooh!  What a perfect answer!” she clapped her hands together and beamed with delight that he had completely understood her implication.   

Then, with one last cheerful wave and smile, she turned again and finished making her way to her shop...humming all the way.  After all, she was extremely satisfied in the knowledge that her best female friend would soon get everything she wanted...needed...to complete her life in the valley.   

In fact, it had always been obvious to Tish that, even though the woman would not come right out and admit it, her heart already belonged to the miner in one way...and to his daughter in another.  That had been the only reason why Tish had not promoted her brother...or her best male friend...or even both of them together...as possible partners for her dearest human friend, instead.   

She just wanted the woman to be happy.  Apparently, that had always meant Hodari...and now Tish finally understood why!  After all, he obviously could be quite charming in his own rough and gruff sort of way when he tried. 

For his part, however, the man did not quite understand why Tish was helping him if her own brother was interested in the woman, too.  Nevertheless, she still had his gratitude, anyway.  After all, a wellspring of hope had blossomed again in Hodari’s heart and he knew that he wanted to see the woman in question even more than ever.   

In fact, he almost felt as if he could spill his guts and tell her the truth right then...if he could only see her face and those expressive eyes of hers which had captured his attention from the very beginning.  However, since he had absolutely no reason to go to the farm and bother the family there, he supposed he would just have to wait until the next day to make that happen. 

Maybe...if I don’t lose m’nerve before then.    

In the meantime, however, the General Store was right there in front of him.  Therefore, the man decided he would go into Zeki’s and pick up a few supplies before he headed home. 

~~~~~ 

“Well, if it ain’t my old pal, Hodari!” Zeki exclaimed with surprise as soon as the bell at his door chimed right before the official closing time and he saw who stepped into the shop.  “What brings you outta the wilderness and into the village at such a late hour?  Did those pesky chapaas steal your spices again?  Isn’t that the third time this month?  Or,” the Grimalkin paused and looked around to make sure they were alone before he added in a lower volume and a more conspiratory tone, “are you perhaps looking for something a ‘lil bit sweeter for a certain human we both know?”  

With those words, he slyly pulled a heart-shaped box out from under the counter and slid it across the surface towards the man on the other side.  

Hodari just stared down at the package in a bit of shock.  He had obviously thought about giving her the gift of chocolates...and everything that would mean...many times in recent days.  That was especially true since the other traditional option...the Heartdrop Lily...was simply impossible to come by down in the mines where he spent the majority of his time.  It was just... 

“How did you know?” his voice cracked a bit in surprise as he questioned the shopkeeper warily.   

First, Ashura...then, Tish...now, Zeki! he thought with a bit of embarrassment and despair.  Does everyone know but her?  Have I really been that obvious?  

“A little redheaded birdie told me during our last brainstorming session,” Zeki exclaimed shamelessly, however.  “Well, she told me just enough to interest me.  I was able to figure out the rest on my own, though – especially since you just confirmed it yourself.”   

The Grimalkin then laughed heartily as Hodari groaned at the thought that he had actually allowed himself to be tricked into revealing such a private truth. 

He certainly had not planned for Zeki to know, but he had not really been trying to keep his feelings a secret from Najuma.  However, he had not come right out and discussed the issue with her, either – especially since he had not even talked about it with her, yet.  Still, he should have known his girl was too smart for her own good and would have noted the interest that he obviously had for the woman she considered to be her best friend – especially since the three of them had been together so often lately. 

In fact, he wondered exactly what she had said to arouse Zeki’s suspicions in the first place. 

“Between you and me, though,” Zeki continued in his usual carefree way. “I might owe that particular human a favor or two that she refuses to collect.  Therefore...since I think you two are a great match – especially when you consider the little birdie, too...I’m going to contribute to everyone’s future happiness, instead.  So go ahead and put those in your pack...no charge.  Just make sure you come by and tell me the good news when it happens.” 

Hodari thought about refusing the offer, no matter how kindly it was meant.  After all, he did not like to be in anyone’s debt.  Plus, he was a bit concerned about what those favors Zeki had mentioned might entail since he was well aware that the Grimalkin was involved in some interesting side business ventures.  After all, he had tried to sell the obvious meat lover in Hodari an illegal Flow-powered grill more than once.   

Not only that, but the Underground was an open secret in Kilima.  Even though he had never gone himself, especially since that would involve way too many people and far too much noise, Leta had actually helped her friend determine that the place was structurally sound when Zeki was still in the planning stages for it - especially since it literally lived up to its name. Her accident had happened before the place had officially opened, however, but Hodari had heard that it was very popular with the humans now.   

That actually made a lot of sense when he thought about it.  After all, his favorite human had told him all about the unfortunate reasons why she and the others stayed out so late and avoided sleep as much as possible. 

In that case, Zeki’s place would probably provide a nice distraction for them and give them a place to spend all of that extra gold they made from so many late night adventures.  In fact, the Grimalkin was probably making a fortune off the newcomers!   

Does that mean she knows about the Underground...and has visited it...as well?   he could not help but to wonder. 

He could only assume so.   

After all, even though they spent many of their sleepless nights together in Bahari, she was certainly not there every time...for a lot reasons...just like on the previous night when she had apparently been on a baking spree.  He even knew that sometimes she chose to spend those difficult hours with Einar, instead.   

Hodari had to admit that...even though he would rather have her in Bahari with him...sometimes that was just not possible.  On those occasions, he really appreciated...for many reasons...the fact that she had chosen the Galdur as her other insomnia companion – especially when he considered the alternative choices she could have made for overnight company, instead.  After all, he was positive that they would probably have far more than fishing on their minds!

In all honesty, even he struggled with those kinds of thoughts now, too!

Nevertheless, he could also see how spending that time in the Underground was also a valid option, as well – especially since it was obvious that she had made friends with the Grimalkin shopkeeper, too.  The fact that the well known skinflint was actually willing to part with something for free because of her was more than enough proof of that.   

Friendship with someone like Zeki had to come with a certain amount of knowledge and trust, though.  

Nevertheless, Hodari certainly could not complain because Leta had also seen the value of such a friend.  In fact, he knew that his late wife would have been thrilled that Zeki had started to visit Bahari again and had finally befriended their brilliant daughter, also. 

That had all come about because of a certain human woman, as well, though. 

