Day 5 - Scene 13

Finally, soaking wet and shivering with cold, they turned a bend in the road and the cider-house came into view. Dark and silent, it waited for them by the side of the road; its windows shuttered and with the rain hammering on its roof.

Water gushed out of a rain pipe into an overflowing barrel at the corner of the house. A huge pool had formed around it, reaching well into the road. Sofie plodded on, without even slowing down, through the puddle and on alongside the house.

Enar looked up from under the tarp. The building – tall, imposing even – towered over them. Earlier, walking past the cider-house had been exciting and a little bit scary, but now, cold, tired and hungry, he just didn't care. The stables would be close now. They'd get out of the rain. The wind would stop.

Sure, he'd still have to walk the rest of the way, but he'd worry about that later. He really needed a break.

Beside him, Amanda stayed focused on the road. Neither of them had spoken for a long time. They'd stopped telling each other how they'd be there soon. The words had lost their meaning, turned into grunts and nods and then ceased completely.

She too needed to get out of the rain, warm up and get dry and smile again. He'd help her get settled in the stables, then he'd leave, but first, he'd make sure she was okay. Not that he knew how, but he wouldn't leave until he was sure she was. He'd figure something out.

Just past the building, Amanda pulled on the reins, turning their carriage onto a narrow road, leading up a little slope and around to an open space behind the house. To one side, a wide loading bay dominated the back of the cider-house, and on the other side of the area an old barn cowered among the trees.

The big double doors in the middle of the barn had been left open – probably for a long time – and Amanda steered them straight for the opening; a black square in the fading light of the evening.

A few steps short of the doorway Sofie stopped and refused to move any further, no matter how Amanda clicked her tongue or shook the reins. Grumbling something Enar couldn't quite hear, Amanda jumped off of the cart. She scurried through the door of the barn and disappeared into the darkness.

Enar pulled the tarp closer around himself and peered after her. Wait or follow? His legs ached, stiff with cold, and he shivered where he sat. A moment later, light flared up inside the barn, and he could see Amanda holding up one of those old-fashioned lanterns with a glass cover – same as the one Rolf had back at the burrow.

The light steadied as she lowered the cover, and when she turned to face the doorway Enar could see some of the tension slipping from her shoulders and face. Amanda held up the lantern, clicked her tongue and beckoned for Sofie to come towards her.

Sofie lifted her head, strained against her shackles and slowly, step by step, pulled into the barn. Enar instinctively ducked his head as he passed through the doorway, but he needn't have, the opening left plenty of space for him to enter. As soon as he was in, Amanda held up her hand, and Sofie stopped, letting her head drop again.

Enar released the tarp and let it fall behind him. Most of the cart still remained outside the barn, pelted by the rain, but he no longer needed the cover. He sighed, and let his head fall back. Finally.

Amanda hung the lantern on a hook attached to a chain hanging down from somewhere in the darkness up under the roof. A soft warm glow illuminated the center of the barn. Shadows danced across the back wall as the lantern swung, ever so slightly, in its chain.

To the left of the doorway a low wall, about chest-high, separated the main room from what must be the stables. Next to an opening in the wall stood a large chest, and next to the chest a ladder led up to a loft covering that part of the barn.

To the right, the room continued on, out beyond the reach of the little circle of light. Along the back and front walls stood stacks of crates and barrels, but the far end of the barn lay hidden in darkness.

Enar shivered and looked at Amanda. He should do something – help her – with something.

Amanda held up her hands to the the light, rubbed her palms together and blew on her fingers. She sighed, blew on her fingers once more and went to release Sofie from the cart.

Enar rocked back and forth, hugging himself and trying to ease some life back into his cold limbs. He'd get down soon. He'd help. Soon.

“Told you. We'd get there in the end,” said Amanda and began fiddling with the straps.

“Yes. Yes you did.” Enar rubbed his palms against his thighs. “Thank you... for the ride I mean.” He shook himself and got to his feet, stiff legs creaking in protest. “And sorry for dragging you out in the rain like this.”

Amanda's hand lashed out and she snapped her fingers, pointing straight at him. “Shut it!” She turned he head and scowled at him. “We talked about that already. Enough with the apologies.”

Enar forced a little laugh. “Yes. Yes we did. I really do appreciate it though.”

“You'd better.” She glared at him for a moment and then her face broke into a grin and she turned her attention back to the horse.

He smiled to himself and looked on as she finished unfastening the horse on one side and moved around to start on the other.

Right. Time to get moving. Time to do something. Groaning, Enar clambered down from the wagon. He took a few steps across the hard packed dirt of barn – stretching his legs, doing a few squats, making sure he still functioned – and went to join Amanda.

“Can I help you with anything? Should I hold Sofie?”

