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The wordsEarth singingcaught her eye, drawing her to what looked like a recount of some kind of ritual. Interest piqued, Nayome flipped through a few more pages, until she saw the notation at the bottom of a passage.
1865, Jul 28
Shorcha
Shorcha was signed in beautiful looping, ornate handwriting, leaping off the page. Closing the book in surprise, Nayome wondered how Wynn had come to own such a treasure, and why she would trust Nayome to care for it. From what she had heard from Bal, Shorcha had been a powerful, beloved member of their Glen. This had to be a prized possession. Wrapping the book back up, Nayome slipped it carefully into her bag. She couldn’t wait until later, when she could find some quiet time to read more.
* * *
The celebration was remarkably human, Nayome thought as she observed the crowd who had separated into small clusters around tables, nibbling appetizers that were being circulated by Fitz and crew. The event had been set up in a larger clearing, not far from the ancient yew. Tents covered in twinkle lights canopied the guests, who were all dressed in sleek formal wear. Dresses sparkled in the moonlight, men looking dangerous and suav in their tailored suits. Despite the sense of familiarity, Nayome could sense the current of power simmering under the surface, an ocean of energy that connected all of these people to each other and to the earth. She felt it within herself as well, a sense of belonging blooming within her.
Nayome was surprised how many people there were, old and young. It looked like there were enough to populate a small town. Did everyone live in the forest? Or had some of them traveled in from nearby towns? She had so many unanswered questions buzzing in her head.
“What’s got you frowning like that?” Bal asked quietly, his mouth close to her ear. His hand slid to her lower back, smoothing over the fabric of her flowing, forest green gown. She had gone shopping yesterday with Ce, not having any idea what the dress code for this event was. They had settled on this gown, Nayome had been drawn to its lightness, soft airy layers draping down the length of it, flowing effortlessly with her movement. The color was a deep, rich forest green that highlighted the red tones of Nayome’s hair. She had been worried it would be too formal, but Ce had insisted it was perfect. She had been right, Nayome thought with relief, as her sweeping glance took in the attire of the milling guests.
“I’ve still got so many questions. Do all these people live here in the forest?”
Bal chuckled, shaking his head. “Most choose to live in town. Some have traveled here from a distance, to meet our new member.” Bal smiled down at her, pride and love sparkling clearly in his eyes. Nayome felt herself soften, heart melting as it always did when he got that look on his face.
Nayome opened her mouth, eager to spill her surprise. She was anxious to get his reaction to her plans, but a lightening of Bal’s face had her hesitating.
“Ah, here they are,” he said, stepping away from Nayome towards his sister, who was approaching slowly on the arm of an elderly looking woman. “Nayome, this is our mother.” Bal hastened to replace his sister at his mothers side, guiding her the rest of the way forward. Nayome saw Ce give her an encouraging smile out of the corner of her eye.
“Mrs Guinne,” Nayome said, reaching forward to take the older woman’s hand in greeting. Bal had at least prepared her for this. Nayome felt honored to be able to finally meet her. She was considered one of the Glen’s elders, and didn’t make too many public appearances these days. Though her skin was wrinkled with age, hair icy gray and tied back in a neat bun, Nayome could see a sharpness in her eyes that spoke to a quick mind. “I’m so glad to meet you.”
“Come here, gel. Let me get a look at you,” Mrs. Guinne said, her voice rough with age. Despite that, Nayome could sense the steel in it. As Nayome moved closer to the woman, her chin was grabbed in a surprisingly firm grip. She waited as the intelligent eyes raked over her features. Nayome tried not to let her discomfort show, keeping her back straight, chin raised under the scrutiny. This woman’s approval meant something to Bal, and she wanted to make a good impression. Her show of strength must have been enough, because the older woman suddenly let out a wicked sounding cackle, and released Nayome’s face from her grip. “You’ve caused quite a stir around here, gel. Keep it up.”
Smiling weakly, Nayome didn’t know how to respond to that statement. Mrs Guinne apparently wasn’t expecting a response though. Gripping her cane, she shook Bal off her arm and hobbled slowly over to a group of older fae, who ceased their spirited debate as she approached, making room at their table.
“That went well!” Ce said, smiling. Humor shining in her sparkling green eyes.
“Did it?” Nayome said, trying to laugh away her awkward feeling.
“As well as it could have,” Bal reassured, smiling down at her, slipping a hand around her waist. “Our mother is a woman of few words, but she likes people who stir the pot. Gives her something to gossip about.”
Feeling relief, Nayome thoughtone thing down, onto the next. She would be lying if she said she hadn’t been nervous to meet Bal’s mother. Nayome decided that this was the perfect time, with Ce here, to break the news to Bal. It had taken some time to organize negotiations with James and the higher ups at CRINA, and Ce had pulled most of the weight on the other end, approaching and pitching their idea to Gabe.
“I have some exciting news,” Nayome began, seeing an interest spark in Bal’s eyes. “Actually, we both do.” Nayome nodded to Ce, who took a step forward, bouncing with excitement, a grin lighting up her pixie features.
Bal frowned at that, glancing between the two of them. “You both have news? Should I be worried?”
“You’ve been amazing, spending the majority of your time with me in New York.” Nayome started, smoothing her dress in a nervous motion. “But I think it’s time we started to split some of our time, spend more time here.”
“What?” Bal asked, quietly. Nayome saw a glint of hope flash in his eyes before he was able to squash it. “Nayome, I told you, we don’t need to—”
“I know. But…Bal, I can see the sadness in your eyes sometimes. You could never be fulfilled living most of your life in the city…and honestly, I’ve begun to realize neither can I. A part of me is connected to this place now. I feel the pull, even when I’m in New York.”
“Nayome, I appreciate what you’re doing, but it’s not necessary. I like it in the city, it’s been growing on me. Actually, me and Felix have been working on someth—”
“I quit my role at CRINA,” Nayome said, cutting off Bal’s thought.
“What?” He asked, a dumbfounded look spreading across his face, concern flashing in his eyes.
“Re-negotiated might be a better way to put it. They are retaining me, but on a freelance contract basis. I can accept or reject projects at will, and will be able to do the majority of my work remotely if I choose. I lose access to some of the more lucrative projects, but that’s okay because—”
“Nayome, I don’t understand,” Bal said. “You love that job, everything you worked for…”
“Ce and I bought a lab in Glasgow,” Nayome finished, biting her lip hopefully as Bal processed the information. “I’m going to be working here as well. Part time, though—I still want to keep strong ties to CRINA in New York. We are going to start by quantifying the impacts Ce’s healing ability has on the environment, what drives the changes she is able to make. Gabe signed off, thinking it would be useful information for the Glen to have…Bal?”
