Cullen grabbed her fingers with an encouraging squeeze. “None of that will be done tonight. Except maybe getting some supplies, which won’t be done here. We’ll have to go out anyway.”
“You can be stubborn, you know that?”
“I think you like me stubborn.” He smirked, the fading light highlighting every bit of confidence Cullen wore in new ways that Eira realized she might not have fully appreciated before, if ever.
8
The evening air brought with it a chill from the sea that cut through the humidity that clung to the city walls like graffiti. Eira relished in the brisk breezes. For a city so cramped, Qwint benefited greatly from its proximity to the ocean.
The group had divided themselves. Ducot, Crow, and Fen had decided to go to the markets down by the docks and scope out materials they might need for their ship. Eira had given them leeway to procure whatever they thought was necessary. She was still learning the ins and outs of running a ship and trusted Crow far more than herself to know what needed to be acquired for the next stage of their journey.
Lavette and Varren had gone off on their own to reunite with the other survivors of the tournament. Eira had briefly considered joining them, in a display of solidarity. But she ultimately decided that was a meeting that her presence would do more harm than good with. Eira knew just how illogical survivor’s guilt could make someone. It would be all too easy for one of them to ask why she, a random woman from Solaris, was there in Qwint when their loved ones were not.
That left her, Cullen, Yonlin, Olivin, and Alyss to explore together. Lavette had given them a general direction that she recommended they go in and the rest was up to them.
Their footfalls echoed on the cobblestone streets, a drumbeat that pulsed underneath the cacophony of the market that they emerged into. It was a massive square containing all manner of stalls. Wares were laid within wooden cabinets positioned underneath wide awnings that were affixed to the sides of the buildings. Tents were set up in the center, creating a hazy maze of fabric and heat. They moved through the opulence, senses heightened, taking note of all there was to see, smell, and hear.
“I’m going to see if I can find a new journal,” Alyss announced.
“Another?” Eira asked. “Didn’t you get one in Black Flag Bay?”
“I did, but it is already full.” A sheepish grin curved Alyss’s mouth. “Besides, I think I’m about ready to begin writing the story itself.”
“Oh? Am I to believe that we will no longer be used for research, then?”
“You willalwaysbe research.” Alyss’s grin was not encouraging. Eira kept her cringe inward, not wanting to discourage her friend. But it seemed to have failed because she erupted with laughter. “You know, some would be flattered to be immortalized.”
“I’m sure some would be,” Eira said dryly. “I’ll let you know if I find anyone.”
Alyss snorted. “Just think of what book two will look like.”
“I’ve yet to even formulate my thoughts on book one.”
“It’ll be published soon enough.”
Published. The word stuck with Eira but she couldn’t quite figure out why. Of course she wanted that for her friend—wantedAlyss to succeed at all she set her mind to. But the notion of Alyss publishing felt…off, somehow.
As Eira was struggling to figure out why, Yonlin chimed in, “You know, I actually think we have friends of friends who owned printers in Risen. They focused more on the paper pamphlets of news.” His eyes darted to Olivin, who nodded.
“Assuming they still exist.” Olivin’s words were soft and somber. Barely audible even to Eira, who stood next to him. There was real hurt in his softened gaze.
Yonlin either did not hear, or ignored it, because he quickly turned back to Alyss, even more eager. “But I’m sure they have information on the printers for books—if they couldn’t do it themselves. And I think we might know some bookbinders, also…”
Their discussion trailed off as Yonlin and Alyss walked in the opposite direction. Eira didn’t miss how Yonlin’s hand seemed to drift awkwardly, twitching at times. As if he wanted to maybe link elbows with Alyss, or grab her hand, perhaps even put his palm on her hip. But couldn’t decide which one. And probably didn’t know if the gesture would be welcomed.
“My brother’s hopeless.” Olivin wore an amused expression, coming to a stop next to her. “He’s never taken an interest in someone before. He lacks experience.”
“As long as he doesn’t hurt her.” Eira was sure her tone did away with any notion that what she had with Olivin would prevent her from choosing Alyss if it ever came to that.
“He never would, not on purpose.”
She agreed. Her defensiveness aside, Yonlin was a good man. Better than Olivin or Cullen was, honestly, which made himslightlyworthy of Alyss. She couldn’t stop a huff of amusement and a little smile. Alyss deserved only the best.
“What is it?”
“Thinking of how well-connected your family seems,” she lied, rather than admitting to her real thoughts.
“We were one of the premier noble families…before Ulvarth.” His eyes were filled with longing. Voice steeped in hate. “If my sister hadn’t betrayed us, our lives would’ve been vastly different. We probably would’ve grown up in the queen’s inner circle.”
