Nadine figured about a week had passed. And it had been agonizing, especially when compared to the outing she had had with Atros. She made the effort to spend every day outside where there was no boundary between sky and ground. It was like floating in midair, and whenever the wind combed through her hair and brushed her skin, she pretended it was Atros' fingers stroking her. A rush rose through her chest and stomach at her ridiculous daydreaming, but the thought never failed to leave. She hadn't seen Atros since Gardus banished him, and she found herself missing his erratic energy.

Gardus greeted her every morning when she descended the stairs, a small token of his affections ready for her in his hands. Nadine learned to accept them without complaint and admitted they were fascinating. Her favorite so far was the tiny cloud she had spent half the day kneading into half recognizable objects and animals. It now sat on a shelf in her room, a fluffy and fat rabbit with lopsided ears.

The sky god enjoyed watching her, and she returned the favor. If Gardus was anything, he was a feast for the eyes. His changing outfits were as extraordinary as the god himself. White pants usually adorned with laces or holes on the side hugged his legs and clung to his hip bones. Nadine's sight drifted frequently to the area between the bottom of his navel and the waist of his pants. If not there, then they were dancing over his toned chest that tightened with his chuckles whenever he caught her staring.

Today, Gardus' stomach was exposed, the back of his long sleeve shirt trailing behind his legs to sway above his ankles. His halo of clouds crowned the back of his head, the first Nadine had seen since their initial meeting. His usual golden bands were present around his wrists and neck and today another hugged his left thigh and another looped a lock of his hair.

He greeted her as he usually did. "I have no gift for you today, I'm afraid."

Nadine shook her head. "You've given me more than enough these past few days. I don't know how to thank you."

These were their conversations. Empty pleasantries that Nadine knew were seen so by him too, but it was better than the repeated phrases or silence she received when she asked her questions. She was a mortal in a god's domain, and, regardless of how sweet his words were, he made sure she didn't forget that. But that didn't mean she was giving up.

"Have you been drinking from the white vase?" he asked.

She had and while it soothed her hunger, it didn't quell her cravings. "You don't think I could have a cinnamon bun or something?"

A small line played between his brows. "You know you have to drink that if you want to get your answers."

"Yeah, I know. Drink the vase water. See the sky...whatever that means. And then finally find out why you want to marry me." She sighed. "It all still feels like a dream."

"I'm sorry, my lovely. I really wish I could tell you, but you just wouldn't understand."

"Couldn't you try? I'm smarter than I look, you know."

"I know you are, dear, and much more." He pushed her hair behind her ear and smiled.

Damn it if he didn't look handsome when he did that.

"I have to descend now and won't see you for the rest of the day. I simply wanted to be graced by your beautiful face before I left."

"Descend." Her echoed word rang hollow. Nadine had learned what that meant. He was going to visit the earth in the form of power and destruction to make his presence known and his threats fresh.

A finger under her chin guided her head up. "Please don't make that face."

She pulled away. "Then don't hurt any more people."

"Nadine-"

"I think maybe I'll just nap today. It was nice seeing you, Gardus." She felt the faint crackling energy in the air as she shut the door.

She exhaled through her teeth, an unintentional growl following it. She should've died. That would've been better than being strung along in some divine plan against her will without even knowing why. Better than starved for taste and substance from her mandatory liquid food.

Stupid vase thing.

If only she could break it. Maybe she just hadn't hit it hard enough yet.

Nadine wasn't really going to nap, but she had to get away from Gardus and his ridiculously tantalizing presence. She was convinced he had some mystical allure privy only to him because even when he talked about descending his fury on the lands, a small part of Nadine still wanted to shut him up with a kiss while she ran her fingertips down that smooth area below his bellybutton.

She needed a cold bath.

After filling the tub, she settled inside, skipping the oils and fragrances that lined the shelves. Her dark skin pulled into painful goosebumps. She shivered but forced herself to sit there for a few minutes before bracing herself to submerge. The memory of Gardus' rescue played through the clear water, the relief she felt at knowing she was still alive. It repeated over and over until Nadine couldn't hold her breath any longer. She spit off the water from her lips, gasping.

Nadine pushed her hair back while she reached for soap. It was the bar Atros bought for her. The lavender stalk and jewel were still well protected in the middle and that brought a sense of odd comfort. Her wet thumb brushed the surface, a bubbly line streaking across. She sat there staring at the soap until the water didn't feel so cold anymore.

