Page 100 of The Songs of Fate (War of Fate)

When I was almost done braiding her hair, a knock sounded at the front door. Lana said something, and the door cracked open to reveal Leo and Danny.

They both stopped short of the threshold to the room when they saw us. Danny’s mouth was partially open, gaping at both of us. Leo kept smiling and nodding. Both men wore light leather pants. Leo’s chest was bare, but Danny wore a leather shirt that crossed over his chest in an X. Neither said any intelligible words.

Leo recovered first. “We are here to escort you to tonight’s festivities.”

“Okay, let me finish this really quick. We’ll be out in a minute.” I smiled and kicked the door shut with my foot.

Lana wore sandals strapped to her feet and offered me a pair, but they seemed a teensy bit too small.

Barefoot it is tonight.

I opened the door for the red-haired goddess behind me.

Lana exited her bedroom with me trailing behind her. I still felt awkward in my clothes and didn’t make eye contact with Danny or Leo as we went out the front door. I didn’t want to be rude to Lana and put on the soggy men’s shirt I'd arrived in.

Danny offered his arm to Lana.

She smiled, wrapping her hand over his.

Leo seemed to know I was not in the mood to be led around holding his hand. He didn’t offer his arm but instead let Danny and Lana walk ahead down the trail, leading away from the temple, toward the eastern coast.

After a few minutes, Leo cleared his throat. “You look like the ocean, baby Valkyrie.”

I grinned. That was exactly what I needed to hear.

“You look good, too, Leo, but these people do not wear a lot of clothes. I mean, I get that it’s a tropical environment, but is this a normal amount of clothing for the people of Eir?”

I’d better not be the only person besides Lana who was half-naked.

Leo’s booming laugh echoed through the trees. “Valkyries aren’t known for their modesty,” he snickered. “But yes, most women will have less material covering their bodies than you, tonight. It’s a celebration, not a battle. No need to cover anything.”

We had different opinions about why we needed to cover body parts. Mine was not for battle. I just wanted to be able to make eye contact with people without blushing.

We walked in silence down a path leading to a large courtyard peppered with flaming torches. Long wooden tables held smoked meats, fruits, grains, and vegetables that I had never seen before. They were all different colors of the rainbow, each smelling as delicious as the next. Large pitchers filled with various liquids lined another table in the corner of the courtyard.

Leo and I went to the table, and he filled wooden cups full of a juice I hadn’t smelled before. Scents of citrus and liquor drifted over the pitchers. He handed me a cup then sipped from his.

I took a tentative sip. It tasted lemony, with a tart and sweet flavor. I hoped with the agreement between me and the Valkyrie, I could drink and She would remain silent in the dream department. My light was the cause of the dreams, and if She was going to let me be Charlie for a few more days, then that meant some peace and quiet at night, hopefully.

“It’s a wine made from a succulent plant growing by the beaches.” Leo took another sip.

Danny returned to our side while Lana went to talk to a few other men at the table. Danny also had a cup of the wine and took a few sips.

“Is it strong?” Danny took another taste.

Leo just smiled and laughed before he walked off to fill a plate with food.

Danny and I looked at each other, then down at the drink.

What did that mean?

I looked around at the rest of the courtyard. It appeared we were early for the festivities. A few people were lounging by the wooden tables eating, while some sat in small circles drinking. Every person occasionally glanced our way, eyeing us.

I was feeling more self-conscious about my lack of clothing, rather than being a rare Valkyrie. I ran my fingers over my braid that had already dried in the warm air.

Danny leaned into me. “Can we go somewhere and talk for a minute?”

“Sure,” I said.

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