“Ow! Watch the pie, Lis!”
“What’s later?” Tristan asked.
“It wasmeantto be a surprise.” Aloisia glared at Fynn. “We do have something planned for later. I still want to keep some remnant of mystery to it, so all I will say is you must meet me outside the Temple at seven and the rest shall unfold from there. And, also, I am going to domypresent now.”
She disappeared through the door to the smithy, giving a parting glower to Fynn, who only shrugged in response.
Aloisia found the gift box on the side table where she had left it. She headed back into the kitchen and presented the box to Tristan.
“Wow, what beautiful craftsmanship,” he said.
“Never mind the box.” Fynn waved his fork. “Look inside.”
Aloisia restrained herself from whacking him again.
“It’s technically a gift from both of us.”
“I paid for it!” She gestured to the yet-unopened box.
“And I made it.”
Brighde rolled her eyes. “Honestly, you two.”
“Let the boy open his gift.” Ma patted Tristan’s hand, still resting on the closed lid.
“Yes,” Aloisia said, “please open it. And you” – she pointed at Fynn – “shush!”
Tristan lifted the lid. “A water lily. It’s exquisite!” He held up the delicately crafted blossom, examining it from all angles.
“You’re welcome,” Fynn said.
He chuckled. “Thank you both. It’s wonderful.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Aloisia said.
“It’ll certainly make my room at the Temple a little less bare.”
“It sure will.”
Tristan set it back inside the box. “I hate to rush off, but I still have one more trial before I am officially ordained as a Brother of the Divines.”
“Go, go!” Ma shooed him from the table. “We can’t have you missing it.”
“True enough, after all the work you’ve done,” Brighde said.
“No matter,” Fynn said. “There’ll be plenty more time to celebrate later.”
Aloisia thumped him on the arm again. “Can’t you keep your mouth shut for five minutes?”
Tristan rose from the table, tucking the box under his arm.
“I’ll walk you out.”
They paused in the alley behind Iron Row.
“I gather there is some celebration planned for later. Later being seven?” Tristan raised a brow.
“Honestly, he managed to keep it a secret ‘til now. Then, on the day, he has to open his stupid mouth.”
