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" Oh no, I'm falling in love again,
Oh, I'm falling in love,
I thought the plane was going down,
How'd you turn it right around? "
//
" You need to hear me out,
And they said
Speak now "
―I STAY STILL for a moment, watching Alina call to the light as she leans over a stone wall, regarding the ancient steps below. I remember Tamar and Tolya going on about how pilgrims would make the climb on their knees, sometimes carrying loads of equipment to set down altars and offerings for their supposed Saints. And I also remember thinking in that moment that if it were Yi I was climbing for, I too would be restless.
Gentle rays of sun swirl around Alina's fingertips.
"If you're going to jump, at least give me time to compose a ballad in your honor," I say, walking towards her. She turns her head and studies me. "Something with lots of sad fiddle and a verse devoted to your love of herring."
"If I wait, I may have to hear you sing it," she deadpans.
"I happen to have a more than passable baritone. And what's the rush? Is it my cologne?"
"You don't wear cologne."
"I have such a naturally delightful scent that it seems like overkill. But if you have a penchant for it, I'll start."
Alina wrinkles her nose. "No, thank you."
"I shall obey you in all things. Especially after that demonstration." I nod towards the mountain in the distance, its tip still missing. "Anytime you want me to take my hat off, please just ask."
"I'd expect you to give the same righteous speech to Yi," Alina grumbles, looking out at the clouds.
Something in my chest inexplicably tightens as I lean against the stone wall. "I have a gift for you," I tell her, changing the subject.
"Is it the firebird?"
"Was that what you wanted? Should have told me sooner." I pull out the Lantsov emerald and place it on the top of the railing. It glimmers in the light for a moment, almost blinding in its gold band and sparkling diamonds.
I remember the look in Yi's eyes as she stared at it, but push the thought away.
"Understatement is overrated," Alina quotes, taking a shaky breath.
