A Destiny Shifted

By J.B. Streinf

Separated from the only family she has left, Leonyn finds herself stranded in an alien land with only Darin, her royal Guardsman, as an ally. Though, given the recent revelations about his past, she wasn't so sure she could trust him anymore. Even as she finds herself struggling with this newfound knowledge so too does she struggle with gaining

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crown Books NYC
• Release date: Jan 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9781958869574

J.B. Streinf

J.B. Streinf learned her love of stories from her mother, who read to her each night before bed. As she grew so did her love of the written word and her desire to make up her own stories. She and her sister would spend hours telling each other stories or speaking about characters they created. When she had written her first short story she gave it to her father, excited for his feedback. She has travelled the world and gained inspiration from each culture, admiring the different characters she met. She is an avid animal lover and has spent time volunteering at animal shelters across the United States. Though often on the move, she currently resides with her husband, their two sons, and their two dogs, in Kansas. Much to the chagrin of her husband, she is also always on the lookout for another animal to welcome into their family.

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A Destiny Shifted

J.B. Streinf

Copyright © 2023 Jasmine Iacolino.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author and publisher, except by reviewers, who may quote brief passages in a review.

ISBN: 978-1-958869-58-1 (Paperback Edition)

ISBN: 978-1-958869-59-8 (Hardcover Edition)

ISBN: 978-1-958869-57-4 (E-book Edition)

Some characters and events in this book are fictitious and products of the author’s imagination. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Book Ordering Information

Crown Books NYC

132 West 31st Street, 9th Fl.

New York, NY, 10001 USA

[e-mail]

www.crownbooksnyc.com

1 (347) 537-690

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Shifter Word Listing

Dedication

To my family, friends, and fans. Fans who have given me some great feedback such as A map would be nice, thanks Chap Davis, you are a wonderful man. Fans who have dreams of their own but struggle to put pen to paper, do it. Even if you end up throwing out the entire first ten pages, do it. It takes so many words and drafts to find the right path, to tell the right tale, and it is sometimes a struggle. But when it comes together, oh when it finally coalesces into that final draft it is such a wonderful feeling, do it.

To my friends who don’t mind me bouncing ideas off them and whose encouragement has meant so much to me. Brothers and sisters who are not my blood, you know who you are, I will care for you always and will always answer when you call.

To my niece, whose beautiful heart helps her create such beautiful art. I asked if she could come up with something to symbolize a few things in the book and she did not disappoint. Her beautiful interpretation marks the back of the book. Stay safe in your travels and keep drawing, it is a wonderful gift that can be a wonderful outlet for so much.

To my sister, who is my sounding board, my editor, and my best friend. This would not be possible without you. I love you more than words on a page could express. Your excitement feeds my own and I love working with you.

To my boys, my lights when I was in the dark, you helped me find myself. I love you always. This one is for you. Your proud faces when the first book was published helped me work through some of the harder parts of this book. Your wonderful minds, so full of questions, helped me to form and understand my world in a much clearer way. I love you boys, always.

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Chapter 1

The chirruping and singing of jungle birds was the first thing Leonyn heard as she started to drift toward consciousness. She had become accustomed to their songs on her trek through the jungle over the last few days with Darin. With Darin’s name lifting from the fog of her mind she sat bolt upright as her heart started pounding. She searched the unfamiliar room for him, her gaze skipping over empty beds and going to the one next to her, which was occupied. She watched Darin closely for the gentle rise and fall of his chest, sighing softly when she saw it. The last thing she remembered clearly was him passing out. No wait, there was a boy, no, a woman, both? She placed a hand to her aching head and winced slightly, feeling the small bump. She looked about the unfamiliar room, trying to force her jumbled memories into a straight line starting from their mad dash to escape the sinking ship, as she tried to remember where they were.

Darin had called her pretty and then fallen face first into the dirt, not moving, then she had spotted the boy. He couldn’t have been more then fifteen seasons. The boy had run off and that was when the woman showed up. She had carried Leonyn and Darin to the village, called for aid, and ensured they were taken to the healer. Her gaze drifted over Darin once more, unseeing, as two words and their meaning were pulled from the darkness of her mind.

