by Forthright
Shocked by her own boldness, Kimiko ran straight into her arms. She was pulled close, her cheek pressing a vest of thick golden fur. Warm and wild and a welcome surprise. Closing her eyes, Kimiko came to rest. This person was a stronghold, and she felt safe.
The she-wolf laughed, low and husky. “Not the least bit shy, this one.”
Suuzu said, “At times like this, Kimi reminds me of Akira.”
“That one,” she scoffed in brusque affection. “Where is your nestmate?”
“With Gingko. Just there.”
Kimiko drew back enough to see where Argent’s famous son stood with Akira. She’d beg an introduction to the half-fox later, but she was more surprised by the quick change Akira had undergone. Isla’s father was fussing with the folds of a formal ensemble the color of flames. “Suuzu, is he wearing your crest?”
“He is.”
Guided by the phoenix’s obvious pride, Kimiko decided that now was not the time for gossipy tidbits. Reaching for his hand, she gave it a quick squeeze. “He looks good in your colors.”
Suuzu’s soft trill was self-deprecating. “He looks embarrassed.”
But just then, Akira spotted them and offered a small wave and a crooked grin.
“Don’t be silly, Suuzu,” Kimiko said. “He’s as proud as you are.”
“Hold your heads high,” said Adoona-soh. “You especially, Kimiko Miyabe.”
She eased out of the wolf’s embrace, belatedly offering her palms.
Adoona went one better, her big hands settling around Kimiko’s wrists. “I can see why Harmonious is so taken with you. I admire your resolve to tread a path less traveled.” Leaning closer, the she-wolf confided, “The chase was mine, as well.”
Now that was a story Kimiko wanted to hear.
“Your attention, please.”
Hisoka’s well-modulated voice carried across the buzz of conversation, which tapered off enough for Kimiko to catch the sound of her mother. Up on tiptoe, she spotted Mama near the center of the room, chattering at Lapis Mossberne. He acknowledged Hisoka’s call with a lazy twirl that must have created a sigil, for Mama’s voice was suddenly muted. Silenced by a barrier. With supreme poise, the attentive dragon guided Kikuko Miyabe to her husband’s side. Kimiko was sure she was talking the whole way and cringed.
“You are like your mother,” remarked Adoona-soh.
Kimiko was stung.
Adoona’s expression betrayed amusement. “You do not care for the comparison.”
“Mama is ….” There was no good way to finish that. Kimiko tried again. “I don’t want to be like her.”
“Resemblance takes many forms. Will you hear the favorable reports that have come back to me from Kith and Kindred alike?”
“Reports?” she echoed, uncomfortably aware that she was whispering instead of listening to Hisoka’s welcoming remarks. Like Mama.
“Wolves often weave the day’s surprises into their song, and many are glad to have crossed paths with you.” Adoona’s voice was low, sure. “A seeker of connections, an improviser of courtesies, a granter of smiles.”
Kimiko had a hard time believing that those she met in passing actually remembered her. Surely a reaver of her rank wasn’t worth noting. Here today, gone tomorrow. Then again, she cherished each happenstance. Weren’t they wonderful because they were so fleeting and so rare?
“Others are brighter,” she protested.
Adoona cupped her cheek. “Do not complain of lesser lights to one who cherishes the moon.”
It took a moment for that to sink in.
The she-wolf wasn’t finished. “Kikuko Miyabe entered this room as if it were her own, and by her courtesies made us welcome.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. She’s very … in charge.”
Suuzu made a small sound. Was he hushing them? No, he was trying not to laugh.
Adoona said, “I know three Nightspangle whelps whose praises multiply. Hisoka purrs at the very mention of your name. Isla, who outshines whole constellations, looks up to you. And in a shocking turn of tricks, Argent approves of you.” Her tail swung wide. “Eloquence may speak for the Kith, but you shall speak for your den. Much as I do.”
Kimiko still wanted to protest. “I’m not anything like Mama. Everyone knows that’s Noriko.”
“The elder daughter?” scoffed Adoona. She certainly didn’t shy away from confrontation. “She has your mother’s form, but she has your sire’s doting, deferential nature.”
Just how much had transpired in the short time she’d been off with Eloquence and Ever?
Adoona searched her face and nodded. “Listen and consider. Kikuko is human, but she pursued a reaver and won his affection. Without her courage to defy tradition, you would not be here to pursue your own unlikely match.”
Kimiko blinked, then blinked again as tears threatened. Never. Not once had it occurred to her that she was following in her mother’s footsteps. Mama, who loved people and gossip and taking charge. Mama, who was hasty and stubborn and quick to befriend.
