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Fortunately, the rain had washed
most of the mud off
of them by the time they reached the inn. Marie came to meet them when
they got
to the door. She and Lilly both tried not to laugh at the mud all in
Catrina’s
hair. Catrina just gave them a look and they stopped. She passed them
and went
up to her room without a word. Luke, seeing her going to the room, went
outside. So Jonothan was left standing in the restaurant soaking wet
with Marie
and Lilly.
“What
happened?” Marie asked trying not to laugh
again.
“Where is
Corbin?” Jonothan asked trying not to get
angry.
“Did he do
something?” Lilly asked.
“What do you
think?” Jonothan asked back.
“He is
asleep.” Marie said noticing Jonothan getting
angry.
“Then wake him
up.” Jonothan said trying to stay calm.
“Lilly, will you go get
Jonothan a clean set of
clothes while I wake Corbin?” Marie asked. Lilly nodded and
they both quickly
left. Jonothan stood in the restaurant a few seconds and then went
outside to
find Luke.
“What are you doing out
here?” Jonothan asked standing
in the doorway. Luke was lying out in the street letting the rain pour
down on
him. “You could get sick and die.” Luke sighed
heavily as the rain beat down on
him.
“When?” Luke
asked not even looking at Jonothan.
“Get up.”
Jonothan said.
“No thanks.”
Luke sighed. Jonothan thought for a
second.
“Fine.” He
said walking out and lying next to Luke.
“If I get sick and die, I swear to god,” Jonothan
stated.
“What do you want
Jonothan?” Luke asked.
“Why are you out
here?” Jonothan asked.
“To get sick and
die.” Luke answered plainly.
“I don’t
really think you will.” Jonothan laughed.
“Okay, because she is
in my room. I can’t go up there, Jonothan. She
tortures me so much that I wish I could die.” Luke said.
“No you
don’t.” Jonothan answered.
“She infuriates me to
the point where I want to scream and strangle
her. But at the exact same time makes me feel better than I have
since,” he
paused, “my whole life. I can’t stand it any
longer. I hate feeling so torn
like this.”
“Perhaps you should
tell her how you feel.” Jonothan said.
“Are you kidding? She
would laugh at me. And if she did, by some odd
fortune, return my feelings it would never work. Why does she have to
be
Elestian?” Luke moaned.
“Excuse me?”
Jonothan asked a little offended.
“My father hates
Elestians. He would certainly disown or even kill me
if he knew I was in love with Elesta’s Princess.”
Luke said.
“Sound like you are
afraid of what your father thinks.” Jonothan said.
“I’ve had a
hard time getting him to accept me.” Luke said.
“Because you are a half
elf.” Jonothan said.
“Yeah.” Luke
said angrily.
“Maybe you
shouldn’t care so much what he thinks. You are so torn is
because you are trying to reason your way out of loving Catrina. If you
just
realized your father doesn’t control your life, you would be
much better off.”
Jonothan said.
“Or I can just wait to
die out here.” Luke said.
“Jonothan,
he’s awake.” Marie called form the door.
“Do as you
like.” Jonothan said as he got up and went back inside. Luke
sat up and looked around the empty street. He turned around to face the
front
gate. He felt like running out of Forestown and back to Othneil.
“Luke?”
Catrina asked coming up behind him.
“Catrina.”
Luke quickly turned around and looked at her. “What are you
doing out in the rain?” he asked noticing she was only in her
robe.
“What are you doing out
here?” Catrina asked.
“Thinking.”
Luke said. He got up and put his arm around her. “You
should get in. You’re shaking.” Luke took her back
into the inn. Jonothan was
lecturing Corbin in the restaurant.
“What do you have to
say for that?” Jonothan asked as Corbin looked
down at the floor. “You could have seriously injured
her.”
“I’m
sorry.” Corbin cried.
“Don’t tell
me.” Jonothan said. Corbin got up and ran over to Catrina
and hugged her around the waist.
“I’m sorry
Catrina! I didn’t mean to leave you hanging in the tree. I
didn’t know it was your hurt leg.” Corbin cried
into her stomach.
“What?”
Catrina asked. Corbin stepped back, still crying.
“I’m sorry
for leaving you hanging in the tree. I didn’t know it was
your hurt leg.” Corbin cried. Catrina smiled and knelt down
to look at Corbin.
“It’s okay,
sweetheart.” Catrina smiled. Corbin wiped his eyes.
“Really?”
Corbin sniffled.
“Yeah.”
Catrina smiled. Corbin smiled back and hugged her around the
neck. He smiled at Jonothan and then ran back to his room.
“See? No big deal.”
Catrina smiled. Jonothan smiled back at her.
“Are you
sure?” Jonothan asked.
“Sure.”
Catrina smiled.
“What happened to your
leg?” Lilly asked.
“What?” Luke
asked as Catrina and Jonothan both turned to look at her.
“How did you hurt
it?” Lilly asked.
“I was
attacked.” Catrina answered plainly. “In the war. I
was drug out
of my room and beaten. The guy shot me in the hip, sliced the back of
my leg
and stabbed me through the shoulder.”
“That is
horrible.” Lilly said.
“That is
war.” Catrina answered.
“Why did you even go to
war?” Lilly asked.
“To fight.”
Catrina answered.
“She isn’t
that bad either.” Luke laughed.
“She took on five
goblins by herself.” Jonothan said.
“Where did you learn to
fight?” Lilly asked.
“TAD.”
Catrina answered.
“Really?”
Lilly asked a little shocked. “I, uh, know TAD.”
“How?”
Catrina asked.
“We’re really
close friends.” Lilly answered. “He helped me cope
with
the loss of my mother.”
“He is nice like
that.” Catrina said. Lilly smiled and walked off.
“What was that all
about?” Luke asked when Lilly was gone.
“She is hiding
something, and it is big.” Catrina smiled.
“What?” Marie
asked.
“I’m not sure
yet.” Catrina said. “But right now, I’m
really tired.”
“Good night
then.” Jonothan smiled. When Catrina was gone Luke turned
to Jonothan.
“You have to give me a
different room.” Luke pleaded.
“There isn’t
one.” Jonothan said.
“What?” Luke
whined.
“You’ll have
to suck it up, Luke.” Jonothan said. Luke glared at
Jonothan and walked off.
“Why doesn’t
he want to sleep in his room?” Marie asked.
“Because he is either
gonna kill Catrina or tell her he is in love with
her.” Jonothan said.
“Poor guy.”
Marie said.
