"Congratulations, Thalira of Luna, and Adyr of Velari. It was a pleasure both to witness and to be witnessed in a moment this important." Brakhtar Gorat's voice rolled over the golden sand, solemn like tribal ceremonial music.
"Indeed, it's something worth celebrating. Why don't we throw a feast once we're out of here?" Adyr answered with a warm, open smile. It sounded like a joke, yet his manner was wholly sincere, and the suggestion settled over the group like a welcome breath.
Brakhtar dipped his round head. A rare smile touched his lips, startling even his closest acquaintances. "I would be honored to host you and share a cup."
For a Gorathim, inviting a stranger into one's home was rarer even than that smile; nevertheless, his kin offered no objection. They simply approved in silence, as if the invitation itself were a small rite.
"Before you start making party plans, why not try leaving the cages you're in?" Thalira spoke at last, her face indifferent, her eyes cool.