However, before Hodari could make a final decision on whether or not to actually accept the chocolates, the door chimed again to announce the arrival of another last minute customer...or someone who was just a bit too early to visit the Underground.  Either way, the man simply panicked then as his hand automatically reached out for the box and shoved it deep into his pack. 

“Good luck, Pal!” was all Zeki said with a knowing grin before he turned towards the newcomer with both a cheerful greeting and a sales pitch ready on his lips. 

Thus, Hodari left the shop with a slightly heavier pack, but a heart that was full of hope...thanks to their friends and neighbors.  Therefore, he decided that whenever the time came and he was hopefully able to deliver the good news that Zeki requested, he would also bring him and the others a really nice selection of some of the rare ores he had been saving, as well.   

After all, he had already picked out and put aside the special ones he was planning to give to her!  

Chapter Text

About the same time she was...unknowingly...the topic of conversation between Hodari and Zeki, the human woman herself was sitting at the farmhouse table across from Delaila and Badruu.  Despite having just eaten with the others over at Jel’s shop, she could not resist when both Auni and Nai’o cajoled her into staying with them and having a slice of the pie she had brought with her – especially when Delaila brought out a fresh pot of tea, as well.   

When everyone had finished the treat, Auni immediately left to go to his treehouse to finish some bug drawings for his guide book while the rest remained at the table as they continued to chat. However, just a short while later...after they finished discussing the apparent success of the new fertilizer which had resulted in such a delicious pie...Nai’o politely took his leave, as well. 

The young farmer said he was going to the stables to check on the riffrocs.  The woman did not doubt that since she knew he took his Path very seriously...and he obviously loved his animals, too.  However, she highly suspected that he was also heading out there to secretly meet with Kenyatta, as well.  

Apparently, Delaila and Badruu were not fooled, either.  After all, once their oldest son had left, his mother sighed heavily.  Badruu just grinned, however, as he put his arm around his wife’s shoulders and drew her near. 

“Young love...what can you do?” he commented with a shrug.  “I remember when you used to sneak out to see me, too, Pumpkin, so we could snuggle up in the barn together like two peas in a pod!” 

“If t’were anyone but Eshe’s daughter, though,” Delaila replied with another sigh before she looked affectionately over at the woman across from her.   “You know,” she added, “I’d once hoped it would be you.”    

Her guest looked slightly startled at that unexpected confession.  However, Delaila just nodded her head firmly. 

“It’s true,” she continued. “After all, Nai’o talks about you almost as much as Auni does...and he loves his romance novels, too.  Therefore, I knew it wouldn’t take much effort on your part to have him head over heels for ye – especially after you made him that soup when he was feelin’ so low.  Plus, you’re such a capable gal, a hard worker, and a good friend, too!  You’ve helped us all in so many ways.  You’ll always be a part of our family now, of course, but I’d have simply loved for ye to become m’daughter for real.”  She sighed again with obvious maternal regret before she visibly cheered and pulled up a knowing grin, instead, when she continued.  “I guess that’s all a lost cause now, though – especially since you’ve already set your cap for Hodari.” 

The human almost choked on the sip of tea she had just taken as the other woman  laughed...and her husband’s grin widened even further...at her obvious embarrassment and surprise that they knew.  

“But we’re not...I mean...we haven’t...he doesn’t...” the woman managed to stammer out once she had swallowed the offending liquid. 

“Maybe not yet, Dearie!” Delaila said comfortingly as she reached over to pat the younger woman’s hand.  “But don’t you worry.  The heart wants what the heart wants, y’know...and his heart obviously wants ye, too.  That's still true even if he hasn’t quite admitted it to you...or maybe not even to himself...yet.  However, I was set up right across from their fireworks stand at the Luna New Year market, remember? I saw you two together there, night after night.  I saw how happy y'all were. In fact, it had been a very long time...if ever...since I’ve seen that poor man smile or talk as much as he did when he was with ye, then.”   

This time the woman sighed happily.  “You’re just so good for him...and that dear girl, too!  In fact, I’ve seen her with ye in town more times this past year than I have in the entire time since dear Leta passed.  The other day, she even came out to the farm all on her own to do Auni’s Bug Scouts thing with him, too! That thrilled him...and me...to no end!  In fact, it did me heart so much good to see her runnin’ around with me boy again...catchin’ leaf hoppers...even with that leg o’ hers...just like they used to do when they were tiny lil ‘uns!  There’s no doubt in me mind that was all down to your good influence, too...but...” she inclined her head towards her husband as an indication that he should take over. 

“We’ve bean root-in’ for you all this thyme because...just like my Pumpkin said...it’s obvious that you and the Hodari clove make such a great pear,” Badruu continued the conversation with his usual irreverent inclination for fruit, vegetable, and farming puns.  “I hate to be corny, but a word of advice from someone who knows what it’s like to be full of manure when it comes to matters o’ the heart.  That particular ormuu is as stubborn as all get out.  No matter how thirsty he is or how much he needs a drink, you just might have to grab him by the horns and lead him to the water yourself.” 

“He’s right, Dearie,” Delaila agreed with her husband...without the need for puns herself – even though she obviously understood his intention well enough.  “Some men can be stubborn when it comes to admittin’ what they really want – especially when it’s dealin’ with love.  Therefore...sometimes...we woman folk just have to come right out and make that decision for ‘em!” 

She turned to Badruu.  “Isn’t that right, Honey Nut?” 

“It worked grape for me, Pumpkin!” the man agreed cheerfully. 

