The glimlight she’d conjured showed Remmie’s surprise and resignation and a rueful affection.

“You really do believe that, don’t you?”

Sometimes the urge to slap him made her hand itch. “Yes. Why do you sound so surprised? When do I ever say things I don’t believe?”

“Never.” He shook his head. “You’re right. I shouldn’t be surprised at all. You’re being exactly yourself.”

“Well, then?”

“Well, then—” Remmie let out a gusty sigh. “I suppose I’ve been wearing out my tongue for no good purpose. I can’t imagine why I thought you’d ever listen to me.”

“Remmie.” She threw her arms around him and held on tight. “I was afraid you might never forgive me.”

His hand rubbed her shoulder. “Who says I’ve forgiven you?”

“Ha.” She swallowed relieved, tearful laughter. “You have.”

“I’ve stopped fighting. I’m not sure that’s the same thing.”

“Remmie.” Letting go of him, she stepped back. “Can we only be friends if I agree to do as you say?”

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Can we only be friends if I never question your choices?”

Their parents were dead. They had no other family. And if they turned their backs on each other…

“Say we’re friends, Rem,” she whispered. “Say we’re friends even if I think you’re wrong and you think I’m wrong and we could stamp and shout our disagreements ’til sunrise. Please. Just say it.”

After a long silence, Remmie nodded. “We’re friends.”

She hugged him again, then tugged his loose linen sleeve. “It’s getting late. Come inside.”

“Not yet,” he said, glancing at the star-bright sky. “I’ve got to finish preparing tomorrow’s class.”

“Your glimfire constellations? I can help. Let me help.”

“I thought you wanted to finish your new crystal? Isn’t it nearly ready to show Arndel?”

“It is.” Surging beneath her unhappiness, a warm glow of pride. “But it can wait one more night, Remmie. I’d rather—”

“I wouldn’t,” he said, and flicked her nose. “It’ll only confuse the children if they sense your incant signature and mine. Go and finish your crystal, Barl.”

So, reluctant, she left him to his constellation and shut herself in her room. Eventually the quiet joy of magic soothed her bruised feelings, eased the belly-tightness of nerves. She forgot her resentment of the College, her frustration with Remmie, and instead laughed as the shimmering crystal she’d imagined sprang to life at her command… and at last, at long last, held its delicate, deceptively fragile form.

I’ll show it to Arndel in the morning, before I finish Lady Grie’s natal clock. He’ll be so impressed. And he’ll have no choice but to sponsor the crystal’s submission to the Artisans’ Guild.