Page 50 of The Lost Art of Finding Where You Belong

Perian shook his head. “It’s nothing.”

Molun didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t pursue the topic.

When asked how he’d spent the rest of his day, Perian mentioned the picnic with Renny in only general terms, and then relayed his very careful horse-riding experience.

“So, just to clarify,” Bennan said, sounding thoroughly amused, “your definition of ‘being very careful’ means going to find the horse that no one else can even attempt to ride, explaining to him that you’re injured, and hoping for the best?”

Arvus said, “He’s got a point.”

“Hey!” Perian protested, as everyone in the vicinity burst into laughter. He couldn’t help laughing himself, but he protested, “No, hey, I was really careful! I used a mounting block and everything! Do you know the last time I used a mounting block? I was shorter than Nisal!”

More laughter, and Nisal elbowed him in the ribs, which he accepted as his due.

“Seriously, though,” Perian said, still smiling, “that horse was lonely. I don’t know why he picked me, but he did. I don’t want to leave him out there wondering what happened to me.”

A moment of profound silence hit their end of the table, and it occurred to him too late that they were now thinking about his last rider who hadn’t come back.

Molun patted Perian on the shoulder. “You are such a bleeding heart.”

Thankfully, everyone laughed again, and Perian protested, “Oh, I’m sorry, is it a bad thing to care about people and animals now? I pity Arvus if that’s how you feel.”

A collective “ooh” went up around the table, and Molun winked at him before saying, “I’ll have you know that Arvus doesn’t have any complaints.”

Perian grinned. “I know he doesn’t.”

Another swirl of sound went up and down the table, and Perian was having trouble not grinning so stupidly wide that people would wonder what was wrong with him.

Molun and Arvus took this in stride, Molun’s grin matching Perian’s. Bennan was looking at them a little curiously, like he was trying to figure out exactly what was going on. Onadal looked… not at all surprised, now that Perian was looking at him, like he absolutely expected dinner to go something like this.

Nisal looked entirely amused. “Do I take it you graduated from massages?” they wanted to know.

Perian offered them a coy look. “Who do you take me for? I don’t kiss and tell.”

They eyed him. “I take you for someone whoabsolutelykisses and tells.”

“No, no, no,” Perian protested. “Flirt with everyone who would like to be flirted with, yes. Reveal that I am having sex if everyone is comfortable with it, sure. But what happens in the bedroom—or anywhere else—stays in the bedroom with whoever happens to be participating. I mean, unless everyone is all right with sharing the details, but there’s something nice about having the details be all for you, you know? Something private.”

Their expression softened. “You know, every time I think I have you figured out, you say or do something that is at once completely confounding and also extremely you. I’m not sure how you do it.”

“Oh, no, I’m just me,” Perian said at the same time that everyone close to him was nodding as though what Nisal said made perfect sense.

It was a nice dinner, and he was glad he’d come. He got to chat a bit with some people he knew less well, plus he had the chance to observe Bennan and the redhead. There was definitely something there.

Chapter Ten

By the time dinner was over and they were heading out for the evening, Perian had assured everyone he would like to do this again sometime, and he was full and feeling like he had lots of good friends. He caught a glare on the way out from one of the Warriors who had often been hanging out with Fomadin, reminding him that nothing was universal, but he wasn’t really surprised about that, either. Of course, there would always be someone who wasn’t happy.

“I think that went well,” he said as they were heading back to the Mage Warrior wing.

“Very well,” Molun agreed. “You’re popular.”

“Sometimes,” Perian agreed.

“No, really,” Nisal agreed. “They like you. I wasn’t totally sure how they were going to react. I haven’t heard Onadal say so many words at once before.”

Molun was nodding his agreement. Onadal had spoken up several times, though he’d still been somewhat quiet. He got a lot done with a good facial expression and a no-nonsense attitude.

“He’s trained me really well,” Perian told them. “I mean, I still have tons to learn, and it’s not like I’m doing it all day every day, but he makes sure to look out for me and include me.”

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