Piper looks startled. “Oh, that’s very kind of you.”
Zander dips his head. “Forgive me, but I must go find my shefira.”
He and Dasha continue their journey in search of London, while I place my hand on Piper’s lower back and lead her toward the elders once more.
“Thank you for bringing me here,” she says.
“It is my pleasure.”
Piper bites at her lower lip. I have observed her do this when she is nervous. As much as do not wish to push, often a small nudge is necessary.
“Do not ever be afraid to speak up if there is anything you wish to say.”
She nods and clears her throat. “I was just thinking that maybe it would be easier for us to work on the things on my list if I were staying in the village.”
I try to speak, but Piper holds up her finger to stop me. “I’m not saying I’m ready right this minute, but it’s an idea for me to think on.”
With my hand on her arm, I draw us to a stop. “When you are ready, I will be happy to help move your things here.Whenyou are ready. I will not once mention it, so you have nothing to fear. Everything will be on your terms, in your time.”
To my great delight, Piper walks into my arms and embraces me tightly. “I don’t know what I did to deserve someone as kind as you, but thank you.”
I hold her against me, enjoying the way she feels for however long she’ll allow it. Too soon, her embrace loosens so I make mine as well. She steps away, but smiles up at me.
“Come.”
We start off again and soon, we arrive at the elders’ area. Since it is just after the evening meal and still early, most of the elders have gathered around the fire. Several pass around a jug—no doubt filled with their special brew. They glance up at our arrival.
I bow my head. “Greetings. This is mykeeshla, Piper.”
Echoes of greetings fill the air as they all welcome her.
She lays her fist on her chest. “It is an honor to meet you all.”
“Come and sit.” Nellora calls out and pats the spot next to her. “Drink.”
Piper glances at me and I nod. Slowly, she walks over and lowers herself to the ground next to Jodah’s nene. I take a seat on my mate’s other side. Wakiel hands me the jug, and I take a sip. The potent brew leaves a warm trail down my throat and pools in my belly. I pass it to Piper with a softly spoken word of caution. She carefully takes a drink as well. Her eyes water, but she manages to control her reaction with nothing more than a small cough. The elders glance at her with admiration.
“It is truly a blessing by Deeka that another one of our males is mated,” one says.
A chorus of agreements ring out.
“Alesha has told us she will be teaching you how to craft items from clay.” This comes from Alesha’s mate.
“That is my hope. I’ve never done it before so there’s no telling how things will turn out. I could be an utter failure.” Piper shrugs.
“Aye, you could be.” Alesha joins the circle and sits next to her mate. “Or you could excel at it. It is up to you. Greetings, Katem’s mate. I am Alesha.”
“No disrespect intended, elder, but Piper is more than just my mate. She is her own person and should be addressed as such.” I bow my head to soften any harshness in my words.
“You are right, Katem.” Alesha turns to mykeeshla. “My apologies. Greetings, Piper.”
“No apologies are necessary, but I thank you, regardless. Greetings, Alesha.”
The jug has reached me again and I take a drink before once more handing it to Piper. She leans over.
“I haven’t eaten much today. I’m not sure having anymore would be a good idea.”
“Do not worry. You do not have to drink any more.” I pass it over to Nellora instead. “I will get you something to eat. Perhaps some bread and broth? It will be easy on your stomach.”