Luf Allakheir, she whispered softly to herself. Lost Prince, that’s what they’d called him, what they’d called Darin. Darin, a prince, had admitted to her that he’d killed the king, his own father. Darin, her trusted bodyguard, the man her fate was tied to, was guilty not only of regicide, but patricide. Her heart started pounding again, the blood beat in her ears, drowning out all other noises. She nearly leapt out of her skin when she felt a hand on her arm, a small sound of alarm escaping her lips before she turned to look into the startled eyes of a short young woman.

Guten afiri, the small woman said with a smile that nearly made her eyes disappear. Wie iou fielte?

Leonyn stared at the woman, trying to decipher what she was saying. Some of what she’d heard before and what the woman in front of her said now sounded familiar somehow.

Wie iou fielte, the woman asked more slowly.

Leonyn shook her head, her eyes starting to water as she realized she was in a totally alien land. A land where she didn’t even understand the language, and her fate was tied to the unconscious murderer in the bed next to hers. Leonyn took a deep breath, trying to calm her panicking mind and slow her racing heart.

I-I don’t understand what you’re asking.

She wants to know how you’re feeling.

Leonyn looked up at the voice coming from the doorway and saw the woman from before, the one who had carried Darin and her to the village, the one who’d saved Darin’s life.

I’m fine, I think I’m just hungry, Leonyn said, wiping her eyes discreetly. She wasn’t about to let any of these strangers see any outward sign of weakness. If these people looked to Darin as some sort of leader, it was best she kept her own confidence for now. Best to keep her doubts of his character to herself, at least until he awoke and she could question him herself.

Shugi feir, the woman said to the healer. Her gaze went over Leonyn, flitting over Leonyn’s slight frame in the bed, before meeting Leonyn’s gaze and smiling. Let’s get you something to eat, shall we? Likely that’s why you fainted when you arrived with the Prince. The woman motioned to the door.

Leonyn’s eyes skipped over Darin quickly before she hopped out of bed, her vision spinning slightly and her head giving a thump of disapproval at her quick movements. She again placed her hand to her head and closed her eyes to still the swirling of her vision. She opened her eyes slightly at the steadying hand on her back.

Perhaps I should have the food brought to you?

No, Leonyn stated. No, I just moved too quickly. Please lead the way… She trailed off as she realized she didn’t even know this woman’s name.

Piellar, the woman said, her small smile more polite than welcoming. Her green eyes watched Leonyn closely, as if analyzing Leonyn’s every movement, Leonyn wasn’t sure if she liked it.

Leonyn stood up straight and waved for Piellar to lead the way. Leonyn’s steps faltered again when they exited the building, if she could even call it that. The huge tree rose above them, its center housing the clinic she’d just come from, limbs stretched out and into other small rooms, reached by the staircase that spiraled up the trunk, as if the wood had grown in that manner. Leonyn looked about the village, larger than she had originally thought, and realized all the buildings were built in the same fashion. As if the trees and bushes grew to house the denizens here for their comfort.

How, Leonyn paused, reaching out to touch the steps expecting to feel the breaks in the wood that would tell her the steps had been carved out of the wood, but it was smooth under her searching fingers. How are these like this?

Piellar pointed to a small clearing near the edge of town where a circle of people stood around a small sapling, singing. Leonyn watched as the sapling grew, its limbs moving with the wave of one’s hand, its trunk rippling as another touched it, creating small indentations where steps would be once the tree grew to full size.

Piellar watched Leonyn closely. Do you not have magickers where you are from?

Leonyn shook her head. Most of the magickers were part of the Asenchu invasion, they were all killed or banished.

I am not familiar with this, Asenchu?

Leonyn glanced back at Piellar, realizing she had slipped, letting her awe of the place get the better of her. She didn’t know if she could trust this woman yet, just because she’d helped Darin didn’t mean she could be trusted. By the Gods, Leonyn wasn’t sure if she trusted Darin anymore, let alone this woman she’d just met. Who could kill their own father? Did this woman know what kind of man she cared for? If she did know, what did that say about her? Leonyn’s eyes narrowed slightly.

