Another One and Oren

All my problems are over, right? Well, not exactly. There were still a few rough edges to smooth out.


The next morning I gathered up Another One, explaining to him that he was going to learn to herd verr. To say he was reticent would be an understatement. We stopped and I sat on the steps of a wagon, drew him closer and spoke to him in this conspiratorial whisper, like I was imparting great knowledge to him. I explained that the woman Oren was lonely, and needed someone to keep her company in the herds, but that this was a warrior's secret, and he could not tell this to anyone, especially, Oren!


Mezoo has been spending quite a bit of time with Cana's children and they adore her. I don't mean like her, I mean they think the Central Fire rises and sets in her shadow. So do I, but that is another story. I will admit.......I used this. I explained to him that if Oren got too lonely, that Mezoo would have to move her wagons back to be with her, and the children would not be able to see her everyday, as they were now. The look of shock and consternation on that boys face, was almost painful to watch, and I will admit to a twinge of guilt. But only a small twinge.


Hastily, he agreed to spend his time with the verr, making it seem like the supreme sacrifice so that his siblings could still spend time with Mezoo.


Ha!


I think it was more along the lines of him being able to spend more time with the little spex, but I did not let on that I knew.


I should probably be beat for what I used as the closer. Leaning in closer, I look around to make it seem that this was the biggest secret of all, then I appealed to that thing which all men have, no matter how young, or how old. I told him to remember, if he learned the verr, that was something that none of his brothers would know about, even Tug. I'll be damned if I didn't see this almost avaricious twinkle in his eye. He was about to learn something that not even his older brother knew.


From that point on, I could not move fast enough to get him to Oren and her verr. Introductions were made, and I slowly backed away as Oren began to explain those foul little four-legged eating things to the boy. But, I was not quick enough. Oren looked up, and eyed me, studying me, and somehow, she knew, and for now she was going to let me get away with it, but I have this feeling that I will pay for it later on.


I did not tarry, turned on my heel and escaped the verr herds as quickly as I could.


Ayguili, you are a manipulator, not a good one, but you got by this time. Next on your agenda of manipulation, will be selling this all to Cana.


Good luck!.