Sayla was understandably shocked when she opened the door to her daughters room and found that Skye was ablaze. Literally, that was.
Skye! Skye! Wake up!Eamp;nbsp; Shes not waking up! What do I do?
From the floor, Sayla grabbed one of the quilts that Skye had shoved off the bed. She threw it over Skyes body, hoping to smother the flames. After a moment, she yanked it off. Oh my god! Its not going out! Wait a minuteEothing else is burning. Just Skye. And shes not really burning, either. Shes justEot fire on her. How does that work? And what are those purple things flying around her? Again, she exclaimed, Skye! Wake up!Elt;/span>
Sayla waited nervously during the several seconds it took Skye to blearily open her eyes halfway. MomE WhatEhats wrong?Elt;/span>
You Eyou Ejust look at yourself!ESayla sputtered.
Skye did so. Incredulously, she raised her hand to her face, staring at the flames. Bits of purple wind flew round the fire. WhatEowEElt;/span>
I dont know!Elt;/span>
Skye frowned in concentration for a moment. The flickers of red and yellow and the ribbons of violet light slowly faded away, leaving her perfectly unscathed.
Her mother gaped. What Ewhat the Ewhat was that? And how did it just go away like that?Elt;/span>
I must have done a spell in my sleep, Skye realized. How do I explain this? Not now. I dont want to explain this now. I dont think I can, anyway. I dont know, Mom. I mean, I was sleeping.Elt;/span>
Oh, right.Eamp;nbsp; Her mother looked rather shaken. Well, Ill leave now. Go back to sleep.Elt;/span>
Okay, Mom.Elt;/span>
As Sayla closed the door, Skye sighed. Oh my god. I was so afraid shed somehow just know that it was me doing it. How did I do that in my sleep? I must have been delirious. HmmmE feel a lot better right now, actually. I think the fevers gone. I wonder why I had it? Whatever. Its such a relief that its gone!
She sat up in her bed and hugged her knees to her chest. I wish I were with Jon. I wonder how hes doing? I hope hes all right. I hope his Christmas will be all right. It cant be great, considering hes in that other country.
* * *
You know what? Today, at home, its Christmas Eve.Elt;/span>
Kiren looked at Danica. Right! It is. Huh. Didnt really think about it.Elt;/span>
UmmmE
What is it?Elt;/span>
I was wonderingE know we came to see what we could do to help, butE
Kiren only looked at his girlfriend again and said patiently, Yeah?Elt;/span>
Danica finished in a rush. Id like to spend Christmas at home. In the ski lodge. Whatever.Elt;/span>
So would I,EKiren agreed.
So can we go back tonight and just stay through tomorrow?Elt;/span>
I think so. They might freak out a little Ethe old man and that guy Ebut what the hell. Lets go back.Elt;/span>
Danica frowned. I hope everyone else thinks of it. It wouldnt be good without them.Elt;/span>
Of course they will. Do you think they want to spend Christmas here? It probably doesnt exist here.Elt;/span>
Right. So until tonight, I guess we kill time and keep practicing?Elt;/span>
Oh. Right.Eamp;nbsp; Kiren picked up the arrow in his lap and stared at its tip, concentrating. Elt;i>Yaze.Eamp;nbsp; Ice.
For a moment, the steel glowed pale blue. As the light faded, frost appeared, coating the arrowhead, then building up in crystalline layers until the steel was entirely lost in a gem of ice.
Danica applauding. Great!Elt;/span>
Kiren nocked the arrow to his bow, aimed it a dead branch on the ground, and shot. From the point of contact, ice swiftly crept over the rotted bark, coating it in silvery-white.
The brown-haired boy looked at Danica. You do something now.Elt;/span>
Okay, okay. What was the last one he showed me?Eamp;nbsp; Danica thought for a moment. Oh, right.Eamp;nbsp; She held out cupped hands and said, Elt;i>Reldem busuret.Eamp;nbsp; Rock shot.
