Tella squealed when she saw a group of kids sitting around a woman. The dwarf patted her brush into different pallets of face paints.

“Mira! Can we?!” She pleaded, “Please?!”

She laughed and let the girl dragged her towards the stall, “Yes, fine.”

“Tella’s been obsessed since last year,” Pallik rolled his eyes, “Delpho begged Mira to find one for her birthday. I’m not sure how she managed it. They’re expensive out here.”

“Does she always do that?” Jonen watched as the dwarven woman blinked at the pair approaching her.

“Only for me and Tella,” He shrugged, “She made my chainmail shirt and got me a sword because I asked.”

“Made it?” He looked at him, “The one you wore earlier?”

“Yes. It’s not perfect,” He shook his head, “A little small, probably because she tried to make it a bit bigger than she is… I love it all the same.”

“Well, let’s return the favor then and get her some sweets,” Jonen patted the teen’s back, “What’s her favorite?”

“Oh, don’t worry. If it has sugar, she’ll eat it.”

Jonen pulled his coin bag out of his pocket and opened it. He counted through a few coins before he remembered.

“I never paid the healers. Goddess, how much do I owe them?”

“Mira didn’t tell you?” Pallik lifted his eyebrow, “She paid for it.”

“What?” Jonen looked to see the dwarf applying a red stain to her lips, “When?”

“The same time she paid for mine, I guess,” The teen scratched at the few hairs growing from his chin, “I figured you knew. That’s usually why she runs errands for Sunodagh.”

“Hmm,” Jonen thought, “I guess that means I’m paying for her today, right?”

“We both can,” Pallik grinned and pulled a small coin pouch from his pocket, “Delpho gave me enough for me and Tella. A few of the guys in the village threw in a bit extra so I could buy something nice for Mira.”

The two walked over to a stall where the aroma of sweets and honey leaked into the crowd. Jonen picked two small, sticky rolls and a handful of hard candies. He put the small bag of candies in his pocket and examined other wares. Pallik grabbed a hot milk drink with shredded chocolate dissolving into it. He took a sip and shuddered.

“Goddess, this is strong,” His face contorted, “Tella will love it.”

Both of them walked across the courtyard with their new treasures. Pallik cleared his throat to get Jonen’s attention and pulled him aside.

“I know you’re older than me,” He eyed the half-elf up and down, “And probably stronger now that you can walk again. But I’m warning you. I know how you to look at each other. She’s clearly into older men. Just… just don’t hurt her, okay?”

“You care a lot about her,” Jonen smiled softly, “I don’t want to hurt her. I want to get her away from her master. In any way I can.”

“Good,” Pallik nodded, “That guy’s a bastard.”

“You don’t have to worry about me,” He grinned, “I’m sure Mira will always be able to kick my ass if you can’t.”

They both laughed. Jonen felt easier around the teen now that the swaying hostility waned away. If he wanted to be closer to Mira, then Pallik and Tella would have to like him as well. He doubted that she’d let anyone stay with her if the two didn’t like him.

As they walked towards the face painting stall, Tella turned to face them with a giant smile. The girl’s face was covered in sparkling glitter and painted whiskers to make her look like a cat. A small flowery headband with pointy ears rested on her head. Tella squealed happily as she ran to her brother. He handed her the drink and she immediately bit into the chocolate straw.

As Mira turned from the artist, her face had much less paint than Jonen would have expected. Her lips were stained a bright red and a dark line crossed her eyelids. He blushed and wondered why she would have wanted face paints as well.

“You’re so pretty!” Tella chewed on her straw, “I told you you’d like it.”

“Thank you, Tella,” Mira blushed, “You’re a cute cat as well.”

“We got some sweets,” Pallik grinned, “Tella already got hers.”

Tella’s eyes widened at the taste of her shake. Mira laughed at the excited girl and walked closer to Jonen. He handed the woman one of the rolls with a slight nod. She bit her lower lip as she looked at it. She didn’t necessarily want to accept the gift but wanted to eat it.

“Jonen, you didn’t have to do that.”

“I heard you paid the healers for me,” He shrugged, “I owe you. Whatever you want –it’s on my today.”

“Really?” She looked into his sapphire eyes to see if he would take the offer away.

When he didn’t, she greedily bit into the roll and closed her eyes. She tried to identify every flavor as she ate. Jonen snacked on the other roll as the four of the walked to another attraction at the festival.

“Pallik said you ran errands for Sunodagh to pay for the healer. Is that… why you were injured so badly?”

“I was the only one that could complete the mission,” She mumbled between bites.

“Why?” He furrowed his brow.

“They needed a thrall,” She shrugged, “It got me the aquellan title as well. It is an honor.”

“Still—”

Tella squealed and sprinted towards a collection of cages. The dwarf that protected them chuckled and guided her towards the smallest ones. Mira protectively hovered over her and looked at the cages critters.

