Descending Fire 8, Realm Year 768 (somewhere near The Ten Tribes)

The tomb of Kan Ori,
somewhere near The Ten Tribes

Fuuma Raya's PoV

The manse's reality engines make the stars look the same as in the rest of Creation. Which is a good thing, because stars always make me think about Gareth. Which is also a bad thing, because thinking about Gareth reminds that there is no more Gareth who would take me in his arms while we pretend that the world is a happy place.

"Hey," I say aloud, "have you ever lost someone you love?"

My companion remains silent. I continue talking.

"I was betrothed to a Dragon-Blood. His family agreed because there was a prophecy that I would Exalt at age 19. So, they had us meet for the first time at a party sponsored by his House. I was 13, still attending primary school, while he was 15, newly Exalted and about to enter The Spiral Academy. We liked each other right away, though, and spent the entire night just talking."

I pause. I just realized that he doesn't understand my words anyway, but what the heck. He's the only one I feel comfortable talking about this with.

"Eventually, we fell for each other, and we were happy and secure with the knowledge that we were going to get married someday. Well anyway, my nineteenth birthday came and went, but I didn't Exalt, so his family canceled the deal. I mean, I did Exalt, but as a Solar, and, well..."

I look at him, and he's looking back, and the confused expression on his face makes me giggle.

I motion for him to lean over, then I kiss him on the cheek. "I think you're cute, Yeddim." I smile at him.

He looks surprised, but I think he also looks pleased.

"Hey," I say again, "you know, that girl we saw in the holodeck looked familiar. The one who was riding the clockwork yeddim? Reminds me of a childhood friend of mine. She likes yeddims too, even had a pet yeddim named Yeddim."

I look at the stars again. "I wonder how she's doing."