A sphere of energy, oscillating between numerous shades of green, appeared, then split into many wedges that shaped themselves into small, meteor-like fragments and changed from green to varying shades of brown and grey. Danica sent them hurtling through the air at the dead branch Kiren had hit before. The rocks collided violently with the dead, now-frozen wood and caused it to shatter.
Very nice.Elt;/span>
Danica smiled. Why, thank you.Elt;/span>
* * *
As much as Im enjoying the hospitality, and even though I know that were here in Falshad for a reason,E Yash declared, I want to go home. At least, I want to get back to the ski lodge tonight and stay there tomorrow.Elt;/span>
Rakesh looked at him questioningly. Then the confused look on his face cleared. Oh. Right. Todays Christmas Eve, isnt it?Elt;/span>
Yeah. Kinda hard to believe, isnt it? No snow here or anything. But Ive been keeping track, and today is December 24th, or it is back at home, anyway. Its our fourth day here. I say we go back now. Who knows, maybe everyone else will get the same idea and go.Elt;/span>
Hmm. Probably. Lets go.Elt;/span>
Sounds good. Now, how did Raven say she did it again? She just wished to be back, didnt she?Elt;/span>
Thats what she said. It worked coming here, so it should work going back, I guess.Elt;/span>
Right.Elt;/span>
Rakesh closed his eyes. I want to go home now.
* * *
Luralyn.Elt;/span>
Hmm?Eamp;nbsp; Luralyn paused in her movement to indicate that she was paying attention.
Id like to go home for the rest of today and tomorrow.Elt;/span>
Luralyn sheathed her sword and cocked her head. Is there a special reason?Elt;/span>
Well, tomorrows a big holiday at home, and Id like to be there to celebrate with friends.Eamp;nbsp; At least, I hope theyll be there, Jon thought. It would suck if they werent.
Luralyn shrugged. I dont see why not; its not as if I could make you stay. You live close by?Elt;/span>
Jon hesitated. In a manner of speaking, yes.Elt;/span>
Luralyn raised an eyebrow, wondering at his uncertainty, but she answered, Well, go ahead.Elt;/span>
Thank you. But Im not leaving quite yet.Elt;/span>
In that case, keep on practicing the drills I showed you.Elt;/span>
Okay.Elt;/span>
* * *
Well, it looks like were the first ones back,EKiren observed, from his supine position on the floor.
At least theres a carpet here,EDanica said, sitting up. Ah, my back. No wonder Raven made it sound so painful when she got back before. It really hurts.Elt;/span>
I have an idea.Elt;/span>
What?Elt;/span>
Well, since were the first people back, we could go get a Christmas tree. I guess wed have to get ornaments too, but still. What do you think?Elt;/span>
Danica smiled at him. It sounds like a very good idea. Lets go.Elt;/span>
* * *
Hey, Enmed.Elt;/span>
The blue-haired boy looked up. Yeah?Elt;/span>
Wow, he responded. Usually he just looks at you. Do you want to go back? Just for Christmas?Elt;/span>
Well, yeah, Id like to.Eamp;nbsp; Enmed tilted his head. Should we?Elt;/span>
I think so. Yes,ERaven answered decisively. We should go and celebrate Christmas at home. I bet everyone else is going to.Elt;/span>
All right, then.Elt;/span>
During the silence that followed, Raven debated the issue in her head. Should I ask him to go back? I mean, I dont want him to just sit here while I give the Casos their presents. It would suck for him. He wouldnt even know what we were saying. On the other hand, its kinda nice being with a family on Christmas Eve, even if its not your family. And what if nobody else is at the ski lodge? I doubt that, but it could happen.
