***
After supper that evening, most of the spectators retired to their lodgings or to the tavern. Neste walked in the gathering dusk through almost-empty lanes between the barns. She knew riders were too excited and nervous to sleep, but they stayed close to their barns on the night before competition began. Elen arrived at the fountain almost the same time Neste did.
“And another Games has begun!” Neste greeted her friend, throwing her arms to the sky, fingers spread wide.
“So exciting!” Elen handed over the wild garlic flower and threw her arms around her friend in a warm hug. “Did your mother see any of the welcome dances?”
Neste nodded. “Her window faces the valley. She saw enough swoops and spirals to stir her memories.”
Elen smiled. “I’m glad for her. I remember the last couple of years she raced. Her mare was pretty fast.”
“Yes, she was. When is your pairs dance with Morgan?” Neste asked as they sat close together on the basin.
“Tomorrow afternoon. I’m so excited!”
“Not nervous at all?” Neste teased as she leaned close to bump her friend’s shoulder with her own.
“Na, I’m not. It feels so right to be in the air with Morgan that I want to fly with him all the time. His father will announce our betrothal tomorrow, and everyone will know we are meant to be together.”
“Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. This is what you’ve wanted forever.”
Elen took her friend’s hand in both of hers. “Oh, Neste, I hope you are happy.”
“Why shouldn’t I be?” Neste tried not to sound sharp.
“Hoel’s a difficult man. You can’t deny that. He’s nicer when you’re around, but you can’t love him with all your heart.”
“I do love him, Elen. We’ll be good together. It’s a solid match, and it’s what my father wanted.” Neste wished her words didn’t sound so hollow.
“But you’re considering someone else?”
Neste flushed. “We should concentrate on tomorrow’s events. I race Llawen in the morning, then I will watch your dance.”
Elen narrowed her eyes but didn’t pursue Neste’s romance. “I’ll watch your race. Your mum must be proud. You’re favored in this one.”
“I am? I really didn’t even know that. Llawen is good at the short races, but I prefer the dances.”
“Even when it means the Humminghorse Dance?”
Neste grinned. “Oddly enough, the challenge of that dance thrills me.”
“I can hardly wait to see the final performance.”
Her reflection led to thoughts of the interchange between Hoel and Morgan. “Did you hear Hoel and Morgan this morning?”
Elen grimaced. “They sounded like two stallions competing over a mare.”
Neste shook her head. “They really set each other off. Together we have to try to ease that relationship.”
“That’s harder than making horses hover.”
“I’m sure they can compete without killing each other!” Neste said. She tried not to let her frustration enter her voice.
“Speaking of competition, how is Adam doing?” Elen wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
Neste blushed. “I hope Hoel will let him ride. We practiced this afternoon with four horses. I don’t know if Adam was angry or relieved.”
“Isn’t Adam getting better? After all, you’ve been spending so much extra time with him.”
“A bit. Enough, I hope. He really needs to be successful at something.”
“He’s good looking and nice. Are you enjoying these sessions?”
“Elen, stop it. I am betrothed to Hoel. Must I remind you that it is what my father desired? If nothing else, I can fulfill his dying wish.” Her stomach twisted at her words, but she couldn’t be honest with Elen until she knew her own heart.
“I know your father’s wish is important to you, Neste, I’m sorry. I’ll stop teasing you.”
Neste lay a hand on the stone flank of the nearest horse statue and focused her gaze on the stream of water coming from its mouth. Adam was indeed handsome and nice, but that wasn’t enough reason to break a betrothal. But she couldn’t deny that her heart flipped every time those green eyes settled on her.