It was refreshing to see folk who were not obsessed with either ignoring or worshiping their avatar. Hassoi seemed to simply be part of their everyday life.
When one of the young women brought her some more water in a carved wood cup, Ceelie took it gladly. She was thirsty and the water slipped down her throat to cool her everywhere it touched.
She offered what was left in her cup to Gilla, but the older woman shook her head. "That water is for you alone. Enjoy it."
There was something behind that comment, but Ceelie drank the water, enjoying the feel of it as it seemed to run through her veins.
When the light took on a red tint, the women got her to her feet and led her back to the shuttlecraft.
"Why isn't the evening planned in the village?" Ceelie didn't want to be rude, but it seemed strange to walk the distance to the shuttle with all the food in tow.
"He has not been offered the hospitality of the village, only the planet. He will wait until the morning to meet with the avatar, but we give him the offer of food."
Oh crap. Keeln was not going to be happy about the pampering she had received.
"You will remain with us while you are here. Hassoi insists that you are to be given every courtesy."
Ceelie nodded, but she couldn't help the frisson of fear that snaked up her spine. Getting into that shuttle with a disgruntled Ambassador was a ticket to being launched out the airlock.
)
