Snow swirled through the air, carried by the wind off the mountaintop and over its lower slopes. Some of the snow moved counter to the wind, captured by elementalists for their own needs. Most of it, though, fell over and around Chithishtheny—the parts of the town not enchanted to keep the snow out, at any rate.

Jorvanultumn breathed deeply of the snowy air. It was cold and he shivered slightly. It was nice to feel cold for a change, instead of the heat of Arnor. Even winter in Arnor rarely felt truly cold. He had spent so much time being uncomfortably hot; a bit of cold felt like paradise.

Since arriving nearly two days ago, he had not really taken a moment to appreciate being back. There had been too much on his mind. There was still a lot on his mind, but it could not hurt to take a moment or two. His diare was unavailable, probably hiding away where he always went when he did not want to be disturbed. Mikranasta was busy. He should check in on Meleng and Sinitïa, but they were probably fine for the moment. He also did not want to return to them until he had had the chance to speak to the Lamdritta on Sinitïa’s behalf. He had promised to do that, after all.

The wind picked up slightly, and he longed to be able to leap into the air and fly with the wind beneath the stars. Flying through the mountains was both calming and exhilarating. But he was trying his best to be good. Every time he had flown in the past few weeks, it had seemed important at the time. Yet Meleng was right. His wing would never fully heal if he kept straining it.

It had taught him how hard it was to move around Chithishtheny without flying. He had a newfound respect for Itra and others deprived of flight for being able to climb the steep paths along the mountainside. He had made the trek up to the Governance Building a couple times now and it had winded him each time, and it was only halfway to the highest of Chithishtheny’s buildings.

He stood outside the doors of the Governance Building right now, waiting for word on whether the Lamdritta would agree to see him.

“Jorvanultumn.”

He turned at the sound. “Lamdir Paydamat.”

She stood in the now-open doors, her wings twitching. Behind her stood a shorter, younger Isyar with shallow eyes and a thin nose. He seemed familiar, but Jorvanultumn could not quite place him.

Paydamat held out her left hand to him. “I wish to speak to you.”

Jorvanultumn clasped her hand. “Of course.”

She indicated the Isyar behind her. “My siare, Nascanmat.”

That explained the familiarity. Jorvanultumn had seen Nascanmat once or twice years ago, generally behind Paydamat. They had never interacted with one another. Jorvanultumn held up his right palm, and Nascanmat touched his left to it.

Paydamat motioned to the gardens. “Shall we?”

Jorvanultumn nodded. “Of course, Lamdir.”

Paydamat set a brisk pace along the central path into the gardens. Nascanmat remained a short distance behind them.

“I understand you wish to address the Lamdritta,” Paydamat said.

“Yes, Lamdir. I was hoping—”

Paydamat held up a hand. “I would ask that you do not. Chiansamorkin will likely convince the others to let you, and I cannot convince them otherwise without giving away my reasons.”

“I am not sure I understand, Lamdir.”

She stopped walking and turned to face him, looking him directly in the eye. “The truth about Princess Sinitïa Alessia Deanna Folith must not come out. Those who know have been sworn to secrecy, except you. I need your oath you will keep it secret.”

“I do not intend to spread the word, but—”

“Your oath!”

Jorvanultumn hesitated a moment. If she would just let him get a word in…

“Your oath!”

“With respect, Lamdir, you cannot make such a requirement of me. I—”

“I will not repeat myself again. You will give me your oath or I will give you my oath that you will not accomplish what you have come here to accomplish.”

He sighed. It was not worth antagonising her. “I swear I will not inform anyone who does not already know.”

“Good.” Paydamat gave a curt nod and resumed her brisk walk.

Jorvanultumn hurried to stay beside her. He glanced behind. Did Nascanmat know? It did not matter right now. “However, Lamdir, there is still the matter of Princess Sinitïa Alessia Deanna Folith’s encounter with Lammdir Griholbovroh.”

Paydamat waved her hand dismissively. “You need not worry about that. Griholbovroh will calm down. Indeed, I suspect he has only continued to make a fuss because he knows it annoys Chiansamorkin and that amuses him. He does not like her. He blames her for her diare’s death. They were friends.”

Jorvanultumn gulped. “I did not know he was dead. What happened?”

“A tragic accident. Last year.”

“Why does Griholbovroh blame her?”

Paydamat shrugged. “I am not certain. Something to do with her being too intent on winning her position as Lamdhir that she ignored her diare’s distress.”

“I see.” He did not really. Paydamat’s answers were far too vague, but perhaps he should let Chiansamorkin tell him when she was ready.

“My point,” Paydamat continued, “is that he will tire of his exaggerated vendetta against Princess Sinitïa Alessia Deanna Folith as long as he does not learn the truth. If he does, he will kill her.”

“What if someone requests she demonstrate her abilities?”

