Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry Chapters 4-6

a feeling of mixed fear, respect, and wonder

Kira realized with awe the value of repetition.

able to do something well

"Yet her work at the weaving shed is competent."

to put (someone) in a usually unpleasant place or situation

Even Matt had sensed that and consigned his dog's fleas to the corridor.

to seek information from

He went on, consulting his notes.

to eat or drink up

Kira looked over quickly, but the beetle had been consumed now.

refusing to obey something or someone

She glared at him defiantly.

having its parts crowded together : THICK

He was pointing now to a page, to its densely written text.

to accompany someone to protect or show courtesy

The chief guardian nodded, and two guards moved forward to escort her from the room.

to put forward as true something that is not true

Kira shrugged with feigned nonchalance.

to steal in a sneaky way

"I filched 'em from your cott before the burning."

Having no plan, order, or direction

Matt indicated a pile of objects wrapped haphazardly in a dirty woven cloth on the step near him.

acting or done quickly and without thought : IMPULSIVE

Perhaps he had simply grabbed what he could with his impetuous, generous small hands.

lively in manner or appearance

She stood in the open doorway and watched them retreat down the long corridor, the man leading the way, Matt walking jauntily just behind him, and the dog at Matt's heels.

very careful about doing something in an extremely accurate and exact way

Kira had watched him marking these papers meticulously as he listened to the accuser.

to recognize or realize

It was subtle, but she perceived a difference.

very hungry

Fearful of the consequences if she showed her ravenous hunger, Kira willed herself to nibble at the tempting meal.

to say or prove that something is wrong or untrue

"Her weight refutes that accusation."

relation to the matter at hand

"This has no relevance," Vandara muttered.

to repeat something said or done

Again the guardian who was her defender reiterated that exceptions could be made.

to collect usable things from what has been discarded

It had been a useless stray, underfoot, scavenging everywhere for food.

being serious and dignified in appearance or behavior

He took in everything solemnly with his wide-eyed, observant gaze and made the decision himself.

a ring or stone carved with symbols and believed to have magical powers : CHARM

A simple but unusual thing, it had been a gift from Kira's father, and Katrina had cherished it as a kind of talisman.

having or showing a desire to hurt someone who has hurt or caused problems for you

But she could still hear Vandara's voice, shrill with vindictive accusation.

showing little effort or energy

She smiled wanly and continued down the aisle between the looms.