Well, that was true.  In more than one sense.

"So, what do you enjoy doing?" Ehri asked, to change the subject.  "You're certainly going to have more free time here than you had before.  Aside from occasional random large reptile-connected incidents, this is a relatively peaceful community."

"I have the eating hobby...and not much else," Umuru admitted.

"Do you mind the music?" Ehri asked.  "I find that it helps me manage my time better when I'm doing research."

"Music is good!" Umuru said.

"Well, good," said Ehri, smiling at the enthusiastic response.  "I've got a good collection, and the local music scene works with their existing technology to allow a wide range of styles to be easily accessed by anyone, if you like any of it.  You can certainly listen to music for entertainment...

"...how much food do you actually usually eat?"

Umuru blushed.

"I have a weakness for sweet foods."

Ehri smiled.  She hadn't been doing that much.

"...that's very cute," she said.  "Would you like to eat something together?  You might like ice cream."

"That would be very nice," Umuru said.

"Let's go upstairs, then," said Ehri.  "That's where I keep the food."

She had screens over her windows, so she didn't bother disguising herself again, and she let her hands get some ice cream and assorted related supplies together.  There was nothing to worry about; she was in her home, nice and secure, and while Dan was here, he already knew her secrets, so nothing would go wrong.

Umuru followed her up.

"Can you tell me more about this date? I am unsure why it was such a big deal."

"A date is a meeting intended to establish or continue a romantic relationship," said Ehri.  With some people, in some contexts, they are assumed to have sexual content, although that is not actually required in any way.  Some people, however, are pushy about that.  They can be undertaken, as I understand it, to see if a mutual romantic connection can be established."

...not that she's ever had anything like one.  Being the daughter of a protective mad dictator was awkward at times.

"I find this idea of people interested in me strange. My appearance was made to be terrifying," Umuru said.

Ehri looked her over.

"That might be cultural," she said.  "You are impressive, yes, but from the Gamri perspective, your design is more attractive than terrifying.  Bear in mind, though, that the Gamri culture has very high standards for what's terrifying in the nature of super-weapons, and a great appreciation for well-designed ones."

Umuru might be impressive, but she didn't seem likely to collapse a sun, for example.

"I suppose you are right. We were used more for attacking ships and the like," Umuru said. "The attractive part is strange still, but I have been having some strange feelings..."

"Oh?" said Ehri. "Would you care to tell me about them?"

She avoided looking at Dan at all costs.

"This is hard to explain," Umuru said, looking down and rubbing her arm. "It's like a kind of warmth almost like a blush when I'm next to you two."

Dan had a big grin on his face.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:05, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

"....ah," said Ehri.  "Do you think that you're attracted to both of us, then?"

It certainly seemed to fit the evidence of her behavior.

"I-Is that a possibility?" Umuru asked, blushing fiercely and bringing her knees up to her chest to try and hide her face. "I've never felt like this before."

"Yes, I suppose it is," said Ehri, stopping herself from giving Dan a skeptical look.  "I don't see why not."

Dan had a very big grin on his face that seemed to be getting bigger.

"What do we do now?" Umuru seemed to squeak out, her tail beginning to lash back and worth quickly, utterly destroying the back rest of the chair.

Ehri winced as the chair broke.  She could easily afford a new one, but...

"Well," she said, "we all just met.  I suppose we could show you around town, get you more used to this place."

"There is always that date option," Dan said, giving Ehri a thumbs up.

"Yes, we can certainly do that," said Ehri.  "What do you feel ready for, Umu?"

"Is that the proper way to do it?" Umuru asked.

"Sure is!" Dan said.

"It's an option," sighed Ehri.  "It's up to you, of course, but if you want to, yes, it's fine."