“Poor Kid. She is the
one with the idiot in love with her.” Jonothan
said.
“Funny,
that’s the same thing I thought when you first fell in love
with me.” Marie smiled. Jonothan shot her a look.
“It will all work out.”
Upstairs Luke was pacing outside the door to the room.
“Come on, Luke.
It’s not even that big of a deal. She’s just a
girl.”
He told himself. “Of course, she is Catrina of Elesta. Not
only is she one of
the most beautiful girls in the world she also happens to be Elestian.
Your
father would kill you.” He argued. “But she is
amazing. She is the greatest
girl you have met. Funny, caring, adventurous, beautiful. She is
different form
every girl you have met.” He stopped and turned to face the
door. “But she is
the most beautiful girl in the world; she probably isn’t even
interested in a
half-elf like you. She deserves better.” Little did Luke know
Catrina was doing
the exact same thing on the other side of the door.
“Come on, Catrina.
It’s just Luke. Of course he is Luke of Othneil. He
probably doesn’t even want to be associated with Elesta. He
probably hates me.
I might be the most beautiful girl in Elesta, but the girls at Othneil
are
probably prettier. Besides, he is so adventurous. He probably
doesn’t want some
girl with a limp who is afraid of lightning following him around. But
he is
different form most of the guys you have met. He hasn’t even
told you he is in
love with you, which can only mean he hates you.” Catrina
told herself. “Or he
could be waiting for you to say something.”
“Maybe she really does
like you.” Luke told himself. “Okay, that is it.
I’m going to tell her.” Luke told himself.
“Okay, when he comes
in, I’m going to tell him.” Catrina told herself.
At
that same moment Luke came in.
“Hi.” Luke
said nervously when he saw Catrina.
“Hello.”
Catrina squeaked.
“Uh, what are you doing
up?” Luke asked.
“Um,
nothing.” Catrina said.
“Oh, okay.”
Luke said.
“Stupid!”
they both said to themselves.
“Well,
goodnight.” Luke smiled.
“Night.”
Catrina smiled back. They lied down on the edges of the bed
and tried to go to sleep.
“Idiot, tell
her.” Luke told himself.
“Catrina, you better
tell him.” Catrina told herself.
“Hey,
Catrina.” Luke said turning over to face Catrina.
“Huh?”
Catrina asked turning over to face him.
“Sleep well.”
Luke managed to say.
“Thanks.”
Catrina smiled but Luke noticed she seemed a bit disappointed.
“Idiot!” Luke
told himself. “So what is the deal with you and
Jonothan?” Luke asked quickly.
“What are you talking
about?” Catrina asked.
“I don’t
know, you two just seem to be really close.” Luke said.
“We’re
friends, he’s like my brother.” Catrina said
turning away from
Luke.
“What about
us?” Luke said moving right up next to her.
“What about
us?” Catrina asked turning back over to face him.
“Are we just friends or
more than that?” He asked.
“I’m sleeping
with you, aren’t I?” She smiled.
“Yeah, because there is
only one bed.” Luke pointed out.
“I could make you sleep
on the floor.” Catrina also pointed out. Luke
smiled and turned over.
“She likes you. Tell
her now, idiot.” Luke kept telling himself.
“Tell him, stupid. He
really likes you.” Catrina told herself. It was a
few minutes of silence when Luke suddenly turned back over.
“How do you do
it?” Luke asked very frustrated.
“Do what?”
Catrina asked.
“I don’t
know!” Luke tried to think. “I can’t
describe it.” Luke said
getting frustrated again. “I can’t-it’s
just-you’re so,” he paused.
“What?”
Catrina asked nervously, expecting Luke to start chewing her
out.
“You’re
obnoxious, loud, hateful, annoying. You have no respect.
You’re
spoiled, selfish, self-centered, spiteful, and…
and…”
“Can’t think
of any more s-words?” Catrina asked.
“Sarcastic. Ignorant.
You think that you own everything. You’re crazy. And
yet,” He paused and his attitude changed from frustration to
almost a fantasy,
“I find you interesting, spontaneous, funny, adventurous,
strong, enjoyable,
gorgeous and in every way attractive.”
“Makes you sick,
doesn’t it?” Catrina asked
“Very much,
yes.” Luke sighed, exasperated. “You do everything
to get
under my skin and,” he paused to think,
“it’s the best feeling I’ve ever
felt.”
Catrina smiled. “How the hell do you do it?”
“I’m just
good.” Catrina smiled. It was quiet for a few seconds.
“Don’t
you still owe me a kiss form when you snapped your leg?”
“Do you want me to kiss
you?” Luke asked.
“Oh yes.”
Catrina answered.
“If you
insist.” Luke said and kissed her. It wasn’t a long
kiss, but
it was enough. “Catrina, I’m in love with
you.” Luke said plainly when he
pulled away.
“What?”
Catrina asked a little shocked.
“Oh god, please tell me
I’m not about to make an idiot out of myself.”
Luke sighed a little embarrassed.
“No, no. I was just a
bit surprised that you actually feel the same
way.” Catrina said. Luke’s eyes widened.
“You mean
you’re in love with me?” Luke smiled.
“Well,”
Catrina paused, “I guess so.” She said.
Luke’s attitude
changed.
“Wait, no.”
he said nervously. “This isn’t good.”
“What are you talking
about?” Catrina asked.
“I’m in love
with you and you’re in love with me.” Luke said.
“So?” Catrina
asked.
“How do you think
Fredric will react?” Luke asked. Catrina thought for
a second.
“Shit.”
Catrina said with disappointment.
“Now multiply that by
at least one hundred and that is how my father
will react.” Luke said.
“So now what do we
do?” Catrina asked.
“Enjoy it while we can
and pretend it never happened.” Luke said.
“Okay.”
Catrina said and turned over. They didn’t speak about it
again
that night and went to sleep. The next morning they woke up and
didn’t even
speak to each other. They went downstairs to the restaurant and sat at
opposite
ends of the bar.
“Did you sleep well
last night?” Jonothan asked noticing the
separation.
“Yeah.”
Catrina answered.
“Very.” Luke
said. They both looked at each other as if to say ‘why are
you talking?’
“Apparently.”
Jonothan said a little uncomfortable.
“Jonothan!”
Corah said running in from outside. “Jingles and Tattler
want to talk to you.”
“O, morning my
lady.” Jingles said walking into the inn.
“Good morning,
boys.” Catrina smiled.
“’Ave you
‘ad any food.” Jingles asked.
“No sir, would you care
to join me for breakfast?” Catrina asked.