Paydamat glanced at him and rolled her eyes. “There is no reason any Isyar would request a magical demonstration from a human, no matter her potential.”

“I suppose not.”

She looked at him again, this time longer. “Look, I know you are concerned for your friend, and that is commendable. However, you chose to bring her here. You must live with the consequences of that decision.”

“Yes, Lamdir.”

She stopped walking again and smiled. “Very good. Then I take it you will withdraw your request to address the Lamdritta.”

Jorvanultumn nodded.

“Excellent.” She placed her hand on her chest. “In that case—”

“There is one other thing, Lamdir.”

She frowned and lowered her hand. “Yes?”

“Meleng Drago.” He had already backed off from antagonising her, and this might do just that, but he owed it to Meleng to say something to her.

“What of him?”

“You frightened him.”

“Of course I did. He needed to understand the danger.”

“So you did that by levelling your power against him without proper challenge?”

Her eyes narrowed. “It was necessary.”

“And you gave him an impossible task.”

“Getting her trained should not be an impossible task.”

“Getting her trained here in Isyaria for the short time we will be here is.”

She straightened up to her full height—several inches taller than Jorvanultumn—and stared down at him. “Are you questioning my actions?”

Jorvanultumn gulped. “Yes.”

She scowled. “Let me rephrase that. Are you challenging my actions?”

Jorvanultumn shook his head. “No.” That would only result in his death. “Merely questioning.”

“Then we are done here.” She slapped her hand over her chest. “May the night be short.”

Jorvanultumn placed his own hand over his chest. “Pleasant thoughts, Lamdir.”

She wheeled around and stormed off towards the Governance Building, nearly colliding with someone coming out. The second Isyar hastily stumbled aside to let her pass. Nascanmat said a quick apology to the individual, then followed after his diare.

Jorvanultumn nodded to the other Isyar as he headed into the building himself. “I may have made her a little angry.”

“Eliïspt,” the Isyar muttered and stomped away.

Jorvanultumn sighed. News had definitely spread. He did not even know who that person was, but they clearly knew him.

With a shake of his head, he crossed the wide entry chamber to the administration centre where he could formally withdraw his request to speak to the Lamdritta. After he had taken care of that, he crossed the entry chamber again with the intent of heading home...or no...he needed to see Meleng and Sinitïa first.

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“Jorvanultumn!”

It was Chiansamorkin. She was standing with Fevionawishtensen near the stairs to the upper levels. He headed over to them, specifically towards Fevionawishtensen, but Chiansamorkin moved up to him first. They touched foreheads. “We were hoping to find you,” she said.

“I’ve been attending to some business.” Jorvanultumn looked past her to his fomase. Fevionawishtensen did not look bothered that Chiansamorkin had placed herself between them, though Fevionawishtensen was good at not showing emotions.

“Another petition to address the Lamdritta?” Chiansamorkin said.

He shook his head as he walked to Fevionawishtensen. “Withdrawing my petition actually.” He and Fevionawishtensen touched foreheads and wing tips.

“I don’t understand,” Chiansamorkin said. “I told you I’ll get them to agree to see you.”

“An agreement with Paydamat. She says she’ll make sure Sinitïa is fine.” He stared into Fevionawishtensen’s eyes as she stared back, smiling.

“I passed her a few minutes ago,” Chiansamorkin said. “She didn’t look happy. Are you sure about…?”

“I made her a little angry, but I trust her when she says no harm will come to Sinitïa.”

“That’s probably right,” Chiansamorkin said. “Not from the Lamdritta anyway.”

Jorvanultumn reluctantly separated from Fevionawishtensen and looked over to Chiansamorkin. “I don’t think Paydamat knows you know about Sinitïa. Is this true?”

Chiansamorkin shrugged. “I haven’t told her, so I presume not.”

“Probably best not to tell her.”

“Wasn’t planning on it.” Chiansamorkin indicated Fevionawishtensen. “I take it she knows?”

“Yes, she knows. Though Paydamat also doesn’t know that, but we should—”

Chiansamorkin laughed.

“What?”

Chiansamorkin held back further laughter and shook her head.

“What?” He looked back at Fevionawishtensen, who had a wide grin on her face. He must have missed her sign something. “What?”

Fevionawishtensen tried to look innocent.

“She commented that of course you told her. You know better than to hide anything from her.”

“That doesn’t seem very funny.”

“Maybe. Maybe not.” Chiansamorkin took his arm. “Come, let’s go somewhere else. Best not to discuss this in here where anyone could overhear us.”

Fevionawishtensen took his other arm, and they headed for the doors.

“Are you still unable to fly?” Chiansamorkin asked.

“It’s not that I can’t fly. I just don’t want my wing—”

“Maybe we should carry him.”

As they passed through the doors, Fevionawishtensen released his arm so she could sign, Like a diare carries their infant siare.

Chiansamorkin laughed. “He’s a bit big for that.”