~*~*~

Night had arrived and sleep eluded Nadine thanks to the nap she hadn't planned on taking. She was kicking the sheets off her body when she heard the knocks. They were urgent, like wind hitting the door.

Wind.

Her heart pounded in her head as she tripped across the room to open the door. Atros created his own glow. His silver hair gleamed with a soft halo of light, but it paled to the playful grin that stretched the tiny scar nicking his lips so it resembled a smirk itself.

A happy gasp escaped her. "Atros!" She recoiled. "Wait. You can't come in."

He stepped inside. "Why?"

"Gardus told you to leave."

"Yeah, but he didn't say for how long."

She watched him stroll through her large room, scrutinizing the furniture and space like he'd never seen it before. The living marks on his skin matched his quiet curiosity. They were still and plain on his smooth brown skin. His pants, however, were a torn mess. His right leg was exposed up to his thigh, strings of his cloth knotted together like little pendulums. It was an endearing sight, and it summoned a giggle from Nadine.

Atros stopped in front of the giant vase at the end of the room. "Have you been taking this?"

"Yeah. I was hungry. It was the only thing to eat or drink or whatever," she answered.

"What did it taste like?"

She frowned. "Like nothing. Why?"

"Just curious." He sat on her bed.

"Don't touch my pillows." Nadine pulled the pillow that was half squished under his knee and gathered it along with the others around her at the foot of the bed.

"I said I was sorry." He pouted. His bright turquoise eyes glimmered and pleaded at her until she couldn't take it anymore.

Nadine threw a pillow at his face. "Stop that!"

"Stop what?" He held the cushion. "See? I didn't tear it this time."

More giggles. She really needed to stop doing that.

He chuckled, low and rich in his throat. "I know what you need."

Atros leaned toward her, the arm that held him up brushing Nadine's knee. His other hand drew heat along her jawline, cuped her chin, and then squished her cheeks so her lips pouted out at him. "You need real food. Come on!"

Yes!

Her body tensed with exhilaration. She wanted food, real food. She wanted to see new lands. She wanted to go. With him. She didn't even know this was what she had been waiting for until now, but she didn't want to show her eagerness. Nadine wiggled out of his grasp. "If you squeeze my face again, I'm going to bite you."

He stood. "That's an odd way to say, 'Yes, Atros. Thank you so much for taking me to eat yummy snacks.'"

"Oh I have a thank you for you alright."

A devilish grin. "Would that have anything to do with you in your cute chemise while you look up at me from your bed?"

This time she threw both her pillows at him.

"You're still taking too long."

"Then go. I need to change out of my cute chemise."

"You don't have to worry about that." He grabbed her hand and before Nadine could register what was happening, he was pulling her down the stairs and onto a night floor. "There's a new moon which means neither Ahdea nor Ulla can spy on us tonight."

"Ahdea and Ulla?" she asked, the names sounding familiar.

"The sun and moon goddesses. Ahdea sleeps during the night, and Ulla's eye is closed without the moon."

Nadine saw the sky alight with brilliant stars, clouds of purple outlining the horizon as they usually did up here. It's true there was no moon. No one to catch them. A swirl of joy surged through her only to quickly evaporate. "But what about Gardus?"

He stopped. Atros grasped her other hand, the brilliance of his eyes--always so captivating-- mirroring his excitement. "I'm going to change you now."

She bit her lip to hold back her giddiness. She liked the outfit he gave her last time and was eager to see what he bestowed to her now.

"Not yet," Atros said and his palm covered her eyes. "I want you to see it under the lights of the festival."

"We're going to a festival?" She wiggled in place. She had been to several festivals in Marr before, but this was different. This time she was with Atros.

"Can I trust you to keep your eyes closed while I take us there?" His voice was a whisper by her ear.

Her breath caught in her throat, freezing in place. She nodded, knowing if she tried to speak her voice would sound like a squeaking rat.

"Good." His breath on her lobe.

The wind picked up, and even though Nadine's eyes were closed, she could see his markings swirling around his skin in her mind's eyes. They traveled up his face and past his peculiar scar to break through his back like broken but beautiful wings. She sighed, and her breath mixed with the gale.