You mentioned food, Leonyn asked by way of changing the subject.

The corner of Piellar’s mouth tilted slightly upward.

Yes, please come with me. Piellar turned and headed toward a central building. The tree’s limbs wound ‘round the outside like a spiral staircase. Piellar entered a large doorway in the tree and went up to a circular counter in the center of the room.

This is a communal building, food is available here at all times. Should you feel the need, please come here and eat your fill.

Your common is very good, Leonyn stated as she sat beside Piellar.

Yes, yours is as well.

My family would be pleased to hear that. Leonyn motioned to the rest of the village. Not everyone here speaks it, why do you?

It was a requirement for my former employment, Piellar stated absently as she plucked a grape from the plate that was set before her.

Leonyn tried not to groan, or drool, when the food was set in front of her. This Piellar was more difficult to get answers out of than Darin.

Was? It’s no longer a requirement?

Piellar smiled slightly before plucking another fruit from her plate.

There really isn’t much need now.

Why?

As you said, hardly anyone here speaks it. Piellar turned to Leonyn, And you? Your common is also quite good.

It’s a necessity, I meet many people from many places.

Piellar smiled again at the girl beside her, thinking about how she was so careful when she spoke to not give any useful information. If she were to find out about this woman, and Darin, then one of them would have to give in if the conversation were to go anywhere. Perhaps she could give in a little bit, just enough to get this woman to open up slightly.

As I said, I am Piellar. I used to be handmaiden to Darin’s mother. Common was necessary for all handmaidens. I have known him since he was but four seasons old. And you? What is your name? How long have you known the Prince?

Leonyn coughed as she almost choked on the food. She doubted she’d ever get used to someone referring to Darin as a prince. She stared quietly at her plate. How could one fall so far? From prince and heir to drunken, thief, assassin, what even was he? She squinted as she tried to puzzle it out. Was he a thief? Was he a sword for hire? A warrior for those unable to defend themselves? Whatever he was, she knew he drank far too much, always having that honey liquor on hand. She couldn’t see him as a prince, he didn’t act like royalty. She thought back to the dinner with Rajesh and his father, even at an official function he’d had no sense of decorum, making faces at her when no one was looking. She shook her head slightly, pushing the memory aside.

Not long, she stated in response to Piellar’s query. Her stomach cramped painfully as she ate.

How did he become injured?

Leonyn thought back to the attack by the large sea serpent; its offspring writhing in the bodies of the dead sailors on deck, some sailors not quite dead screaming as they tried to pull the small serpents off themselves. She shivered, knowing those screams would haunt her. Darin had pulled one off himself, fought through the chaos that had enveloped the ship and got her to safety. She wondered if anyone else had gotten to safety before the ship sank, she hoped Olsin had survived.

Our ship was attacked by a sea serpent, she stated mechanically, her words barely a whisper of sound from her lips, he was injured when we escaped.

Piellar moved closer to Leonyn. You are from the Southern Isles?

Leonyn shook her head softly, staring at her food. Darin had trudged on with her, a hole in his side, first infected, then home to a parasite, through rough jungle terrain. He’d tried to keep his promise to her and her father as best he could, keeping her safe until they’d made it to a place he deemed safe enough for them to go. He’d been so reluctant to come back though, she wondered if it was just his past he was so scared of facing, or if it was justice he’d run from for so long for killing the king. Whatever the reason for his staying away for so long, he’d made sure she remained safe from predators, even teaching her some basic survival skills to ensure she would be able to continue on if he were to succumb to his wound. She could be mad about him keeping his title, and his past from her, but she couldn’t be mad about how hard he’d fought to keep her safe.

Will Darin be alright?

Piellar felt relief at the genuine concern she heard in Leonyn’s voice. Yes, he is just sleeping now and likely will for a few days. He was given something to aid in healing, it causes sleep as well.

