He laughed. “It’s no matter. Surprise or not, it’s the thought that counts.”
“If you say so.”
“I say so.”
“You’d best get going.” Aloisia pushed him along the alley. “Good luck on the next trial.”
“One more. Then I am a Brother.” He paused. “Officially.”
“So much to celebrate.”
He nodded, a little dazed. “So much. Too much for one day, in truth.”
“I was waiting for that. Take a breath, centre yourself, and get to the trial! Then we can celebrate properly!”
Tristan slung an arm around her shoulders. “Precisely. Thanks, Lis.” He gave her a last squeeze before heading off down the lane. “I’ll see you later. At seven, outside the Temple.”
“See you there.”
Aloisia watched him stride away until he was almost out of sight. A slow smile tugged at her lips as she turned back to the smithy. A flash of blue light caught her eye, just like earlier. She did a double take, spotting it glinting in a doorway. This time it didn’t skitter away or putter out. It glowed brighter and Aloisia froze, transfixed by the flickering flames.
“Fire!” she shouted, jolting herself to her senses.
“What?” Tristan called back, his footsteps sounding through the alley. “Are you all right?”
The light vanished, along with any trace of it.
Aloisia blinked several times. “There was… I thought…” She shook her head. Had she imagined it?
“Did you shout fire?” Tristan asked. “Where? Lis, are you well?”
“I’m fine.” She waved him off. “I thought I saw a blue light.”
“A blue light? Perhaps it was one of the forges?”
“Perhaps.” She pushed him back the way he had come. “Go! Don’t mind me.”
“You’re sure?”
“Of course. I’m fine.”
Tristan gave a nod and continued along down the lane, sparing her a wave.
Aloisia looked to the doorway again, certain she was losing her mind. There was no blue light there now. She crept towards it, five doors down, and examined the frame. If she could find even the smallest of signs she had not imagined it for the second time in one day… She skimmed her fingers along the doorframe, and they came away coated in silver dust. It seemed little like ash or metal shavings, nor did it smell like either. It had an earthen tang with a sharp salt scent.
The door opened and Aloisia skittered away, hiding her hand behind her back.
“What are you doing?” The blacksmith glowered at her with contempt. His dark beard was peppered with grey.
“Nothing.”
“Likely tale.” He barked a laugh, though it held no humour. “Here to steal some plans? Espionage for that brother of yours?”
“Come on, Haki.” She scoffed. “As if he’d need the help.”
“Bah! Get out of here. Stop messing with my door, girl. You may wear your braids and beads now, but I remember when you and your brother were no higher than my knee.”
Aloisia didn’t need telling twice. She hurried back to the smithy, looking at the silver dust on her fingers. It seemed too coincidental for it to appear where the blue light had been. The substance was fine, almost paint-like, as she smudged it across her skin. Too soon, it faded, much as the light had, leaving her wondering if it had existed at all.