The air around her bended, and music flooded into her ears. It was at a distance but chaotic as if several bands were playing at once from different areas. Nadine recognized the bass of drums, the shrill sounds of flutes, the vibrations of harps and guitars, but there were blasts of blaring, rich notes she didn't recognize. Still, she kept her eyes closed.

"We're going to walk for a bit. Just hold on to me," Atros said.

"If I trip, I'm taking you down with me," Nadine said.

"Don't worry. I'll catch you." If words could wink, these would.

They walked. The music became louder, the air hotter, and a sweetness hit her nose.

She gasped. "Cinnamon rolls!"

Atros laughed. "And way more! Open your eyes."

She did.

The festival was a wonder. Booths lined the wide pathway she stood on. They advertised curious games and fabulous foods. Vines sprouted from the ground and twisted together holding up the roofs made of giant leaves. Thicker vines grew between each stall, and at the tip of each one was a glowing bulb as bright as a lantern.

People walked around in a lively buzz. A man stopped in front of her and placed his index and middle fingers to his bottom lip while keeping his hand flat. He offered his palm to Nadine like an awkward blow of a kiss. She nodded at him, not knowing what else to do, but when another man did the same, she turned to Atros.

"Why are they doing that?" she asked.

"Because you're wearing that." He pointed.

Shimmering strips of cloth crisscrossed her breasts and neck, exposing her stomach. The same material layered her hips to create a snug skirt, and it spiraled down her left leg. As Nadine picked at the soft iris colored fabric, she realized her outfit was a single long piece of material that weaved around her body. Like a vine. And others were wearing it too, some as flared out strips around their legs, behind their backs, or their head and hair. Each outfit was a single color that could be found sprouting from the earth as a tree, flower, or some other form of vegetation.

"Atros, why are we in another of Ordia's towns?"

His eyebrows shot up. "That's the next thing you want to ask me? Not even a 'Okay. Can we go get some cinnamon rolls now?' or something like that?"

"Yes. I will. Eventually. I'd just like to know where I am first."

"When did you get so serious?"

"About a week ago when I was kidnapped by a god."

He grinned. "Don't let Gardus hear you say that."

"How do you know I'm not talking about you?"

His gaping face and small gasp had Nadine chuckling. "But yes," she said, "I would like a cinnamon roll or five and to find out what all those other sweet goodies are."

Atros looped his arm around hers and urged her to the nearest booth. She could feel the heat of the coals heating sweet bread while they waited in line.

"Then let's do that. And, yes, we are in another earth town because they are the safest. Ordia isn't as on the offensive as Yurriel or Gardus in this war. As long as we blend in, we should be fine," Atros said.

She had noticed he had also changed clothes similar to what he had worn during their first outing. His vest was longer, down to his knees, and his pants were mended and tighter. They were also of earthy colors, and it reminded her of her earlier question.

"So why did those men do that weird signal to me earlier?" she asked.

"It's a custom of this festival. Married women dress in the browns and greens of trees. You're dressed in the color of flowers which means you're single. And other single men can pay homage to your fertility by giving you their sign of virility."

"That sounds gross."

He laughed. "At least that's the tradition. Anyone can choose to dress how they want now, but the custom sign has remained. It's now usually used as a greeting."

A coldness settled in her stomach. Even in Ordia's lands there were customs that singled out unmarried women. And the fact that Atros decided to dress her up for the part drained her of her enthusiasm.

"Nadine?" Atros peered into her face.

"Too close," she said, pushing him away with a finger on his forehead. "So when are you going to tell me the name of this festival?"

"C'allat Rou Lun."

She scrunched up her face at him, recognizing the language but also hearing something off in it.

"It roughly translates to Festival of the New Moon's Blessing and celebrates the stars. It's believed Ordia threw a handful of seeds into the sky where they took root and became stars. They birth light during the new moon when there once was none. That way, Ordia's bountiful crops and lands could be seen even on the darkest night."

Nadine's frown deepened. "Ordia contributed to creating something in the sky? But that's Gar-"

Atros hushed her. They had reached the front of the line, but even after they ordered, Atros avoided her questions in a fashion she was too familiar with. It wasn't till she had that comforting first bite of the cinnamon roll that her distress disappeared. Along with more. It was satisfaction. With the second bite, she realized it wasn't satisfaction but completion. She was washing away something foreign so a part of her she didn't know had been lost could now return.