“No, I don't think that's needed. She's too tired to act up the poor thing.” She bowd her head and put a hand on Sofie's neck. “Don't worry old friend. We'll get you dry and warm. You'll be okay girl. You'll see.”

Enar looked at them, the girl and her horse; both of them tired, wet, and dirty. In the light of the lantern Amanda looked like she'd been crying, with streaks of water running down her face. He couldn't imagine she had, but even so his heart ached at the sight.

“Are you okay?” He stopped and cleared his throat. “I mean... are you sure? I'd like to help.”

Amanda looked up. “Actually, would you mind seeing if you can find a blanket or a duvet or something for Sofie? I'm going to rub her down and dry her off, but she'll need something to keep her warm after.”

“Sure thing. Just some kind of big cloth to put over her back?”

“Yes, sounds good.” Amanda nodded and turned her attention back to Sofie.

Enar stepped away and turned towards the dark, right, end of the barn, hopefully he could find some kind of blanket there – or something else they could lay over the horse. Standing with his back to the lantern he waited for a moment to try and let his eyes adjust to the darkness. Ahead of him, stacks of crates and barrels towered on each side of the barn; some of them high enough they disappeared in the shadows up under the roof.

With slow, careful, steps, Enar walked out of the circle of light, hoping he wouldn't stub his toes on something. He probably wouldn't see a thing, but he could at least try. He couldn't just stand around being useless; then he might as well just leave right away.

Thick shadows covered everything, but in the light that still came through from behind, Enar could make out contours and edges of the containers piled around him. A rake and a shovel stood leaning against a box and he only just barely managed not to send them crashign to the ground. On top of a barrel a rounded pile turned out to be a burlap sack filled with apples, or maybe potatoes. He didn't bother finding out; it wasn't a blanket.

A drop of water fell on his head. Somewhere up above, the roof leaked.

Eventually, he did find a blanket, several even. They lay neatly folded in a pile on top of a crate at the far end of the room. He lifted them up, as many as he could carry. Perhaps Amanda would want one for herself if she was going to sleep here tonight. The loft might be cold.

While he'd been searching for blankets, Amanda had put Sofie in the box in the stables and begun rubbing her down. She stood with her back to him, head and shoulders well above the wall separating the stables from the barn – probably on a little crate or something – rubbing at the back of the horse with a big round brush.

“Hey, I found some blankets. Do these seem okay?”

Amanda stopped her brushing and turned around. “Sure. Are they big enough.”

“I think so.” Enar set down his burden on the chest by the wall. He picked up the top blanket and unfolded it. “It's huge. This should do.” Even holding the blanket with his arms straight above his head it still dragged on the ground.

“Great. We'll put it on later. She'll need to steam off a bit first”

“It smells of horse too.” He frowned and threw the blanket on top of the others on the chest.

Amanda grinned and turned back to Sofie.

What now? Enar let out a long breath and leaned against the ladder leading up to the loft, resting his brow against one of the rungs. The afternoon caught up with him and he shivered in his wet clothes. His shirt stuck to his chest and back, and his jeans had long since soaked through. So much for not having to walk around in wet underwear.

They'd had a good time at the lake earlier – at least he had. He hoped she had enjoyed it too. It had seemed like it.

Now, she worked hard, taking care of her friend, before even seeing to herself. She must be cold too. Her dress, its thin cloth soaked through with water, clung to her body, though the lower part of the skirt still swung back and forth with her motions as she rubbed at the horse.

Smiling to himself, he looked on while his thoughts wandered off on their own – without him. He relaxed. His shoulders sagged a little and his eyelids grew heavy. The tension eased out of his legs and his knees gave way and with a yelp he collapsed in an embarrassed heap on the ground; almost, but not quite, dragging the ladder down over himself.

Enar twisted around – getting dirt all over himself – and bounced back to his feet, almost without thinking. He brushed the dirt off his hands and looked up to find Amanda staring down at him from the other side of the wall, her brow creased.

“What are you doing?”

“Me? Nothing.” His face burning, Enar smiled his best innocent smile. “I... slipped a little... nothing serious.”

Amanda raised an eyebrow at him.

Enar swallowed. “Do you need help with that? I could brush the other side?” He nodded at Sofie.

Amanda turned her attention back to Sofie and continued rubbing her down. “No thanks, I'm fine. It won't be long.” She paused, hugged herself and shivered. “If you want to, you can wipe off the tack – else I can do it myself later.”

Poor thing. She must be so cold.

He should help her with the tack. Surely he could do that while she finished with the horse. It couldn't be too hard. Then she wouldn't have to deal with that and she could go to sleep instead. He'd have to make sure she noticed the extra blankets he'd brought. They'd help. She shouldn't sleep in that wet dress.