 ~~~~~ 

Later, when the woman finally left the farm, her mind was still in an upheaval over that unexpected conversation.  Consequently, even if it was for different reasons than usual, she knew that she would not get to sleep any time soon.  Therefore, she did not want to go home.  However, she was also well aware that after her talk with Delaila and Badruu, she just could not face Hodari at the moment, either.  As a result, she definitely wanted to steer clear of Bahari for the night, as well, even though she had already missed the night before. 

She simply needed some time to think...about everything.    

After all, she too had seen...and more importantly, felt...a difference in Hodari’s attitude towards her recently.  He was still usually his normal gruff self when they were around other people.  That was not really surprising, though, since she knew that being in public always made him a bit uncomfortable.  However, when they were alone...or just with Najuma...he had seemed much more attentive than usual.  He was somehow warmer, kinder, maybe even a bit sweeter, than he had ever been before.  The physical distance that he had always been careful to keep between them had lessened, as well – ever since that morning when he had actually held her hand in front of Najuma. 

It was almost like he was trying to tell her something...without actually saying it. 

In fact, was I completely misreading the whole situation, or did the man actually seem a bit jealous when he saw me hugging Ashura earlier? she could not help but to wonder as she remembered the uneasy feeling in the room afterwards. 

Just the thought, however, that such a situation could actually be the truth...that Hodari could care enough about her to feel like that...absolutely thrilled her. 

She just did not know what to make of it or what any of it meant, though.  Was it just the natural evolution of their friendship?  Or had Hodari finally moved past his grief enough to want more with her? 

She really wished she knew.   

After all, her feelings had never changed.  Nevertheless, even though she had always wanted more herself...so much more...she was still prepared to be just his friend for as long as it took him to be ready...if he ever could be.  If not, she already knew that she would continue to support him, and Najuma, from the sidelines in whatever way they needed her to.  They were both that important to her.  

Being able to be there for them...and putting down official roots for herself...were two of the main reasons why she had decided to apply for residency in the first place, after all.  It was even possible that those two things were connected in her dreams for the future – no matter how uncertain she currently felt about Hodari’s feelings on the subject. 

However, if Delaila and Badruu are right...and all he needs is a little push...well...does that mean that I should go ahead and confess how I feel?  What if it goes badly, though?  I could lose what we already have. If it goes well, however, I...we...the two of us...no, the three of us...could gain so much! 

A stab of both fear and excitement shot through the woman as she considered her dilemma.  No matter what, though, she knew she definitely needed some more time to think it all through. She did not want to make a rash decision or rush into anything that could potentially damage her hard-earned relationship with the man and his daughter. 

However, as she tried to figure out what else she could do and where she could go for the rest of the night, her feet decided to set off by themselves without any input from her brain whatsoever.  Therefore, she simply walked in the direction they took her for a few minutes until she realized that she was headed for the lake...the lagoon, specifically.  

That made perfect sense.  After all, it was a place where she had spent many sleepless nights before...in the peaceful company of the Galdur. 

“Yes! Some quiet fishing time with Einar is exactly what I need!” she said aloud to nobody in particular.   

It was indeed the perfect solution because it meant that she would not be alone, but still be able to think in peace. 

Upon her arrival to his dock, Einar greeted her with the same easy acceptance he always did - no matter when she showed up...day or night...or how long it had been since her last visit.  After all, time just flowed differently for Galdurs. 

“Salutations,” he simply said as he called her by name and tipped his straw hat to her.  He then asked, in his usual matter-of-fact way as his metal eyelids blinked downwards in her direction, “Have you come to engage in the act of luring in fish together with me?”  

“Yes,” the woman replied wearily.  After all, even though she knew she could not sleep...not yet...she was still exhausted.  Perhaps even more so than usual after all the emotional confusion of the night.  “If that’s alright with you,” 

“Your company is always acceptable when pursuing the Oneness,” Einar agreed with an easy nod as he moved over to make room for her by his side.  “I especially enjoy the fact that you do not always feel the need to move your face flaps at me constantly while we do so.” 

Consequently, the human and the Galdur fished side-by-side in companionable silence for a while, only pausing to place their catches into their respective baskets.  At least, that is what they did until Einar paused in the act of casting to ask her a very unexpected question. 

“The Majiri known as Hodari is your romantic partner, yes?” 

“W...what?  Why do you say that?” the woman messed up her own cast and snagged her line in the process since she had been extremely surprised by the question – especially since it came from Einar...of all people...or Galdur...or whatever.   

After all, she had just started to wind down from the conversation she had experienced with the Daiyas that had her put so much on edge in the first place. 

“Is it not the duty of the romantic partner to provide sustenance for their chosen mate?” Einar asked in all seriousness since...through no fault of his own...he was oblivious to her state of heightened emotions, as well as the reason behind it. 

The woman took a few deep breaths as she focused on the process of untangling her line and to give herself a moment to calm down again before she spoke.   

“Einar,” she finally replied when she felt a bit more able to do so.  “I do not understand what you are asking me...or why.”  

“My apologies,” the Galdur replied with his usual sincerity.  “Let me clarify.  The one named Hodari stopped by just a short time before your arrival and inquired as to your favorite type of fish to consume for nutrients.” 

“He did?” she asked in bewilderment. 

