Page 164 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Ash took charge, catching Tamiko’s wrists and guiding herhands into place, then covering them with his own. “Friends sounds good. I goby Ash. This is Tami.”
She mumbled, “I’m sorry, I’m just ….”
Eloquence gently finished, “… surprised, honored, and reallyvery happy?”
Tami shook her head. “I don’t even know where to begin, andI don’t want to gush about things you’ve probably heard a million times.”
“You can say anything you’d like.”
Ash released Tami’s hands, preferring to hold her. Some ofit was probably instinct, making sure Eloquence understood his claim. But alsobecause he’d never seen her so flustered, and he wanted to lend his support, tobe a pinion to her flight.
Tamiko’s hands lingered on Eloquence’s. “You and she …you’rebeautifultogether.”
“Thank you.” He gently squeezed her hands, then stepped back.“Kimiko has many commitments, but Sensei and Suuzu are clearing her schedule sothat we can be here for your nuptials.”
“You would do that?”
“Why wouldn’t we?”
“You’re … famous.”
Eloquence dismissed that with a flick of his fingers. “Aftertomorrow, you’ll both be celebrities. May I offer a word of advice?”
“Please.”
He gestured for permission, which Ash was happy to give.Eloquence took Tami by the shoulders and said, “Never forgetthis.Hundreds of people, thousands of people, will tremble and stammer and gushbecause they’ve found reasons to thank you, or to admire you, or even to loveyou. They’ll want to tell you things you probablywillhear a milliontimes. And when they do, rememberthis… and the enormity of theemotions a single meeting can hold.”
Ash could feel Tamiko grow still, then calm.
“I’ll try,” she said.
“Good. Please, call me Quen.” And kissing her forehead, he liftedhis face to Ash. “I think, perhaps, you have the years.”
“The years are mine,” Ash confirmed and pressed his lips toEloquence’s brow.
A staff beat against the cement floor, and Hisoka raised hisvoice. “While I could not bring the full council without drawing attention tomatters best kept secret, I did my best. You have met Quen. These other threeare people I trust absolutely. May I keep the introductions brief?”
“The less said, the better, Poesy,” said a strapping wolf infaded blue jeans.
“We know how to keep secrets,” countered Kip, his armsfolded over his chest.
The wolf smirked. “And we know how to bury them.”
Argent clucked his tongue—and something formidable flaredaround them. The posturing quickly ended. Biddie leaned into Ash’s leg, quieterthan he’d ever seen her. This group was certainly having an effect on theladies in his life. Without a fuss, he offered his hand, and when she tuggedit, he hauled her onto his hip.
At the center of the room, a large cask of star wine stoodon end, with a cloth-draped object resting on top. The Amaranthine formed aline on one side. Jiminy guided their group into a line facing them.
Hisoka said, “This is Boonmar-fen Elderbough, son ofSpokesperson Adoona-soh Elderbough.”
The wolf touched his fingers to his forehead, as if tippinga hat.
“Juuyu Farroost is elder brother to Spokesperson SuuzuFarroost.”
The phoenix’s orange eyes locked with Ash’s, and he offereda small bow and a low warble of sound that sent a thrill up Ash’s spine. Hearched his wings into a hospitable curve, which Juuyu accepted with a dip ofhis head.
“Sinder Stonecairne is … well. You may recall a display ofdragons on the day of Kimiko’s first televised kiss? Sinder was the greenopposite Lapis.”
The dragon offered a cheery wave.
