Page 267
The brigade had always respected Vaneshta, even back when she was just a soldier on the first team. Now, a major with what seemed to be more responsibilities every day, they worshiped her. Iryana could easily see why Pyetar was relying on her so much. It all seemed to come naturally to her: settling disputes between the officers, inspiring the soldiers, and handling the day-to-day operations.
She was made for this.
“Iri!” Vaneshta called when she finished with the initiates, jogging over to her.
“Do you still have time now?”
Vaneshta nodded. “Do you want to work in my office?”
“You have an office now?”
Vaneshta wagged her eyebrows, “I have two, one in the barracks and one next to the general’s.”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “I don’t know, you might be too fancy to work on assignments with me now that you have two offices.”
“It’s important to put time aside for those beneath you, lest you get out of touch with the common people.”
Iryana snorted and rolled her eyes but followed her friend.
A week after moving into the fort, with the Mud Moon coming to a close, they finally had their celebratory feast in the grand hall.
Iryana moved slowly across the room, wearing another borrowed dress. Seeing everyone together, happy and celebrating, it was impossible to ignore how much had changed in the last year. How far she’d come from the woman who didn’t have any friends and couldn’t stand being in the same room as her sisters without panicking.
Vaneshta and Lidishta were clearly in love, laughing and playing games at one of the tables. No one had taken any issue with their marriage, which wasn’t surprising given how open the 18th had become with such things. The council had been reworking the laws for the city, and the restrictions on marriage had been an early one to be changed. A number of couples had already come forward for what they were calling a marriage under Mhakiza.
Vabihn was nearby, at one end of the table with his wife, his youngest wrapped against his chest while his oldest chatted happily. Vabihn had seemed more centered lately, calmer, though he was still wild in the sparring ring.
On the other end of the table, Shahn sat quietly. He still had a way to go before everyone had forgiven him, but he wasn’t an outcast anymore. He smiled as he watched his sister and Misha arm wrestling over the table.
Mezhimar and Pepha walked in, holding hands. He was lanky and tall, but her willowy frame fit perfectly next to his.
“Hey.” Hadima appeared at Iryana’s side and slipped an arm through hers.
“You look like you actually slept last night,” Iryana teased.
Hadima rolled her eyes.
“I hardly recognize her.” Misha giggled and jumped up to join them, looping her arm around Iryana’s.
“You know…” Iryana peered at Hadima. “I received a letter from New Omis.”
Her older sister immediately reddened. It was the same way she’d reacted every time the other clan had been brought up since they’d learned that the Omisolds had largely survived the war.
“Ooh.” Misha wagged her brows.
“Stop it!” Hadima begged, looking mortified.
“Sorahn asked how you were faring,” Iryana said.
“Iri, I don’t want to get my hopes up for something that isn’t possible.” But Hadima looked pleased.
“This new world is what we make it,” Iryana assured her sister. “Laws change. Traditions adapt.”
Hadima narrowed her eyes. “No man is tearing me away from my sisters.”
“We just want you to be happy. I’m not saying you have to make any drastic decisions, but if you want to… entertain the idea of a relationship with Sorahn, we’re okay with it.”
Misha nodded adamantly.