“I will.”
Luke quickly said and moved closer to her. Catrina looked
down at him in shock.
“We all
will.” Jonothan said. “I’m interested to
see what happens.” He
said realizing Luke’s reason for staying. Luke shot him a
look.
“Please come, my
lady.” Jingles said offering his arm to Catrina.
Catrina took it and they sat at a booth in the corner. Luke quickly
followed
them. Catrina sat in the back of the booth and Jingles sat next to her.
Tattler
came up and sat on the other side of Catrina.
“’Ow was your
sleep?” Jingles asked.
“Very good. How was
yours?” Catrina asked.
“Well.”
Jingles answered. Luke watched silently as Catrina and Jingles
talked for a while but got up and went into the kitchen where Jonothan
was.
“Something
wrong?” Jonothan asked.
“Does Jingles like
Catrina?” Luke asked.
“You told her
didn’t you?” Jonothan asked.
“Yes.” Luke
answered. “Does he?”
“What did she
say?” Jonothan asked.
“It doesn’t
matter. Does he like her?” Luke asked.
“Of course it
matters.” Jonothan said. “What did she
say?”
“Answer my question,
Jonothan.” Luke said.
“You couldn’t
do anything either way, Luke. Why waste your time?”
Jonothan asked. Luke sat down at the table in the kitchen. “I
know the only
reason you’re eating with her is so that Jingles
can’t be alone with her.”
“She said she felt the
same way.” Luke said ignoring what Jonothan had
said.
“What if she felt more
for Jingles?” Jonothan asked.
“Don’t say
that, Jonothan.” Luke sighed as he laid his head on the
table.
“I don’t
know. She did stick up for him a lot yesterday. I bet she
finds him exciting compared to you.” Jonothan said.
“I am plenty
exciting.” Luke defended himself.
“Yeah, but you
don’t have a mysterious background that intrigues
her.”
Jonothan said. “And he is Elestian. She can be with him
easier than you.”
“So?” Luke
said. “I could be with her if I wanted.”
“Then why
aren’t you?” Jonothan asked. Luke got up and went
back to the
booth Catrina, Jingles, Tattler and now Corah and Corbin were sitting
at. Corah
and Corbin had crawled up on either side of Catrina. Corah was between
Catrina
and Tattler and Corbin was between Catrina and Jingles.
“Hello,
Luke.” Corah smiled when Luke came up.
“Morning
Corah.” Luke smiled. Corah sighed softly as she smiled back.
“Do you want to sit by
me?” Corah asked.
“Sure.” Luke
laughed. Luke ended up sitting between Corah and Catrina.
“Hello, Catrina.” Luke smiled as he sat down.
“Luke, you
didn’t say hello to me.” Corbin said.
“I was going to. Hello,
Corbin.” Luke smiled.
“Hi, Luke.”
Corbin smiled. Luke noticed a tooth missing.
“Did you loose a
tooth?” Luke asked.
“Yep!” Corbin
smiled very big so that everyone could see. “You’re
the
only one who has noticed.”
“I did, I just
can’ say you los’ one.” Jingles said.
“Oh right, you
can’t say tooth.” Corbin smiled. “Thank
you for
noticing, Jingles.” Corbin said.
“No problem,
Corbin.” Jingles smiled. “So, My Lady, you were
explaining
your experiences in Ekafey. And ‘ow you know Menoe.”
“Right.”
Catrina smiled. “My grandfather usually hires the gypsies to
perform for our parties and,” She started saying.
“He likes
you.” Luke whispered in her ear as she was speaking. Catrina
kept going on with her story. “Look at the way he looks at
you, he’s in love.”
He whispered as Catrina tried to ignore him. “I love you, and
want to be with
you.” He whispered. Catrina stopped and turned to face him.
“What?” She
asked softly.
“Some’ing
wrong?” Jingles asked.
“Just a
second.” Catrina said. She grabbed Luke and drug him into the
kitchen.
“Food is
ready.” Jonothan said as they came in.
“Good, serve everyone
else.” Catrina said. Jonothan looked at Luke who
shrugged his shoulders. Jonothan took the food and left the kitchen.
“Why are we in
here?” Luke asked when Jonothan left.
“Why did you say
it?” Catrina asked.
“Say what?”
Luke asked.
“That you want to be
with me.” Catrina said.
“Um, I do.”
Luke said hoping that was the answer she wanted.
“No. Last night you
said that we couldn’t.” Catrina said.
“But Jonothan made me
want to.” Luke said.
“What did Jonothan
do?” Catrina asked.
“He said you were more
interested in Jingles.” Luke said.
“Jingles? Why would I
be in love with him?” Catrina asked.
“Because he is in love
with you.” Luke said.
“So are you.”
Catrina said. “It doesn’t matter if he loves me
because I
love you.” She stopped while she realized what she said.
“What?” Luke
asked.
“What?”
Catrina asked pretending she never said anything.
“You said,”
Luke pointed still not completely able to repeat it.
“You’re in
love with me? I know that.” Catrina said.
“No, after
that.” Luke said.
“I didn’t say
anything after that.” Catrina said so convincingly Luke
started to believe her.
“No, you
did.” Luke said a little confused.
“No I didn’t.
You must have heard someone outside or something.”
Catrina said. Luke looked at her. “Or just dreamed I said
something.”
“I don’t
think so.” Luke said trying to think if he really had dreamt
it.
“What did I say,
then?” Catrina asked.
“That you love
me.” Luke said.
“And that is something
you want me to say?” Catrina asked.
“Well,” Luke
thought.
“Which means you
probably imagined me saying it.” Catrina said. Luke
thought really hard for a few seconds. If he had dreamt it, it seemed
very
real. But if she had said it, she was doing a really good cover job.
“Okay, I guess I did
dream it.” Luke finally said.
“That’s what
I said.” Catrina smiled. About that time Jonothan came
back in.
“Are you
eating?” Jonothan asked.
“Yes.”
Catrina smiled and walked out. Luke watched her for a second
still in confusion but finally accepted she never said anything and
went out
into the restaurant.
“’Ey, my
lady, were you planning on exploring now?” Jingles asked.
“Sometime today,
yes.” Catrina answered as she sat down at the table.
“I’ll lead
you around if you like.” Jingles smiled.
“I would love for you
to.” Catrina said.
“Very well, we need be
gone by nine.” Jingles said.
“Sounds good to me, let
me finish eating and we can go.” Catrina said.
“Looks like rain. It
will probably be here by noon.” Jonothan said.
