Lyra blinked in surprise when flower petals were suddenly scattered over her head. For a brief moment, she froze.
She reasoned that it might just be their custom for receiving guests.
Small cups were handed to them next. The liquid inside was brown and unfamiliar.
"What is this?" Lyra whispered, afraid to drink, though she watched Dante sip it without a hint of suspicion. She sniffed the drink.
"Don't sniff it—you'll offend them," he reminded her.
Lyra took a cautious sip. It was overwhelmingly sweet, but she swallowed it. She coughed slightly by accident.
A woman gently took the empty cup from her hands.
Finally, they draped flower garlands around their necks.
The elderly woman smiled, placing her hands gently on them as she offered another blessing.
Then her eyes lifted toward the sky as if speaking directly to the god.
