Chapter Six
The week flew by, and on Saturday, the ladies got into the car and were on their way to the party. Wylda was calm, but Elodie was nervous. She had a feeling something was coming.
They had practiced together when Wylda was off work, and Delphine had joined in. Orvis had been asked if they could do something off-script, and when she had learned what it was, the harpy was all for it.
Elodie and Wylda were dropped off at the performer’s entrance while Delphine was taken to the main entrance. She was going to provide some power while Elodie provided the magic.
Elodie asked Wylda, “How many times have you performed in public?”
“I dunno. Fifty?”
“Do you enjoy it?”
“Not particularly, but it is something I can do.”
“Why didn’t you get paid for it?”
“They kept getting at my banks. So, I get an honorarium that I use to pay for food and clothing, and sometimes a place to sleep. The rest of the funds went to my favourite charities directly. No bank, no problem.”
“So, I guess that summoned stars have it worse than fallen stars.”
“Why do you say that?”
“We are supposed to develop in our communities. My original host died, and you were summoned into greed. Delphine was born to heartbreak.”
“And the other two were involved with ogres.”
“Yup. Being summoned sucks, but I am glad we didn’t land alone.” Elodie squeezed Wylda’s hand.
They were directed to a green room, where they nibbled at snacks and drinks before it was Wylda’s turn. She wrapped herself in an elegant gown and winked at Elodie. “I am ready if you are.”
“Yup. I will await your signal.” Elodie grinned and put on her delicate and airy costume.
Wylda went on the stage, wished the birthday boy well, and then began to sing and play, horns and wings out, looking as wild as her magic. Her music was amazing and powerful. The watchers smiled, laughed, and gasped.
The party was enjoying the performance when Wylda paused between songs. “I have talked this over with his better half, and this part of the celebration is going to become interactive. Elodie.”
Elodie came out in her shining black skin, her medieval-style wench outfit hugging her tightly, while the skirt swayed with every step.
She curtsied to the assembled men and women in formalwear, hopped off the stage, and moved smoothly to the birthday boy.
Stovos raised his brows when he saw her, and she grinned as she took him by the hand and walked to the dance floor.
Music, centuries old, spilled out, and she and Stovos began to move easily and then with more energy to the song The Elf Dances.
Stovos was grinning as he tossed her skyward, and she remained there for a moment before dropping into his arms, and they continued their skipping and whirling.
She saw Orvis, and as the song came to an end, she curtsied to Stovos, and Orvis said, “I am cutting in. The ladies have taught me how to dance with my clothes on. Now, move it.”
Stovos grinned, and off they went to the next song.
Musicians played drums and fiddle, with occasional harp solos.
Wylda kept the songs moving fast, and Elodie went and grabbed one male after another to dance with.
The party was rocking, and the guest of honour had a wide white grin as he and his wife moved around the dancefloor, complete with throws and skipping.
Elodie made her way to where the seasons were sitting and grabbed the dark-haired one and hauled him along. “Come on, Summer. I know you can dance.”
He looked at her in surprise and came with her, moving her into the dancers. As they moved, he asked, “How do you know what I am?”
“I used to be Halla, and I was a volunteer at the vision centre when they let me. You were six when you lost your vision, and it was hard to teach you to focus on sound around you.”
He stared at her as they danced around with the others. “You can’t be Halla. That was over twenty years ago.”
“Elf, dumbass. It was one of the only things they would let me do away from the court.”
“Why?”
“Because my abusive husband died under unusual circumstances. They suspected but could not prove it.”
He stared at her. “Abusive?”
“There are scars... so many scars. Well, on my other body. He killed Halla the night that Wylda and I were drawn down, so I comforted her. Remained with her. When she left her body, I took it over and repaired it. Her husband was... surprised.”
They were dancing on automatic, and Summer’s face was astonished. “So, you are the same woman I knew?”
“Yes. I see elevation to a season returned your vision.”
He nodded, looking down at her. “It told me that if I looked hard enough, eventually I would see the woman who would be everything to me.”
“Oh, have you found her? I have heard you are rigorous in your judgment of women.”
He smiled. “I think I have. I didn’t think she would haul me to the dance floor, but here you are. My voice in the darkness.”
She frowned. “Hm. I am not a fan of what I have heard about you.”
His eyes widened, and he eased them off the dance floor and a few feet away. “What have you heard?”
“That you and Spring make a game of analyzing women’s bodies and stating your opinions loud and clear.”
