Tyrex took Sophia outside the hut. “Please ignore my parents. They don't know when to stop.”
Sophia laughed. “It was fine. I actually like them.”
Tyrex stopped her for a moment. “You don't need to be polite.”
“I can't blame them for the way they're acting. Their son just brought home an alien to breakfast.”
Tyrex tried to keep from laughing but couldn't hold on.
“So show me your village. I want to learn all about it.” She hooked her arm in Tyrex's and he looked confused about it.
“There's not much to show. I just wanted to get away from my parents.”
Tyrex showed her around the various huts. The biggest being for the Council of Elders.
“And I assume the Council are the leaders of the village?”
“Leader isn't the right word. More like gods. Or at least that's what they think of themselves as. They are forcing me to marry within seven days.”
Sophia put her hand on his arm. “That sounds horrible. Who do you have to marry?”
“I don't know yet. I have to find her.”
“And can't you refuse?”
“I don't understand.”
“Like tell them you won't do it.”
“You can't do that without losing your head.”
Sophia put her hand over her mouth. “I can't believe that.”
“That is life on Jeorn.”
Tyrex showed her to the main well where the majority of the village got their water. A few people shot them weird glances but didn't say anything.
“I'm sorry if I'm making you feel uncomfortable,” Sophia said.
“Never think that. These people are just shocked to see something foreign to them.”
“Well I'm a little shocked to see all this too.”
Sophia almost felt like she was on a date. It would be the first one since her last boyfriend. Tyrex was everything she wanted in a man: strong, polite, and interesting.
But was he even really a man? His skin color and huge size seemed to be the only differences. And skin color never bothered her before.
A Jeorn male in robes approached them. He wasn't as tall nor as attractive as Tyrex. “What is this...thing, Tyrex,” he said, pointing his blue finger at Sophia.
“This is Sophia,” Tyrex replied. “Sophia, this is Juhktar. He's a member of the Council.”
“It is nice to meet you.” Sophia reached out for a handshake.
Juhktar recoiled in fear. “Where did this thing come from?”
“Space, my lord.”
“Space? You surely jest, Tyrex.”
“I would never joke, honored council member.”
“The Council of Elders will hear of this. I would like you to come in tomorrow. Alone.”
“Of course, my lord.” Tyrex bowed.
Juhktar bowed, ignored Sophia, and left.
“What was all that about?” Sophia asked.
“Probably just the beginning,” Tyrex replied. “Let's forget about it and get back to my home.”