To See, To Hear, To Know

 

Like most of Dad’s gatherings, the evening proceeded casually, with music and mingling. Eloquence noted the opening of a second cask of celebratory star wine and caught wind of enough embarrassing childhood stories to heighten his color. Ever had flitted everywhere, glad to be included for once, but now nestled against Quen’s shoulder.

As per custom, Suuzu never left Kimiko’s side as he guided her through introductions with members of the Starmark pack. And Twineshaft remained at Quen’s side, patient in his watchfulness.

Eventually, the cat leaned closer. “I don’t think he’ll find the courage, and time is short. Shall we?”

“I’d be grateful.”

Taking Eloquence’s elbow, Hisoka steered him toward the far corner where Akio Miyabe had taken refuge. Quen submitted quietly, for these were the roles they needed to play, the rules of a traditional courting game. He couldn’t approach Kimiko’s family without an escort.

“Good evening to you, Reaver Miyabe,” Hisoka said easily. “I’ve coaxed Eloquence over. Will you welcome him?”

The man immediately offered his palms, which presented something of a … situation. Not only were Eloquence’s hands full with Ever, the little boy seized the chance to change partners. Mr. Miyabe found himself weighed down with a clingy cuddler.

“I should sniffen you.”

A slow smile warmed the shrinekeeper’s face, making Kimiko’s resemblance to her father more apparent. “Hello, young sir. Should we be introduced first?”

“I dun know you.” Ever frowned thoughtfully. “Does I?”

“Allow me, since introductions are one of my duties this evening.” Hisoka gently tweaked Ever’s ear. “Reaver Miyabe, the affectionate pup in your arms is Ever Starmark. Ever, the man you are preparing to sniffen is Kimiko’s father. That’s why he seems familiar.”

Quen was proud that Ever had picked up on the similarities of scent. He and Laud had begun teaching him the basics of tracking, which required a discerning nose.

Ever’s tail wagged so hard, he was wriggling. “Kimi’s yours?”

“One of my precious daughters.”

“She’s mine too! Ours.” At this, he reached back, and Quen eased forward so Ever’s hand could rest possessively over his heart. “Bruvver’s and mine!”

Mr. Miyabe asked, “May I meet your brother?”

“Yeth! Him’s Quen.”

Hisoka stepped in. “Eloquence is Harmonious Starmark’s fourth son and one of your daughter’s classmates at New Saga High School. He is her choice, and the Starmark clan welcomes her pursuit.”

The usual exchange of niceties was much interrupted by Ever’s enthusiastic nuzzling, which put a shine in Mr. Miyabe’s eyes.

“Ah,” said Hisoka, as if just remembering something. “This seems as good a time as any to point out that you may well have grandchildren with similar features.”

Akio Miyabe’s astonishment ebbed away, and Quen was relieved to see acceptance, even anticipation on the man’s face. Their pups would be welcome. He stole a glance toward Kimiko, who was talking animatedly with his sister Rampant. Even from here, he could feel her delight. Maybe because their connection was already forming?

Hisoka’s hand settled on his back, and Quen brought his wandering attention back. Mr. Miyabe had been watching him watch his daughter.

Quen awkwardly asked, “Is there anything Spokesperson Twineshaft has not covered?”

“One thing, really.” A searching look. A soft question. “Do you love my daughter?”

“Wholeheartedly.” He slipped unthinkingly into a much more dominating stance than the occasion dictated. “She is my choice, as well.”

“That’s good, then. Yes, good.” There was a tremulous edge to her father’s smile. He caressed Ever’s silky hair and touched his round cheek. “May I show this beautiful boy to Kikuko?”

“Soon,” promised Hisoka. “The hour has come for Kimiko’s declaration. Will you join Harmonious on the dais, please?”

Ever was sent trotting to his mother, and they wended their way to the low platform, reaching it at the same time as Suuzu, who guided Kimiko into position. Once again, Hisoka called for everyone’s attention.

“Since the oldest of days, Amaranthine have gathered at the Song Circle to mark celebrations—rites of coming and going, the taking of apprentices, the binding of pacts, and the founding of houses. This night, the Starmark pack forms a circle to hear the pledge of Kimiko Miyabe, who claims suit and will pursue Eloquence Starmark.”

Quen watched as his packmates quietly fanned out. Uncle Laud’s white shock moved from door to door, sliding them open so their Kith could enter. He was theirs. Of course they wanted to be here—to see, to hear, to know the form Kimiko’s promise would take.

Hisoka continued, adding dignity to the coming moment by his very presence. “Miss Miyabe, Harmonious Starmark wishes you to know that he will not yield his son to a half-hearted suitor. What do you have to say for yourself?”

