Page 24 of Dark Princess Emerging
In comparison, Earth was how the priestesses described the Fields of the Brave.
As Morelle lifted her face to the sun and closed her eyes, Brandon's hand found hers, his fingers intertwining with her own. "You really like the outdoors."
She opened her eyes and smiled. "Here I do. Back where I came from it was rare that the conditions were hospitable enough for a stroll in the gardens, and I was also covered from head to toe."
A female jogging past smiled and waved. "Good morning!"
"Good morning," Morelle called back after recovering from the surprise.
She was still getting used to showing her face so freely and getting friendly responses from strangers.
They passed the training grounds where several Kra-ell were running in formation, the sound of their synchronized footfalls bringing back memories of watching warriors train from the temple's windows.
"You're doing it again," Brandon said.
"Doing what?"
"Getting lost in memories." He squeezed her hand.
She smiled. "I can't stop comparing everything. Even these warriors seem different than those I saw training back home. The expressions on their faces are more relaxed. I don't know if it's the wonderful weather or the freedom."
"It's the freedom," he said. "That was what motivated me for long decades to produce films and television series celebrating the human spirit and pushing the idea of freedom. But it's a never-ending struggle, and I'm tired of the constant setbacks. One generation of humans fights against oppression, sheds blood, sweat, and tears to earn and safeguard freedom, and the next takes it for granted and gives it up, sacrificing the hard-won rights their parents fought for on this or that altar of propaganda pushed by those who want to take it away. The cycle of naivety and stupidity is disheartening."
Morelle had only a vague idea of what he was talking about because she knew so little of Earth's history. There was only so much Brandon could cram into the days since her awakening, especially since she preferred to spend their private time kissing rather than talking about history and politics.
As they passed by the village café, a woman with blue hair waved at them. "Are you heading to the ceremony?"
"We are," Brandon replied. "I hope we are not late."
"The place is already packed, but I don't think they are going to start without Annani." The woman walked up to them and offered her hand to Morelle. "I'm Marina, by the way. Peter's mate." She smiled warmly.
Was Morelle supposed to know who Peter was?
She glanced at Brandon, but he didn't offer an explanation.
"It's nice to meet you," she said before realizing that the female didn't have earpieces.
To her great surprise, Marina answered in Kra-ell. "The pleasure is all mine, Princess Morelle."
"How do you know Kra-ell?"
The female looked at Brandon with a raised brow. "I guess you didn't tell her about the compound."
"There was no time." His hand tightened on Morelle's hand. "And speaking of no time, we'd better head in."
"Of course." Marina smiled at Morelle. "I work in the café, so when you need a break and want to talk to someone, you can find me here most of the time."
"Thank you. I will do that."
It would be nice to have a friend who did not belong to her immediate family.
Morelle had never had friends, and she wasn't sure what to do with one, but she could start by asking Marina about the compound that Brandon hadn't had time to tell her about.
As they entered the clinic, the space was already crowded with people, and to Morelle's great disappointment, all the chairs were taken. She'd pushed herself on the walk, and even though she'd made it without having to ask Brandon to carry her, she would have loved to get some rest.
Amanda's mate noticed her looking and pushed to his feet, motioning for her to take his place, but before she could take him up on his offer, she was ambushed by a woman with long blond hair.
"I'm so happy to see you up and about, Morelle! I'm Margo." Without warning, she threw her arms around Morelle in an enthusiastic hug.