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Waiting for her Summoning was agonizing. Unable to focus on much of anything, let alone converse, Thessa dug into her cinnamon-dusted meal.
The two long tables were full of witches, consumed with chatter about the Summer Solstice Festival this evening. Thessa wondered how she’d get out of that commitment.
She could develop a mysterious illness, or something that would require her bedridden.
Hmm.
It wasn’t long before there was a swift thump to her knee—Leora had nudged her. Thessa made eye contact and Leora silently asked if she was okay, but Thessa shrugged. Leora’s next look softened Thessa’s heart:I am with you.
Ivy finished a swig of sage water, then asked no one in particular, “So, who’s excited for the festival tonight?”
“There’ll be honey mead from Wilcrest. I can’t wait!” Beatrix chimed in, nearly lifting off of her seat.
“Is there something special about the mead?” Leora wondered.
Ivy’s face lit up, “Oh it’s the bees?—”
“And the flower fields,” Beatrix added.
“The mead is made with their honey. It’s so divine,” Ivy finished.
Leora smiled. “I can’t wait to try it.”
Back in her room, Thessa worked up the courage to tell Leora she wouldn’t be going to the festival tonight. The panic inside her had been simmering under her skin all week, waiting to boil over. If time between her own breaths was hard, casual talk and laughter would be impossible.
Leora spoke first. “Tess, you’re too quiet.”
Thessa walked to her bed and curled under her sheets before saying, “It’s because I don’t know what to say.” Leora sat on the edge of her bed, giving her space, but the silence encouraged Thessa to continue. “I didn’t think waiting for my magic would be this difficult. Adding the festival on top of today is going to be too much, but I’m happy for you and I want you to go. It’s just … I’ve barely slept, and I’m so tired. Would you be mad if I didn’t?”
“I don’t think I could ever be mad at you, especially when you’re that honest. Wouldyoube mad if I skipped the festival too?”
Thessa objected. “You can’t. I want you to play with your magic and have fun. You deserve to celebrate.” She pointed toward the room across the hall before burying her head into the pillow. “And they’re going to be so upset if you don’t go.”
“Well, you and I both know Vy and Bea would forget about me the moment their lips touch that mead, and besides they’ll miss you much the same.”
Thessa rolled back over, facing Leora. “Well that last bit is simply not true.”
Leora shoved Thessa’s leg over her blanket. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
Leora’s good energy pierced through Thessa’s walls, and a grin escaped her. “You’re still not staying back.”
“Yes, I am. Why are you so stubborn?”
“I thought this was about making me feel better.”
Leora pushed her leg again, laughing.
Thessa sat up, asking, “You’d really stay? What about the mead?”
“It’s just mead.”
“Okay then … I have an idea.”
Leora cocked her head, listening.
10
LECTURE NOTES FROM THE ART OF BLACKSMITHING III: