Clever girls

You pack up your camp and head out, walking for a while to chat with your new companions. Naia and Aisha listen intently as you talk about your life and how you ended up coming to the old world. Naia looks at you curiously as you finish. “You know, for someone who describes themselves as average, your life seems to have pointed you directly to where you needed to be!”

You look at the energetic raptor questioningly. “What do you mean by that?”

Naia smiles. “Well, you got educated, but couldn’t get work. So you learned skills. Those skills got you work, and work taught you more skills. They turned out to be the sort of thing you need to fit in here!”

Aisha chuckles. “Naia is simplifying a lot, but she’s not wrong. Your life experience is part of why we’re interested in you, honestly.”

You look at the older sister. “Why is that?”

Aisha smiles. “Well, we tried out a few younger travelers, but they were mostly interested in…well, they didn’t care about talking, let’s say that. It was fun for a day or two, but there was no bond there, so we left.”

Naia nods. “Then we saw you and decided to take a chance! And you’re doing great!”

You look between the two. “So the flirty introductions were just a test?”

Aisha shakes her head. “No, we would have jumped at a quickie had you wanted that, but we wouldn’t have stuck around afterwards. It’s been a few weeks with only each other for company, so we’re a bit pent up. But the outfits are a ruse, yes.”

Naia crosses her arms in a huff. “I’ll have you know this is a traditional outfit!”

Both you and Aisha laugh. Aisha shakes her head. “I don’t think even a newcomer like Greg will be convinced of that, sis.”

“Okay, so it’s supposed to have a dress, but still!”

You smile. “You look beautiful, both of you. I assume you have regular clothes somewhere?”

Aisha nods. “Our camp is a little way up the road. We can stop and change while we eat lunch.”

You nod. “And maybe you two can tell me your story as well.”

She chuckles. “Fair is fair. And you’re being such a gentleman, not even mentioning the possibility of sex.”

You smile. “Well, I wouldn’t want to drive off such interesting and beautiful travel companions.”

Seeing both of them smile, you add, “After all, half the fun is anticipation.”

Naia giggles, and Aisha smiles broadly. She winks at you slyly.