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"Men always do," she agreed as she left. "Remember that, Nari. It's the greatest strength women in our generation have."
Chapter 51
Nariana
Two hours later, the four of us arrived at a small public pond in the middle of town. Dozens of people made laps around the frozen surface. Bright colors were the fashion of the day, and it didn't matter if that was the ladies' coats or the men's pants. Around the edge, set well back from the ice, were multiple bonfires. Benches were placed before them, giving people a place to warm up. And in between were carts with vendors selling hot drinks.
The whole place looked like a party, but modest workers mingled with well-dressed elites. It was as if society had picked this small patch of frozen water as neutral territory, finally allowing the classes to mix. I saw an elaborately-dressed lady help up a man in threadbare pants and a woman in stained skirts kneel to retie the skate of a fancily-dressed little girl. I was so distracted with the entire thing that I almost missed the step when Talin helped me out of the carriage.
"Careful," he warned, catching me by the waist to swing me down. "I mean, unless you're just trying to throw yourself at me."
I giggled. "Already did, or have you forgotten?"
"Never," he swore. "Now go with my sister to claim a bench and get your skates on."
Maela and Yamina took that as approval to steal me away, and within seconds, we were all sitting on the flat side of a split log, trading out our daily shoes for the ones with blades permanently attached to the bottom. I could figure out how to get them on well enough, but that was about it. The idea of standing afterward, let alone walking the few steps to the ice was more than I could imagine.
And then Yamina pointed across my face, following the bank. "Is that a priest you know?" she asked.
"Where?" Maela wanted to know.
"The man in black pants and coat with lace on his hands," Yamina said. "He's just behind that group of ladies in white fur-lined coats."
That helped me figure out which of the many people she was talking about, but when I saw him, I sucked in a breath. At the same time, Maela said, "Oh, yeah. That's definitely a priest. A friend of yours, Nari?"
"Actually, yes," I admitted, wondering where Talin was.
Because the man making his way closer wasn't exactly a priest. He was a god, and both of these girls could see him? How was that even possible? Granted, I could believe that Yamina saw him after what she'd said this morning. Maela? She said she believed in Merci. She'd told me she believed in all of our gods. I just hadn't expected her to believe enough toseehim!
"Hey!" I called out when he got closer.
Zeal smiled. "Ladies," he greeted my friends. "Nariana. How are you enjoying your vacation?"
"It's been entertaining," I assured him. "Have you seen Eladehl and Wraythe? Anver?"
"I have. Last night, I gave Anver the present you got for him. Hope you don't mind. Jamik received his as well. And the Darkest Night was again a success. Seems your partner got drunk enough that his guardian had to hold him up in the shower."
I groaned. "Did that go as bad as I imagine?"
Zeal chuckled. "Probably worse, but Eladehl doesn't remember, and Wraythe isn't telling." Then he looked at the youngest Ranndor. "Afternoon, Miss Yamina." Then to Maela. "A pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Ranndor."
"All mine," she agreed. "Did you know that you have the most beautiful eyes?"
"I've been told that," he said. Then those pretty eyes flicked up. "Hello, Talin."
"Well," Talin said. "I didn't expect to see you here, or talking to my family."
Yamina glanced back at her brother, who held a trio of hot drinks. "Were you going to introduce us, Talin?"
"Sorry," he said.
But Zeal took over. "My friends can call me Zee. My real name is a shock to the tongue, so why don't you both do the same?"
"Why are you here?" Talin asked.
"To skate," he said. "It's a good day for getting out and being seen. Would you allow me to steal your desire for a lap?"
"She doesn't have a clue how to skate," Talin told him.
