“She has known about my fascination for a healer since I was a teenager.This was not our first meeting.”
Alody walked back into the space without her son and headed for the table where Keska waited.Her bearing said she was in control of everything around her.
Diena’s bearing said she would burn the world if she got a hangnail.Kritz was suddenly glad that the baby had been confirmed his and Arcady’s.That family was scary.
* * * *
Diena looked at Keskaand said, “You are part Nelith and part Aluhara, right?”
“Yes.No other pieces.”
“Aluhara is Alody’s cousin.Like actual cousin.Like they have met cousin.”
Keska stared at Alody.“No way.”
“Way.”
Keska grinned.“This makes holiday meals so much fun.”
Diena blinked.“Oh.Right.Caska and Avagail.”
Keska opened her arms.“Cousin!”
Keska got up and ran around the table to hug Diena and then Alody.“Kessie is going to be so happy.Ithal is her cousin.”
Alody said softly, “Can you see if Aluhara remembers Alodihan?”
Keska sobered and nodded.“Of course.”
Keska made a call and smiled.“Hey, Aluhara, or rather, Mom.I have a question for you.Do you remember Alodihan?”
There was silence, and Keska teared up.“She’s crying.She said her little cousin was taken by fever when she was eight.”
Alody got up and walked around the table, leaning over Keska’s shoulder.“Hello, most elegant cousin.I am sorry about the berry tarts, but they were always my favourite.”
Keska smiled.“She remembers.Mom, this is her number.Go.”
Alody had tears in her eyes when her com alerted.She sat down on a bench against the wall and answered.“Hey, cousin.”
Diena smiled.“Thank you for doing that.She was sold so young.Now we know what the cover story was.”
“Like you, I was lab-raised.The family dynamic does not come easily.”
“No.I know it kept you from Kessie and Sorooth.”
“Well, the Sethir edict against Nelith did that.Her genes pop up every time I have a scan, and I didn’t want that for Kessie.You have no idea how relieved I was when Sorooth said he was coming here as an instructor or professor or something.”
Diena smiled.“And you found the way, and Kessie doesn’t hold it against you.”
Alody was crying happy tears as she talked to her cousin.
Diena laughed.“I wonder how long before Sorooth asks if he can play in the paintball range.”
Keska chuckled.“He’s already asked.I told him he has to find another boy his size to play with.I am not hunting a minder on the range.”
“Oh.Shoot.Right.We need a blocker in the helmets.”
Keska nodded.“I am on it.”