Leonyn sighed and continued to eat. Her mind went to how they’d gotten the diginue out of Darin. As she thought of that, she remembered the numerous scars covering Darin’s body.

How did he get all those scars?

Piellar raised a questioning brow. Apparently one-word answers and vagueness weren’t the only things Darin had picked up from this woman.

Do warriors not have scars where you are from?

Leonyn ground her teeth. Was Piellar being purposefully condescending?

Yes, of course warriors have scars, but not to the extent of Darin’s. What was that brand on his chest?

Piellar’s gaze went to her plate where she appraised the food there for a couple heartbeats before she plucked a grape and she popped it into her mouth, chewing it delicately before looking at Leonyn.

Perhaps your curiosity regarding Prince Darin, and his past here, would best be eased by the subject of your curiosity? Piellar popped another grape into her mouth before smiling at Leonyn. You never said where you were travelling from.

It was Leonyn’s turn to smile. No, I didn’t, she said before taking an aggressive bite of her own food. Piellar’s answering smile set her hackles alight.

How did you and the Prince meet?

Leonyn felt her frustration with the questions mounting, the pressure at her eyes let her know they were about to change, and she welcomed it.

Listen, she growled, her cat eyes cutting to Piellar, I get that you’re curious where he’s been, but his past is as much a mystery to me as it is to you, probably more so. She paused as she noticed that the calculating look had gone from Piellar’s eyes as she stared openly at Leonyn. What?

You, you are as he is. Piellar sat straighter in her chair, her head going forward as if she were going to bow before she sat up and looked about nervously.

Leonyn looked around them as well, this woman’s sudden nervousness prickling at Leonyn’s own nerves.

Yes, sort of, I just learned of it as well as of me being a shifter.

Piellar’s eyes cut from the room around them to Leonyn.

You mean you didn’t know, Piellar asked, almost incredulously.

Leonyn looked down. Well I, my father is not and my mother died when I was young. Leonyn shook her head, why did she feel her situation required explaining? She looked back at Piellar with anger only to be greeted by a soft and welcoming smile.

You are more like him than I would dare think. You poor child, to never know, and not have it explained. Piellar hugged Leonyn to her, as if their verbal tete-a-tete had not even taken place. Have you had your first change yet?

Wait, Leonyn pushed Piellar away from her. What about all the suspicion from before? You wondering where we were coming from, what Darin’s been up to, and how we met?

You are a shifter, one without true family, the gods have brought you to us to teach you the proper ways.

First off, I have family, a father who loves me and vice versa. Second, just because I’m a shifter I’m suddenly trustworthy, when just seconds ago I wasn’t? Now Leonyn’s hackles were alight. Bigotry, it seemed, ran thick on both sides of the board. You’re right, I don’t know your ways. Leonyn thought back to the embarrassing conversation Darin had fumbled his way through when she first started demonstrating her turn. She couldn’t imagine having a conversation like that with this woman. I just met you, and you treated me with suspicion before anything else. Forgive me if I don’t want to discuss what I think of as a personal subject with you.

Piellar frowned at her before nodding. I understand. I have injured our relations with my suspicion. Piellar glanced at their empty plates before standing. I can only hope to repair this injury with truth. For now, perhaps we can get you clean clothes and a bath?

Leonyn looked down at her stained dress. Days of trekking through the jungle had left her clothes somewhat worn, not to mention the toll on her body. She was suddenly very aware of her smell.

A bath would be most welcome.

Piellar grinned and gave a shallow bow before turning and leading the way out of the building.

Darin helped build this village during the war.

War?

Piellar nodded. Yes, there was a civil war here many seasons ago. It started with the banishment of shifters from the cities, from their homes, by a non-shifter ruler. Piellar sighed sadly. I must apologize for my treatment earlier, I am the keeper of this village. I am wary of outsiders, more so than I should be because of where we are. When you arrived with our lost prince near to death, Piellar shook her head. I thought only the worst of you. I’m sorry.

Leonyn shook her head. I don’t understand. Where are we? Why should that make a difference?