Enar spun around and stared at the cart. The sweater. That's what she needed. He rushed over, scrambled up on to the seat and lifted up the tarp.

There it lay; dry and untouched by the rain.

The cart still stood where they'd left it, halfway through the door to the barn, with the rain still pouring down over most of the back of it. Enar pulled at the tarp as he maneuvered the basket up above the back rest of the seat. No way he'd let it get wet now.

Clutching the handle of the basket in one hand he clambered down from the cart. He put the basket on the chest next to the blankets and rubbed his palms together, making sure they were completely dry before he touched the sweater. Pinching it between his fingers he lifted it up, keeping his arms straight out to avoid accidentally getting it in contact with his own wet clothes.

With a silly grin on his face and a warm glow in his chest he walked through the opening in the wall that separated the stables from the barn, all the while holding the sweater out in front of him.

Amanda turned to look at him when he entered, a tired frown on her face.

Enar tried to force himself to relax. She'd be so happy. “Here. I found something for you.” He brought his hands up higher, showing her what he'd brought. Deep breaths. Nice and calm. “You should get out of that cold dress.”

Recognition dawned on her and her eyes grew wide. “Oh, yes. Thank you... Thank you so much.” Her face broke up in a smile and she beamed at him. “I'd completely forgotten about that. Thank you.”

Blushing, he cleared his throat. “You're very welcome... You looked a bit cold. I thought...”

“Yes. I'm freezing.” She hopped down from the little crate she'd been standing on and came to meet him. “Really. Thank you so much Enar.” Eyes shining she took the sweater out of his outstretched hands.

Enar squirmed, cast down his eyes and scratched at his neck. “Oh, it's nothing...”

Amanda grinned at him and hung the sweater over the wall. “Aww, shush you. You're a life saver.” She bent down, grabbed the hem of her dress and lifted. A moment later she stopped herself. Still bent, she shot Enar a glance and nodded towards the opening in the fence. “Ehm, would you mind? Give a girl some privacy.”

“Yes. Of course. Sorry.” Cheeks burning, he hurried out into the barn again.

“No peeking!”

That warm glow in his chest still burned and he still wore a big goofy grin all over his face. He wouldn't peek. She knew he wouldn't – he'd heard the giggles in her voice. He'd cheered her up.

Enar sneezed.

He should get started on the tack, so he could leave before he got too cold. It'd keep him warm to have something to do. Where had she put the things? It did not lay on the ground in front of the cart where Sofie had stood when Amanda untied her. He hugged himself and shivered.

Something slapped agains the wall to the stables and when he turned to look he saw Amanda's dress hanging over it.

“Enar? Would you mind seeing if you could find some rope or string or something – for a clothesline you know.”

“Yes, sure, no problem.” He'd seen some earlier, when looking for the blankets, in a pile on one of the crates. That'd do.

Soon enough he found the rope, in a completely different spot – of course. Fixing up a clothesline proved more difficult, but eventually he managed that too; tying the rope between a peg on the wall and the hook with the lantern.

He went and got Amanda's dress and made sure it hung straight, without bunching up, hoping it would dry fast. For a moment he thought about hanging up his shirt as well, but there was no point. It wouldn't dry before he left anyway; just get even colder.

“Amanda, where did you put the tack?”

“I put it on a box by the main door in. Are you going to clean it.”

“Yeah, sure. Might as well.”

“Awesome. There's a few rags in the box under the seat on the cart I think. You could use those.”

“Got it. I'll do that.”

“Thanks again Enar. That's really nice of you.”

“No worries. How's it going over there?”

“Going well. I'm almost done.”

Enar stood in front of the cart, wiping the tack off with a rag. At first he had sat down, but he'd gone too cold sitting still so he'd stood up again. That way he could move around, a little, not letting his legs go stiff.

The rain kept pouring down outside, and the evening had gone dark enough he could only just barely make out the loading bay on the cider-house on the other side of the open space. Soon, it would be night for real.

Enar shivered. He really should get moving soon, before it got too dark and he wouldn't be able to see the road. With this rain the night would get pitch black. Maybe there was another lantern.

“How's it going?” said Amanda.

“Fine. Nearly done I think, it's not that bad - just wet really.” Enar lifted his head, dropped his jaw, and stared.

Amanda stood by the wall to the stables, wearing her red sweater – and only that, as far as he could see. Big and loose fitting, it reached just below her butt and left her legs completely bare.

Enar stared.

Perfectly round hips. Smooth, pale, skin. Fine, blonde, fur – messy and tangled – all the way from the knees and down to her toes. He'd brush that. He'd so brush that.

The world stopped.

She cleared her throat and gripped the hem of the sweater, pulling it as far down as she could. “Enar... you're staring.” Blushing, she tried to smile, but the grin kept slipping.

