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“As long as you need, or five years to the end of the contract.”

“You are looking forward to leaving me already? What if I wish to keep you as a companion?”

Horib brought in the tray and poured for both of them.

“If that is your wish, we will negotiate then, but right now, I have a hard stop to my safety, and I need to plan for what will happen next.”

Ranna paused. “That makes sense. So, one of the things I will encourage you to do is seek out education for occupations here on Arro. If this works out, I would like to keep you as a friend.”

Ranna picked up her cup, and Riley did the same. She inhaled all of the flowers of summer in the tea and took a sip. She exhaled slowly as the floral warmth drifted through her. “This is lovely.”

“Eat the pickle sandwiches. They are delightful.”

Riley didn’t know which ones were the pickle, but Ranna pointed to narrow things down. Ranna ate with her but let Riley take on most of the snacks. They sat together, and Ranna called a seamstress to get some clothing. Measurements were to be taken first thing in the morning.

Ranna smiled after the call. “I would offer some of my clothing, but my clothing has a split in the back.”

“Fair enough.”

“And Horib is too short for your clothing.”

“Right. Not by much.”

Ranna laughed and said, “Are you done?”

“I don’t eat ceramic, so yes.”

“We will take a quick walk around the grounds, and by then, you should be tired enough to sleep, and Horib has made up your room. In the morning, there will be maids and gardeners around the home, so this is the quietest time. You can stare at the sky again.”

Riley got up, removed the cloak, and extended it to Ranna.

“Keep it on. I am fine right now. This is my home, and I love a cool night.”

Riley shrugged, put the cloak on, and hiked up the front to six inches of clearance. “Lead on, Lady Ranna.”

Ranna grinned and walked her through the house and out to the back area, where the dome of the sky was exposed and the stars and moons were slowly dancing.

Riley stared up and said, “Oh, wow.” She held up the cloak and spun slowly, making the stars turn.

Ranna laughed softly as she watched her, but Riley didn’t care. She was safe, she was fed, and that really covered most of her wants.

* * * *

Horib listened to asound that was so rare and so precious. Lady Ranna was laughing. Less than one day, and her companion was having an effect. Horib made a call to Lord Rath to tell him about his daughter’s new plan to try and rejoin the world.

Watching Ranna interact with the Terran, Horib had hope for the first time since she had come to the manor.