Page 77 of Changelings
Keeping an ear out to catch if Imogen started breathing erratically, Balar lifted his free hand in greeting. The others were quick to notice their arrival, and murmurs of interest stirred through the gathered crowd.
More than a few stepped forward to meet the fabled new mate of the mayor.
First came Ema and Ulmo, the half-orc siblings, who pumped Imogen’s arm up and down in enthusiastic human handshakes. “Welcome, welcome!” Ema said. “It’s good to finally meet Balar’s mate! We’ve all been wondering about you.”
“We hope you’ll vote for Ema in the election today,” said Ulmo with a wink.
“She’s not voting!” gasped Ema. Then, with a considering look, she amended, “Well, why not. She’s with Balar.”
“Although, she did lose us the bet.”
“Hmm, there is that...”
Balar smoothly drew Imogen past the debating orcs, Diar intercepting them when they made to follow.
Next came the harpy sisters, one after the other until they were surrounded by feathers.
“Here she is,finally, Balar. We were beginning to think you were embarrassed by us,” Maritza sniffed. Extending her winged arm to Imogen, she said, “As vice-mayor, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to Feathertown.”
“You’re mayor forfive more minutes,” said Nareeda, rolling her big eyes.
“And it’snotFeathertown!” Ysera fumed.
“Not yet, maybe, but I’ll win the election. Both of them!”
Pushing past her squabbling sisters, the gentlest of the harpies, Andreen, smiled sweetly at Imogen. “Hello. Welcome to the village. I’m Andreen.”
Imogen took the hand Andreen offered and squeezed. “Hello,I’m Imogen. It’s nice to meet you.”
Andreen ruffled her feathers in pleasure. “Oh, you’re as lovely as I thought you’d be. I knew whoever Balar chose would have to be lovely. Especially with him disappearing all the time.”
“He just couldn’t stay away,” Imogen teased.
It was Balar’s turn to blush.
With Akila sacrificing himself as a distraction to the harpies, they moved along through the crowd. They eventually shed Soren and then Kiri, each offering an escape from more sets of well-wishers. Imogen faced all the attention bravely, just as Balar knew she would. As they reached the far side of the square, he patted her hand. Almost done.
It was with relief that they came to the last villagers, Briseis and her brother, Theron. The dragons greeted them warmly, although Balar held his breath and winced when Theron asked Imogen, “Are you sure you haven’t any dragon ancestry?” and touched the side of his own face, indicating her birthmark.
Imogen’s eyes rounded. “I don’t think so, but…” A small smile touched her lips. “I like the idea.”
The four of them laughed, the tension of a moment ago bleeding away.
“I hope you don’t mind, Balar, but I’ve decided to run for mayor, too,” said Briseis.
“Why would I mind? You’d make an excellent mayor! All the younglings will be so proud to have a mayor as their teacher.” To Imogen, Balar explained, “Briseis runs the new school for otherly and human children.”
“I’ve heard only good things about it; Kiri loves you,” said Imogen. “It’s wonderful what you’re doing.”
Briseis perked at the praise. “Thank you. It’s been a dream of mine to open a school. It hasn’t been easy, to be sure. But I’m pleased that in the spring, Maeve Brádaigh will join me as another instructor.”
“Oh, is she back from university?” asked Imogen.
“I believe she arrives home soon and we’ll begin planning after she’s settled.”
Imogen and Briseis chatted a little longer about the school and the half-dragon’s plans for it until a bell began to clang. They turned to find Maritza in the center of the square.
“Your attention, please! It’s time to get voting underway.” With everyone now crowded more tightly round the bonfire, Maritza motioned for Balar to take over.