Cheeks burning, Enar tore his eyes away, forced himself to look somewhere else, anywhere else, at anything. “I'm so sorry. I am... I didn't... I mean...” Take a deep breath. Calm down. Look her in the eye. “It really matches your hair.” He swallowed and cast down his eyes, looking at the ground in front of him.

“It's okay.” Amanda giggled. “Just, try not to. It's a bit awkward, you know.”

“Yes, sorry.” He fidgeted and shuffled his feet. “I'll be good. Promise.”

“Cool, I'll be right back.”

Enar's looked up. “What?”

Amanda walked over to the ladder and began climbing up to the loft. “Just getting some hay for Sofie,” she said over her shoulder and a moment later she disappeared up into the darkness.

He hadn't stared, but when he closed his eyes he could still see her calves as she climbed up the ladder. “Do you want me to bring the lantern? It looks dark up there.” He couldn't help it. You're supposed to look at people when you talk to them.

“No thanks. It's fine,” came the reply a moment later.

Enar shrugged, realized he still held a rag and a piece of tack in his hands and grinned at himself. He really did need to get out more.

He rubbed the rag against the leather, decided it was clean enough and looked for the next bit. Only one piece remained in the pile of uncleaned things; some kind of bundle of leather bands he didn't quite know what it was. He picked it up, rubbed it clean and put it in the pile of cleaned things. The rag went back in its box. Done.

One day he'd know what all these things were called and where to put them, but right now they were just mysterious pieces of leather and brass that somehow attached to a horse. He didn't care. He wanted his bed.

Enar shivered and looked out of the barn. If he strained his eyes he could see the loading bay of the cider-house, and a whole lot of rain. He could still see the rain, even without squinting. It was hard to miss – it was everywhere. Stupid rain.

He sighed and then startled at a strange noise in the stables behind him. Twisting around he saw hay falling down from a hole in the roof above the far end of Sofie's box. He heard Amanda yell something, but not what. It didn't sound like she was in danger and it was probably for the horse anyway,

Letting out a long, tired, breath, he put his hands in his pockets, but his jeans were still soaked and it wasn't comfortable so he crossed his arms over his chest instead. That also wasn't comfortable. His shirt was still damp.

Everything was damp and cold and uncomfortable and now it was dark too and the rain wouldn't stop ever and really, he just wanted to go to bed.

The ladder creaked behind him and he turned to see Amanda coming back down.

“How does it look up there?”

She hopped down on the ground, skipping the last two rungs. “What do you mean? It looks fine. Why?”

“Nothing, just wondering. You'll be okay sleeping up there?”

Amanda turned to the big chest by the wall next to the ladder. She moved the basket on top of it down on the ground and hung the blankets over the wall.

“Yeah.” She shrugged and lifted up the lid of the chest. “Sure. I'll be fine.”

He nodded. “Okay... Just checking.”

She dropped the lid and the chest slammed shut. “Bah! I was hoping I'd find some carrots or something for Sofie.”

Grumbling to herself, Amanda leaned against the edge of the chest. She crossed her arms over her chest and stretched her legs out in front of her; her bare legs – pale hips and furry calves and all.

Enar swallowed and turned around, looking at the rain and the cart still standing halfway outside the barn. “Should we pull the cart inside?”

“If you want. It's not needed. It can stand where it is. Easier to push it out in the morning.”

“You'll stay the night then?” He put his hand on his hips and stared out into the darkness.

“Yeah.” She sighed. “Not much else to do. Not gonna drive back in this.”

He pulled at his shirt. Still damp. Still cold. Still clinging to his chest. “We got caught out didn't we, by the rain I mean? Otter was right.”

“Yeah.” Amanda laughed a wry little laugh. “For sure. For sure.”

Enar took a deep breath and swallowed. “Look... I know what you said and all, but I really do appreciate it.” He paused and shivered. “Thanks a lot for getting me this far. I'd still be out there if you hadn't.”

“It's okay.” She paused, didn't say anything for a moment and then coughed. “You're welcome.”

A puddle had formed behind the cart where a steady stream of water ran off of it in the back. Enar's thoughts went to the waterfall he'd seen the other day, when out walking with Bolvar, before he got to that old tree and before he met Amanda. It seemed a lifetime away now – a different life.

“I'll have a word with Neta,” he said. “I'm sure she'll pass you my number if I ask.”

“You're off then?”

“Yeah.” He sighed. “Might as well. It's not gonna stop anytime soon.”

He caught movement in the corner of his eye and turned to find Amanda coming up to stand beside him. She glance up at him for a moment, and then she too stared out at the rain.

“Mmm...” Amanda crossed her arms over her chest, hugging herself. “You'll be okay out there? It's pretty dark.”