At last, she cleared her throat. Enmed.Elt;/span>
He cocked his head as his eyes met hers, and responded as before. Yeah?Elt;/span>
Wow. He just answered again. What is up with this? He seems to answer me a lot when I call him. He doesntEe doesnt like me, does he? Ah, shit. Not the time to think about it; I got something to tell him. When we go back to the ski lodge tomorrow, Id like you to go ahead of me.Elt;/span>
Enmeds brows came down over his eyes in a frown. Whys that?Elt;/span>
He is definitely showing a lot more emotion than he usually shows. Most of the time his face doesnt so much as twitch besides his mouth. Argh! Get back on track, Raven, back on track. Um, yeah. Because I have presents I want to give to all of the Casos.Elt;/span>
Presents?Elt;/span>
I just want to give them presents, even though they dont have Christmas. Theyre very important to me .Elt;/span>
OkayEut why do I have to leave while you do that?Elt;/span>
Raven raised an eyebrow. Yeah, either he likes me, or hes developed a strange fixation for this place, which isnt possible considering that he doesnt understand any of the languages and hes only been here for three or four days. Well, I was just thinking, it wouldnt be great fun for you. It would probably be kinda boring. Ill be sitting there talking with them in Falieq, and youd just be sitting there not understanding a damned word of what were saying, and probably being bored to tears. I mean, unless you enjoy being bored to death or whatever.Elt;/span>
Falieq? Thats the language you speak in with them?Elt;/span>
No, its the name of the wagon.Elt;/span>
Enmed hesitated, then shrugged carelessly. Well, if you really want, Ill leave.Elt;/span>
Huh?Eamp;nbsp; Raven tilted her head. Whered he get the idea I wanted him to leave? Im not saying I want you to leave; I was just thinking of you,Eshe clarified. Its kinda boring and awkward when youre sitting there listening to everyone else speak in a foreign language. If you want to stay, then you can.Elt;/span>
Oh.Eamp;nbsp; He bent his head, toying with the fabric of his coat. Id like to stay, if thats all right.Elt;/span>
Whys he nervous? I guess he really does like me. Oh! Does he like Tenen? Maybe. Shes pretty. Damn it, I keep getting sidetracked. Well then, youre welcome to.Elt;/span>
He glanced up at her, his head still down. Then he raised his head to look at her directly. For just the briefest instant, a shy smile lit his face. Thanks.Elt;/span>
Whatever.Eamp;nbsp; Raven thought her eyes would pop out of her head as she hurriedly turned her face to look down at the bedspread. What was that? A smile? A shy smile? Gods, he really does like me, doesnt he? Or Tenen. Whatever. Theres no other explanation for why hes acting the way he is. UnlessEnless he was getting high smoking ice or something; ice highs last for hours. The last thought made her want to break out in laughter; she smothered it until she was sure that shed choke.
Okay. Deep breaths. Im all right, Im not choking to death. Right. She ignored Enmeds eyes. It feels like theyre boring into my head. Kinda like laser beams. If he likes me, then why? Weve never talked all that much, so its not like we really know each other. I guess Im okay-looking, but Im not all that pretty, espcially compared to some people. Like Tenen. And I have a tendency to be very sarcastic. Maybe he hasnt noticed either of those things, ha ha.
* * *
Yash raised his head and sniffed. Smells like somethings cooking.Elt;/span>
It does.Elt;/span>
It smells pretty good.Elt;/span>
You know what would be pretty good? Rakesh paused for effect, then answered his own question in a sharp voice. If you would get your ass off me!Elt;/span>
Really? This is quite a comfortable position for me, thank you very much.Eamp;nbsp; Yash shifted until he was face to face with Rakesh.
Rakesh stared up into Yashs eyes. What the hell are you doing? Get off me!Elt;/span>
Oh, all right,EYash said somewhat huffily. If it will make you happy, then I will. But first, let me do this.Eamp;nbsp; He kissed Rakesh full on the lips, then scrambled to his feet.