“Pallik, do you think Daddy Delpho would let us get that cat?” Tella’s face pressed up against the cage of a small kitten, “Look at how cute it is!”

“What would we feed it?” He rolled his eyes, “You know he doesn’t even like cats. Maybe if we found a rooster, you could keep it.”

“Roosters aren’t cute and cuddly!” She frowned.

The two bickered about the small animals for sell. Mira squatted and reached a finger into the cage of another cat. As she wiggled it, the cat walked over and purred when she scratched its fur.

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“You like cats?” Jonen questioned.

“I haven’t seen many,” Mira shrugged, “Especially ones this tiny. It’s cute.”

The small white fluffball purred and pawed at the woman’s finger. The merchant came up to discuss prices.

“Oh, sorry,” Mira moved her hand, “My master wouldn’t allow me to buy one.”

“A thrall?” The merchant rolled his eyes, “Go bother another seller.”

“Uncalled for,” Jonen puffed his chest out, “How do you know I wouldn’t have –”

Just as he stomped forward to scold the man, she turned to the voice calling for her.

“Mira!” Irae interrupted from her own stall, “Mira! You promised you’d try some mead!”

“You’re lying,” Mira chuckled, “But I will have some anyway.”

“It’s pretty good. She let me try some last night.”

The four traveled towards the temple and stopped in front of Irae’s stall. She opened the lid of a jar and split it between two cups.

“I don’t get any?” Pallik frowned.

“Well, when you’re old enough I’ll make you one, how about that?” She winked, “Mira, Jonen, enjoy! Tell others to come buy some. I’ve got to sell it to get more supplies.”

Jonen grabbed a few coins and placed them in the payment jar, “Consider it a tip.”

“Thanks, Pointy,” The pink healer winked and handed the cups to him, “Come back when you’re empty!”

He laughed as he handed a cup to Mira. She sipped gingerly on the drink as they walked down the courtyard. Jonen watched her eyes bounce around the different trinkets and treats offered. When her eyes caught a colorful display of candies, she hesitated to continue walking.

“Did you want to stop here?” Jonen grinned.

She nodded shyly and waited behind the small line. He grinned at her as she anxiously swayed from foot to foot. As the line stepped along, Mira cleared her throat.

“Jonen, I do have a question.”

“Yeah?” He quirked his brow in interest.

“I have not come across many people who have bonded with another,” She paused to see if he would disagree, “I have questions about that.”

“Oh.”

“From an academic understanding,” She shook her head when she noticed his reaction, “I’ve only read of it.”

“I guess I can explain it,” He cleared his throat then pointed to the stall of candy, “But let’s get this first, okay?”

“Candies for the lady?” The dwarf merchant grinned, “What do you want?”

“I don’t know if I can decide,” She whispered, “What do you suggest?”

“Four of every flavor,” Jonen smiled, “Separate bags too, if you can.”

“Right away,” The merchant nodded.

Jonen dropped the required coins on the counter and saw Mira blush as the merchant wrapped the candies. Once he handed the candies to Mira, he sighed.

“I’ll make you a deal… You try one of these and I’ll answer a question.”

“That hardly seems fair,” She detested.

“You can’t answer most of my questions,” He shrugged, “And I’ll make sure we start with the worse flavors.”

Jonen fished out a bag of black hard candies. He tossed it to her and waited for her to open it.

“This one is black licorice,” He chuckled, “One question in exchange.”

Mira popped the piece of candy in her mouth. She winced in disgust before crunching the candy and swallowing it. She washed it down with a large gulp of mead and shook her head.

“I told you we’d start with the worst flavors.”

She nodded, “Okay. What’s the difference between bonding and marriage? I know there are similarities, but I do not get many books that describe either in great detail.”

“So…” Jonen took a deep breath, “An easy explanation would be marriage combines two bodies, whereas bonding combines two souls. You can bond with someone without marriage, but that’s… taboo.”

“Okay, what –”

He held his finger up and tossed her another bag, “Next flavor. Meat jerky.”

“Meat jerky cannot be better than black licorice,” Mira scoffed, “There’s no way.”

She popped the round marble in her mouth and smacked her lips distastefully. Jonen laughed playfully as she spat it into a nearby garbage can.

“I never said it was going to be better,” He teased, “What’s your question?”

“What’s it like? I’ve read what sex and other things entail…” She took another large drink to cleanse the awful taste from her mouth, “What does it feel like?”

“It’s odd,” Jonen paused and took a deep breath, “It’s more intimate than sex. You open your soul to someone else. They learn all your emotions, feelings, and memories. You’re completely vulnerable to them.”

“You’re defenseless against it?” Mira held her hand out to him for another piece.

Jonen handed her a strawberry flavor. She licked it gently before realizing it was an appetizing flavor and happily plopped it into her mouth. He chuckled and walked with her around the festival.

