“Knitting kata?” I ask him dryly.
He grins. “I haven’t practiced magic a thousand times, but Ihavepracticed knitting a thousand times.”
A sage coming at their magic in reverse.
Not so different than Wrath for protection, I think.
We too share a smile.
Then I inform Teren, “That’s not going to get you out of exercising.”
He mock-scowls, but before he can object, Sunani says, “I think I would like to, too. It will be good for my condition.”
Sunani’s eyes are bright with mischief—and determination.
Teaching a normal person kata?
You know what?
“Sure,” I say, “why not?”
Behind him, Eraya startles.
I’m going to be as free with information as I can, which is basically the complete opposite of the Order.
All of us are coming out of the shadows.
“Fine,” Teren grumbles, blushing a little, and Sunani grins as Haben claps him hard on the shoulder.
I raise my eyebrows at Eraya. “Will you be joining us, too?”
She looks at Teren in something like exasperation, and though I wasn’t paying much attention to what his hands are doing specifically, I can guess what magic he’s working.
Making her feel more comfortable with what she wants to do.
Which is explore her power onherterms.
“Is the offer to try your ice cream still open?” the Sage of Compassion asks me carefully.
I smile. “Yes. But even better, I’ll show you how to make it yourself. Whatever flavor you want.”
I don’t actually know how to make every flavor yet—not even close.
But I’ll learn.
And so will she.
“You’re going to need your own ice cream stall,” Nomi notes.
I blink.
I’d been sort of braced for her to call me out on trapping her into a duty without asking, which would be super valid, but she’s a guardian, through and through.
“What do you think?” I ask Zan.
Are we ready for that?
To really doing this, together, out in the open? Going all in, on ourselves and everyone?
