Kaya reddened. She never expected him to say that, and it was like a warm glow had just come over her body, and when he touched her hair there was such a feeing of tenderness in her she had to blink, and quietly compose herself.

She had wondered, briefly, if Nokosi might have regretted events past, but she didn't now. Knowing that made her free to care about him as much as she wanted, and shesmoothed his cheek.

"Somehow, I think I'll manage," she said, and pulled him into a kiss, there, as the ferrish wheel arose to the highest peak again.