As Rakesh stood, his eyes were so wide the whites showed all round. Yash chuckled. Rakesh, if youre not careful, your eyes will really pop out of your head. And then youd be at my mercy. Because youd have to agree to a few things before I got them back for you.Elt;/span>
Oh, shut up.Elt;/span>
Yash only laughed again. He turned and stared. I dont remember there being a tree in my living room.Elt;/span>
Neither do I.Elt;/span>
And its partially decorated, too,EYash observed, ambling toward the towering green fir. Hmm. Looks like somebody had the idea of putting up a Christmas tree in here. Except its only halfway done, I guess because theyre cooking now.Elt;/span>
Is that Yashs voice I hear? Say it aint so,Eamp;nbsp; Kiren remarked as he entered the living room. Danica was beside him, wiping her hands on a small towel.
Im afraid it is,ERakesh said dryly.
Hey, you guys came!Eamp;nbsp; Danica ran forward and embraced both him and Yash.
Well, your girlfriends kind enough to be genuinely happy that were here,EYash said, staring at Kiren.
Kiren grinned, shaking his head, and clasped Yashs hand. Kinda felt like wed never get back here, much less see any of you guys again.Elt;/span>
Aww, you missed us too.Elt;/span>
Rakesh rolled his eyes. I thought Id go crazy being stuck alone with this freak.Elt;/span>
What? Freak?Elt;/span>
Kiren laughed. So youre the poor sucker that got stuck alone with Yash.Elt;/span>
Yeah. And let me tell you, he never passed up an opportunity to hit on me.Elt;/span>
Never?EYash exclaimed, sounding offended. Listen, Rakesh, I could easily have hit on you three times as much as I did in Falshad. Hell, I could have hit on you so much that you wouldnt realize that I had gotten you in bed until it was too late.Elt;/span>
The redheaded boy blanched. I really, really didnt need to know that.Elt;/span>
Sure you did.Elt;/span>
None of us needed to know that, Yash,EKiren cut in. Do you guys wanna help us? Were cooking food for tomorrow.Elt;/span>
Yeah, we figured you were. Smells pretty good.Elt;/span>
Its nothing like Ravens cooking,EDanica admitted, but shes not here right now, so somebodys gotta do it. Besides, I called up my mom and she told me exactly what to do.Elt;/span>
Well then, we should be good for tomorrow,EYash declared.
Im leaving desserts to Raven. I mean, we got a couple of pies, but I bet shell be able to whip up something amazing. Desserts dont take as long, anyway; if she gets here tomorrow, itll be fine, because theyll be warm and fresh from the oven.Eamp;nbsp; She sure as hell better be coming back here for Christmas.
* * *
Heres your present, Ensan.Eamp;nbsp; Raven stooped down to see eye-to-eye with the little boy and handed him a vivid blue gift bag.
Ensan was obviously astonished by the assortment of dinosaur models he discovered within the paper walls. WhatEhat are these?Elt;/span>
HmmEheyre like very big versions of scheize,ERaven offered, using the Falieq word for lizard.
Still wide-eyed, Ensan sat down on the floor, setting the figurines down in front of him. Ensan, isnt there something you have to say?Ehis mother prompted.
Oh! Thank you, Raven,Ehe said earnestly. Then, with a childs impulse, he embraced her.
Raven laughed. Thanks, Ensan. Here, Lelem, take your present.Eamp;nbsp; She held out a purple gift bag.
Lelem pulled out the plastic container, staring in wonder at the five figurines within. What are they?Elt;/span>
Those are animals that live in the place that I come from. Theyre called horsesE They look a little bit like kerli, dont they?Elt;/span>
They do! But they look kinda different from each other. Whys that?Elt;/span>
There are different types of them. See, in the bag, theres that paper. I wrote in Falieq what it says on the container so you can understand.Elt;/span>
Oh. Thank you, Raven!Eamp;nbsp; Lelem also hugged her.
Here, Rakev, take this.Eamp;nbsp; Raven had noticed that the middle Caso daughter enjoyed sewing, and so now she stood and held out a box containing numerous spools of thread, all in different colors.