Just a few leagues north of here is where our land borders the land promised to those who fought against us in the war. Piellar heaved a breath. After the war, there was animosity on both sides, those who had fought on the side of the king did not want to return to their desolate lands on the far side of the mountains. With no ruling party to determine what should happen to those left behind, the generals decided to split the land in two. We retain the southern jungles and capital city, with enough farmland to sustain ourselves. The northern jungles and port towns were given to the king’s men. Sometimes they send incursions into our jungles, testing our resolve I think. Prince Darin has been gone many seasons, it seemed more likely that an enemy had captured him, but no shifter would willingly work with the northerners.

Why was there no ruling party? What happened to Darin’s mother?

Piellar’s eyes shined brightly before she looked away and wiped at her eyes.

The war cost much, and none paid a higher price than Darin. He lost both of his parents in the final battle.

He had no siblings?

Piellar shook her head. His brother fled this land with many of his father’s soldiers. When Darin disappeared almost a half cycle later, Piellar sighed, we didn’t know what to do. Everyone was so tired of the fighting, of the loss. We split the country in two and agreed to leave each other alone.

Leonyn hadn’t realized that they’d made their way into yet another building, though this looked more like many trees that had grown together in a soft grove.

Mukwiaki, Pillar greeted a woman with a smile. Piellar continued to speak to the woman in that strange language, motioning to Leonyn briefly before motioning to the back. The woman nodded enthusiastically before approaching Leonyn. Piellar turned and gripped Leonyn’s hands.

Since you lost your mother at a young age it is apparent you need training and education in our ways. I would be happy to help with both while Darin heals, Piellar paused and looked at Leonyn, joy in her eyes, if that is alright with you of course. I know my answers to your questions irritated you, but many of the questions you posed, Piellar sighed. They are not my answers to give. I am loyal to Darin, not just for who he is, but for what he did for us, then more quietly, for what he lost. For now, Greida will help you navigate through the bathhouse. I recommend the hair treatment, and perhaps a massage, after your travels. I will prepare your living area while you get cleaned up and then perhaps we can discuss your abilities.

Leonyn considered Piellar’s words. Leonyn would have treated a stranger asking questions about her father the same as Piellar had treated her, with suspicion. Leonyn gripped Piellar’s hands tight before letting go.

I understand your loyalty. But know, I don’t know you as Darin does and the questions you pose, as far as who I am, how I know Darin, and where we come from. I will not answer such questions, at least not right now. We have run across trouble from being forthright with such things already on our travels.

Piellar smiled and bowed slightly. I understand as well and will not pursue such questions further.

Please follow me, Greida stated.

Leonyn jumped slightly.

You speak common?

Greida smiled and nodded before turning.

Only a, ugh, wie iou sa, Greida shook her head before holding her hand up, her fingers close together. Sagear kamyat, Greida stated.

Leonyn listened closely, recognizing the words.

Sagheir khamiyat, she asked.

Greida’s eyes widened. You speak shifter?

Leonyn shook her head. No, you were speaking Samanian.

I don’t know this, Samanman?

No, Samanian. Leonyn stopped speaking, realizing she was revealing just what she’d been hiding from Piellar. She would have to be very careful to not reveal anything else until she spoke with Darin and determined the trustworthiness of the people here.

You come with Prince Darin?

Yes, Leonyn stated, following Greida through a hallway.

You use public bath before?

Not since I was very little.

Greida nodded and showed her into a room.

You put dirty clothes here, she motioned to a small woven basket. Here is where to wash body and hair. Greida motioned to each item on a shelf next to a spigot, for hair, for body, to make clean. She motioned to a small foot lever. Press with foot, make water run. Greida demonstrated, pressing the lever over and over until water poured out. Is cold. She pointed to a screen of loose vines hanging down. Through there is hot bath. Wash first please, then hot bath. No one there now, is quiet, relax, take you time. When you done, ring bell, I will come with new clothes, and then massage and treat you hair.

Leonyn fingered the ends of her hair. I’d like that very much, thank you.

