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“That is a great example. Another would be a person who is coming from an undeveloped world who cannot be reasonably expected to navigate a completely foreign planet without aid. Such a person likely wouldn’t be able to be granted permanent citizenship on their own anyway.”
“I see. In such cases, what happens to the person who is denied?”
“They must have continued guardianship. In most cases, it will be their parent. But it could be any legal adult who is willing to take control of them.”
“Someone like, say, the mother of your mate?”
“Yes. Though, it could be your mate themselves. If they’re an adult, of course.”
“Naturally.” She turned, facing Drevor. His expression was concealed again, but she could see the hard determination still in his eyes. “I suppose I don’t have to worry about it though. I don’t need a tribunal appointment. I am not mated.”
Drevor looked surprised. His gaze darted down to her shoulder – for some reason – but it was covered by her high-necked shirt. “I did not realize.”
“Does it make a difference?”
“Yes. Only so long as you remain unmated. Though, it might… Forgive me, tilla. I shall have to do some research before I can answer your question fully.”
She grinned harshly. “Noted. Thank you for your patience in answering my questions.”
“It is my pleasure and duty. If you need anything, feel free to ask. I cannot do much, but if there is anything I can help you with, feel free to let me know.”
“I will.” She stepped through the door and looked back. “It was lovely meeting you, Drevor.”
He inclined his head as the panel slid shut, clicking as it locked her back in. This new information tumbled about in her head as she walked forward, intending to return to her project.
Chapter 12
Rane
“Sandy? What are you doing?”
Confused, Rane tilted his head as he watched Sandy run her stained hands over the walls. Spreading the dark color. It wasn’t paint. A bowl on the side table she had placed in the center of the hall was filled with black water. Ink, he realized from the smell. She was covered in it. The black spots stained her sleeves, though they were rolled up to her elbows, as well as her long skirt, her socks. All of them formerly white, now destroyed.
“Fingerpainting,” she answered, turning to him with a smile, wiggling her ink-stained digits in demonstration. As he watched, she dipped them into the water and smacked them against the wall, dragging her fingers down, creating a dark, messy line.
“Did you want me to buy you paints? Or a canvas?”
“Oh, paints would be nice. In every color you can, thank you. But I have my canvas right here. What do you think? I mean, it’s still a work in progress, and I haven’t really done art since college, but how does it look?”
“What is it?”
“Well, it’s a tree. Or it’s supposed to be,” she chuckled, wiping her cheek with her arm. “See, that’s the trunk here, and these are all branches here coming over the top. I’m going to add leaves next, but I want to finish the roots first. Maybe put in a few birds. Maybe some flowers.”
“Okay. But… why?”
“I’m bored.”
“And you decided that the cure for your boredom was… ink finger painting?”
“No. I decided the cure was general chaos and mild mayhem. And I already destroyed the chairs that were sitting here.”
“You destroyed them?”
“I upcycled them,” she corrected with a smirking grin. “They’ve become lovely baskets. Well, one of them is lovely. The first one is, unfortunately, the rough draft.”
“Right…” Rane mumbled, staring in confused amusement as she dropped to her knees to begin painting one of the roots of the black tree she was making.
He knew Lisra had come to visit her. Sal told him. Lisra informed him about what they talked about, and he had, in turn, informed Rane. He also instructed him on how to get clothing from s’skree merchants for Sandy.
