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"It's a date," I clarified. "Our specialization is Entertainment, and being an escort to functions is a part of that." I rubbed Nari's arm. "I also may have given your date a little nudge to be friendly to mine. If you want to step away..."
"Or bring them," Cesyr offered. "Or tell me you're busy, and I'll keep Jeerad and Kyns out of your hair."
"I'm busy," Nari told him. "But if I do end up over there, don't be strangers."
Cesyr just bent and hugged her again. "Promise. I've also been trying hard to see Merci."
Nari tilted her head and pointed. "Do you see a woman by the pie cart? Darker-skinned, brown, almost black hair in waves?"
"In the blue pants?" Cesyr asked.
I was looking too, but didnotsee whoever they were talking about. Nari, however, was smiling so big I couldn't believe it. She looked relieved, almost, and definitely excited.
"Merci!" she yelled.
Then her brother sucked in a breath. "She... that woman waved, and you just called her. Shit. She's coming over here."
"Gonna believe you on this," I said.
Nari pulled me up against her side, but her attention was on a spot that was clearly coming closer. Suddenly she nodded. I couldn't help but wonder if I looked this disorienting when I spoke to Zeal, but I could guess what was happening. I'd gotten pretty good at it when we were still trying to see our god. Knowing there were more involved simply meant this would be a common occurrence.
"Merci," Cesyr breathed. "Yeah, your eyes are exactly how she described."
"But more brown than Zeal's," Nari said.
I just leaned in to kiss Nari's cheek. "Play with your gods, darling," I teased. "I'm going to make sure our dates are having fun."
"Wait," Nari said, pointing to her brother. "She wants you to wait a moment, Ela."
"Ok?"
Then Cesyr put his arm out. There, right before my eyes, the random blue swirls began to thicken and darken, shifting to look like some kind of plant. No, a flower! That was the symbol of Compassion, but this wasn't a feminine-looking symbol. It was more like a morning glory, with vines spiraling off and the blossoms no more important than the rest.
"The second Chosen," I realized.
"He will," Nari said, clearly not speaking to me. "Ela doesn't need to see you to believe." She paused. "Which makes sense."
"What does?" I asked.
It was Cesyr who answered. "She said that she is only strong enough to be seen by her most devoted right now. Those who have no room for anything else. You are Zeal's priest, so until she has more faith, she'll remain invisible to you."
"And I'll still believe in you, Merci," I promised.
Nari smiled, then nodded at me. "She just wanted you to be aware that my brother is her voice. She also nudged our dates. I'm getting the impression that all the gods are working on them."
I rubbed her shoulder and then headed back to check on Rolena and Cormak. Sure enough, the pair were sitting, sharing a drink. They were also smiling, and I did not want to interrupt that. Instead, I made a wide circle, making sure I could step in if things seemed awkward. I made it around behind them when a shadow fell in at my side. I looked up, half expecting to see Wraythe, but it was Zeal smiling at me.
"Yes, they're important," he said. "And tell me you're not surprised that my sister chose Nari's brother?"
"Not at all," I promised. "Just make sure that Bode doesn't choose Talin."
"Talin is mine," Zeal assured me. "I also used today to show my siblings how useful our priests can be. They'd forgotten the ways you can help."
"Rolena and Cormak?" I asked.
"Mhm," he agreed. "If those two do get married, her dowry will pay for his bakery. You were right on that part."
"Because you nudged me?" I asked.