“Suuzu, am I like my mother?” she asked tragically.
The phoenix brushed her cheek with a hasty kiss. “I maintain my position—you are like Akira. Now take heed, for Harmonious has nearly finished building anticipation for Eloquence’s grand entrance.”
He and Adoona drew her into the center of the room and remained on either side. Kimiko faced her parents and Harmonious, who welcomed her belated arrival with a broad wink.
“The time has come to present my son,” he boomed. “Eloquence is escorted by my dear Anna.”
As every head turned, Kimiko went up on tiptoe, eager for a glimpse of the reclusive second wife of Harmonious Starmark. No one knew anything about Ever’s human mother. Harmonious always laughed off questions, saying Anna preferred a quiet life and thanking the world at large for respecting her privacy.
Eloquence’s questing gaze found Kimiko’s, his face brightening enough to warm her cheeks. And then he bent to speak into his mother’s ear. Not that he had to bend far. The woman at his side was quite tall and definitely not from their part of the world.
She was rosy-fair with hair the soft yellow of a sunrise sky, loose and straight as a mare’s. As she came nearer, Kimiko could see that her eyes were blue. A striking beauty, like a storybook queen. Most startling was her age, for while Anna Starmark was clearly a woman grown, she looked no more than twenty.
Kimiko was grateful that Isla had told her that this woman’s life was linked to her bondmate’s. Anna probably looked exactly as she had the day Harmonious began to tend her. A sobering thought.
Would Kimiko’s family grow old around her, while she remained unchanged, a living relic of the early days of the Emergence? Another thought came, more vexing than it should have been. Was she doomed to be mistaken for an adolescent boy for centuries to come? Perhaps Eloquence would agree to an extended courtship, giving her time to gain some semblance of maturity.
Figuring this was one of those times when she was meant to take the lead, Kimiko stepped forward and offered her palms to initiate the formalities. “Your son speaks of you with obvious affection.”
Anna’s smile was grave. “Two of my sons are utterly smitten, and I have no doubt you will rally the rest in support of your pursuit.”
Her Japanese was perfect, if a bit formal. And it was a little difficult to tell if the lady thought Kimiko’s pursuit was a good thing. She tried to get a read off Eloquence and found he’d adopted the receptive posture they’d practiced yesterday. She firmed her own stance, and his demure smile held approval.
“Your kin are shrinekeepers,” Anna said.
“Kikusawa Shrine.”
“When I first came to this area, Kikusawa gave me shelter.”
Kimiko asked, “You lived at our shrine?”
“I considered it home.” Again, that grave smile, and Anna’s fingers tapped lightly upon the circlet of stones at her wrist.
Attention drawn, Kimiko saw that the bracelet was one of a matche
d pair. Each clear stone gleamed with an inner light, as if she’d captured starlight within the crystals. This woman wasn’t just a reaver; she must be a beacon. Suddenly, Ever’s fanciful description of his mother holding stars in her hands made sense. In the eyes of her child, she would shine.
“Kikusawa gave me shelter,” Anna repeated. “But I repaid them poorly, for I brought nothing but trouble.”
“I didn’t realize. My grandfather was more familiar with the shrine records than I am. I don’t remember any mention of a reaver named Anna.”
The woman traded a long look with Eloquence, who dipped his head.
“Ever tells me that you love the Star Festival,” said Anna. “Since your visit, he has been full of questions about angels and starfolk and saints.”
“The Star Festival has always been an important celebration for my family.”
“And for our pack,” interjected Eloquence. He nudged his step-mother. “For good reason.”
Kimiko was sort of relieved to see Anna’s expression morph into fond exasperation. She was less stiff that way, more normal. Maybe even approachable, once they got over the awkwardness of beginnings.
Anna said, “It might interest you to know that once upon a time, I was Miss Anna Green.”
“I see.” But of course, she didn’t. The English name stuck out, her accent somewhat different than Isla’s. Kimiko wasn’t sure if it signified a regional difference or indicated some earlier era.
Eloquence stepped in. “Before Anna met Dad, her family name was Green.”
He gave subtle emphasis to the English surname, as if there was a connection he expected her to make. Her grasp of English was rudimentary at best, her worst subject. All she’d retained from middle school were a few basic phrases, numbers one to ten, the names of farm animals, some varieties of fruit, and colors.
Oh.
Kimiko quickly shifted into stammering, babbling, gesticulating comprehension. Green was midori. Midori was green.
The woman simply nodded.
With a warm chuckle, Eloquence banished any lingering doubt. “Kimiko, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce Reaver Anna Starmark, battler class, better known to history as Saint Midori.”
FORTY-THREE
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 elbo
wing 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?”
