Author's note: I'm not crazy about this chapter. It goes too quickly, and it sort of abandons the mystery. Disclaimer again (just in case): Not mine, never has been, never will be, and I don't get anything for writing this.
Backing up, Leanin pressed herself against the opposite wall, still holding Kyarei tightly to her. Then the figure jumped down, and into the light.
"Sorry, did I scare you?" A tall girl, pale and lanky, appeared. She had warm, chocolate brown eyes and a friendly smile. She had long, between-black hair pulled back in a long ponytail that swung as she took a step forward and reached out a hand. "I'm Nirami. What's your name? I skipped the meeting. All I know is that there's someone new!" Her voice was cheerful. Leanin smiled, a shy smile, and shook the girl's hand.
"Leanin. And this is Kyarei. If you don't mind, what meeting?" She asked, raising one well-shaped eyebrow slightly.
"You're new! There's a big meeting to discuss you. They want to know your name, where you're from, how old you are, all that stuff. How old are you anyways? I'm fifteen, but I'm always treated like a baby, especially by Niravin. He's my brother. He's only three Turns older than me, but he acts like he knows everything. He's not even here. He's a Harper. He should be home in about a month. But it's not quite sure. He's been gone five years, and he doesn't write home much. He hasn't seen me since I was ten, and I think he think I still am. Typical older brother!" She chattered on until she remembered that Leanin had never answered her question, "So, you never told me, how old are you?"
Leanin hesitated again, briefly, before saying quietly,
"Sixteen Turns. My brother's the same age as yours."
"Oh, you have a brother too! What's he like?" The black haired girl was curious.
But Leanin refused to say anymore. Despite her perpetual chatter, she found herself drawn to Nirami. It was partially because of this that she found herself agreeing to stay in White Sand Hold for a little while longer, provided that she could help.
To Numuna's delight, Leanin proved excellent at sewing and knitting, and she could cook reasonably well. She also preferred the plain clothes of the hold to her elaborate gown. She folded it away, along with her jewels. Within a few days, the other women of the Hold opened up to her, and found that she was an excellent listener and full of good advice.
They also noticed that her curls became a shade lighter in the sun. That her soft skin burned. That her delicate hands blistered. That she preferred the cooler nights to the sweat-drenched days. From all of this they surmised that she was not used to much work, nor the heat. But little by little, it ceased to matter.
Leanin helped the Hold find two firelizard clutches. Nirami Impressed two, a bronze and a green. She named them Nolory and Beach, in honor of the beach where the Clutch was found. Dalohny, whom Leanin saw only infrequently, also Impressed. As did Nirami's cousin, uncle, and four people from another family.
She slowly became used to the Hold, its customs, traditions and rivalries. She knew everyone by name. And Nirami was always beside her. Unlike her constant companion, Leanin was a naturally introverted person. She preferred to watch her outgoing friend than to say anything herself.
Soon, everyone had almost completely forgotten that they knew almost nothing about her. She fit in so well. She even developed her fishing skills. And she loved the beautiful shipfish. Her luxurious dress and jewels acquired a layer of dust. Leanin became part of the family, as did her Kyarei.
When Niraven came home, he was led to the kitchen, where his mother, aunts and the rest of the women greeted him. Then he noticed the quiet blonde. She was slightly sun burnt, her hair a rich gold color, streaked with paler blonde. Her hands, holding a platter of rolls, were slightly blistered, though calluses were beginning to develop on them. She was wearing a light cream blouse and high-waisted, faded viridian skirts. She smiled shyly.
"And this is?" He asked his sister, who gave a little laugh.
"This is Leanin. She's sixteen. She just showed up one day. And she's so cool!" The black haired girl was wearing a burgundy tunic and black leggings, paired with un-dyed leather boots. She smiled, snatching the platter from Leanin's hands and nudging her forward.
Leanin was offered her hand to him. He shook it, smiling. That was the first time Nirami was convinced they were perfect for each other. She tilted her head a little, and observed her brother. He had grown since she had last seen him. He was now three inches taller than her. His skin was still the same bronze it had always been, but there were slight wrinkles at his eyes. His hair, black and wavy like hers, had grown- it was a little past his ears now, and had a spiky quality to it. Nirami thought they looked wonderful together.