“We’ll have
her back by then.” Tattler said.
“You’re going
too?” Corbin asked. “You said you would teach me to
fight.”
“We can when it starts
raining.” Tattler said.
“In the inn? I
don’t think so.” Jonothan said.
“Well if you
aren’t teaching me, I want to come with you.”
Corbin said
standing up.
“If Corbin gets to go,
I want to come.” Corah said standing up next to
Corbin.
“You can come, it will
be a party.” Tattler said smiled and pushed them
out of the booth so he could get out.
“May I come?”
Luke asked.
“Are you sure you want
to spend a whole morning with five Elestians?”
Catrina asked as Jingles helped her out of the booth.
“Have since I came to
Elesta.” Luke answered.
“Doing Elestian
stuff?” Tattler asked.
“I can’t see
how it would be any different than Othneilian stuff.” Luke
said.
“How often do you get
in trouble with the law?” Tattler asked.
“Not often, if
ever.” Luke said.
“Can you outrun an
authority?” Catrina asked. Luke looked at them.
“What the hell do
Elestians do for fun?” Luke asked.
“Annoy the
authorities.” Corbin answered.
“Then run when they
start chasing you.” Tattler added.
“Less you are
imprisoned.” Jingles added with a quick glare at Tattler.
“But even that gets
interesting.” Tattler laughed. Jingles laughed and
nodded.
“I think I’ll
stay here.” Luke said.
“We’ll be
back before noon.” Corbin said grabbing Catrina’s
hand and
dragging her out the door. Catrina grabbed Corah who grabbed Tattler
and
Jingles followed as they all rushed out the door.
“Where shall we
go?” Catrina asked.
“The easiest way to get
anywhere is by the cart.” Corah said.
“We can’t all
fit on the cart.” Tattler said.
“Sure we
can.” Jingles said. “We’re all
small.”
“We can try. That would
be a real adventure.” Corbin laughed.
“I’m up for
any form of excitement.” Catrina said.
“Let’s go
then.” Tattler said. They all went around to the side of the
inn where a large platform hung near the top of the building.
“The cart?”
Catrina laughed a little remembering Luke’s description of
his first visit to Forestown. “How fast does this thing
go?”
“However you
want.” Corbin answered.
“Sounds like
fun.” Catrina said.
“So long as you
don’ fall off.” Jingles said.
“Now you’ve
jinxed me.” Catrina said.
“Can we go
now?” Corah asked.
“Where are we
going?” Tattler asked.
“The market
street.” Corah suggested excitedly.
“The market
street?” Corbin whined.
“To go to the candy
store of course.” Catrina said. Corah and Corbin
looked at her. “You thought I didn’t know about the
Forestown market street
candy store? Did you know your father would take me to the store every
week
when I was staying at his hospital?”
“You’re going
to take us to the candy store?” Corbin asked.
“And get you whatever
you want.” Catrina smiled.
“Corbin, Jonothan
won’t let us eat candy before lunch.” Corah said.
“Then we better get
there so you can eat it before we have to come
back.” Catrina laughed. Corah and Corbin looked at each other
and then ran up
to the platform as fast as they could. Catrina, Tattler and Jingles
followed as
the twins yelled at them to hurry.
“Hold on.”
Corbin said as he hit the lever. Jingles didn’t even have
time to grab onto anything before the cart shot forward. He quickly
grabbed the
closest thing to him, which was Catrina, and held on tightly. Catrina,
being
much lighter than Jingles had to hold onto Tattler to balance
Jingles’ weight.
Tattler held onto the rail, for his sake as much as Catrina’s
and Jingles’. The
cart flew down the track as the passengers screamed in terror and
delight.
Suddenly the cart hit a bump in the track and Tattler could hold on no
longer.
“Tattler!”
Catrina screamed as she, Tattler and Jingles fell off the
back of the cart. Jingles let go of Catrina, and threw the chain on his
wrist
around the track. Catrina fell when Jingles dropped her, but Tattler
caught her
with one hand and grabbed Jingles’ leg with the other. The
three hung there for
a second while the cart kept going; fortunately they were near the
candy store.
When the cart reached the candy store it stopped and the tracks fell.
The tree
fell into a small duck pond. The ducks flapped around them as feathers
flew
everywhere. By the time the three got out of the pond they were soaked
in the
dirty water and covered in feathers.
“You look
awful.” Corbin laughed.
“No thanks to you,
Corbin.” Tattler sighed as he picked a few feathers
from his hat.
“We smell
worse.” Jingles said.
“We can’t go
into the candy store like this.” Catrina said.
“Sure you
can.” Corah said.
“If we’re
with the twins, the people in the store will understand.”
Tattler said.
“Hey.” Corbin
said offended by Tattler’s comment.
“You’re
probably right.” Catrina laughed. They went into the candy
store. There was every sort of candy you could imagine. There were
barrels
filled with sugar drops of every flavor. Baskets filled with suckers
and stick
candies. Shelves were filled with boxes of chocolate. There were
displays of
taffy and rope candy hanging from the ceiling. Hard, soft, juicy,
powder, hot,
cold, sweet, sour, you name it, it was there. “Get whatever
you want.” Catrina told
the twins.
“Licorice, Flame balls,
sweet drops, chocolate blitzes, and a taffy
whip.” Corbin said as he ran to get his candy.
“Sour hearts,
strawberry spiral sticks, chocolate brownie balls, and a
taffy pound bar.” Corah said also.
“Gummy sugar drops, a
hard ball, and a box of chocolate squares for
me.” Catrina said. “Boys?” She asked
Jingles and Tattler. They both looked as
if they were about to eat everything in the store.
“Oh, no
thanks.” Tattler said.
“We don’ need
any.” Jingles added.
“You always need
candy.” Catrina said. “Fruit paper strips for
Tattler
and super mega mini crunchers for Jingles.” Catrina said
handing them the
candy. The two looked down at their candy excitedly. “Did I
pick the right
ones?” Catrina asked.
“Our
favorites.” Tattler answered.
“Is that all
miss?” The woman at the counter asked.
“Yes
ma’am.” Catrina answered.
“That will be half a
pinch.” The woman said.
“Take the whole
silver.” Catrina said handing her a silver coin.
“Thank ye
miss.” The woman smiled.
“Thank you,
ma’am.” Catrina smiled as they all walked out. They decided to walk back
to the inn after
the incident earlier. They weren’t ten feet from the front
door when it started
pouring rain.
“Where did you get
to?” Jonothan asked when the group came running in.
