Page 116 of Mead Cute

But now that she looked at it properly for the first time in months,Calamitywas pretty sure there was some sand from theCapitalstreets mixed in with the dustNashalahad disintegrated into.Andplus, the gaps in the stage floor had been wide enough that some may have fallen down them.So, if she had to choose between trusting her own ability to collectNashala’sremains or a perfectly serviceable approximate, she’d have to choose the latter.Soshe nodded at the druid, who began the ritual.

At the very end, they nodded atCalamity, who knew her line.She’dbeen studying the spell for months, wishing desperately she could cast it herself.Shecould do this part, at least.

“Nashala,” she whispered into the wind.

“Nashala,” the druid echoed.

Just then, a huge gust came up over the cliff and caught the druid’s robes again.Thefabric blew forward, over the altar, obscuringCalamity’svision, and she had to close her eyes against the blast of air.

When she opened them, the blue robes fluttered aside to revealNashalalying on the altar.

Calamity gasped, andNashala’seyes fluttered open.Calamity’sstomach sank– wouldNashalaremember her?Ifso, would she resentCalamityfor her sacrifice?Calamityhad been so focused on thehowthat she hadn’t much considered thewhat next.Typical.

ButNashala’slips tugged into that same smirkCalamityhad imagined every day, andCalamitybreathed a sigh of relief.

“Welcome back,” she said, graspingNashala’shand.Nashaladidn’t pull away, but instead squeezedCalamity’sfingers. “Howdoes it feel?”

Nashala’s brow pinched as she considered this.Thenher smile widened. “Itfeels … good.”