Enar swallowed. “I'll be fine.” He scratched his neck and the chill in his belly had nothing to do with his wet clothes. He'd get so lost. “It's not that bad.”

“You're a lousy liar Enar.” Amanda grinned and bumped her shoulder against him. “You could take the lantern. Beired can bring it back later.”

He looked over at her. “You sure?” That would be so great. If he had a light he could do it. It changed everything. He wouldn't be fumbling through the darkness – he'd light his way home through the storm. His belly fluttered with relief and excitement. He'd get back. He'd get his bed.

He'd be safe.

“Yeah.” Amanda nodded and gestured back towards the ladder by the chest. “I just have to climb up to the loft and fall asleep. I don't need a light for that.”

Enar glanced over at the ladder. She could climb up before he left even, and in the morning it would be light again. “Are you absolutely certain? It would be a great help.

“Yeah.” She flashed him a smile. “No problem at all. I'll go get it.”

They both stood still for a moment, looking at the rain, watching it fall. Eventually, Amanda swallowed and turned around, heading for the lantern where it hung in the middle of the barn.

Soon, they'd part – say goodbye. He wouldn't give her a hug. His clothes where still too wet and she didn't have anything else to change into. She'd probably try, but he'd say no. He'd be strong. They'd say their goodbyes, and he'd hold the lamp while she climbed the ladder and then he'd head out.

Then. The'd be home. Warm bed. Dry clothes. Tea.

It wasn't that far to walk. He'd done it before. He knew the way.

“Wait! Enar. The pie.”

“What?” He turned around and looked at her.

Amanda points at the basket, next to the chest. “We never ate the pie that grandma packed for us.”

“Oh...” He couldn't be carrying that with him back to the burrow.

“I can't it all myself.” Her cheeks flushed and she smiled. “Would you mind staying a little longer and have some pie with me?” She tugged at the hem of her sweater again, pulling it down as far as she could.

Enar shivered. “I don't know. I'd really...” He wanted his bed and dry clothes and sleep.

Then again, she probably did too. Amanda wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him. He wasn't the one who'd have to sleep in a loft – which probably didn't have very much hay in it anyway. It was his fault she was here. Poor little thing.

He sneezed.

Amanda's eyes grew wide and she hurried over and placed her palm against his chest. Warm. Her hand was so warm.

“Oh, Enar. You're freezing.” She grabbed his arms and stared into his eyes. “You can't leave like that. You'll catch your death out there.”

“Yeah, well...” Enar turned his head away and sniffled. “What can you do?” He had to get home eventually, and then he'd get soaked again. The rain wouldn't stop anytime soon.

Amanda tightened her grips on his arms, “We have to get you out of those wet clothes.” She shook him back and forth, forcing him to look at her again. “We'll hang them to dry and then we can have pie and wait for the rain to ease up.”

“But I've got nothing else to put on?” He grimaced and released a short breath. “I won't get any warmer sitting around here in my undies, right?”

“Shush you. Nonsense. We'll wrap you in a blanket and that'll warm you up.” Amanda beamed at him and went to get one of the blankets. “Don't you worry, Mama Manda will look after you and feed you pie.” Giggling, she pulled one of the blankets down from the wall. “A bit of food will do you good.”

Enar sighed, but a smile, unbidden, crept on to his face, and he started unbuttoning his shirt. “Okay then. Okay.” No way his clothes would dry in the time it'd take to eat a piece of pie, but if it made her happy, that was a good thing too.

Amanda held the blanket up in front of her; arms above her head. Enar stripped out of his shirt, almost dropped it on the ground, but hung it over his shoulders instead, and unbuckled his jeans.

“Bah! Gosh darn it!” The blanket shook a little, accompanied by the sound of Amanda giggling. “This blanket doesn't have any holes to peek through.”

Enar grinned to himself. He could wait a little bit longer if it made her happy. He liked it when she was happy.

Eventually, and without falling over, he managed to get out of his wet jeans. “Okay, I'm done. Give me the blanket.” He hung his clothes over one arm and reached out his free arm to grab the blanket.

“Hah!” The blanket lunged forward, throwing itself over him with a roar. “Rawr! I'm the blanketmonster!”

Enar tottered on one leg, blinded by the blanket and fighting to keep his balance, when short, strong, arms wrapped himself around him and held him still. “Hey, stop!” Laughing, he shrugged, trying to shake free. “Help! The blanketmonster is trying to eat me.”

Amanda let go. She helped fold the blanket away from his head, and grabbed his jeans and shirt he still clutched. “I'll take that, now come here.” She put an arm around his back and led him over to the chest next to the ladder. “There, now sit there and relax. I'll take care of everything.”

Enar wrapped the blanket tighter around himself and hopped up to sit on the chest. He wiggled and shuffled until he sat with his back to the wall and his feet sticking out on the front.