Fevionawishtensen looked Jorvanultumn over and nodded. Good point. She took his arm again.

“Are you done making fun of me?” Jorvanultumn said.

They both laughed, Chiansamorkin loudly and Fevionawishtensen silently.

They led him through the gardens towards the path back down the mountainside. Chiansamorkin plucked a few needles from a szadan as they passed. “These look a little riper than last time.” She shoved one in Jorvanultumn’s mouth as he tried to question their actions.

Jorvanultumn chewed it. It was a little sweeter and not bad. He swallowed. “What did you two want to talk to me about? If you’re done laughing at me, that is.”

“In a moment.” Once they were out of the gardens and on the path, Chiansamorkin glanced at Fevionawishtensen. “I think we’re far enough from others that he won’t be too embarrassed now.”

Fevionawishtensen nodded.

“So, what’s this about?” Jorvanultumn asked.

Fevionawishtensen signed, Fomaze.

Jorvanultumn looked at her blankly. “Fomaze?”

She nodded.

“With…” He glanced at Chiansamorkin, who was grinning and nodding. “With her?”

Fevionawishtensen nodded again.

“But…” He glanced at Chiansamorkin again. How did he discuss this in front of her?

Chiansamorkin let go of his arm. “Why don’t you two discuss it a bit? I’ll fly over the gardens a couple times and come back.” She leapt into the air, leaving him to face Fevionawishtensen.

All signs of laughter were gone from her, and she gazed sternly at him. You told me when we met that, when she got over things, you wanted us to include her as fomaze.

“Yes, when she calmed down and when she had a fomase of her own. She doesn’t have one yet.”

Fevionawishtensen sighed. And you think she will?

Jorvanultumn shrugged and broke her gaze. “She might.”

Fevionawishtensen stepped closer to him, grabbed his chin, and turned his face to look at her again. She has no one else. Her diare is dead, you know?

He nodded. “Yes, I heard.”

She will never have a siare. We could bring her into our family so she doesn’t have to be alone.

“I...I’d like to, but the fomaze is between two pairs of fomasee.”

It is?

“Yes.”

Who says?

“Well, it…” He had no idea who had written the rules of the fomaze, or why they were the way they were. Were there any actual written rules?

No one says. That’s because it’s just a tradition. There are no formal rules. It is not like the elispt. Others may disapprove, but let them. We can do as we like. They can’t stop us.

Assuming she was right, it was something he wanted. Or used to want, at any rate. He was not entirely sure anymore. It had been so long and he was still not sure how he felt around Chiansamorkin.

Fevionawishtensen looked at him, waiting.

“Do you want this?” he asked. “She was my childhood friend, not yours.”

You’ve been gone two years. I’ve gotten to know her. Yes, I want this.

Jorvanultumn took a deep breath. He needed to be more decisive. This return home was making him question himself too much. “All right. Let’s do it. But not right away.”

Fevionawishtensen rolled her eyes. No one is saying we should do it right this instant.

“You’re right. Sorry.”

She put a hand on his cheek and leaned up to kiss him. Then she waved to Chiansamorkin, who was still circling over the gardens.

Chiansamorkin was clearly watching for a signal as she immediately flew over to them. She looked expectantly from Jorvanultumn to Fevionawishtensen and back again, her wings quivering.

Fevionawishtensen nodded.

Chiansamorkin put a hand to her mouth. She was shaking. “Really?” She looked to Jorvanultumn for the answer.

He nodded. “Really.”

She flung herself at him, throwing her arms around him. “Oh, thank you! Thank you!” There were tears in her eyes. She wiped them away and kissed him on the cheek. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

He shrugged. “I have an idea.”

She held onto him for a few moments longer. Then she kissed him on the cheek, let go, and stood back. She glanced at Fevionawishtensen. “Not trying to hog him from you.”

Fevionawishtensen gave the slightest of shrugs and smiled. We’ll need to discuss when this will happen.

“There’s no rush,” Chiansamorkin said. “We should probably wait until everything with the Lamdritta is resolved first. Oh, probably shouldn’t announce this to anyone yet either. The others on the Lamdritta already consider me biased and if they find out about this, they might make me recuse myself, and then you’d lose your best champion.”

Jorvanultumn frowned. “I hate to say this, but shouldn’t you probably recuse yourself?”

She shook her head. “Not as far as I’m concerned. At least not until after the ceremony. Which is why we wait to resolve your case first.”

He did not fully agree with her, but he needed a champion on the Council. Bending the rules was probably necessary.

“So what do you say we make some plans?”

Agreed, Fevionawishtensen said.

Jorvanultumn sighed. “I really need to see Meleng and Sinitïa.”

Chiansamorkin grinned. “Then we’ll come with you, right Fevionawishtensen? We can make plans on the way.”

Fevionawishtensen nodded.

Jorvanultumn agreed and they began the trek to the visitors’ lodges.