Keska took Sorooth’s hand, and they followed the other two.
Sorooth frowned.“I am going to have to make sure that the warriors I ask weren’t involved in her interference.”
“Go a few degrees back.If someone decides to avenge a relative with Bexadra around, it won’t go well.Hemma doesn’t really want guards for them; they want guards for the crowd.The ladies can hold a tremendous power load, and anyone getting handsy might not be pulling back a hand.”
“Ah.I see.”
“Bexadra is a singer and illusion talent.If pressed, she can manage solid light.”
He looked startled.“Got it.”
His hand went around her back, and his fingers gripped her waist.
“If you want to know who Hemma was exposed to, send her names or pictures, and she can weed them out pretty fast.”
Hemma was standing, and the lights in the pool reflected against her skin.“I absolutely can.”
Sorooth nodded.“Thank you.You are a singer?”
“Yeah, multiple sets of vocal cords, but I can’t swim, so not Hyreno.”She continued explaining the safety features to Kessie and the low end where she could start to swim, but she shouldn’t go in without an adult.
Kessie nodded.“I know that one.And the adult has to be able to swim, so I need to make sure.”
Hemma nodded.“Exactly.I am going to show her the play structure.”
Kessie said, “I am not little.The play structure will probably be too small for me.”
Hemma looked at Keska and winked.“We will see.”
Hemma led her out through the gate, and then there was another squeal.
Keska smiled.“Looks like the structure is big enough, after all.It is also covered with falling fields.No injury from the heights.Plus, it has that nice springy mulch around it.”
Sorooth said, “You set this place up for her.”
“For us.Same as the house on Daycross.”Keska smiled.“I have a horse for her as well.”
“All with patents?”
“Ava’s financial skills did a lot with them.She and money are really good friends.”
“You were planning for your family.”
“I know it isn’t common in the Sethir for this kind of prep, but consider this my nest.”
He laughed.“That is reasonable.Frankly, the chance to be a family for the first time means I am happy to accept anything.”He said softly, “You remembered my call sign.”
“Mind’s Eye?Yeah.Your mother yelled it at me often enough.”
He sighed.“She has really mellowed in the last decade.It helps that Kessie looks like you and is so incredibly smart.My mother has asked Kessie if she wanted siblings, and Kessie has, of course, said yes, as long as you had them.”
“So, you have given her the talk?”
“It is part of Sethir education.As soon as they notice adults getting close, it is time to start introducing the idea of pair bonding.”
“Ah.And you and I are a pair.”
“Something like that.Kessie knows you can’t be at the stronghold.She’s not sure why.Why did you introduce some of Nelith’s information?”
