Page 215 of The Ascended
"She's blessing the waters," Xül murmured close to my ear, his breath warm against my skin. "Asking for fertility for the crops, for health for the children, for peace for the village."
As Nuri continued, young girls moved around the circle, handing each person a small clay bowl with an unlit candle. When Amara placed one in my hands, I looked to Xül questioningly.
"Your wishes for the coming season," he explained softly. "You light it from the central flame, make your wish, and set it afloat."
One by one, villagers stepped forward, lighting their candles before placing their bowls in the pool. Some whispered before releasing them; others simply closed their eyes for a moment, faces serene in the flickering light.
When my turn came, I lit my candle, the warm light illuminatingmy hands. What did I wish for? Survival seemed too basic, too selfish. Success in the Trials felt hollow.
In the end, I closed my eyes and wished for Thatcher's safety, for a future where his fate wasn't cut short as Heron had warned. I pulled on our bond, and I felt a pulse as he pulled back. Still safe. When we were back in Draknavor, I’d find a way to get to him, to speak with him. I had to.
I knelt and gently placed my bowl in the water, watching as it drifted to join the others.
Xül was the last to add his light to the gathering.
As he returned to my side, the musicians began to play—strings and drums and flutes creating a melody both joyful and haunting. The formal part of the celebration apparently complete, people broke from the circle to fill plates with food, to dance, to gather.
Without warning, Xül extended his hand to me.
"What are you doing?"
"Dance with me, starling," he said, a challenge in his eyes. "Might as well get to use those skills I taught you."
I hesitated only briefly before taking his hand, allowing him to lead me to the edge of the platform where other couples moved in time to the music. His hand settled at my waist, mine on his shoulder, our other hands clasped together.
"I'm still not very good at this," I warned as we began to move.
"Fortunately, I am," he replied, guiding me with subtle pressure at my waist. "Just follow my lead."
And I did, letting him steer us through the simple steps of the dance. After a few moments, I relaxed into the rhythm.
"You're full of surprises tonight," I said as he turned us smoothly to avoid an enthusiastic older couple.
"Only tonight?" he asked, his voice pitched low.
I thought of all the ways he'd surprised me since we'd met—his unexpected kindness, his dry humor, his momentary vulnerabilities.
"No," I admitted. "Not just tonight."
His eyes held mine, and for a moment, it seemed like he mightsay something more. But then the music ended, and he stepped back, releasing me.
"Thank you for the dance," he said formally, though his eyes stayed trained on me.
"My pleasure," I replied, meaning it more than I cared to admit.
"Come.” He said.
I followed him. Several small boats had been decorated with flowers and lanterns, and villagers were climbing into them, laughing and calling to one another across the water.
"The midnight boat procession," he said. "We float through the village, visiting springs at the heart of the oldest canals."
"A midnight boat ride with the prince of Draknavor? How intriguing." I teased.
"I suppose we don't have to," he said, echoing his words from the previous night.
"No, I'd like to," I admitted. "If you don't mind."
He studied me for a moment, then nodded, holding the boat steady as I carefully stepped in. It rocked alarmingly beneath my weight, but Xül's hand at my elbow kept me balanced until I could sit on one of the two narrow benches. He followed with considerably more grace, taking the seat opposite me and reaching for the single oar stowed along the side.