Over by the makeshift clothesline, Amanda hung up his jeans and his shirt, causing the lantern to swing back and forth, like on a ship at sea. Shadows danced across the walls and crates of the barn. Outside, the rain kept falling.

Enar closed his eyes and rested his head against the wall, listening to the wind and the creaking of the old building. He'd have to watch himself or he'd fall asleep here.

Normally, he'd not touch a blanket like this: coarse and dirty and smelling of horse. Normally. Now, cold and wet and tired, he just didn't care. Maybe he could just sleep here and go home in the morning when the sun rose.

Something brushed against his feet and he opened his eyes. Amanda had pulled down another blanket from the wall and now she draped it over his legs where he sat. He smiled at her and she smiled back. The warmth in his chest had nothing to do with the warm dry blanket covering him.

The smile on her face seemed deeper now, more genuine. It touched her eyes in a different way. She couldn't have been anxious about having to spend the night alone in the barn, right? That wasn't her style. She'd probably even enjoy it, what with the power of the elements raging all around her. He'd not be surprised if she had a little bit of winter blood in her.

He nodded to himself and sat a little straighter. He'd been right earlier, there at the beach. She was lonely too. Not that she'd admit it, but she was.

She wanted him to stay.

He knew it.

Amanda lifted up the basket onto the chest and then hopped up herself to sit between it and him. She pulled at the extra blanket over his legs and wiggled herself in under it, sitting right next to him. Close, like under the tarp on the cart earlier, only now without the rain and wind lashing at them.

“There we go,” she said and pulled at the basket, tilting it towards her. “Let's see what grandma packed.”

Enar nodded, and his belly rumbled – loud enough to hear.

“See, told you staying for some pie was a good idea.” Giggling, she turned to him and patted him on the belly.

“Mmm...” Blushing, Enar pulled at his blanket, wrapping it closer around himself. “I am quite hungry – now that I think about it.”

She pulled a big package out of the basket, put it on her lap and started unwrapping it. Inside were two tins – one bigger, one smaller – and a small jar with something cream-colored in it.

“This has got to be the pie.” She put the big tin on Enar's lap. “This is cookies.” The smaller tin went back into the basket. “Now this...” Amanda grabbed the jar, looked at it and unscrewed the lid. Holding it to her nose she sniffed. A moment later a big satisfied smile spread across her face. She closed her eyes and sighed – moaned, almost. “Custard.”

Enar looked at her and a mild, happy, warmth spread throughout his body. Her hair – mostly dry now – stood on all ends, in a frizzled, tangled, mess. Smudges of dirt, from the rain and from rubbing down the horse, covered her face – and that nose would look like a potato even on the best of days.

It didn't matter.

It didn't matter at all – not when her smile warmed his insides like a hot cup of tea.

“You know..." He tore his eyes away from her and looked out through the door of the barn. The wind had picked up again and the pool behind the cart now covered the entire opening. “I think I can live with this.” He turned back to Amanda and smiled, bumping her shoulder with his; just a little – he didn't want her to drop the custard.

Amanda blushed, cast down here eyes, and wiggled a little as she screwed on the lid of the jar again. “Good.”

He grinned at her. “Yeah.” This would be such a great time to put his arm around his shoulders. If only he hadn't been all wrapped up in a big blanket. It would be awkward to wriggle out of it – unsmooth. Maybe later. Hopefully.

The smile disappeared from Amanda's face and she sat up a little straighter. She cleared her throat and leaned over toward the basket. “We have some cider too. Do you want some? It's fine if you don't.”

Enar swallowed. This might be a really bad idea. “No, it's okay. I'll have a cup.” He looked away. The rain still fell. “Just one though. What kind is it?”

Amanda pulled the urn out of the basket, looked at the cork and frowned. “I'm going to have to have a serious word with grandma when I get home.”

“Ehm, what did she do?”

Amanda pointed at a symbol on the plug keeping the urn shut; a circle and stick figure dog stamped in red ink on the wood. “She gave us an entire urn of Howling Moon. It's enough to drink a bear under the table.”

“Oh...” Enar squirmed. Really not a good idea. “Definitely just one cup then.”

Laughing, she fished up two wooden cups out of the basket and handed them over for him to hold. “Yeah, for sure. This stuff's only for special occasions.” She uncorked the urn and poured a little cider in each cup, really only filling them half way up. ”The old lady's definitely got notions.” With a wry grin she took one of the cups and raised it at him in toast.

He hesitated a moment; his eyes flicking back and forth between Amanda and the cup in his hand. Stomach churning he lifted the cup, tapped it against hers, and sipped – only a little.

Apples, of course, but little else. He'd expected more: something dangerous, from the night. He looked down into the cup and frowned. “It doesn't taste very strong.”

