The breath catches in Sparrow’s throat as it dawns on her what Mii Vun is doing and Thierren looks just as surprised.

Alone. With Thierren. All evening.

“Go in the back room and see what you find,” Mii Vun prods Effrey. “There might be a piece of purple moon agate for you there.” Effrey’s violet eyes light up like a beacon and he sets off at a sprint into the shoppe’s recesses.

Mii Vun leans toward Sparrow after Effrey is out of earshot. “I had a bottle of fine Xishlon wine sent to your apartment.” She winks again at them both. “Go. Seize the moon. This night is for young lovers.” She peers up at the lavender Xishlon moon, seeming wistful. “I remember my first Xishlon with my love. Feng Loi. She was...so beautiful. It was the night I told her I wanted to spend my life with her. To take her as my toiyanon.” Her dark eyes glitter with feeling. “And she said yes.”

Sparrow is moved by this rare showing of Mii Vun’s private heart. “Is she the soldier in the painting?” Sparrow asks tentatively, remembering the portrait Mii Vun keeps by her favorite sewing machine.

Mii Vun’s wistful smile disappears, replaced by an uncomfortable, pained look as she glances at Thierren. She blinks, as if clearing away tears before they can form, before meeting Sparrow’s gaze. “She was a Vu Trin soldier. She died in the Realm War.”

Killed by the Gardnerians.

The information cuts deep.

Thierren’s face has constricted, his angular jaw gone rigid. He looks away, his brow tensing with obvious remorse.

Mii Vun approaches him. “Thierren,” she says gently.

“I’m sorry.” He shakes his head, seeming unable to meet her eyes. “I’m sorry that happened to her.”

“It’s not your fault,” Mii Vun adamantly states. “And you’ll find your place here. You will.” Thierren’s mouth flexes as he finally looks at her, his gaze tortured.

Mii Vun reaches up to remove the Vo dragon goddess pendant around her neck, small white bird pendants surrounding that central Vo charm. “Bend down,” she coaxes him, holding up the necklace.

Thierren pulls in a shaky breath and relents, and Mii Vun slips the necklace over his head. “I want you here,” she says as he straightens, placing her hand on his shoulder. “And there are others who do too. I’m grateful for what you’re doing.”

Thierren gives a tight nod. “Thank you, Hoiyon Nor.”

She smiles, as if pleased by his use of the respectful title. “This is not a night for grim thoughts,” she insists. “Tomorrow you deploy west, but tonight you bask in Vo’s love. Go, Zish hoi’enin’lianon.” Go, find your moon.

Mii Vun pulls Thierren into an emotional embrace, then hugs Sparrow warmly.

“Thank you for everything,” Sparrow says as she wipes away a stray tear.