What a strange thing for the man to do!  After all, she knew very well that Hodari disliked most fish with a passion.  In fact, it was only recently...since she had started to help Najuma cook dinner on occasion...that she had been able to get the man to try any at all for himself instead of his usual favorite game meats.  Even then, only tuna steaks had made it to the short list of approved dinner entrees, however. 

“Affirmative.  I informed him that I have heard you speak of Black Sea Bass with great enthusiasm before.  I hope that was an acceptable answer to relay to him.” 

“Yeah.  You did great, Einar.  Thank you!” the woman replied absentmindedly - especially since her thoughts were consumed less by the type of fish involved and more with questions about what Hodari was thinking to ask about such a thing in the first place.   

Is he just trying to learn more about me?  If so, why didn’t he just ask me himself?  It’s nothing personal or embarrassing, after all.  Not really...  

“You are most welcome!” Einar replied to her praise as he clasped his hands close to his metal chest in an expression of Galduric joy for a moment before they returned to their usual quiet fishing routine while they continued to fill their baskets. 

The woman’s mind was far from calm, however, as she tried to figure out what in the world was going on. 

However, parts of the Galdur’s simple question...the phrases, romantic partner and chosen mate, specifically...continued to echo in her thoughts long after she left the dock and returned to her homestead in the hope of securing at least some of the rest her mind and body desperately needed. 

~~~~~ 

The next morning, after just a couple of hours of uneasy slumber, the woman found that a short note from Hodari had been delivered with the mail. 

Najuma’s been missing you.    
So, if you’ve got the time, why don’t you come out to Bahari for dinner tonight? 
Don’t worry about bringing anything, cause it’s my turn to cook.    
After all, there’s something I need to tell you, too.
- Hodari 

The woman had been both pleased and surprised by the message.  After all, Hodari had never put such an invitation into writing before.  In fact, he usually only sent her mail for official Guild business and just verbally informed her whenever they ran into each other that he would make sure she got fed if she showed up to dinner on any given night. 

Maybe he's just combining those two things to save some time and effort? she rationalized. 

That made sense, so she decided not to worry about it.  At any rate, she knew that she could not ignore such a request.  Nor did she want to.  She had simply missed both of the Pavels too much in the last couple of days...even if her mind and heart were still in a turmoil about the events from the previous night.

Consequently, since she apparently already had plans to spend that evening with her favorite people, the woman spent the rest of the day catching up on most of her neglected homestead chores and some of the unfinished projects in her workshop, as well.  Meanwhile, her mind continued to run rampant through all of the decisions and choices that she still had not made when it came to her situation.

As the time drew near, however, she tried to compartmentalize those thoughts and feelings a bit better as she changed into one of her nicer outfits.  It was one that she tried really hard to keep stain free and not to hunt, climb cliffs, or wade through streams in...and one that she really hoped Hodari would think looked good on her.  She even left her hair down for once, instead of pulling it back to keep it out of her way as she usually did when she was running around Bahari.  

Right before she left to head for the Bay, though, she decided to take a page out of her favorite miner’s book and make the most of her time and effort, as well.  

Consequently, she determined she would drop off a delivery to Tamala on the way through Bahari.  In fact, instead of traveling all the way across the valley, she could simply use the Hodari-approved mineshaft entrance on the human side that came out so close to the Thicket.   

Then, afterwards, she could easily make her way from there through either the Flooded Fortress or...since she did not want to chance getting her outfit wet and muddy...around Proudhorn Pass to get to Hodari’s side of Bahari. 

It was a good plan, so it was exactly what she did.   

She just had not expected this to happen, though! 

As the woman stood on the small hill and looked down at the sight in front of her, she took a moment to wonder if she might actually be the punchline in some kind of cosmic practical joke.  After all...right in front of her...was the traditional botanical gift that symbolized passion and romantic interest!  As it sang to her with its clear crystal tone and tempted the forager in her to harvest it immediately, she thought about how else she could have found the rare flower...at both a time and place where it did not normally spawn...when she was actually on her way to see a certain miner of whom she had grown very very fond. 

Of course, Tamala had been the one to point her in the correct direction in the first place, so perhaps she should not have been too surprised.   