His cheeks darkened. “We may have done something of the sort, but only at one diner.”
“Yes, and I have met Ember. It was not well done of you, Robert. She’s stunning.”
He frowned. “To you. To me, she is all angry darkness and red eyes and sharp teeth.”
“She’s an ogre, of course she is.”
“You are starlight and moonlight and the space in between. I can see you, just as he said I would.”
“The season whispered in your ear?”
“I was nineteen and waiting for my bus. He came and stood next to me, striking up a conversation. We talked, and he asked me how I lost my sight. I told him that it was genetic. He asked what I missed most. I told him that it was seeing girls at school. So many had annoying voices that I was hoping their looks would make up for it.”
She couldn’t help it. She smiled.
“He had laughed and told me to close my eyes and focus on a good female voice. He told me that if I were lucky, the woman would match the voice.”
Elodie knew what he was going to say. “Don’t say it.”
He shrugged. “It was your voice. Your voice telling me to try, to rest, to cry when I needed to, and to touch when I needed to learn if someone was smiling. You helped me learn to see my favourite toys and held me when I cried.”
She reached up and brushed the tear from his cheek. “And you became an asshole hanging out with someone else with a teen mentality and said mean things about very nice ladies.”
He winced. “What can I do?”
She cocked her head. “I will set you a task, and you won’t like it.”
“What?”
“Apologize. Find the women whom you verbally dissected and make them smile without speaking to them or reminding them of what you said. Well, except for Ember. She needs a direct apology. Her nature didn’t just leave her with a feeling of disappointment in herself.
The ladies that you insulted would have felt a drain on their sense of self. ”
She looked at him, waiting for him to say something.
“And then you will go out with me?”
Elodie blinked. “I suppose. I am unemployed and couch surfing, so not exactly a catch.”
Robert touched her cheek. “You echo inside me, and I have a nice house, nice car, and a few businesses, and I throw a wicked party in June. I don’t mind helping you find out what you want to do next. I am just hoping I am on the list.”
She snorted but leaned into the light touch. She saw Delphine talking to Spring with her hands on her hips and her chin out. Spring looked hypnotized.
“Who is your friend?”
“Half-elf. Her name is Delphine.”
“Her power signature is... light?”
“Yes.”
“Isn’t she the head of several companies?”
“Sure. Light carries information. Like a fibre optic cable.” She smiled. “Business runs on information, and Delphine can see it.”
“Oh, Ty is all about light.” He glanced over at the couple. “She’s the one you are staying with?”
“Yes.”
He smiled. “Good. Ty and I are friends, so we will encourage each other to make amends.”
“Oh, she is...”
“Making him do the same penance.”
“Ah, she has really sensitive hearing. Once she knew the need, she set it into motion. Besides, you won’t appreciate us if it is too easy.” She sighed. “And you hurt people. You need to work on empathy.”
He sighed and nodded. “I understand. Please excuse me. I see Ember.”
She nodded, and he went off while Wylda continued to sing as dancers performed folk dances and country dances from centuries ago.
One of the guests came to her and said, “Will you dance, little star?”
“Certainly, drake.” She let her wings flare. Hers were black and less fluffy than Wylda’s, but the appreciation in the drake’s gaze made her laugh. He was so excited.
“Little cousin, can you come and fly with me? My mate doesn’t mind.”
“When? Where? I don’t drive yet. I don’t do much of anything yet.”
He smiled. “I can send a driver. Where are you staying?”
“With Delphine.”
The music continued without a singer now. Wylda was in Lord Rez’s arms, and they were swaying together. He was a good-looking ogre. Kijin. Whatever. Wylda was looking up at him shyly, and he bent his head to kiss her.
A man at a nearby table whistled. “Well, that is something.”
Elodie stared, and then Stiila leaned forward. “Looks like we need a new suitor for Riida. This is a better match for him. I am guessing she eats her vegetables.”
Elodie smiled. “She eats everyone’s vegetables. Stiila, you remember Wylda, right?”
“That’s Wylda? She looks different.”
“Well, all ladies are different without their makeup. You should know.”
Stiila chuckled. “Fair enough. Halla, you look different.”
“I have been moisturizing.” She lifted her dark hands. “Or not. I can’t tell. Oh, and please call me Elodie now. It will be less confusing for the poor little elves.”
Stiila’s husband laughed softly. “You make it seem like they confuse easily.”
“Well, they get old, and things are forgotten.” Elodie shrugged.