Nadine allowed Atros to guide her through the endless grounds, and soon her cheeks were hurting from laughing. Just like last time. They had thrown rings to clay bottles and arranged branches for trinket prizes. Nadine made a tiny doll from cloth, flowers, and leaves she pinned to her chest.

They made their way to an opening where several tall, polished slides carved of stone beckoned their curiosity. They climbed wooden stairs to the top and two squeezed into a wooden cart with tiny wheel. With a push from an attendant, the two whirled down the slide with such speed, Nadine crushed herself to Atros' back with her eyes closed and her heart in her throat. But when he asked her if she wanted to ride again, his windswept hair over his bright eyes, Nadine couldn't say no.

It was deep into the night and the energy was dying down with the promise of dawn soon to come. As the grounds emptied, Nadine's dread began to build knowing she was going to return to a room that was as lonely as it was majestic.

"Can we stay a little longer?" she asked, twisting her golden engagement ring.

Atros smiled at her. "Of course. What do you want to do?"

She smirked. "We should find a lake and dive naked into it."

He wiggled an eyebrow at her. "Lucky. There's a lake nearby."

She softly shoved him with her shoulder, trying to push away the sight of droplets sliding down his wet abdomen muscles, water trapped in the dip between his collarbones. She bit her lip.

"Tell me what you want to do." Atros' voice was soft.

Nadine shook her head. "I'd actually like to stay and see the sky above me for a little longer."

He nodded and the two drifted away to an empty alleyway, and for a moment Nadine's throat seized thinking they were leaving. Atros noticed.

"We're going to that hill over there." He extended an arm to her and she read the question in his gesture.

She hugged his neck, his warmth intoxicating her. He lifted her with one arm under her knees and another around her shoulders. The fury of wind Nadine expected didn't happen. Instead, a tiny flare of wind gathered under Atros' feet and nestled them across the sky. Starlight cradled his face and filtered through his hair. His tattoos ran down his temple and cheek with a quiet flow that reminded her of a calm river during a summer day. Her fingers were inches from his jaw before she retrieved them.

"Is something wrong?" His irises were the color of ice but with none of the frost.

"No." She tightened her hold around him.

He landed, the grass bending to his element, and placed her down. She stretched, appreciating the isolation. The openness. They sat in serene and appreciated silence.

"Thank you," Nadine whispered.

For once, Atros had nothing to say, but there was no sense of ungratefulness in it.

"I was able to save the soap you bought me."

He turned to her with curiosity. "Really? How did you do that?"

"I lied and said I won it in a street game. I lost the garnet, but I didn't want to lose that too."

She wasn't sure if it was a shadow or not, but it looked like he was blushing. "I'm glad you still have it," he said.

"Me too." She sighed. "I don't want to go back." Nadine stared at the grass only to look up when a weight draped across her back. "Atros."

He pulled away. "Sorry. That was rude of me. It's just you looked so sad."

"No. I...um..." She swallowed, missing his warmth and the surprising amount of comfort it brought. "I'd like for you to hug me again. If it's okay with you."

His arm slid around her, fingers dancing on her hip in a way that coaxed Nadine to lean into him. She became hyper-aware of her arms and how awkward they were being...there. So she played with her hands until they blurred. She blinked. Inhaled. And a sob escaped. Atros' arm tightened around her and she buried her face in his chest.

How stupid. Crying over having her life saved. Living with gods. Learning truths others never even considered.

He let her cry. Or rather he let her tears roll onto his vest because Nadine refused to weep out loud after that first pitiful sob. She gripped her arms and grit her teeth. She opened her mouth to speak, but let out a gasp. Atros had pushed her behind him and a burst of wind told her he shot further across the hill.

A man stood in front of Atros. He lifted his large arm and sliced across the air. Flames exploded through the night, roaring and sentient power. A coil of wind slammed into it, opaque scythes bending around it. The two elements clashed, twisting and swirling like giant, hissing snakes. Nadine gaped as the visible wind slashed at the fire, curving it into a funnel. The flames were caught in the spinning gale that cut and sheared them until they dispersed as angry smoke into the night.

She had only seen it for a few seconds. The arm that had summoned the fire was deformed and bulky with spikes made of some hardened material.

Another god.

Nadine's shaking hands balled into fists.

Another god no one knew existed.