Page 114 of Sun Warrior

“No, that’s up to you, but it makes sense. Hey, if you want another opinion, just look at Nik. I’ll bet his teeth will fall out when he sees how gorgeous you are tonight.”

“That’s not a very appealing image.”

“I was trying to be dramatic. You know what I mean. Now come on. They’re all hungry and no one will eat until we do.”

“Okay, okay. I’m ready.” The two Moon Women began to walk slowly down the wide steps that led from the birthing burrow to the clearing beside the stream. Just before they became visible to the people gathered below, Mari touched Sora’s shoulder. “We’re making history tonight; do you realize that?”

Sora’s eyes glinted with excitement. “Yes, I do. We’re doing the right thing, Mari. Your mama would be so proud—of the both of us.”

“That’s exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you.”

Sora patted one of Mari’s curls back into place. “You’re welcome. That’s what friends do—say the exact right thing sometimes.”

“I’m glad you forced me to be your friend, Moon Woman,” Mari said.

“Me, too, Moon Woman,” said Sora. “Forward together?”

“Always.”

As one, they descended into the Gathering. Following Sora’s idea,they were dressed in short tunics that left their legs and arms bare. Freshwater shells had been sewn into the hems of the tunics where they dangled to make music with their every step. Sora had taken special care with their hair. Hers was, as always, a magnificent dark mane that fell well past her waist and was decorated with beads and shells and feathers. Mari’s hair, though much shorter, had brilliant blue feathers braided within it so that it appeared as if she were wearing a beautiful headdress. She’d brought her mama’s cloak from their burrow—and it was draped across her shoulders. The flickering firelight caught the intricately embroidered fabric so that it seemed the birds and vines and flowers were magickally alive. Together, the two young women were as beautiful as they were powerful.

“Our Moon Women! Our Moon Women are here!” Isabel’s voice was the first to take up the cry, but it was followed by a swell of greetings that rolled over Mari like a warm summer rain. All faces turned to them as the canines barked enthusiastically and Rigel, unable to contain himself any longer, sprinted to Mari. She’d expected him to jump up and act like the puppy he still was, but Rigel shared her emotions and he felt her nervousness. Instead of jumping about, he fell in beside her, keeping pace with Mari and Sora and looking regal and very adult.

“Good boy, smart boy. I love you so much!” Mari whispered to him. His tail wagged with happiness, but he maintained his adult demeanor. When she walked he did, too, his shoulder touching the side of her leg. When she paused he did as well, and as he moved with her Rigel flooded his Companion with love and strength and a great sense of unwavering pride in her—and Mari’s nerves dissipated like dew before the magnificence of the sun.

Nik was there, with Laru beside him. He stood in the center of the small group of Companions, with O’Bryan on one side and Antreas on the other with his Bast. As she met his gaze, Nik lifted his fingers to his lips, kissed them, and then bowed his head to her.

There was a confusing flurry of activity at the edge of the little group that clustered around Nik, and suddenly Chloe bolted from her littermates who were nestled beside Fala. Chloe half ran, half waddled toSora, who bent to scoop her up, but instead of whining and wriggling and begging for kisses, the pup quieted as soon as she was in her Companion’s arms. Chloe lifted her head and gazed out at the gathered people, looking as serious as was possible for a fat, adorable puppy.

“She’s amazing, isn’t she?” Sora whispered to Mari.

Mari stifled her grin and nodded in agreement. Up until today Mari would never, ever have even considered the possibility of Sora being chosen by a canine as a Companion, but already the two of them fit so well together that Mari couldn’t imagine them any other way. And it was wonderful to see Sora filled with such happiness.

They approached the center bonfire that blazed high and hot before the reclining image of the Great Mother. As they had practiced when they prepared in the burrow, Mari and Sora lifted their arms together and shouted, “Bright blessings to you all!”

“Bright blessings to you, Moon Women!” the people cried in response.

“Before we eat, Sora and I have two announcements to make, and after that we will ask each of you to make a difficult decision,” Mari began.

“Danita, Isabel, and Jenna, please come forward,” Sora said.

The crowd stirred, letting the three girls through. Mari thought they looked nervous, and she didn’t blame them.

“These three Clanswomen petitioned us earlier today, asking that we apprentice them in the healing arts of being a Moon Woman, as well as the magick of drawing down the moon,” Sora said.

Mari waited until the curious whispering of the Clanswomen in the crowd silenced before she spoke. Then she drew herself up as tall as possible and spoke formally to the Gathering. “Sora and I have considered their request, and we are announcing tonight that we have happily accepted the three of them as apprentices.”

The joy that lit the three girls’ faces made Mari’s heart sing.

“But Mari, Jenna does not have gray eyes.”

Mari looked through the crowd until she saw that it was an older woman named Adira who had spoken.

“True,” Mari said.

“And even though Danita and Isabel are marked by gray Moon Woman eyes, our Leda did not choose either as her apprentice,” Sora said.

“But that was another time. Things have changed since my mama chose Sora,” Mari said. “The Clan has fragmented. The Tribe of the Trees is in turmoil. Our people have been freed from their captivity.”