Amanda took the cup from her lips. “No, it's really treacherous like that. You don't notice until you try standing up.”

“Good.” He pulled on his best serious face and looked her straight in the eye. “I'll just sit here then.”

They stared at each other. His eyes twitched. She frowned. He clenched his jaws. She glared at him. Then, when he thought he wouldn't be able to hold it in anymore, when he thought he'd explode the very next moment, she burst out laughing, and an instant later, he did too.

The laughter wracked his body. His shoulders shook, his belly hurt, he got cider all over himself, and still he kept laughing. Release. Wonderful release. All tension and worry washed away and nothing but the moment mattered anymore. Here and now; warm and comfortable, wrapped up in blankets, in the light of the lantern, with Amanda.

He closed his eyes and let his head fall back against the wall. Breathe in. Breathe out. Relax.

Beside him, Amanda too composed herself.

She cleared her throat and clapped her hands together. “Right. Pie. Let's eat.”

“Yes, sorry. I'll be quiet now.”

“Good.” She wagged her finger at him. “You're not allowed to joke again. Ever.”

Grinning, she grabbed the large tin from Enar's lap, put it on her own and cracked open the lid, revealing two large slices of blueberry pie, and two spoons – greasy with pastry crumbs and blueberry juice. Enar's mouth watered.

Amanda hummed and snapped her fingers. “Napkins!” She peered into the basket and grimaced. “No napkins... oh well.”

With a shrug of her shoulders she picked up the spoons, licked them clean and rubbed them dry on the piece of cloth the tins had been wrapped in. Grinning she handed Enar one spoon and kept the other for herself. “Let's not complicate things.”

She put her own spoon between her teeth, twisted the lid off of the jar, and emptied it into the tin. Thick, creamy, custard – almost yellow in the light of the lantern – flowed out over everything in thick, sluggish, waves.

“Tada!” She lifted up the tin and held it between them on the palm of her hand. “I know it's not exactly Cafe Peach, but you'll just have to deal with that.” Grinning she stabbed her spoon into one of the pie slices and dug in.

Enar licked his lips. “Pfft, this is much better.” With one hand he helped hold the tin steady, and with the other he scooped up a big piece of pie. “And it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.”

Pastry, blueberries and custard filled his mouth in a sweet, soggy, crumbly, delicious mess. He closed his eyes and let out a long, slow breath.

“Just you wait,” said Amanda around a mouthful of pie. “I'll send you a bill.” She swallowed and her spoon dug for more. “Service and delivery charges, plus tax – water damages, severe weather fees.”

Enar grinned and cleared his mouth. More pie. “You forgot over-time. This is outside of normal operating hours, I'm sure. And parking fees, for Sofie you know.”

“Yes!” Crumbs sprayed everywhere. “I'll have to call my secretary and have him draw up an invoice.” She covered her mouth and giggled.

“That's extra work and administrative expenses.” Enar dropped a little bit of blueberry filling on the blanket, swiped it up with a finger and put it back onto the spoon.

“Exactly.” Amanda wagged her spoon at him. “I'll skin you to the bones. Just you watch, boy.”

With his mouth full of too much pie, Enar couldn't quite a proper word out. He mubled something, chewed faster for a moment, and then decided he'd rather enjoy the food than crack another silly joke. He was running out of puns anyway.

“Mmmm... this pie's really good,” he said eventually.

“Isn't it though.” Amanda nodded. “Grandma may be crazy, but she knows her food.”

Enar placed a hand on his belly and let out a long, slow, breath. Perhaps he'd had just a little too much, a little too fast. Something to wash it down with would be god.

Reaching for his cup he realized it had fallen over, spilling what little was left after he'd splashed most of it out while laughing earlier

“So... what's with the cider?” He held the it out for a refill – just a little one. “Why do they make it so strong?”

Amanda raised an eyebrow at him, but set down the tin and reached for the urn. “It's for the really big feasts, where everyone takes part and just lets go, like Last-harvest or Midsummer, oh and Empty Burrow.” She removed the plug, and poured him another half a cup of cider.

“Empty Burrow?” He took a small sip. It still didn't taste very strong.

“Yeah, it's when the last kid moves out, and only the parents remain.” She drained what little was left in her own cup and then filled that up too – also only halfway. “They throw a really big party then – to infuse the burrow with good cheer, even though there aren't any children living there anymore.”

“Oh...” Enar stared down into the cup. “That's a bit sad isn't it?”

“Well, yes and no.” Amanda cleared her throat. “It's usually a great party, and there's always a couple of new kids popping out about half a year after – if you know what I mean.”

Enar grinned. “Ah, I see.”

Amanda set down her cup beside her on the chest and started in on the pie again. “So, yes, it's for the big celebrations, where they'll want a bit of extra bite in the drink, so people don't hold back.”

