The four of us sat in the sunshine on a cleared patch of broken concrete outside of the tents a few yards from the wall. The breeze that tugged stray hair free of my braid was pleasantly warm, promising that though there might still be snow on the ground and winter lingered, overstaying its welcome, spring would come again to the world\u2014hopefully soon. We\u2019d spread an old quilt on what had once been a sidewalk and settled in to get some work done. Jacqueline, Kellin, and most of the rest came and went\u2014except for Tala, who was keeping close to the fire to mind another culinary experiment, and Sif, who was keeping close to Thordin, who still lay unconscious. There\u2019d been no signs of his waking since the fight on the ice.<\/p>\n
Despite my assurances to the others, I was beginning to doubt he\u2019d ever wake up again.<\/p>\n
Neve leaned back against her palms, staring at the faint, wispy clouds that drifted lazily in the blue sky above. A faraway look touched her features and for a moment, I wondered what she was thinking, what she was remembering.<\/p>\n
I\u2019d almost worked up the guts to ask when she sighed and looked at Leinth. \u201cYou\u2019re right to worry about him,\u201d she said softly. \u201cHe deserves to be worried about, to be cared about\u2014even if we know he\u2019ll come through this fine, just like he always does.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cExcept for when my kin betrayed him,\u201d Leinth whispered. Neve winced.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah. Except for then.\u201d She drew her knee up to her chest\u2014no mean feat at this point\u2014and rested her chin on it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat was it like when you were young?\u201d Carolyn asked, peering at Neve. \u201cWhen you and Seamus and Phelan were all doing whatever you were doing back in ancient Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n
Neve laughed quietly. \u201cYou don\u2019t really want to hear those stories, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cActually,\u201d I said softly, \u201cI think maybe we do.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
~~~~~~~<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[Now is your chance to tell me what kinds of stories you want Neve to tell!]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The four of us sat in the sunshine on a cleared patch of broken concrete outside of the tents a few yards from the wall. The breeze that tugged stray hair free of my braid was pleasantly warm, promising that … Continue reading