Eloquence was grateful to have been spared the “maiden son” label.

On cue, she took her place in the center of the room, head high, posture radiating confidence. She took the time for a slow spin, meeting the gazes of those she’d only just met, taking in the strength of the Starmark pack. Last of all, she looked his way. The tilt of her chin, the lift of her brows—it was as if they were sharing a laugh or a secret. His blood began to sing, and the sweet note of her soul rang in his memory.

Then she addressed herself to the room in carrying tones. “My heart is as whole as it is his. Let courtship show my resolve, for I’ve resolved to have him.”

A murmur ran around the circle, acknowledgement and approval, a few yips from the Kith contingent, and some elbowing among the adolescent males.  

Harmonious grinned. “And what form will your courtship take?”

“A variation on the Cycle of Moons, which is found in the Amaranthine lore of trees. Twelve pledges sealed by twelve kisses.” She waited out another murmur before adding, “I’m prepared to bestow the first kiss tonight, beneath Kusunoki, the tree at Kikusawa Shrine.”

“Your purpose and your preparations are good.” Harmonious cocked a brow in Quen’s direction. “Well, son? What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I will be waiting in the appointed place.”

Hisoka took charge again. “The Starmark clan has acknowledged Kimiko’s suit. All that remains is the selection of representatives. Kimiko, Eloquence, name the member of your household who will bear witness to the twelve pledges, each in their turn.

Kimiko spoke without hesitation. “My father, Reaver Akio Miyabe.”

The man took a small step forward, beaming proudly at his daughter.

Hisoka turned to Eloquence, eyebrows lifting.

Quen could feel his father drawing himself up, eager to be named, even as he felt Laud’s presence withdraw, shrinking from a role that would bring so much attention his way.

“Eloquence,” Hisoka prompted. “Who will you choose from among your packmates to watch over you and your lady?”

“This clan is strong, and there are many—Kith and Kindred alike—who could carry the honor. After much consideration, my choice became clear. I designate Ever Starmark as my representative.”

Everyone’s gaze swung to Anna Starmark, whose small son perched on her hip. The pup’s ears pricked and swiveled. “Me? Is it my turn, Mum?”

“Yes, my child,” said Anna. “Go to your brother. He needs you.”

Ever crossed the room at full scamper, accomplishing the last meters in a gravity-defying leap. “Here I am, Bruvver!”

Quen swung him high, then cradled him close. “Will you be my representative?”

“Yeth.” His face creased in confusion. “What dat?”

He crossed to Kimiko, guessing it would be easiest to explain his role if he understood Kimiko’s place in their future. Quen said, “The pack needs you to do a very important job, Ever. As my representative, you’ll listen to Kimiko say her words, then hear my answers.”

Wide eyes blinked. “Why?”

“We are going to trade promises, and in keeping them, our den will be built.”

“Where?”

“Our den?” Quen placed his hand over his heart. “Here first, then in the place Kimiko lives, high on a hill, with many stairs and a great tree.”

Kimiko made a tiny noise. She seemed surprised. Hadn’t anyone told her the terms Hisoka had negotiated on their behalves? In as soothing a voice as he could manage, he said, “Kimiko will take my name, and she will bring me into her home.”

“Me, too?” asked Ever.

“Of course. You’re mine.”

“Uncle?”

“Yes, I think so.” Quen couldn’t imagine a den without Laud.

“And Rise?”

“Yes, Rise is ours as well. But Kimiko will be especially mine, and I will be especially hers. That’s what it means to have a bondmate. One for always.”

Ever considered this with furrowed brows. “Not me?”

“You’re my brother,” said Quen. “Brothers can’t be bondmates, but you can be my representative.”

The little boy turned to Kimiko. “I Bruvver’s res-sent-tive.”

She smiled softly. “Eloquence must love you very much.”

“Course!” He puffed out his chest. “We’s bruvvers.”

Eloquence thought it best to press the point, both for Ever’s sake and so that the whole clan would know how matters stood. “Yes, we’re brothers, and that will make Kimiko your sister.”

Ever held out his arms, and Kimiko took him.

“And when we have pups,” Quen continued, “you will be their uncle.”

“Me?” he squeaked, but his tail lifted and began a tentative wag. “Pups?”

Eloquence felt the shift in Kimiko’s posture—assertive, possessive. Without hesitation, he relaxed into an attentive pose, making it clear that the answer wasn’t his to give. Ever picked up on the change because he nuzzled Kimiko’s chin, whining as he worked up his very best “pudding please” to date.

“I hear you.” Kimiko smiled crookedly. “But let’s take things one step at a time, Ever. Promises first. Pups later.”