FELL like little stones into a pond, causing silence to ripple around them in ever-widening circles.
The first two challenges issued were expected. Some might even say they were half the reason for the quorum.
However, Kira's challenge was different.
She was a nobody. Even when she'd been the Phoenix, not many knew her face. She was a call sign they brought out when the situation turned dire.
If they reassigned that moniker to someone else, Kira doubted anyone would even realize.
She was famous and nondescript at the same time.
Kira disregarded the shock from those around her, staring up at the top of the pyramid and the royal sitting there.
"A puzzle master who doubles as a waverunner. That’s an unexpected combination,” Kira observed in a bland voice.
Especially for a Haldeel.
Skye fidgeted with her sleeves. When she realized Kira was watching her hands, she dropped them and straightened.
"The za na ri na says the depth and breadth of a master’s experience can only enrich the flavor of their puzzles,” Skye said stiffly.
Jin hovered over Kira’s shoulder. “Didn’t you say something similar to Tierni once.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Kira caught Yukina's approach.
Her lips quirked as she kept her focus on the adolescent Haldeel before her. “I wasn’t nearly so poetic. I believe what I said was more along the lines that one never knew which odd skill they picked up by chance would come in handy when faced with danger.”
At the time, Tierni had questioned Kira’s preoccupation with the stratagem and the way she focused on each version and skill until she mastered it.
Tierni had implied it was a waste of time since Kira had no intention of making her fortune as a stratagem master.
Kira had never seen it that way. Every skill or stray piece of knowledge she picked up was another weapon in her arsenal. Yes, the purpose behind them might not be immediately clear, their use unknown, but she believed they’d come in handy one day.
Case in point—the current situation.
“Do you like being a waverunner?” Kira asked.
Skye’s expression was serious as she met Kira’s eyes, as if she understood that her answer affected the outcome of this request.
Slowly, she dipped her head in a somber nod. “I do.”
“Why?”
Skye hesitated before lifting her chin. “It makes me feel free.”
The truthful answer made Kira like the girl a little bit more. She reminded Kira of Tierni at that age. Both were willing to step out of the boxes others placed them in.
Tierni wasn’t willing to go quietly into a life she hadn’t chosen. Skye yearned to be more than what she was.
It was obvious she was a genius. The Haldeel took the title of puzzle master serious. There were many trials and obstacles one had to overcome to earn the label.
It was nearly unheard of for one so young to be elevated to that rank.
Yet she’d participated in a race that was thoroughly human. It showed her thirst for excellence wasn’t only limited to her own people’s culture and ideals.
Among the Haldeel she’d likely be considered a strange one.
Kira was starting to see why Tierni had included Skye in this banquet, and why she’d allowed this challenge despite the forum.
The corners of Kira’s eyes crinkled. “Me too.”
Hope brightened Skye’s expression. Her eyes glittered with excitement and anticipation.
“All right then, do it properly,” Kira instructed, ignoring Yukina’s soft protest.
The girl took a step back before forming a fist with her right hand and setting it on her flattened left palm. She thumped herself in the chest with them then bowed.
"Esteemed lady, please hear this humble one's request. It would be my greatest honor if you deigned to undertake my latest offering."
The words were different than the other challenges. Those had been to the Tuann and humans as a whole and part of a greater narrative. This was to an individual. It was up to Kira whether to accept or not.
In a way, it was much more intimate than the other two challenges.
For someone who’d likely just achieved the title of puzzle master, Skye would lose face in their society if Kira refused.
On the other hand, if Kira tried and failed, she’d be the one they looked down on.
It was a carefully balanced game of give and take.
"You should walk away from this,” Yukina advised in a thinly veiled order.
Kira ignored her and grinned at Skye. "Now, was that so hard?"
Stepping past the girl, Kira headed toward the floating stage.
Skye's head popped up. "Really?"
"Sometimes it's best not to ask too many questions," Jin warned.