“Catrina took us to the
candy store.” Corbin smiled as he showed
Jonothan his candy. Jonothan looked at everyone’s candy.
“None for
me?” Jonothan asked.
“Sugar drop?”
Catrina asked offering him the large bag.
“Hard or
soft?” Jonothan asked.
“Gummy.”
Catrina answered.
“Jonothan!”
Marie yelled as she came out of the kitchen covered in soot.
“The oven is on fire.”
“After
lunch.” Jonothan said declining the candy. He went into the
kitchen as a cloud of smoke came into the restaurant.
“Whatever
we’re having, I probably won’t want it
now.” Tattler coughed
as the smell of the burnt food filled the restaurant.
“Oh come on, Tattler.
There are starving men at war who would gladly
eat it.” Luke said joining the conversation from the bar
where he had been
sitting.
“With the way Crip
cooks?” Catrina laughed. “Burnt food is the last
thing they need to worry about.”
“Who is
Crip?” Corbin asked.
“One of my
friends.” Catrina answered.
“From when you went to
war?” Corbin asked.
“You?”
Tattler laughed a bit surprised. “At war?”
“You seem
surprised.” Catrina said.
“They let you fight in
the war?” Tattler asked.
“Yes.”
Catrina answered.
“In THIS
war?” Tattler paused. “Against Daborenya, with the
goblins and
dwarves in the forest?”
“Yes.”
Catrina answered. Tattler laughed. “You don’t
believe me?”
“No offence, my lady,
but I don’t think that you would survive a minute
in war.” Tattler smiled trying to stop laughing.
“I could take you on
any day. Blindfolded with both hands tied behind
my back.” Catrina said.
“Perhaps we should try
it.” Tattler said.
“Right now?”
Catrina asked.
“Jonothan!”
Tattler yelled. Jonothan came out of the kitchen completely
black from the smoke. “How much longer ‘till lunch
is ready?”
“Half an hour at least.
The oven caught fire so we’ll have to fix it
and then make some more food.” Jonothan said.
“Then we can
go.” Tattler said.
“You think you can keep
up with me for half an hour?” Catrina asked
with a laugh.
“What is
happening?” Jonothan asked.
“Tattler thinks
he’s better than Catrina.” Luke laughed.
“You’re going
to fight Catrina?” Jonothan laughed.
“You think
it’s funny?” Tattler asked.
“Last time I fought for
half an hour, I launched myself through a bon
fire.” Catrina laughed.
“Too bad it’s
raining.” Luke smiled.
“If you really are as
good as you say, I want to fight you.” Tattler
said.
“Hands tied behind my
back and blindfolded?” Catrina asked.
“It would be much more
interesting.” Jonothan said.
“I was thinking more
even that way.” Luke laughed.
“Let’s go
then.” Tattler said. He held out his handkerchief for Catrina
to use as a blindfold.
“Have something for my
hands?” Catrina asked. Tattler opened his jacket
revealing at least three long and hand guns each, four swords and about
ten
knives. He pulled out a set of cuffs from an inside pocket. Catrina
stared at
the weapons as she took the cuffs from him and put them on her wrists.
“Something
wrong?” Tattler asked.
“You’re using
all of that, right?” Catrina smiled.
“I was thinking hand to
hand. Then you’re more likely to survive.”
Tattler smiled.
“Hand to hand if you
want. But you can use any of that if you want.”
Catrina smiled.
“What are you going to
use?” Tattler asked.
“You don’t
need to worry about that.” Catrina smiled.
“Let’s go
then.” Tattler said. The two went outside where it was
pouring rain. Luke followed with Jingles.
“Can we
watch?” Corbin asked.
“I’m fine
with it. But Tattler might not want you to see him get beat
by a girl.” Catrina said.
“You can watch. It will
make it that much more enjoyable when she
loses.” Tattler laughed.
“I need to put the
blindfold on.” Catrina said.
“I’ll get
it.” Luke said taking the handkerchief and blindfolding
Catrina.
“Are you sure you want
to do this?” Tattler asked.
“You’re not
getting nervous are you Tattler?” Catrina smiled.
“I just don’t
want to hurt you.” Tattler said.
“I took on five goblins
without getting a scratch. Don’t worry about
me.” Catrina said.
“FIVE
GOBLINS?” Jingles exclaimed.
“Come on,
Tattler.” Catrina said.
“Okay, we’re
starting now.” Tattler said. The rain started falling
harder. Catrina stood perfectly still as she listened for Tattler.
Tattler
tried to be silent as he went towards her. He made it right in front of
her.
“Are you going to hit
me or what?” Catrina asked after he had been
standing there for a few seconds. Tattler jumped because he
didn’t know she
knew he was there but he didn’t say anything.
“Swing at my head.” Catrina told
him. Tattler wound back and swung. Suddenly Catrina moved to the side
and
Tattler stumbled forward. Catrina tripped Tattler and he landed on the
ground.
Tattler kicked her legs out from under her and she fell back and hit
the ground
right next to him.
“Have to be better than
that.” Tattler laughed. Catrina quickly got her
hands in front of her and took the blindfold off.
“If you want to play
dirty.” Catrina said as Tattler got up. She kicked
him on his back and straddled his stomach. Tattler flipped her onto her
back
and then Catrina flipped him and they started to roll in the mud.
Tattler ended
up on top of Catrina and held her on the ground. They stayed there for
a few seconds
as the rain beat down on them.
“Now what?”
Tattler laughed. Catrina looked up at him and suddenly got
an idea. She lifted herself up enough to kiss Tattler.
“Hey!” Luke
said.
“Oh!” Corbin
laughed. Tattler looked down at Catrina and smiled.
“So that’s
how you’re going to play?” Tattler laughed and
kissed her
before he got up. “Two can play like that.”
“Please
don’t” Luke said.
“Shut up,
Luke.” Catrina snapped. Tattler pulled out a sword.
“Now this
will be fun.” Catrina laughed. “How good are you
with that?”
“Nervous?”
Tattler asked.
“No, I was just
wondering how much energy I should put fourth to make
you feel like you are doing well.” Catrina smiled. Tattler
huffed and lunged at
her. Catrina moved out of the way but stuck her hands out so that the
blade
went through one of the chains on the cuffs. She twisted her arms so
that she
got the sword form him. “What else?” Catrina asked.
Tattler pulled out a gun
and pointed it at her head.
“Care to test your
luck?” Tattler asked.
“Why not?”
Catrina smiled. She knocked the gun out of his hands and
kicked Tattler’s legs out form under him. Tattler fell a bit
but caught
himself. Catrina stabbed the sword through Tattler’s coat and
into the ground.
