Page 46 of A Winter Redemption

Just until Winter Solstice. We will have just until Winter Solstice.

Surprisingly, Jarne wasn’t alone. Ketho recognised the oread healer, Sinoe, with him, but he didn’t recognise the human with glasses who seemed deep in conversation with Jarne.

“What did you call this berry again?” Jarne asked.

“A cira berry,” the human said.

“Cira,” Jarne repeated.

Jarne held it in his hand before his eyes, studying the berry. He brought it to his nose and sniffed. He studied it again. Then he squished it, which appeared to be a little difficult, since the berry had dried. Jarne rubbed the skin and seed between his fingers and smelled it again.

The three didn’t seem bothered by the snow falling, too engrossed with their discussion. Sinoe glanced at Ketho as he approached and gave him a welcoming smile. The other two didn’t even notice him.

“Sweet,” Jarne said. “A slightly floral scent with citrus and herbal notes.”

Ketho wanted to draw Jarne into his arms and kiss him senselessly. But he’d have to wait until the others left.

“I’m not surprised you’ve never seen one before,” the human said. “They don’t grow in Bordertown. As far as we know, they are only found here in the Norend Mountains.”

“I suppose that means no one has used the scent in perfumes before,” Jarne said.

“Probably not,” the human said.

“Are they difficult to acquire?” Jarne asked. “We’d need a lot of berries to make them into essential oils, which can then be used to make the perfume.”

“They grow plentifully here along the rivers,” said the human, gesturing to the reedy plants surrounding them.

“Edwin, this is Ketho,” Sinoe said when the human seemed firmly on the ground. “Ketho, this is my lover, Edwin.”

Edwin smiled, ducking his head. “Pleased to meet you.”

“You too,” Ketho replied. “Sorry to disturb your discussion.”

Ketho looked to Jarne, whose guarded eyes watched him. His shoulders and spine remained rigid and straight, expression pinched. It stung, but Ketho deserved Jarne’s wariness for running off like he had.

“They were showing me the cira berries,” Jarne said. “Edwin and Sinoe have incredible knowledge of the plants in these mountains.”

“It’s nice to meet someone as interested in plants as we are.” Edwin laughed. “He told us all about perfume alchemy. It sounds so fascinating.”

“Yes. Jarne is very knowledgeable,” Ketho said, staring into Jarne’s eyes.

Sinoe glanced between Ketho and Jarne. He tilted his head. “We should head back,” Sinoe said to Edwin. Sinoe brushed snowflakes from Edwin’s hair and coat and then tucked the end of Edwin’s scarf firmly around his neck.

“It’s cold, and we’ve been out a while. We’ll see you two later no doubt,” Sinoe said, voice soft.

“You should come over for dinner,” Edwin said to Jarne. “I’d love to hear more about the process of perfume making. I learnt a little about perfumes by studying botany. But it was only mentioned in passing, and I’d be keen to know more.”

“I would enjoy that,” Jarne said. He hesitated. “And then I can meet Snowflake.”

Edwin beamed.

They said their goodbyes, and Edwin and Sinoe continued back to the village.

“Who’s Snowflake?” Ketho asked.

“Their pet rabbit.”

“I didn’t know you had an interest in animals.”