An hour later, she left the medical facility, completely healed though still exhausted. Leyon took her into one of the mountains, and she sighed at the blast of chilled air that greeted her. The dining hall was vacant and massive, a cave converted into a cafeteria. He motioned for her to sit and brought her food and water.
"How did you learn to battle plan?" he asked, sitting across from her.
"In A'Ran's battle room. I was bored after he kidnapped me and left me with his sisters," she replied. She was getting used to the hard stares the warriors gave her, the only indication of their surprise at her candidness.
"I pity my cousin," he said at last. At her surprised look, he added, "I know him well enough to know you will change him. I do not know if he realizes how much."
"I'm not sure if you're insulting me or complimenting me," she said with a puzzled smile.
"He chose well, nishani."
"Thank you, I think."
"Are there many women on your planet?"
"Yes, there are about three billion. You want one?"
"I may." He was serious enough that she laughed.
"At least I haven't scared you away from them!"
"I want to see what kind of planet produces women like you."
She laughed harder, glancing up as Mansr joined them. He tossed his head to Leyon, who left quietly.
"How do you fare, nishani?" he asked.
"Good."
"You've mastered battle planning."
"Not yet. A'Ran is better than me."
"As he should be. He's been doing it for many years."
She ate her dinner, beat. He made no move to leave her in the cafeteria.
"I hoped you would come," he said softly.
"I don't know how long I can stay," she replied. "I don't think grass will benefit the war effort, though."
"It's a start. The world and its people will take time to heal."
She paused and stared at him, unable to comprehend an entire planet that depended on her. He seemed to assume she was staying for good, and she didn't know how to tell him A'Ran had given her a choice she hadn't yet made.
"A'Ran chose well," Mansr added. "Even if you are unusual."
"He has a lot on his shoulders."
"He has since his parents were killed. He's been the dhjan fighting this battle since he reached my shoulder. He's known nothing else in all these years. I am happy he found you, not only for Anshan but for him. He needs someone to remind him that there is more to his life than war."