" "The last time you were here was two years ago," Kiza said." "The last time you were here was two years ago," Kiza said. "I bet you're still growing." "I hope not," Parynn said. "Hey, you missed Piot's barbecue this year." "I did?" Kiza. "Damn." She turned to Garth and said "Every once in a while, Piot throws these huge barbecues. Slaughters a few dozen cows, has about a dozen dragons overhead. It's very exciting." She smiled. "I miss those. I miss a lot of things about not living out here. I think if I get the chance, I'll move back out here. It would be nice. Or... Hey, Sine, do you think you could tell me when there's going to be a party?" "Of course," the AI replied. "I'm surprised you didn't ask for that in the first place." "I wasn't thinking," Kiza sighed. "Come on, you two. Let's get the horses." She walked out of the house, and Garth and Parynn followed. They walked around to the stables, where two horses stood quietly waiting. "Those aren't real, are they?" Parynn asked. "Nah, they're not," Kiza admitted. "Pretty good 'droids, though, you have to admit." Parynn nodded. "Why do you use 'droids, though? You can handle real horses well enough, Kiza. I've watched you." "He can't," she said, pointing back at Garth. "I don't know if I could with a perfectly compliant 'droid, either," Garth said. Kiza showed him how to climb up into the saddle, and Garth attempted to emulate her. Much to his pleasure he managed and was surprised when he found himself astride a horse, looking around at the world. He was eye-level with Parynn and Kiza, and the world looked hazardously far away. "Come on," Parynn said. He started walking away, and Kiza followed him. |