Heirloom

 

Ever munched happily on festival fare, kicking his feet over the edge of the porch. He’d brought a blanket out for Kimiko, who nibbled the point off a chocolate star while searching the overcast sky. The clouds sometimes whirled and spun in a wind that didn’t reach the ground, and she could feel a kind of thundering. Not a noise, really. More like a rumble she could feel in her chest. “What is that?”

Her companion mumbled unconcernedly around a mouthful. “Uncle.”

She wasn’t necessarily surprised. There must be every kind of Kith and Kindred in and around—and above—the Starmark compound. Flight was a typical Amaranthine capability, so the clan must be romping around somewhere above the clouds. Maybe they had their own way of celebrating the Star Festival. Feats of strength or speed.

“He must be really strong,” she said.

“Yeth.”

“Is Eloquence up there?” she asked.

Ever didn’t answer, but his ears were sinking fast. Had something happened? Only then did she register the cessation of airborne clamoring. And then something streaked across her field of vision … and Ever vanished from her side.

The chocolate slipped from her fingers, and she scrambled to her knees. Standing a short distance away, Harmonious Starmark stood watching her, his young son in his arms.

By the time she’d extricated herself from the blanket, a second male stood by his side—massive, white-haired, and clad in copper armor. The unknown warrior gripped a bared sword, and he was riled enough that his presence pressed uncomfortably against Kimiko’s quailing soul.

Harmonious wasn’t much better. Stiff and stern. This was not the friendly face one usually saw on the news.

“Sorry,” she whispered.

“Do you have reason to apologize?” inquired Spokesperson Starmark.

She shook her head, and her free hand offered a feeble plea for understanding. Where was Prospect to vouch for her? She glanced pleadingly at Rise, who was licking icing off his nose. The sneak had downed the last of the cake. “Mooch!” she whispered.

“My son is a little young to be entertaining a lady.” Ever’s father had mellowed, and it showed in his tone. “How did you happen to meet?”

She bowed. “I’m Kimiko Miyabe, a student at New Saga High School. I’m in Eloquence’s class.”

“Well met, Miyabe-chan.” Harmonious’ gaze shifted to a point past her shoulder. “Can you verify her claim?”

Kimiko turned to find Eloquence standing a little ways apart, looking very different than usual. He was breathing hard, and his hair was loose and wild. More shocking, he was also arrayed like a warrior—armed and armored, in a glory of copper and traditional silks.

“Reaver representative for Class 3-C,” he confirmed in a rough voice.

He looked as if he needed a seat. And sounded as if he needed a pot of tea. And here she was, keeping him from creature comforts. “I’m sorry to have interrupted. I didn’t want you to be totally left out of the fun of the Star Festival, so I brought a few things.”

Nearly all of which had already been eaten.

Kimiko rubbed the back of her neck and sheepishly added, “Ever liked all the stars.”  

Eloquence seemed amused by something, but with a glance in his father’s direction, he drew himself up and executed a gracious bow. “Thank you for your consideration. I will accept your generosity, and you’ll be free to go.”

Acceptance with a dismissive undercurrent. But Kimiko could almost feel the weariness rolling off him. So she didn’t drag out her presentation with the explanation she probably owed. Extending the comb in its wrappings, she offered the traditional festival blessing. “May the stars grant the dearest wish of your heart.”

A flicker of confusion crossed his face, but he accepted her gift. Lifting away the delicate folds of cloth, he went still.

Kimiko thought it best to explain, but Eloquence was suddenly much, much closer.

He quietly demanded, “Where did you get this?”

But his father’s voice cut across her reply. “How fortuitous! And timely as well, since you are only now in a position to accept. I’ll just go tell your mother the good news!”
 

Harmonious left, pulling the white-haired warrior along after him. Rise loped after Ever, who waved goodbye over his father’s shoulder, leaving Kimiko alone with Eloquence.

“I don’t understand what just happened,” she said, easing into the most bewildered posture in her repertoire.

“Where did you get this?” Eloquence repeated.

“Your brother traded with me for the sweets I brought.” She indicated the remnants of her original gift. “He seemed to think you’d like this better, and I didn’t see the harm.”

His expression, his posture—they gave nothing away. Yet she was sure she’d upset him.

“What’s wrong?” she whispered.

“You don’t know what this is?”

Kimiko’s crisp movement roughly translated, It is there before you. Meaning it should be obvious to anyone. “It’s a comb.”

“This is the very comb that Glint Starmark gave to his bondmate Radiance.”

“Goodness! A family treasure, then,” she murmured. Everyone had heard of Glint, First of Dogs. “No wonder you were concerned. But I never would have kept it, I promise.”

Eloquence shook his head and went on. “This comb came to my father, and it’s been borrowed from time to time by my brothers. The giving of such a gift is highly traditional.”

“I see,” said Kimiko, but she really didn’t.

“This is a traditional betrothal gift.” Eloquence’s voice tightened. “By giving this to me in the presence of my father, you’ve formally declared your intention to court me.”

Kimiko needed a few moments to rally.

“No wonder you looked so stunned! Coming out of the blue. And we hardly know each other.” She knew her words were empty. After all, she’d likely end up contracted to a relative stranger. But she could imagine Eloquence’s dismay. “I take it I’ve made things awkward for you.”

He seemed lost in thought.

“Please, don’t blame Ever. The mistake was mine, and I apologize.” she said. “Would it help if I explained …?”

“No.” He slowly drew the folds of silk around the comb. “No need.”

“But your father thinks I proposed.”

“Because you did propose.”

“But it was an accident.” Kimiko felt as if they were talking in circles.

“It was an accident,” Eloquence quietly acknowledged. “But Dad didn’t take issue.”

Kimiko glanced in the direction Harmonious Starmark had gone. “Wasn’t he just teasing us?”

Eloquence’s fingers tightened around the gift, but then he held out his hand. “Are you taking back your offer?”

“I couldn’t!” She waved her hands. “Not the comb, anyhow. It’s obviously precious to your family.”

“So your offer stands?”

The words came cautiously, with a nuance of body language that threw Kimiko for a loop. He wanted her to answer in the affirmative. But she couldn’t fathom why. She asked, “You want it to stand?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” he asked.

Kimiko edged closer and half-whispered, “You’re not making any sense.”

“No?” Eloquence tucked the comb into a pouch at his waist. “It’s really very simple, Kimiko Miyabe. You may proceed with your courtship. I accept your suit.”