Page 8 of Legends and Longing

Everything made them react oddly.

Professor Zorin most of all because he had started moving nearly as much as our new visitors.

Oh.

“Did the language make Professor Zorin…uncomfortable?”

Something about my question must have translated wrong because Toman’s mate’s eyes went wide and he started coughing. It caused Toman to touch his mate’s back but nothing in his behavior said he was concerned about his mate’s ability to take in air.

“Yes. The people of Earth have interesting views on different types of bonding with mates. It seems to come from the humans. Professor Zorin was startled and that has led to the debate about who will get the language.”

Ancestors above.

The strange bird of a professor would not keep everyone else from fulfilling their duties. It did not matter if the information he learned from Toman’s bonding was confusing.

“They do not have a choice. It was agreed that we would obtain their language since we do not know how their magic has evolved. The safety measure was implemented for a reason. We must be able to communicate with them.”

Along with needing to gain information on the other side of the gate, we could not keep them safe or content without it. All people must be able to communicate in some way. That was the minimum of what we needed to do to have them stay with us for any length of time.

“I agree but I must explain that the language is only to be given to those of bonding age because of the information on their mating practices. Also, if you have questions about the information, you must come to me or my mate. He is knowledgeable about many of their practices.”

Toman paused, glancing over at Professor Zorin who was doing his best to get closer to the people of Earth without actually being successful. I could not decide if the people of Earth were moving away from him or if he was simply pretending to get close to test them in some way.

“They are confusing but explaining their bonding rituals without context was not helpful.”

Was Professor Zorin not intelligent enough to understand their customs?

What were they doing that made bonding confusing?

Was the knowledge the reason the professor was still circling the newcomers?

Had the spell shared too much private information from Toman’s own mating?

How confusing was his mate’s bonding practices?

The next time I was given a similar job, I was going to move to the forests and leave everyone else behind.

“Again, I cannot go back to my work until I have fulfilled my duty. I do not care what the humans have taught our people about mating. I do not care how it involves you personally.”

His bonding was not my business even if the spell shared too much information.

Their social customs related to mating would not affect me. Therefore it was not something I was worried about.

“Alright. Please close your eyes and focus appropriately.”

I glanced around at the people of Earth one more time, but instead of looking dangerous or worried, they were all making similar expressions as Toman’s Wren.

No one radiated danger even with their constant movements, so I obeyed and cleared my mind as Toman began the spell. I focused on obtaining the language Toman called English and being receptive to his knowledge. Understanding the people of Earth was my main thought as the spell built and was finally released.

Oh.

Well, it seemed like the people of Earth were interesting creatures.

It was no wonder Professor Zorin was drawn to them.

Toman was doing his best to keep what I knew the Earthlings would call a blank face as I opened my eyes, but his mate was doing the sound of giggling, if I was processing the information correctly.

“Please be welcome, Wren of Earth.”