Tattler reached for the gun, but Catrina kicked it just out of his
reach. “Are
you really trying that hard?” Catrina asked.
“Kind of.”
Tattler sighed. “I was trying not to hurt you.”
“Trust me, you
wouldn’t have been able to touch me if we were really
fighting.” Catrina smiled.
“I haven’t
given up yet.” Tattler said.
“Don’t make
me hurt you.” Catrina warned.
“Lunch is
ready!” Jonothan announced as he stepped out from the inn.
“I guess it’s
a draw.” Luke said hopefully.
“Not quite.”
Tattler said he lunged at Catrina. Catrina punched him
across the face before he reached her.
“I warned
you.” Catrina said as Tattler hit the ground rolling in pain.
“One punch?”
Jingles asked.
“Impossible.
He’s never fallen after one punch.” Jonothan said
going
out to where Jingles was lying.
“Shit.”
Catrina said a little bit in pain.
“What?” Luke
asked.
“I broke the
cuffs.” Catrina said. Her wrist had broken through the
cuff and was badly bruised and cut.
“Are you
okay?” Jingles asked turning from Tattler.
“How the hell did you
do that?” Luke asked looking at Catrina’s wrist.
“I don’t
know.” Catrina said. “But I think I broke my
hand.”
“You knocked him out in
one hit.” Jonothan said.
“In my defense, I
warned him.” Catrina argued.
“You’re a lot
stronger than you look.” Tattler said trying to shake it
off.
“I’m sorry; I
didn’t mean to hit you that hard.” Catrina said.
“Do you want her to
kiss it and make it better?” Luke laughed noticing
Tattler rubbing his jaw.
“Right there,
madam.” Tattler said touching his jaw. Catrina gently
kissed Tattler’s jaw where he had pointed. “I
should try that more often.”
Tattler laughed.
“Don’t push
your luck.” Luke said. Tattler gave Luke a suspicious look
and then laughed.
“Come on, lunch is
ready.” Jonothan said.
“What are we
having?” Catrina asked.
“Burnt mush, as
usual.” Jonothan sighed.
“One day I am going to
buy you a new oven, Jonothan.” Tattler said.
“When I get home,
I’ll get you one.” Catrina said.
“No, it’s
okay. Corah and Corbin are getting along just fine imagining
mountains of sweets.” Jonothan laughed.
“They are actually
doing that?” Luke asked.
“Yes.”
Jonothan answered.
“Doing what?”
Catrina asked.
“Well, last time Luke
was here we burnt our meal and Luke made us use
our imaginations to change the food into whatever we wanted to eat. It
was
quite interesting.” Jonothan said.
“It was something my
brother taught me when I was younger.” Luke said.
“Imaginary
food?” Catrina asked. “This I have to
see.”
“I ‘ave,
mus’,” Jingles stuttered as he pointed down the
street.
“He has to go
home.” Tattler said.
“Oh, well good bye
then.” Catrina said.
“See you
later.” Jonothan smiled. Jingles bowed and ran off.
“Aren’t you
going with him?” Luke asked Tattler.
“No, he needs to stay
here with me so that I can keep an eye on him.”
Jonothan answered.
“Oh.” Luke
said trying to appear like he didn’t mind.
“Don’t look
so excited, Luke. I might think you’re actually enjoying my
company.” Tattler laughed. He walked past Luke and went into
the inn. Catrina
and Jonothan followed without a word. Luke looked up at the rain,
laughed and
went in. After lunch Corah and Corbin were sent upstairs to clean their
room.
“Thank you for spending
time with the twins, Kid. It means a lot to
them.” Jonothan said as Catrina helped him clean the kitchen.
“Are you kidding? I
love the twins; I can act like a kid around them. I
don’t have to be this proper, well-mannered, even-tempered
princess.” Catrina
laughed setting a few dishes in the sink.
“So far I’ve
never seen the proper, well-mannered, even-tempered
princess that you say you are.” Jonothan laughed as he turned
the water on and
filled the sink.
“Because I
don’t have to be that way in war or around the
twins.”
Catrina smiled as she started washing dishes.
“True.”
Jonothan laughed.
“Where did Luke and
Tattler go?” Catrina asked.
“Tattler went to help
the twins clean and Luke went outside.” Jonothan
said.
“Oh.” Catrina
said. She finished the dishes quickly and then went to
the front door. Luke was standing out in the street with his arms
stretched out
looking up at the rain. “Lost your mind, or had an
epiphany?” Catrina asked.
“A little of
both.” Luke laughed without even looking at her.
“You are
drawn to the water, aren’t you?” he asked looking
at her.
“I am.”
Catrina said as she stepped out into the rain.
“Have you ever been
cleansed by the rain?” Luke asked.
“Water does have that
effect.” Catrina said looking at Luke as if he
were crazy. Luke laughed and shook his head, flinging water everywhere.
“No, when you are
cleansed of everything. Every worry, every wrong. You
just know that something is different.” Luke laughed.
“This is your
revelation?” Catrina asked.
“Or going
mad.” Luke laughed.
“Perhaps you should go
inside and lie down.” Catrina said. Luke laughed
and went inside. Catrina stood out in the street and looked up at the
rain. She
looked past the rain at the grey sky and laughed. Suddenly she was
filled with
indescribable joy. She stood there with her arm stretched out as the
rain fell
on her.
“Catrina! What are you
doing?” Jonothan asked from the front door of
the inn. “You’re soaking.”
“That’s what
happens when it rains.” Catrina laughed and twirled
around. She stuck out her tongue so the rain could fall in her mouth.
“Catrina are you
crazy?” Tattler asked.
“Don’t tell
me you’ve never played in the rain before.” Catrina
laughed
as she did a cartwheel. “You know you want to come out
here.” Catrina laughed
as she did some more cartwheels.
“You are being
childish, Catrina.” Tattler said. Jonothan laughed.
“Exactly.” He
laughed.
“What?”
Tattler asked.
“She is being a
kid.” Jonothan laughed and leaned on the door frame.
“Fine if you
don’t want to play,” Catrina said. She whistled
loudly and
threw some pebbles at Corah and Corbin’s window.
“Catrina, what are you
doing out there?” Corah asked as she opened her
window. Corbin quickly stuck his head out and then Marie and Lilly also
looked
out.
“Catrina!
You’ll catch your death out there in the rain.”
Marie said.
