Graydon’s body stiffened, his expression going blank. It was enough to put Kira on edge.
She turned to find a man looking at her, the faintest trace of crow’s feet around his eyes as they smiled at her. His expression was pleasant. He wore a cloak which covered his body from neck to feet.
"You know the rules, Silas," Graydon rumbled in warning.
Silas waved his statement away. "Relax, old friend. I don't intend more than this. I just wanted to see the lost gem you were so kind to see returned to Luatha."
Kira watched the stranger, not trusting his easy manner or his words of friendship. Whatever threat he presented wasn't physical. Theoshotanext to her didn't seem threatened. They remained guarded but not tense. There was a difference.
The man focused on Kira, his eyes soft as they roved her features. Unlike many of the Luathans she'd encountered, she didn't see a trace of judgment there.
"You look like your mother," he said.
Another man, attired similarly with a cloak covering him, joined them. His expression was interested and watchful as he took in Kira and Graydon.
"I wouldn't know," Kira said politely, meaning it this time. This man had obviously felt something for a long-dead woman. "I don't remember her."
"At all?" he asked.
She shook her head. She didn't think he'd like to know what her first memory was, but it wasn't the gentleness of a mother's touch.
He nodded. "Welcome back to your people, little one."
She inclined her head.
He switched his attention to Graydon. "I will see you after the ceremony."
Graydon waved him and the other man away, a trace of resignation on his face.
"Interesting man," Kira said once they were gone. "Friend of yours?"
"You could say that. He was one of my teachers when I was younger," he said. "He was a pain in the ass, even then."
Liara stepped onto the dais, a hush falling over the gathering as she paused until she held everyone's attention.
Her hair was bound into an undone tail and wrapped in various tiny chains. Her face had been painted, the eyes dramatic. Her dress was stiff from metals and sang as she moved.
That wasn't what caught Kira's attention and held it. No, it was the power that roiled around her, a tidal wave battering her senses. It surged and frolicked around the Overlord like a well-trained dog.
Liara smiled. It was the type of expression poets would have once written sonnets about. "Friends, family, thank you for your attendance. We gather today to welcome back into the fold one who was lost for much too long."
Kira felt the focus move to her. She kept her face placid and unchanging.
Liara turned her attention to the other two. "And to bring into the House two who have lost much. We can never replace your House, but know you are welcome here always. Let something good come out of all the tragedy. It would be our pleasure to guard and guide you in your family's stead."
A cry of agreement rose from those assembled.
Liara gestured at the dais. "Step forth those who seek to join our House."
"I wonder what would happen if you didn't step forward," Jin muttered.
"Let's not find out," Kira said. She had a feeling the Luathans would see her refusal as a grievous insult. She didn't want them taking their anger out on the Curs.
She mounted the steps to the dais behind Joule and Ziva.
Alma and Rayan stood well behind Liara as she smiled at the children.
Joule and Ziva bent forward in polite bows.