“You’re headed over to Hodari’s now, aren’t you, Little Lamb?” the alchemist had asked knowingly after the human arrived at the Thorny Thicket cottage to deliver the basket of potion supplies the other woman had commissioned.  “After all, you’re wearing a very attractive Come Hither ensemble all the way over here in the wilds instead of your usual field outfit.  That means that you plan to socialize instead of work.  In that case, you might find something of interest right over there on that short ridge.” Tamala practically purred as she pointed out the exact location.  

“I simply cannot give it to you myself...for obvious reasons.  However, consider the fact that I’m allowing you to harvest it, instead, as a gift anyway - a symbol of my gratitude and appreciation for always going out of your way to collect such difficult-to-procure items for little ol’ me.  Also, present these with my compliments to Hodari, as well...even though I have the feeling that he will not need them for very much longer.  After all, the lucky man’s certain to have a much more effective solution to his problem, soon.”  She put quite a bit of emphasis on that last word as she passed over a couple of bottles of what the human immediately recognized as Hodari’s usual sleeping potion.  Before she could say anything, however, the other woman spoke again.   

“Now, be sure to use my gift over there wisely so that you can finally enjoy yourself to the fullest, my Darling...even if it’s not with me.” The woman then blew a flirtatious kiss in her direction before she turned to head back inside her cottage with the basket on her arm and the usual seductive sway on her hips. 

The human woman stood there for just a moment and slowly released the breath that she did not even realize she had been holding as she noted that she had not managed to get one word in edgewise during the entire conversation.   

Hodari was right, she thought to herself. Tamala’s not so bad, but you definitely have to keep your wits about you when you deal with that woman.  

She had not been bothered by the obvious flirting, though.  After all, she had simply grown used to that, much like she had during similar interactions with Reth.  However, the human had still been too stunned by Tamala’s implications about everything else to be able to say anything.  That was especially true since it was clear that she knew, as well – even isolated as she was all the way over on this side of Bahari! 

Is there anybody...besides him, of course...who doesn’t know how I feel about that man? she could not help but to wonder with a flash of red hot embarrassment that she had apparently been much too obvious in her attentions to him as she headed to the hill to secure whatever Tamala had wanted her to find. 

As the woman stared at the Heartdrop Lily in front of her, though, she realized that her time was apparently up.  She obviously had to finally tell Hodari how she felt...even if she was still not completely sure if he returned her affections or not.  Otherwise, she was afraid the universe would continue to conspire in increasingly embarrassing ways against her until she did.   

If this continues, only the Dragon knows...or in this case it may even be the Phoenix...who would become involved next, the woman mused to herself with quite a bit of concern, especially since Delaila, Badruu, Einar, and Tamala have all already had their say about it!  

After all, she shuddered at the thought of someone like Eshe giving her romantic advice, since she could easily believe that ambitious woman would probably recommend something along the lines of blackmail and seduction...or quite possibly both of them together at the same time!  Worse yet, would be bold Sifuu – who might very well suggest just knocking the man out and simply dragging him off to bed...or maybe even straight to the altar...or wherever it was that Palian marriage ceremonies took place. 

Despite those distracting thoughts, however...ones that might actually have been amusing if they had involved anyone but herself...the human woman experienced a rush of tentative excitement at the thought that her long wait was over and she would soon know how Hodari felt in one way or the other.   

Nevertheless, at the same time, she also sighed heavily in defeat that she could not procrastinate any longer and wait until a better time (if such a thing even existed). Consequently, she still knelt down to pluck the valuable flower before she placed it gently and strategically in her bag so that it would not get crushed before she could find the courage to present it to the man himself.   

She did not know if she was ready or not for what was about to happen – especially since she was filled with so much of both anticipation and dread.  However, she could only hope that...after everything that Maji or Embra or the Universe in general had thrown at her in the last few days...it was all a good sign that her fragile human heart would not get completely crushed in the process, either.   

As it was, the woman turned and slowly headed toward the Aqueduct and onward to the Pavel house that lay just beyond it...towards the moment of truth and the long-borne heartfelt emotions that she knew were about to be laid bare there, as well. 

Consequently, she realized that there would now be a lot at stake during what was supposed to have been a simple and comfortable dinner with the man and his daughter.  In fact, the whole situation had turned into something that seemed to have taken a page straight out of one of Naio’s favorite romance novels, instead. 

The woman could only fervently hope that...whatever book Fate had apparently plucked off the shelf for her to experience firsthand...it would have a happy ending.