The evening is unusual only in that they are both in Kirkwall, neither with work drawing them away. Which is why, Cosima insists, it's a perfect night to take a walk in Hightown. No more curfew means they can watch the sunset and then get something to eat after without worrying about ferry times, and they are both overdue for a break.

Cosima's fingers are tangled with Herian's, and she thinks, briefly, that it all feels very concrete. Real. It's comforting, when she sometimes has the impressions she might just blow away one day. (And it really is a lovely sunset.)

Eventually, she says, "You'd think Kirkwall would have more date night options. Not that I'm complaining."