Chapter 11: The Missus
Nick opened the door before Malak and Sosora could even make themselves known by either shouting or knocking. They hadn't decided what to do yet when Nick surprised them.
Nick raised an eyebrow when he saw Malak next to Sosora. The thick brow that stuck out from the rest of his face was a little odd. But Nick just figured there were more than birds and bears in the forest and moved on. He stepped out and closed the door behind him.
"Hello, Sosora, and...?" Nick said, looking curiously at the guy next to Sosora.
"This is Malak. He came to say hi. Malak, this is Nick. Say hi."
Malak snapped out of his stupor and awkwardly nodded.
"H-Hi, Nick. It's nice to meet you? I represent the Bawin tribe, and I'm here to tell you that we do not mind your presence in the forest."
"Uhh, thanks?" Nick was not sure what to think of that. What were they going to do if they did mind his presence? Ask him to move? Where?
'Does he not think it's nice to meet me or what?' Nick had also noticed the hesitation in Malak's voice.
Sosora lightly smacked Malak's shoulder.
"You're so blunt, Malak. There's no need to be so direct about it."
"But that's what the elders told me to say!"