Greida smiled broadly before bowing slightly and quitting the room. Leonyn stripped off her dress and tossed it into the basket Greida had indicated with a scowl. They should just burn it to be honest, she didn’t see how they would get the stains out of it. She stared at her shift when she removed it, the bottom stained with mud and the areas around her arms stained with what could only be perspiration. If her clothing was any indication, she could only imagine how filthy she herself looked. She stepped on the foot lever and heard a gurgling noise. She stepped on it again and the spigot overhead dribbled then poured cool water on her head. She nearly shrieked, it felt so cold after the heat of outside, but it also felt good against her hot skin. When the water started to dribble again she pumped the foot lever a few times and more poured out.

She ran her fingers through her hair and looked up into the stream of water, letting it wet her face. She grabbed a small cloth on the shelf next to the bottles and scrubbed at her face. She poured some of the hair cleaner into her hands and rubbed it into her hair. She started at her scalp and worked her way to the ends. The suds were a gray color, letting her know her hair was quite dirty. She washed her hair twice more before the suds were a frothy white and her scalp felt clean for the first time in days. She let the water rush over her head and down her face, smiling as she felt the cool water cleanse the last of the dirt from her head. She grasped the other bottle and lathered the small cloth, smiling as she scrubbed at the grime on her arms and legs. She would never again take a shower for granted. She would have to ask how the contraption to pump the water worked, perhaps they could incorporate it into the water works at home.

Once clean Leonyn wrapped herself in a towel and went to where Greida had indicated. The heat curled around her exposed skin as she stepped through the leafy vines, promising the water would be soothing. A soft moss carpeted the floor, tickling her toes slightly as she approached the large pool of water. Several thin trunked trees stood as pillars around the room, their branches twining together in a flowing pattern high above to form the ceiling of the room. Other branches hung low enough for her to place her towel on. She placed her towel tentatively on one branch and dipped her toe into the water before sliding into the water with a sigh. The heat of the water seeped into her, easing aches she hadn’t known she had. Smooth stones under the water formed seats and lounges. Leonyn lay her head back against the soft mossy edge and looked up to the ceiling, her eyes absently following the weaving branches round and round as she willed her mind to quietness.

She made a conscious effort to not think about her father, or Darin, or her situation. Instead she focused on letting the heat into her body and letting her body relax. She wasn’t sure how long she lay there for, but when voices startled her awake she knew she must have been there a while. The voices spoke in that strange yet familiar language, she could only pick out a few words at a time. The voices stopped suddenly and Leonyn looked over to see two young girls staring at her. What had Piellar said when she greeted Greida?

Mukwiki, Leonyn smiled awkwardly.

The two girls giggled slightly before one of them said, Muk-wi-aki, enunciating each syllable carefully, a kind smile on her face.

Oh, Mukwiaki, Leonyn stated.

Iou sa walseinsamkeit?

Leonyn laughed nervously. What?

Iou, the girl pointed at Leonyn, sa, the girl motioned to her throat, walseinsamkeit, she pointed to herself and her friend.

Leonyn realized the girl was asking if Leonyn said something, or at least something along those lines.

Oh, she exclaimed as she realized what the girl had said. Greida had asked if she spoke shifter when Leonyn had recognized two of the words Greida had said. Leonyn brought her hand out of the water and brought her fingers close together. Sagheir khamiyat, she stated.

Sagear kamyat, the girl stated nodding.

Leonyn smiled broadly. Yes.

Da, the girl said, nodding again.

Da, Leonyn replied.

The girl grinned at her before turning to her friend. The two girls spoke for a few minutes in what Leonyn was now recognizing as shifter.

Ich aisim Bautigre, the girl was careful this time to speak slowly.

Again one of the words were similar to her own language, aism meant name in her language, the aisim word the girl used probably meant name in shifter. Leonyn motioned to the girl, Iou Bautigre.

The girl clapped her hands. Da!

Leonyn smiled and motioned to herself, Ich aism Leonyn.