As she lifted the lid, Rakev was clearly overwhelmed. RavenEou shouldnt have.Eamp;nbsp; She rubbed some of the black thread between slender fingers, marveling. This is so fine. Where did you get it? Its amazing. Thank you so much, Raven.Elt;/span>
Raven winked at her. She turned to Desem. The middle Caso son had been a difficult one to choose a present for; she hadnt wanted to give him a wrong impression in any way. She wanted him to know that she saw him as a friend and valued him very much as one. Here, Desem.Elt;/span>
He opened the small box and gaped at the watch nestled snugly in black velvet padding. Raven, how much was this? You must have paid a fortune! It is a watch, right? Its got a face, but its attached to a bracelet?Elt;/span>
A fortune? Not really, but it cost a good bit to get the numbers changed to the ones you use. At least I got a discount. Yeah, I know, you guys only have pocket watches. This is called a wristwatch. I gave one to your dad. Here, this is how you put it on.Eamp;nbsp; She took it out of its container and put it over his hand, clasping it shut around his wrist. See? It goes on your wrist; hence, the word wristwatchEElt;/span>
Ah, I see. Thank you, Raven!Eamp;nbsp; He wrapped his arms about her tightly.
Raven only stood there until he released her. She gave him a small smile, then turned to Tenen. Here you go.Eamp;nbsp; In her hands was a slender booklet.
Wonderingly, Tenen took the packet of papers. The cover page read simply, Recipes.Eamp;nbsp; She flipped through, staring. Raven! YouEoure giving me some of your recipes? Oh, you cant do that!Elt;/span>
Oh, but I can and I will.Eamp;nbsp; Raven grinned at her.
Tenen threw her arms around the other girl. Thank you so, so much.Elt;/span>
Of course. Solan? Come here.Eamp;nbsp; Raven was holding another small sheaf of papers.
Puzzled, the tall young man accepted the document. He flipped through the pages, gazing at the notes that were written on them. OhEhe songs you said youd give meE
Raven winked at him. You remember.Elt;/span>
Of course I do.Eamp;nbsp; He leaned down to embrace her. Thank you, Raven. Youre amazing. Youre just like another sister to us.Elt;/span>
She smiled. Then she walked back to her bed; her guitar was beside it, leaning against the wall. Id like to play some Christmas songs for all of you, if thats all right.Elt;/span>
Wed love to hear them,ETenme said warmly.
Im afraid I wont be singing along; the words in your language wouldnt go with the music. Youll just have an instrumental version. Unless you dont mind my singing in my language.Elt;/span>
HmmEo ahead, whatever you want,ESolan answered.
* * *
Elt;i>Ow!Elt;/span>
Yash looked down at the latest arrival. Welcome back, Jon.Elt;/span>
Hey.Eamp;nbsp; The black-haired boy got up slowly. My spineE
Rakesh nodded empathetically. Yeah, thats what we all said when we got here.Elt;/span>
Kiren and Danica entered the room again. Hi, Jon,EDanica said cheerfully. She hugged him.
Hi.Elt;/span>
I dont suppose you saw Raven or Enmed?Elt;/span>
Jon shook his head. No.Elt;/span>
Danica sighed wistfully. Well, I guess theyll be coming any moment.Elt;/span>
Jon surveyed the lodges living room, observing the now fully decorated Christmas tree, the colored lights strung up along the walls, and the pile of wrapped packages beneath the tree. Wow.Elt;/span>
Isnt it nice?EDanica said, smiling.
Yeah.Elt;/span>
* * *
Enmed was astonished. I had no idea that Raven could sing like this. No idea. ItsEtsEncredible. Just incredible. In fact, she sounds like one of the girls in that band at their school, smashing bLue. Actually, the bass player, I think. Whats her name? She calls herselfEcean, I think. Yeah, Ocean. Or is it Smoke? I think that's it.
As Raven struck the last chord, the Caso family was silent. Then they burst into applause. Enmed couldnt help but join in.
That was wonderful, Raven!E Salen called.
Solan was openmouthed with amazement. I have to get one of those instruments myself and learn to play it just like that!Elt;/span>
Grinning shyly, Raven bobbed her head. Thanks, you guys.Eamp;nbsp; Slowly, she stood and put her guitar back in its hard black case, then picked it up by its handle. Im afraid we have to go back home, though. Theyll be expecting us.Elt;/span>
TheyEERakev echoed.
