Neither did Kate. She got on well enough with the girls at university, but most of them were preoccupied with suitors, while she was preoccupied with academics.

(Her father was proud.)

She settles near Bela's feet on the rug, and begins to unbraid her hair.

"Thank you."

She tips her head back so she can see Bela, sincerity shining bright in her too-blue eyes. They look every bit as much as a wind-whipped sea as one would expect after a night like tonight.