“Ysanti maril Elustri,” Seregil greeted her.

She did not look him in the eye as she replied softly, “I don’t understand, my lord. I never learned ’faie talk.”

“I’m sorry.”

She just shrugged.

“It’s no matter,” said Alec. “You’re safe here. We want you to consider Mirror Moon your home. And no titles, please.”

“I’m not looking for charity,” she replied. “I’m a chambermaid, come to offer my services.”

“Do we have work for another chambermaid, Dorin?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Then the position is yours, Oria,” said Seregil. “Dorin, see that our new friends have clean clothing, a proper bath, and a good meal.”

Oria gave him a grateful look. “That would be much appreciated, my lord. I’m sorry for you to see us in such a state.”

“You never need to apologize for that, my dear. Tell me, do you know your mother’s name?”

“Laziel, my lord.”

“And her mother’s?”

“Qani, I think.”

“Then your true name is Oria ä Laziel Qani. The last of it should be your birthplace.”

“Here, my lord.”

“Then from this day you have your true name: Oria ä Laziel Qani Kouros.”

Oria curtsied again, looking a little overwhelmed.

“Is Daisy the name you chose for your child?”

Oria shook her head. “I called her Tala, but ’faie names weren’t allowed by her—by my master.”

Seregil held out his hand to the child and she grasped his fingers. “Hello, Tala ä Oria Laziel Qani Kouros.”

A tear rolled down her mother’s cheek. “You’re not ashamed of us?”

“How could we be? No one chooses slavery. You’re a free woman now, and can raise your child in freedom and dignity.”

Oria began to weep in earnest. Alec reached out to her but she flinched away. Seregil signed too soon and Dorin led her away toward the kitchen.

Alec shook his head. “Are you going to rename every ’faie on the island, Seregil?”

“I’ve giving them back their names.”

“I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that, talí. It’s just that you might ask first if they want you to.”

“He’s right, you know,” said Micum. “You’re a noble and they’ve been slaves. It’s not as if they can say no if it seems you’ve made up your mind.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Seregil sighed. “It’s just—”

“I know,” said Alec. “But give them time to get used to us, all right?”

“Yes. Consider me chastised.”

“You know we don’t mean it that way.” Micum sat back down at the table and poured more tea. “So, Klia doesn’t need us ’til tomorrow. What do you two have planned for the day?”

“I guess we’d better ride over the estate and act baronial,” Alec replied.

“You don’t need me for that. I have a mind to go into town, have a look around, and do some listening.”

“Good idea,” Seregil replied. “I expect the average citizen will be more comfortable talking to you than a ’faie lord. It will take some time for the people of Kouros to get used to the idea, given recent history. Perhaps you could call on the good Doctor Kordira and give her our regards, too.”