Page 117 of Suncatcher

She rounded the corner of the ravine just as the sun dipped below the horizon. From the natural nook she preferred, wings unfurled and Driz woke, stepping out to meet her with a smile.

“I had planned to come collect you,” Driz rumbled, her voice always extra gravelly first thing at night.

Pearl shrugged. “I know. But I’ve got a surprise for you.” She indicated the basket.

“Pie?” Driz asked eagerly.

“You’ll see.”

Driz followed Pearl through the door and into their home, which was made of bright, fresh timber. Driz had built it mostly herself, with some evening instruction and guidance from Rave, who had helped with the construction of other homes and buildings in town.

There wasn’t much inside yet, just a pile of blankets and pillows in the corner, and a table and a hearth. On all the walls, which were built extra tall for Driz to stand comfortably, several rows of sturdy shelves held the chaotic start of her new collection of treasures.

They had brought in an actual wooden bed for the first night, but when Driz tried to snuggle Pearl, it had snapped in half. So now they made do with a floor nest, and Pearl was more than content with Driz’s arms until the dawn.

As Driz lit the lanterns, Pearl unpacked the basket, pulling out the two separate pies. One for her, and one for Driz. “Alright, here’s your surprise. Now, Molly says she’s got no idea if it’ll be any good. And she made me promise to tell you to be honest if the recipe needs anything, because she didn’t taste it.”

Driz stared at the pie. “For me?”

“Just for you. It’s snake-and-beetle filling.”

Driz continued to stare. Then she turned and pounced on Pearl, crushing her to her chest. “I love my surprise.”

Pearl smiled, struggling slightly to breathe but not minding one bit. “You haven’t tried it yet.”

“It does not matter. I love it. I love you.” She pulled back suddenly. “I should go thank Molly too.”

Pearl laughed, grabbing Driz’s face and bringing it to her own, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. “Let’s eat it first. Then we can go back and thank her together.”

“Yes, you are right.”

They sat on the blanket-draped stone bench side by side, ignoring the second one. Pearl handed Driz a spoon, and they both dug into their personal pies.

“Well?” Pearl prompted.

Driz just nodded, shoveling more into her mouth. It crunched.

Pearl took another large bite of her spiced peach one, which, thankfully, did not. She had tasted nearly everything Driz ate, just to see. But she couldn’t quite get past the texture of most. But Driz hummed and scraped the pan.

“What d’you think?”

Driz pressed her mouth over Pearl’s. “That I have not kissed you enough yet tonight.”

“Good point.” Pearl turned and straddled Driz’s lap.

Driz sighed happily, running a hand tenderly over Pearl’s hair. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

“How was your day?”

“Nice and short. I really enjoy this whole waking-up-at-noon thing. Oh, and we’re gonna send a new harvest of salt to town soon. Rave suggested the idea to send you and me both along, to help keep watch and enforce the rumors that you’re working with us. Faltsprings has been notably silent over this whole thing, and I think you’re the reason.”

“I am?” Driz frowned adorably.

“They’re afraid of you. But that’s a good thing, sweetheart.”

“Oh.” Driz nodded. “What do you think about going?”