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Geero chuckled. “What would you choose?”
Ondine smiled. “Baker.”
He stared and laughed. “Yeah, that would be appropriate. It would suit you.”
Amadine sighed from down the table, “But it is so boring.”
“Bakerfrost has a nice ring to it,” Geero smirked.
Amadine perked up. “Oh, I like that. Can we be that one?”
Mr. Thorn frowned. “Last names aren’t necessary for actives in Aksalla. They are surrendered to protect the families.”
Hera laughed. “Uraddan families can protect themselves. Even the ones who aren’t actives. Surviving in that environment changed them and how they viewed those around them. Theyneedfamily and don’t take it for granted, so for a few generations, they will wrap themselves in feeling human again. Their children and grandchildren will choose for themselves. That is why they are here now.”
The Uraddans around the table leaned against each other, and Amadine got up to go to Ondine and wrap her arms around her neck.
Heks chuckled. “This is a moment to hear some music. It’s a shame that no one here plays.”
Ondine watched Lida laugh as the teens scrambled to get to the guitar. Heks delicately licked at her trifle spoon and then acted surprised when the guitar was handed to her.
She walked near the fire pit, settled herself, and started to play and sing. Her rich voice rippled through the gathering, and Ondine watched Hera lean against Misker with Syrn holding her other hand.
The kids sat around with their eyes closed, and even Clavia and Yalida closed their eyes to listen to the songs from Uradda. Songs they had not been allowed to sing as rejects from the population. Songs of their ancestors.
Ondine noticed that Mr. Thorn was recording. “Sir, you should not record us without permission.”
“But her playing. She’s amazing.”
“Yes, and it is her gift to us. You are regifting.” Ondine smiled.
He paused and cleared his com. “Right. Sorry. It is just so extraordinary.”
“Yes, and remember that she was collared and manacled and forced to perform for dignitaries to prove that Uradda was enlightened. Now, Heks performs for fun because she wants to and isn’t drugged between performances.”
Mr. Thorn looked embarrassed then asked, “Do you get together like this often?”
“We socialize with Uraddans and others. We choose our companions with care so that we can truly enjoy ourselves after a lifetime of fear and pain.” Ondine smiled sadly. “It was a lesson that none of us wanted to learn.”
“I still find it difficult to pair the cheerful children with the reports of their condition on arrival.”
Ondine looked at him with intensity. “How do freed prisoners look and feel? They are bright and relieved, and the entire world holds hope. They set out and soon learn it is not as bright as it seemed, but they come to it gradually. No need to rush. Harsh realities will hit them soon enough. Let them be happy and safe.”
He nodded. “You have a point. Would you tell me why you are staying in the guesthouse?”
“Oh, I am expecting. I need to move to the city for the child’s sake. Medical treatment, education, that sort of thing. I have to go house hunting.”
“Is Agent Geero your partner?”
“I am unsure.” She shrugged. “It has yet to be decided.”
Geero got to his feet while Heks played and sang. “Would you dance with me?”
Ondine smiled. “I would. I haven’t danced in a while.” She got up and put her hand in his.
They swayed slowly, and Heks picked slow song after slow song. When Geero leaned down and started kissing her, she knew he would get a crick in his neck, and she didn’t care.
She was leaning into him and guessing at what it would feel like to be naked with him. Her com buzzed, and Geero lifted his head. “You have to go?”
