A Dance of Words

“It is a sad loss,” she said to her fellow guest. “Dame Astrid was an even-handed regent, and she was my friend.”

“Agreed,” he replied. “A good regent, and most likely a saint, to have served Kell for so many years.”

“Lord Kell has always walked his own path,” she said. “And the ghosts that haunt him are those of his own making.”

“Wise words,” came a soft voice from somewhere behind them. “Pray that none of us follows down a similar path.”

The two stiffened ever so slightly at the sound of the newcomer’s voice. They turned to face her.

“Naissa,” the first conversant acknowledged, nodding slightly to the younger woman.

“Annah,” the wizard replied coolly. She turned to the other attendee and bowed her head slightly. “Jonas. How do you fare?”

“Well, Naissa. And you?”

“I also am well. Spring is in the air and the market for love elixirs and healing unguents is booming. How are you enjoying the party?”

“It is a fine thing, although the timing is unfortunate,” Jonas Fletcher opined. “But the tune must play on, no?”

“And you, Naissa,” Annah cut in. “How do you find things this evening? And I have not yet seen Emune tonight. How is your better half?”

Emune the Fey

“Wonderful, to be honest! On both counts. She is here enjoying the festival, particularly the rye. I myself am not much of a whiskey drinker, I will admit,” she replied. “But Lord Meade is very kind to open his casks for the Planting Festival, as he always does. This event is always the highlight of the spring for me nonetheless. And yet to think that in only two days time we shall mourn the loss of such a respected member of our community! Life and death, in balance.”

“Balance is a fine thing,” Annah offered. “And difficult to achieve. Tilt too far to either side, forward or backward, and we tumble to the ground.”

“Too true! It is a wonder any of us is left standing!” Naissa exclaimed. “Soon the new regent of Hillsreach will find herself in search of balance, as well.”

“Aye, balance, and contracts for goods and services,” Jonas slid in cleverly, drawing light laughter at the jest. “It is good she has such a long-time friend such as you, Naissa.”

“You are very kind to say so, Jonas,” she nodded graciously. “But I suspect she will also need to find a husband soon, as well? Goods and services, indeed! I wonder if there are any suitable candidates?”

Jonas blushed at the implied suggestion. As they stood idly conversing, another familiar face came shuffling along.

“Torren?” Naissa reached out and pulled the passerby into their circle. “Torren! Perhaps you could enliven our little turn with your thoughts on a particular matter!”

“Must I?” he mumbled, drawing sympathetic laughs from Jonas and Annah.

“Of course!” she smiled slyly. “We were just speculating as to the list of potential suitors for Abbie March, now that she is regent of Hillsreach.”

The young man grimaced at the mention, even as Jonas looked away in feigned distraction, and as Annah frowned ever so slightly.

“I hadn’t given it any thought,” he replied glumly.

“Ah, well,” she said. “There will be plenty of time to meditate on such things in the near future.”

Wishing to change the subject quickly, Jonas hit upon an exit plan.

“I think I wish to dance before the whiskey takes over the evening,” he began. “Would you care to join me?”

“A lovely offer, Jonas, but I think not,” Naissa smiled in response, preparing to take her leave. “I suspect we all have had more than our fair share of dancing this evening already.”