“Nah, I’ve
had too many other near death experiences to let a little
rain kill me.” Catrina laughed. “Come out and play
with me!” She yelled at
Corah and Corbin.
“Catrina, I
don’t think,” Lilly began to argue.
“You aren’t
supposed to think. That’s the whole point of
playing.”
Catrina laughed. Corah and Corbin quickly disappeared from the window
and ran
out between Jonothan and Tattler a few seconds later. They started
running
around in the street and called all of their friends to come out. Soon
the
street was filled with children screaming and laughing as they played.
Jonothan, Tattler, Lilly and Marie stood in the doorway and watched.
“She is such a
child.” Marie said.
“She didn’t
have much of a childhood.” Jonothan said before he started
laughing. “She isn’t trying to be anything than
what she is.” He took a step
forward.
“You aren’t
going out there are you?” Marie asked.
“I know there is a part
of you that wants to.” Jonothan laughed as he
ran into the street and jumped into a large puddle Corah was standing
next to.
Corah screamed as the water splashed her.
“Jonothan!”
Corah laughed as she tried to splash him back, but Jonothan
picked her up just high enough that her feet couldn’t touch
the ground any
more. He felt something hit his back. Jonothan turned to see Corbin
standing
with a hand full of mud.
“It was
Catrina.” Corbin pointed at Catrina. Catrina smiled
innocently.
Corbin threw the mud in his hands and hit Jonothan in the leg.
“That one was
mine.” He laughed.
“I don’t
think so.” Jonothan said putting Corah down and picking up a
hand full of mud and running after Corbin.
“I told you it was
fun!” Catrina laughed and she jumped into a puddle.
She ran up to the front door where Lilly, Marie and Tattler were still
standing. “You know you want to come out and play.”
She smiled.
“I don’t
know,” Lilly started to say.
“Tattler
you’ll come out with me.” Catrina said grabbing his
arm and
pulling him towards the street.
“Fine.”
Tattler sighed. He went out there and stood in the street.
“You have to at least
pretend to have fun.” Catrina said.
“Wee.”
Tattler said with little enthusiasm.
“More.”
Catrina said.
“Wee.”
Tattler said still with the same enthusiasm but he put his arms
up.
“Now spin and say
it.” Catrina laughed as she took Tattler’s arm and
made him start spinning.
“Wee.”
Tattler said with a smiled. “Woo!” he laughed as he
kept
spinning. Jonothan and Corbin came back covered in mud and laughing.
“Go on.”
Jonothan said. Corbin looked a little nervous.
“You go.” He
said.
“Fine.”
Jonothan sighed. He walked towards the inn.
“What is he
doing?” Catrina asked.
“You’ll
see.” Corbin laughed.
“Jonothan!”
Marie screamed as Jonothan gave her a huge, muddy hug.
“Looks like
you’ll have to come play with us now.” Jonothan
laughed as
he patted mud on Marie’s cheek.
“Lilly?”
Jonothan asked opening his arms and walking towards her.
“Oh, no.”
Lilly said running back into the inn.
“Come on
Lilly.” Jonothan laughed as her ran in after her. Lilly
screamed and then stepped out from the inn covered in mud. Jonothan
laughed and
shoved Lilly and Marie into the street.
“When was the last time
you acted like a kid?” Catrina asked as they
walked up to her. “Spin around, jump in a puddle, have a mud
war, laugh, have
fun.” Catrina laughed as she spun around. Marie picked up a
large hand full of
mud and squished it into Jonothan’s hair.
“That was pay
back.” Marie said.
“Jonothan come play
catch with us.” Corah said pulling on Jonothan’s
arm.
“I’m coming.
Come on, Tattler.’ Jonothan said grabbing Tattler and
pulling him along.
“Catrina, will you
fight with me?” Corbin asked holding up some long
sticks.
“Okay.”
Catrina said taking one of the sticks. Corbin and Catrina
fought with the swords until Catrina ran into Jonothan and they both
landed in
the mud.
“Whoa.”
Jonothan said as they fell.
“You got in our
way.” Corbin said.
“We were playing here
first.” Corah said.
“Yeah, well,”
Corbin said before jumping in a puddle and splashing
Corah.
“Hey!” Corah
said jumping in and splashing Corbin back.
“Come on you two, the
rain is getting harder, we should get in.”
Jonothan said. He picked Corah up and put her on his shoulders and then
grabbed
Corbin by the waist and carried him under his arm. They laughed and
screamed as
Jonothan carried them back to the inn. The other children went home and
everyone else went to the inn where Sylvia had made a nice fire in the
restaurant.
“That was
fun!” Corbin said when they got inside.
“Can we do that every
time it rains?” Corah asked.
“Not every
time.” Jonothan said.
“Where have you
been?” Luke asked as he walked into the restaurant and
looked at everyone covered in mud.
“We were playing in the
rain.” Catrina smiled.
“It was a good
epiphany, huh?” Luke laughed.
“What?” Lilly
asked.
“Oh,
nothing.” Catrina smiled.
“Come on you two. You
need to get cleaned up.” Marie said taking the
twins up stairs.
“Why didn’t
anyone invite me to play with you?” Luke asked.
“We can go back out
there if you want.” Jonothan said.
“Too bad it’s
going to stop raining in a few minutes.” Catrina said.
“How do you
know?” Jonothan asked.
“I’m a storm
chaser, I know these things.” Catrina smiled. About that
time the rain started falling softer. Luke and Jonothan listened for a
minute
as the rain completely stopped.
“You’re
good.” Luke said looking at Catrina.
“It’s my
life.” Catrina smiled and walked off.
“Where are you
going?” Luke asked.
“To take a
shower.” Catrina answered. “Care to join
me?” She added.
Luke raised an eye brow.
“Don’t even
think about it.” Jonothan said grabbing Luke’s
shoulder and
pulling him to the bar and setting a mug in front of him.
“Where is your
tender?” Luke asked.
“It’s Sunday,
he has the day off.” Jonothan answered.
“Should we be drinking
on a Sunday?” Luke asked as Jonothan filled his
mug.
“If it keeps your mind
off of Catrina, then yes.” Jonothan answered as
he got a mug for himself and filled it. “Cheers.”
Jonothan said lifting his mug
and taking a drink. Luke lifted his mug and swallowed the entire mug.
“I don’t
think I should have another one.” Luke said.
“You have a few hours
to kill, might as well.” Jonothan said filling
Luke’s mug again. Luke took another drink. “Hey,
I’m taking Marie out for a
surprise tonight. You and Catrina should come.”