Our friends.Elt;/span>
Well, you should probably get going,ETenen said. We dont want to keep you or anything.Elt;/span>
Right. We should be back in Falshad within the next couple of days, so dont worry.Eamp;nbsp; Raven smiled. Well see you then, probably.Eamp;nbsp; AhEainsElt;/i>
See you,ELelem and Ensan chorused.
See you, Raven,ESolan said. Thanks again.Elt;/span>
Tenen and Rakev both embraced her. Thank you so much, Raven,ERakev said sincerely.
Desem wrapped his arms around Raven. You had better come back, Raven,Ehe told her softly.
She closed her eyes. Gods know I dont want to hurt him, but he may end up being hurt. I will be.Eamp;nbsp; She stepped away from him towards Enmed, holding out her hand. Come on, Enmed. I think wed better hold hands this time to make sure we both get there.Elt;/span>
Right.Eamp;nbsp; He stood away from the wall hed been leaning against and walked toward her.
As Raven moved in his direction, another pain stabbed through her side. Shit! She stumbled forward. In her anticipation of meeting the floor, she was very surprised when Enmed caught her in his arms. You should watch your step,Ehe said quietly. Unless it was one of those pains you referred to earlier?Elt;/span>
Yes, it was,Eshe admitted. Lets not worry about it now, though. Lets go home.Elt;/span>
Right.Eamp;nbsp; He pulled her into his arms, glad that she couldnt see the redness rising in his face.
* * *
Geez, its like six oclock. Weve been here for hours. Wheres Enmed?EYash wondered aloud.
Rakesh asked sarcastically, What, so you can hit on him?Elt;/span>
Now, what makes you think that?Elt;/span>
Kiren sighed. Raven sure is taking her sweet time.Elt;/span>
Yeah, it would be nice if she would just get here.Eamp;nbsp; Danica leaned her head on her hands. Weve got dinner going, the lights are up, the trees up, the presents are under the tree, and were here except for Skye. Where are Raven and Enmed?Elt;/span>
Maybe something you dont want to knowE
Rakesh groaned, grabbed one of the cushions on the sofa, and slung it hard at the blonde boy. Yash, you are one sick bastard.Elt;/span>
What do you mean? Im perfectly healthy. My parents are married.Elt;/span>
Argh! You know what I mean.Elt;/span>
Yash only laughed in reply.
Where did Jon go?EKiren queried, looking around.
Kitchen,EDanica answered.
Doing what?Elt;/span>
Talking on the phone.Elt;/span>
To who?Elt;/span>
Take a wild, wild guess.Elt;/span>
Skye.Elt;/span>
Wow, wasnt that hard.Elt;/span>
So what are we gonna eat tonight?Elt;/span>
We havent deciEOH MY GOD!E Danica yelled as Enmed and Raven landed unceremoniously in a pile on the floor. Beside them was Ravens guitar.
Sorry, Enmed,ERaven apologized, the words muffled because her face was pressed against the carpet.
Its all right.Elt;/span>
Raven shifted around slightly, then stopped and hissed, Elt;i>Fuck!Eamp;nbsp; That hurts!!
Raven?EDanica asked.
Um, sorry, Enmed,Ethe other girl said again.
Uh, why?Elt;/span>
Because I cant move. I mean, I can move, but I cant get off you.Elt;/span>
Whys that?Elt;/span>
ErEecause it hurts like a bitch for me to move like that.Elt;/span>
Oh.Elt;/span>
Hey, Rakesh.Eamp;nbsp; Kiren gestured toward the other boy. Help me here.Eamp;nbsp; The two of them lifted Raven and carried her to the sofa.
Aw, thanks. Im such a trouble sometimes.Elt;/span>
Its nothing, Rave.Elt;/span>
Damn it, Shazo!Elt;/span>