“Yes. Completely,” He sighed, “There’s a sense of comfort to it as well. You never have to doubt they know your true feelings. You know theirs as well. That’s why I bonded with Shayleigh. I trusted her completely.”

“Are there any downsides?” Mira hesitated, “If you don’t wish to discuss it… we can change subjects.”

Jonen handed her a lemon-flavored candy and waited for her to try it, “Yes, there are. Because our souls are touched, any other souls we touch will get echoes. If I bond with another person, they’ll know Shayleigh as well as I do.”

“Interesting. Why bond with someone, then?”

“Bonded souls are more likely to find each other in their following lives. The goddess favors the pairing and will bless them to meet again,” He swirled his drink as he thought, “A part of them die together, so when they meet again, they’ll be fortunate.”

“I see.”

“From how I learned about it…” He hesitated, “Marriage lasts a lifetime. Bonding lasts an eternity.”

“I see,” She hummed, “That’s all the questions I have. Thank you.”

He sat down on one of the raised flower beds and held his cup out to her, “No other questions?”

“You’re uncomfortable about it and that’s all the academic questions I had,” She clanked her glass against his, “Besides, we’re here for fun, right?”

“Right,” He took a drink.

The two sipped their meads as the festival music and lights flittered about the dusk air. Jonen handed her other flavors of candy, and she eagerly tried them. Her enthusiastic response to each flavor made him laugh. After having at least one from every bag, she wrestled the last one from its bag.

“Oh, that’s honey,” Jonen grinned, “One of my favorites. That, or strawberry.”

He pulled one out of the bag and pushed it into his mouth. He blushed as he watched her honey eyes look to him with gratitude.

“Thank you for the candy,” She bashfully looked away, “And the lessons.”

“Yes, both go well with the mead, I think.”

“Irae did a great job,” She sighed and took another sip, “She told me there’s a bit of healing components in each one.”

“Oh, really?” He sat up.

“Yes,” Mira swirled the last of her drink and swallowed it, “She didn’t want anyone too hung over tomorrow.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” He finished his drink, “Especially if anyone has to work.”

“Mira!” Tella shouted from a pin of small animals, “Can we pet them?”

“If they let you!” She waved to the girl, “Be careful!”

Tella hopped giddily and went through the gate of the petting zoo. She walked up to a small goat and hugged it around the neck with a squeal. Pallik crossed his arms and shook his head at the girl.

“Those two love you,” Jonen chuckled.

“Love?” Her brow furrowed, “I do not think so.”

He shrugged at her apathetic response. Mira grabbed another flavor of candy and placed it in her mouth. He thought it was adorable that she closed her eyes to focus and savor the flavor every time, if she enjoyed it. Pallik walked up to grab a bag of sweets for Tella and pointed at the empty cup of mead.

“Do you want me to get you more?” He grinned at Mira.

“You’ll try to sneak some,” She shook her head, “Go enjoy the festival.”

“Can you two at least watch Tella so I can get us some drinks?” Pallik scratched his arm, “Or, I don’t know… talk to kids my age?”

“Of course!” She smiled, “Do what you need to.”

Mira stood and walked after Tella. The young girl chased after a chicken and laughed frantically with the other children her age. Jonen walked up behind them and stood close to her as they watched the girl frolic around the petting zoo. When she noticed Mira and Jonen, Tella ran up to them.

“Mira! Can I get something from over there?” Tella bounced as she pointed to stand full of trinkets.

“It depends on what it is,” Mira smiled, “But we can see.”

Tella grabbed her hand and excitedly led her to their destination. Tella’s hand twirled the spinning rack of necklaces until landing on one. She grabbed and handed the small stone necklace to Mira.

“Can I get this?” Tella grinned and pointed to Mira’s amulet, “It’s like yours.”

“That’ll be fifteen silver,” The dwarf behind the counter grunted, “Take it or leave it.”

“Fifteen?” Jonen scoffed, “That’s absurd.”

Mira placed a gold piece on the counter and handed the necklace to Tella, “Keep the change.”

The rusty red and grey layered stone dangled near Tella’s stomach. That didn’t stop her excited claps. She wrapped her arms around Mira’s neck and pulled her into the tight hug.

“I know you got yours from your mommy,” Tella squeezed, “I wanted one from you.”

“I’m glad I can gift you something,” Mira lifted the girl up, “You’re precious to me.”

She dropped the girl and Tella went to show the other kids the new necklace she got. Mira laughed as the other kids hugged her as well. The warmth from the mead, the weather, and her smiling face lifted her heart.

“That guy over sold you,” Jonen leaned down to whisper in her ear, “You know that, right?”

“Yes. The profits are going to the temple,” Mira shrugged, “I’m not worried about it. I don’t get to spend my own money on nice things.”

Mira pointed to Tella as she chased around other children. Her hand wrapped around one of Jonen’s arms and she leaned into him. The children laughed and ran across the courtyard to a line of women dancing to join them.

“I don’t get to see them smile like this very often. We’re having fun.”