It looked to the twins like an enthusiastic enemy was charging them with the single-minded goal of putting them into the turf.
Fortunately, the young females halted their charge before rolling over the objects of their enthusiasm. Then all tried, breathless with excitement and exertion, to speak at once. It sounded like packs of predators fighting viciously over a downed buffalo that was still alive enough to struggle and voice its distress.
The twins did not rise from their seats. They waited patiently until the young women ran out of steam. One of them—the one who had taken a position of leadership in front of the council—appropriated the task of summing up the situation for the two handsome newcomers.
Feldspar, as was his preference, looked on the dark side. "When will this work begin?"
Silent consternation was his only answer. That had not been determined. The young women were on the verge of storming back, en masse, to the council and demanding an answer to this question. Fortunately, Bismuth had followed more slowly behind the mob. He took control of the situation.
"The construction will be done tomorrow. You newcomers will need to be up at dawn and with your belongings upon your backs if you wish this courtesy done for you." It was apparent that he was not pleased with the capitulation of the council. He had no daughter to be married. He had given his wife only the seeds for sons. Those sons would be looking for mates of their own in two years. He was not thrilled that two of the very best candidates would be pilfered by these newcomers, even while acknowledging that it would be to the benefit of the city.
Feldspar and Gypsum were both intelligent and well-trained. Gypsum's response was courteous as he bowed.
"We thank you and your city. You have shown greater generosity than we had any call to expect. You will, of course, have our complete cooperation."
Feldspar added, "In addition, we apologize for jumping to the conclusion that your city was stubborn and uncooperative. We will be delighted to stay and we look forward to meeting..." here he stopped and sent an obvious but respectful gaze at the large group of single females, "...the many very attractive young women that grace your fine city."
The ladies' body language and noises that passed for giggles among Riotori females gave good evidence of their pleasure at the description and the promise.
Then Bismuth gruffly commanded the women to return to their business and invited the twins, more politely, to return to the public shelter.
They respectfully complied. They did not unpack, but left their belongings in the shelter.
They felt it was their duty to see and perhaps talk to some of the young women that had been so energetic in their behalf. They decided, too, to split up. They could meet more young women and take their time with one, if they wished, without the other being intrusive.
Like most identical twins, they had grown up together, trained together, made this journey together and together knew when to stop being together.
Fortunately, the young females halted their charge before rolling over the objects of their enthusiasm. Then all tried, breathless with excitement and exertion, to speak at once. It sounded like packs of predators fighting viciously over a downed buffalo that was still alive enough to struggle and voice its distress.
The twins did not rise from their seats. They waited patiently until the young women ran out of steam. One of them—the one who had taken a position of leadership in front of the council—appropriated the task of summing up the situation for the two handsome newcomers.
Feldspar, as was his preference, looked on the dark side. "When will this work begin?"
Silent consternation was his only answer. That had not been determined. The young women were on the verge of storming back, en masse, to the council and demanding an answer to this question. Fortunately, Bismuth had followed more slowly behind the mob. He took control of the situation.
"The construction will be done tomorrow. You newcomers will need to be up at dawn and with your belongings upon your backs if you wish this courtesy done for you." It was apparent that he was not pleased with the capitulation of the council. He had no daughter to be married. He had given his wife only the seeds for sons. Those sons would be looking for mates of their own in two years. He was not thrilled that two of the very best candidates would be pilfered by these newcomers, even while acknowledging that it would be to the benefit of the city.
Feldspar and Gypsum were both intelligent and well-trained. Gypsum's response was courteous as he bowed.
"We thank you and your city. You have shown greater generosity than we had any call to expect. You will, of course, have our complete cooperation."
Feldspar added, "In addition, we apologize for jumping to the conclusion that your city was stubborn and uncooperative. We will be delighted to stay and we look forward to meeting..." here he stopped and sent an obvious but respectful gaze at the large group of single females, "...the many very attractive young women that grace your fine city."
The ladies' body language and noises that passed for giggles among Riotori females gave good evidence of their pleasure at the description and the promise.
Then Bismuth gruffly commanded the women to return to their business and invited the twins, more politely, to return to the public shelter.
They respectfully complied. They did not unpack, but left their belongings in the shelter.
They felt it was their duty to see and perhaps talk to some of the young women that had been so energetic in their behalf. They decided, too, to split up. They could meet more young women and take their time with one, if they wished, without the other being intrusive.
Like most identical twins, they had grown up together, trained together, made this journey together and together knew when to stop being together.
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