>>6080221 >>6080249 >>6080277 >>6080362 >>6080551 >>6080873 >>6081703 >>6081800>>6080201"I do not know," you reply. "She just said she was going to pick up some empty vials, ought to be back by now."
"She is always on time," Soralisa agrees, her eyes do not. She keeps trying to peek past the cover of trees at the burning pillar of the growing bonfire. They would be waiting for the three -- four -- of you. Waiting for Soralisa to find you would be the right thing to do -- maybe. But Soralisa's eyes keep pleading to watch the bonfire.
"Let's go," you say, helping Soralisa to stand up again. "Let's go watch the bonfire together."
"But you said-" she protests and you wave your hand to reassure her. Is this how the others feel when you doubt yourself? It's a strange sensation doing it for someone else.
"I am sure Salicera will have no trouble finding us. Besides, the vials can wait, the fire cannot."
Rubida smirks as she helps you pull Soralisa away from the table. Your friend glances at both of you and blushes faintly, barely visible at the light of the fiers. Maybe Salicera would be able to see it clearly, with her better night sight.
"Thank you. I did not want to be troublesome, but this bonfire, it's a tradition that goes back all the way to the times of Saint Kishirra, it's a unique chance for us to see it, to take part in it!"
You nod ather eagerness. It feels contagious. You pass by the lines of Priests of Flame giving out cups of burning oil and hallowed candles, or applying sacred seals on the backs of postulants. This is the place where you and Salicera will come together at the end of the ceremony.
Just to make your heart feel a bit more steady-- just to make sure.
After that kiss, you feel a little more confident. Your friendship with Salicera will overcome this trial yet. Each step feels a bit springier as you three reach the edge of the crowd again. You are a bit far away from the roaring bonfire, a pillar of golden flames reaching higher than the trees and the towers, a permanent coment that chases the night away. Air smells like resin and burning wood, but it also smells of grapes and dry earth.
Ansàrra is here.
[cont.]
