Culture Shock: Tales of Nailan

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​Aira nodded, though inside she was deeply confused. There were a few things that had stood out to her during the meeting and as she followed Tal outside after. Sarin, the Alpha, had calmly turned aside each of Tara’s frustrated challenges and although there was not a resolution yet and a duel could still happen, the council seemed more doubtful of its necessity than when Tara had first entered the room. The other thing that she noticed, and it bothered her that it had stood out so starkly to her, was that the Alpha had been a female werewolf. Not only that, but there were also so many other women in that room, and someone she knew had no gender at all. Many of the women in the room had worn pants, not skirts, and not one of the men had made a single comment. Tal hadn’t either! What was it about this place? Or… what was it about Nefti? 
 
That made Aira pause and she looked down at her clothes. They didn’t define her, didn’t change who she was inside, they helped her stay warm and the fact that she was in pants simply made things like taking long strides or running or fighting a little bit easier. Clothes were simply there to adorn her, and as she was seeing, some had utility. Or perhaps all had utility, the uses just perhaps a little more hidden for somethings than others.
 
“You alright there, Aira?” Tal said. 
 
She looked up at him, “I’m not sure. I think I was taught some very untrue things growing up.”
 
“Hmm. That can be a rattling realization. I think it would be good to unpack that at some point. I don’t think I’ll be able to right now. Is that alright?”
 
She nodded and he smiled down at her.
 
“Okay. Let’s try to get to Tara.”
 
Tal picked up his pace and they made their way through the werewolf village. Werewolves stood in groups watching as they went, whispering to themselves. Aira felt her cheeks grow warm, wondering what they were saying. It was sure to be about her and Tal and of course be negative and--
 
“Hey, kid, stop that train of thought right now. It isn’t useful or true. Come on, we have to get to Tara before she does something stupid.”
 
Around the next bend, they saw Tara sitting on a bench outside of a large home, looking at her weapon as it rested on her knees, her brow furrowed. 
 
“Tara!” Tal called out, “We would speak with you.”
 
“Of course you would. Who says I would?” Tara spat, her knuckles standing out white as she gripped the handle.
 
“Please, Tara. We aren’t here to do much more than listen.”
 
She jumped to her feet, a snarl forming when the door opened and a short stout woman in long flowing robes stuck her head out of the house and scowled at Tara, “Are you really about to do violence to villagers? In front of our house? Ta! Invite them in and do not forget to take off your boots and hang up your ax by the door. Well?”
 
Tara’s mouth froze in a mid-snarl and she lowered her lips slowly, glancing sideways at Tal and Aira, “You heard her, come in, I guess.”
 
She pushed past the woman, kicking her boots off and slamming her ax on a hook set in the wall beside the door frame. Aira’s eyes widened and met the woman’s briefly before looking down at her soft boots. 
 
“Come on come in, but you take your shoes off too. I just cleaned and do not want any of your battle dust in here, no thank you!” she whirled and went to the kitchen, beckoning Tal and Aira forward.
 
“I suppose it would be rude not to follow her, eh?” Tal elbowed Aira and took his shoes as he stepped into the house and Aira hastened to emulate him. 
 
The home was warm, the oven fire lit, and the smell of baking bread wafting to Aira’s nose. Her mouth began to water as she caught the scent of rabbit roasting and root vegetables simmering in a pot. How large was the kitchen that it accommodated so many foods heating at once? Tara and the woman were seated at a large wooden table, glasses and a pitcher of water already there and poured, enough for each of them. Tal sat next to Tara and Aira sat across from them, reaching for a glass at Tal’s nod. 
 
“Well, I am Charisse, Tara’s wife. Welcome to our home. I know you are Tal, but who is your companion? A little young for you, I’d imagine.” The stout woman said, sipping from her cup and raising light brown eyebrows at Tal.
 
“Ah. Well, this is Aira of Nefti. She and I met along the road and decided to travel together. She is a werewolf and I thought she might be a helpful resource to us here.”
 
Aira waved then drank out of her cup at Charisse’s smile. Tara’s wife? Aira’s heart beat a little faster and her thoughts flashed to Trish. 
 
“Oh, I see. In that case, I shall judge you a bit less, sir Dragonwolf. How can we help you?” Charisse said.
 
“We wished to speak with Tara about the issue with the dwarves and frankly with Alpha Sarin. Your display earlier was a lot, but I imagine you feel you had a good cause.”
 
Tara clenched her jaw, “Of course I have a good cause! Sarin sits and twiddles her thumbs while our neighbors laugh and steal from us! She leaves their insults unanswered and shows that we are weak to everyone who knows about the situation!”
 
Tal raised his chin, “Ah,” was all he said before glancing at Charisse, “Is there any change we may intrude on your dinner this evening? I can help with setting the table and any food prep you need? I think we may need more time to speak about this and do not want to delay your dinner.”
 
“Oh, of course! Did I not already invite you to eat with us? How silly of me! The plates are in the cupboard. Aira can help me with the vegetables if you and Tara could set the table and get the rabbit on a platter. By their smell, the rolls should be done. We just need the butter from the coolbox, thank Naidow for that little invention.” Charisse clapped her hands and jumped into the kitchen, taking Aira’s elbow and tugging her with her to check the vegetables while Tal and Tara moved to the cupboard to get the dishes.

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Christine Fritzen, author

C.F. is a math teacher in the northeast Ohio area. She enjoys reading, writing and drawing when she isn't playing games (video or tabletop) with friends and family. She has two dogs (a lab and a husky mix) and a partner who accepted her bisexuality before she did herself!