Quest for the Moon Orb: Orbs of Rathira by Laura Jo Phillips Page B

after rescuing her from her kidnappers.  She seemed nice enough, though quiet.
    “Would you like to have a seat?” she asked.
    “Yes, thank you,” Kapia said.  They walked over to the sitting area and sat down, Karma wondering how long it would take her to get used to sitting on the floor.  On cushions, happily, but still on the floor.  The only chairs she had seen so far in the palace were in King Rhobar’s private rooms.  There had been low benches in the dining area too, she remembered, but that was it for furniture designed for sitting.
    Remembering her guest, Karma glanced toward the doorway that led to a private pantry, pleased to see Lashi standing there.  She arched a brow in silent question, and Lashi replied with a tiny nod. 
    “Would you like some refreshment?” she offered, pleased that Lashi understood her so easily.   
    “That is very kind of you,” Kapia replied.  “But no, Lady Techu, thank you.  It is growing late and I will not keep you long.”
    “Again, I apologize if this seems rude, but is there something I can do for you, Princess Kapia?” Karma asked. 
    “I wish to offer you my friendship,” Kapia said, her face pink, her eyes on the table between them.  “Your friend, Aisling, was so kind to me.  I would honor her by befriending her friend.”
    “That is very thoughtful and generous of you, Princess Kapia,” Karma said, warmed by the girl’s offer.  She had just decided that she would not go without friends again, and now was a perfect time to make good on her decision.  “I’m happy to accept your offer of friendship.”
    Princess Kapia looked up and smiled, an expression that brightened her already beautiful face. 
    “I wonder, do you know who I could ask to teach me the correct protocols?” Karma asked.  “I don’t want to go around offending people because I don’t know how to bow correctly.  My mouth gets me in enough trouble without that kind of help.”
    Kapia laughed, a sweet, carefree sound that seemed at odds with her hesitant manner.  “I would be most happy to assist you, Lady Techu.”
    “I’m sure you have more important things to do with your time,” Karma said.  Kapia’s face fell, her disappointment obvious.  Pretending not to notice, Karma went on as though she hadn’t finished speaking.  “But, if you really want to help me, I would appreciate it.”
    “I have little to occupy my time,” Kapia said, brightening again.  “I would be most pleased to assist you in any way that I can.” 
    “I’m not sure about this Lady Techu stuff,” Karma said, wrinkling her nose.  “Do you think you could just call me Karma?”
    The smile fell from Kapia’s face as she gave that request serious thought.  “In Isiben we have very specific customs about many things, including names.”  Kapia paused, waiting to see if Karma wanted to hear what she meant to say.
    “Go on,” Karma urged.
    “Our people are quite formal in many respects,” she said.  “For us, it is not polite to use one’s personal name without express permission.  The higher one’s rank, the larger the offense.  You may grant that right to whomever you choose, whenever you choose, of course.  Customarily, one grants the right only to one’s family, and very close acquaintances.  Even then, much thought is given before doing it.  It is not a privilege that is easily rescinded once granted.”
    “I see,” Karma said.  “In the world I grew up in, we had a similar custom.  However, among my people, it was considered to be a great honor to reveal one’s true name to another, and it was very rarely done.”
    “Is Karma not your true name then?”  Kapia blushed, her golden skin turning pink.  “I apologize,” she said quickly.  “That was unforgivably rude.”
    “It was neither unforgivable, nor rude,” Karma said with a laugh.  “Do not worry so much.  Please do not be insulted though when, in answer to your question, I say only that Karma