Ah, the girl smiled and pressed her hand against her chest before bowing slightly. Sida jamantreff.

That first word, similar again, must mean happy. The girl was bowing as in greeting.

Leonyn nodded in understanding, smiling she returned the words. Sida jamantreff.

Nai, the girl said shaking her head. She placed her hand to her chest again before bowing slightly and stating, Sida jamantreff.

Leonyn’s eyes widened as she realized what she hadn’t done. She stood and placed her hand to her chest, over her heart and bowed slightly before stating, Sida jamantreff.

Da! Da! Ips bonum, the girl exclaimed, smiling broadly.

Leonyn laughed with the girls, excited to learn a little of this strange, yet familiar language.

The two girls whispered together for a moment before Bautigre shook her head, pressed her lips together and glanced nervously at Leonyn before looking back at her friend, shaking her head again. Her friend nudged her in the shoulder and nodded toward Leonyn. Bautigre rolled her eyes before smiling awkwardly at Leonyn.

Bautigre cleared her throat before asking daintily, Iou sponsa Luf Allakheir?

Leonyn’s eyes narrowed as she tried to understand. Obviously Bautigre was asking something about herself and Darin but Leonyn didn’t know what the middle word was. Leonyn shook her head slowly.

I’m sorry, I don’t understand.

Bautigre drummed her fingers against her lips for a second before snapping her fingers and smiling. She motioned for her friend to stand beside her.

Iou, Bautigre stated, motioning to her friend. Luf Allakheir, she said motioning to herself. The girls each raised one hand and pressed it to the other’s before entwining their fingers, their other hands going to each other’s chests, pressing on the other’s heart. Bautigre mimed tying their joined hands together before stating triumphantly, Sponsa!

Whatever ritual the girls were mimicking seemed to be very important, and the tying of the hands, perhaps joining of two people? Marriage? Was Bautigre asking if she was married to Darin? She almost laughed at the ludicrousness, almost. Leonyn shook her head fiercely.

No, no, absolutely not.

Bautigre’s face fell slightly, she looked almost sad that Leonyn wasn’t married to Darin. Leonyn pressed her hands together and realized the skin had gotten wrinkled on her fingers, she’d been in the water much longer than she had thought. Before the girls could ask more questions which she would struggle even more with she stood and exited the bath.

Thank you, she said before bowing slightly and leaving.

She entered the room where she had showered and began to dry herself. She remembered Greida had said to ring the bell and reached over to the rope to pull it. Shortly thereafter Greida was in the room humming to herself and massaging some lovely smelling oil into Leonyn’s scalp and skin. Leonyn relaxed and let the soft hum of Greida’s voice wash over her. She felt a small shake a short time later and realized it was Greida, waking her.

Oh, I’m sorry, I must be more tired from my travels than I thought.

Greida smiled. Is fine, I be upset if you not relax enough to sleep. I have you clothes ready.

Thank you, Leonyn stated as she fingered the cloth Greida motioned to.

I leave now.

Leonyn lifted the light dress, soft with blues and greens. For some reason she had expected something rough and scratchy, as if they clothed themselves in actual tree bark and bushes. She shook her head at her own silliness and put the dress on. She made her way out of the bathhouse, waved farewell to Greida and headed in the direction of the healer’s building. As she approached the healer’s building she heard angry shouts and as she turned a corner saw a large group of people outside the building. One large man spotted her, his eyes going quite large before he pointed in her direction and yelled something in shifter the part of which Leonyn understood was Luf Allakheir. Her steps faltered as the group of people, some six large men and five women, all turned toward her, anger clearly written on their faces. They all spoke loudly in overlapping voices as they headed in her direction. Her heartbeat frantic as she saw the men, fists clenched at their sides, stomp toward her. She tried some diplomacy first, greeting them as Bautigre had shown her.

Mukiaki, she stated with a smile. She placed her hand over her heart and bowed slightly, Ich aism Leonyn. Sida jamantreff.

One woman turned to another and pointed at Leonyn before stating something quickly in shifter and turning to Leonyn.