Frisha was only mildly mollified. “Hmf. If she tries to steal him from me I’ll … I’ll …”

“You’ll what?” asked Tam with a smirk.

“I don’t know, but it won’t be pretty!” Frisha snapped.

Lieutenant Jimson sat quietly off to the side taking in all the drama. On the one hand, he was glad he was not a part of it. On the other, he kind of wished Reaylin would give him even a small amount of interest. He had been drawn to her from the beginning. Her petite frame and womanly curves were enticing, and he enjoyed that fiery spark that seemed to put everyone else on edge.

Jimson knew he had no chance of competing with Rezkin, though, so he would just have to bide his time until the girl realized the young man would not be swayed. It was no secret that Frisha favored Rezkin, and it appeared that the warrior returned her affections, although he was subtler in expressing his interest.

Reaylin turned to Rezkin more anxious than she expected. “Look, Rez, I just wanted to apologize for my behavior. It was inappropriate and forward. Before, I thought that maybe we could … well … but, now, I am hoping we can be friends.”

Rezkin cocked his head in contemplation. She wanted to be his friend? Was that even possible? He was not sure how to make someone into a new friend. Did she have to be inducted? Did she need to contact the leader of the group and submit an application? Was there some protocol for selecting new friends? He really did not know how the whole process worked. It would be best to discuss it with his other friends before he gave her an answer.

“I do not know, Reaylin. I will consider it. I should discuss it with Frisha, but I think she is a little upset with you right now,” he replied honestly.

“So, you and Frisha are … together?” she questioned coyly as she twisted the end of her ponytail in her fingers.

“She has agreed to stay with me,” Rezkin answered.

“Oh,” Reaylin said suddenly feeling very embarrassed. She had not realized Frisha and Rezkin were so serious. She could see, now, that she had never really had a chance with him, and she had offended Frisha. “I guess I’ve been kind of a jerk to her.”

Rezkin was unfamiliar with the term jerk, so he just shrugged and said, “You would have to talk to her about that.”

“Yeah, I guess I should,” Reaylin said. “I’m just not like her, though. She acts so perfect and proper. Just like all the other women I don’t get along with.”

The young warrior considered her words and replied, “I do not agree. I have seen many women …”

“I bet you have,” Reaylin interrupted inappropriately. She flushed as she realized her mouth had gotten away from her again.