Druidess Found (Druidess Trilogy Book 1) by Machelle Hanleigh (interesting novels to read txt) 📕

clearing outside the Queen's hut. She tried to absorb all the sights and sounds along the way. They weren't far from the Queen's hut. Still, it felt like it took a long time, when in reality Kaily knew it was her nerves which made it feel that way. They encountered far more villagers than she suspected lived in the village. Similar to earlier, the villagers paid little attention to her, for which she was grateful. She didn't like to be the center of attention. It was better than when they stared at her and took their children inside like they did the day before.

Kaily observed that Shimani guided her to one of the benches on the edge of the clearing, close enough to be included, but far enough to not be at the same time. She felt a slight ping in the region of her heart. She pushed it aside. She didn't like being around that many strangers, yet she felt disappointed that she was to be left on the edges of the festivities. It didn't make sense she should feel that way. Shimani convinced her to go To become a part of the evening repast. To get out and be seen. To give others a chance to get to know her and then he places her on the edge of the festivities. She supposed Shimani meant nothing by it. He must have a good reason, she hoped. She would be hurt if it was because she was an outsider.

The one good thing about being on the edge, she had a view of everything. Benches were set throughout the clearing. A place where drums were placed and ready for the musicians to play and a long table filled with a variety of delectable looking items. An aromatic floral scent mixed with something else she didn't recognize filled the air. She noticed with the other meals Shimani gave her so far no meat served or at least not that she recognized. She asked Shimani about it earlier in the day. He said all the food they consumed grew within the forest. It was the Kahoali way, he said and left it at that.

"Would you prefer to pick out your own repast or should I bring you something?" Shimani sat next to her on the bench.

Kaily glanced at all the villagers gathered near and around the long table getting their food. "Whatever you bring me will be fine." She finally told Shimani. She didn't mind being there, but the least attention she drew to herself the better.

"I'll be sure to bring you the tasty bites." Shimani said.

She smiled and watched Shimani leave to get her food. He talked to several individuals along the way. She enjoyed how open the people were, at least with each other. She spotted the Queen near the center of the gathering with her own plate of food and mug by her side. She talked and laughed with the villagers as they came up to her. It was informal from what Kaily observed in the throne room. The children seemed taken with the Queen as several gathered around her to eat their own meals. There was happiness there that permeated Kaily's center being. A longing surfaced within her, and she suddenly wished that she was not an outsider to these people. It was a strange sensation for her to want to be included to such a large group of people.

The Queen glanced at Kaily once and inclined her head ever so slightly. Kaily nodded back. She'd always been a loner and a bit of an outsider, even back on Earth. It didn't bother her. It was the one way she kept people at a distance. However, here in this moment, she felt the first pangs of regret for not being more outgoing. She didn't want to be an outsider for the first time in her life. She could feel sorrow rising inside her, making its way to the surface.

Before she could sneak back to her hut, Shimani stood before her, handing her a plate and mug. He introduced her to a woman who was in the process of sitting next to her. The woman didn't wear a headdress like so many of the others. She was quite beautiful. She had the same darker sun-kissed complexion of the Kahoali, and the dark hair that she wore in tiny braids. Something about her stood out more than any of the others there. The braids were similar to how her dark warrior wore his own dark hair. Kaily noticed earlier that the Kahoali males and females alike wore their hair in long braids or cut very short. All were in very good shape, annoyingly so.

"Kaily this is Shanees Sari." Shimani handed Sari a plate after she settled in next to Kaily. "Shanees Sari this is Kaily."

Kaily narrowed her gaze on Shimani. He, on the other hand, smiled from ear to ear. How was Kaily supposed to hide the fact that she could speak Kahoali, now? She mentally shook herself out of her own thoughts and smiled to Shanees Sari. Kaily noticed he did not have a plate or mug for himself. Great! She thought. She got the impression he didn't intend to join them.

"Not so formal, Shimani," Sari turned to Kaily. "Call me Sari. It's nice to meet you, Kaily."

"You as well," Kaily said and glanced to Shimani. What now? She thought.

"I will leave the two you alone to get acquainted." Shimani said.

He left before she could protest. She turned her attention to Sari and smiled, somewhat smiled. She didn't know what to say. Kaily wasn't supposed to let anyone know she could speak Kahoali and yet he left her with Shanees. What was Shimani thinking?

"Shimani tells me that you picked up Kahoali well."

"Something like that." Kaily said.

Sari smiled and leaned closer to Kaily. "It's okay," she quietly said. "I know the truth of it, and Shimani sat us far enough away so we can converse without drawing too much attention."