“What are you going to
do?” Luke asked filling his mug.
“It’s a
surprise. But Catrina will like it, trust me.” Jonothan said.
“How do you
know?” Luke asked. “What if she doesn’t
like it? Then she
would blame me for dragging her out wherever it is we are going and hat
me
forever.”
“Because it was
something she had talked about always wanting to see.”
Jonothan said. “Just trust me on this.” Jonothan
smiled.
“Fine.” Luke
sighed and poured himself and Jonothan another mug.
“Cheers.” He lifted his glass and they both drank.
~~*~~
“Catrina!”
Luke said excitedly outside the door. “Catrina, wake
up!” he
banged on the door.
“What?”
Catrina asked angrily as she opened the door. Luke looked at
her night gown and sighed.
“Come on, get dressed.
Hurry!” Luke said taking Catrina back into the
room and pulling out some clothes from the wardrobe.
“Luke, what time is
it?” Catrina asked sleepily.
“Hurry.” He
said impatiently shoving her into the washroom and closing
the door. Catrina got dressed and slowly came back out. “Come
on, Jonothan is
waiting.” He said grabbing her arm and dragging her off.
“Luke where are we
going?” She asked sleepily trying to keep up.
“You’ll
see.” Luke smiled. They went to the town hall where Jonothan
and Marie were waiting for them.
“Hurry, before someone
sees us.” Jonothan said.
“It’s the
middle of the night, who would be out here?” Luke asked.
“Besides us?”
Catrina asked a little bitterly.
“Come on.”
Jonothan said opening the door to the hall and pushing Marie
and Catrina in.
“Wait, isn’t
this trespassing?” Marie asked stepping back out.
“Yes.”
Jonothan said plainly and went in. Luke chuckled and followed
Jonothan. Catrina smiled.
“Come on, Marie, you
mean you’ve never done anything illegal before?”
She laughed and followed Luke. Marie sighed and followed them. They
went up to
the roof and laid down on the flattest part.
“Why are we
here?” Marie asked.
“You’ll
see.” Jonothan smiled. The clock on the tower started chiming
midnight. When the last chime finished echoing through the empty city,
the sky
lit up. Thousands of balls of light flitted across the sky. They sang
softly as
they danced over the buildings.
“What are
they?” Marie asked.
“We call them star
birds in Othneil, or at least in the port city. In
the border cities they’re snowbirds because they mark the
coming of winter.”
Luke said.
“But they’re
fairies.” Jonothan said.
“Fairies?”
Marie asked.
“Fire bird
fairies.” Catrina said. “They come from the
volcanoes beyond
Daborenya. Don’t they usually migrate through
there?” She asked.
“Yeah, but it is too
dark now.” Luke answered.
“They have been
migrating through here for a few years now.” Jonothan
said.
“I’ve always
wanted to see the fairies migrating.” Catrina said. She
stood up and the fairies stopped and all looked at her. A young girl
fairy flew
up to her and giggled. Catrina could only see the girl’s face
because she was
glowing so brightly. The girl’s beautiful wings glittered in
the golden glow as
she flapped them.
“How do you do,
princess?” The girl asked and curtsied.
“Very well,
thanks.” Catrina answered.
“Would you care to join
our ball?” The girl asked.
“I’d be
delighted to.” Catrina smiled. The girl giggled and threw a
small handful of fairy dust on her. Catrina immediately shrunk to the
fairies’
size. Catrina laughed as she floated in the air.
“Catrina, what
happened?” Luke asked coming up to her.
“Can they join the ball
too?’ Catrina asked. The girl nodded and Luke,
Jonothan and Marie shrunk. They all laughed the same way Catrina had
earlier
when they saw themselves floating.
“Shall we
dance?” The fairy asked.
“I’m sorry,
Miss; but we don’t know how to dance like a fairy.”
Luke
said.
“Well, first you take a
partner.” She said. All the fairies paired off.
“Then you start with a bow.” About that time music
filled the air. It was fast
and joyful music like none of the others had heard before, but the
fairies
bowed as if they always danced to this song. The others did the same.
First the
boys bowed and then the girls curtsied. “Now follow their
lead.” The girl said
pointing to the other fairies. Of course none of the other partners
were
dancing the same. The sky was filled with turning, flipping, spinning,
and
slipping, sliding, dipping and flitting. The fairies soon lost their
partner
and danced with anyone that came near them; and if there was no one
near them,
they would dance by themselves. The fairies cheered and laughed as the
dance
went on until the music stopped and they all froze in place and looked
towards
the horizon. A white sparkling cloud was coming towards them.
The cloud turned out to be snow
fairies. The four humans were amazed to
see the snow fairies. The snow fairies had wings made of ice and were
dressed
in brilliant white clothes. The leader of the snow fairies came up to
the girl
from earlier. The girl giggled and curtsied while the leader smiled
warmly and
curtsied as well.
“What a wonderful night
for a ball, my friends.” The snow fairy smiled.
“And for the princess and her friends to join us as
well.” She said turning and
looking at Catrina and then at Luke, Jonothan, and Marie.
“It is a wonderful
ball.” Catrina curtsied.
“Then let us dance some
more!” The snow fairy smiled. The music started
up again and the fairies were dancing. As the snow fairies danced,
snowflakes
fell from their wings and onto the city until everything had a coat of
white.
They ball went on until just before sunrise.
“It is time to go
home.” The fire bird fairy said.
“Until next
winter.” The snow fairy said. The fairies said good bye to
each other. “It is time for you to go home as
well.” The snow fairy smiled at
Catrina, Luke, Jonothan and Marie. Suddenly they found themselves back
to their
normal size with all the fairies waving and shouting good bye to them.
When the
sun began to rise the fairies disappeared.
“That was
amazing.” Catrina laughed as she hugged Jonothan around the
neck.
“I knew you would like
it, Kid.” Jonothan laughed as Catrina let go of
him.
“Thank you for the
dance, Luke.” Catrina smiled.
“My pleasure,
princess.” Luke said softly as he smiled back.
“We should probably get
back home.” Marie said as she shivered. “It is
getting pretty cold now. Winter has come.”
“Winter?”
Catrina exclaimed.
“What about
it?” Jonothan asked.
“I need to get home
before the snow gets too bad.” Catrina said. “I
can’t stay here for a whole season.”
“You should leave
today.” Jonothan said.
“Then we need to get
back to the inn so that we can get our stuff.”
Luke said.
“We?” Catrina
asked.
“I told Fredric I would
take you to your house. So yes, we.” Luke
smiled.