Bickley poured some of it into a glass and handed it to Yva who bent her head in thanks.

Then she did a curious thing.

Having first lifted the glass with both hands to the sky and held it so for a few seconds, she turned and with an obeisance poured a little of it on the ground before her father's feet.
A libation, thought I to myself, and evidently Bastin agreed with me, for I heard him mutter, "I believe she is making a heathen offering." Doubtless we were right, for Oro accepted the homage by a little motion of the head.

After this, at a sign from him she drank the water.

Then the glass was refilled and handed to Oro who also held it towards the sky.