“And that's what your grandma thought we should drink?” He raised the cup to his nose and sniffed. It barely even smelled of alcohol – barely.

“Yep...” She swallowed, clearning her mouth. “She's definitely got notions the old lady.”

“Knows her baking though.” He had another bite. “This is really good.”

“I can see that.” Pausing with her spoon halfway to her mouth she smiled at him. “Your lips are blue.”

“Yours too.” He winked at her and stuffed another spoonful of pie into his mouth.

Giggling, Amanda licked here lips. “Want some more?” She nodded towards the urn. “We can handle another half a cup, right?”

Enar squirmed. Technically, he probably shouldn't, but he'd really only had half a cup so far. It couldn't be that bad, and he felt fine. “Oh, go on then.” It'd be fine. A small, hard, lump formed in his belly. “Just half a cup.” He needed to loosen up anyway.

“Sure, no worries.” She poured each of them a little bit of cider. “I don't want to get wasted. I have to drive home in the morning.”

He looked at his cup – not even half full. “Me either. It'll take me all day getting home.”

Amanda sighed and sipped her cider. She stared off into the distance, sighed again and put here cup down on the chest beside her. She turned to Enar and nodded. “I know what you mean. It's a long trip.” Pouting she let out and long breath and her shoulders sagged. A sparkle appeared in her eye and an instant later her face burst into a glowing smile. “Pie!”

“Hey! That's my slice. Eat your own.”

“It's all gone.” She giggled and hacked at his spoon with her own. “You have so much left.”

“Mine!” Enar grabbed Amanda's hand and tried to force her spoon into his mouth. “You shouldn't have eaten so fast.”

“It's you who eat slow.” Amanda tore her hand free, shoved her spoonful of pie into her mouth and lunged for the tin where the last few bits still remained.

Spoon clashed against spoon. Crushed blueberries and pastry crumbs flew through the air. Laughing and giggling they battled it out, until only one spoonful of custard-coverd pie remained.

“Whoops, don't drop it.” Enar cupped a hand under Amanda's spoon, ready to catch any juicy goodness should it fall.

“Oops!” Amanda giggled, and with a big, happy, grin she ate the last piece of the pie. “Hey! You got some on your nose.”

Enar, crossed his eyes and stared at his nose, realizing he'd somehow smeared custard all over it – without even noticing. “Oh, yes, right.” His cheeks flared up and he raised a hand to his face.

“Wait!” Amanda's hand lashed out and grabbed his wrist.

Brow furrowed she reached out her free hand towards him and with an extended finger she swiped the custard off his nose.

Enar stared at her, sitting absolutely still, not saying a word.

“Open up.”

Enar gaped wide.

Smiling like a little sun, and with her face bright red, Amanda put her finger in his mouth. With his eyes locked to hers, Enar closed his lips and sucked her finger clean.

For an instant, everything was perfect.

Amanda pulled her hand back and tore her eyes away. She grabbed her cup and drained the rest of her cider.

Enar's eyes lingered on her for a moment, but then he too turned away. His shoulders slumped and he looked out into the darkness outside the barn, where the rain still fell.

He should probably leave soon.

“It's not letting up is it?” he said, without looking at her.

“It's getting a bit chilly, isn't it?”

“Mmm...” Enar nodded and pulled his blanket closer around his shoulders.

“How about... we could make mulled cider?”

Hot mulled cider – like his mom used to make in the autumn back home. He could still smell it; cloves and cinnamon and apples. Coming in from the rain and cold, to a pot simmering on the stove, in a kitchen at the heart of the house. Sometimes she'd baked too.

“Yes...” he whispered, lost in his memories. “That would be great.” He let out a long, happy, breath, and then his smile turned into a frown. “Here? How would you do that?”

Amanda giggled. “No, silly, in the house. Their's a little stove in there we can fire up. And they've got tons of cider too.”

Enar's head snapped around and he stared at her. “The house? You mean the cider-house?” Bad idea. Very bad idea.

“Yes, of course.” She beamed at him. “Come on, it'll be great. It's much nicer in there than here.” She wriggled out from under the blanket and hoped down on the ground.

He stared at her. “But, but ... that's the cider-house. I can't go in there.” Surely, she must know that.

“Oh, don't be a wuss, it's just a house.” She grinned at him and pulled at his blanket. “Nothing's gonna happen.”

“No! No way.” Enar made a cutting motion with his hands, defying any protests. “Men aren't allowed to enter the cider-house. Rolf even warned me about it last night.”

“Aww, a bit superstitious are we now?” Amanda laughed and stuck out her tongue at him. “No one's gonna find out. It'll be fine.”

Enar pulled his blanket closer around himself and shook his head. “That's not the point. It's... you know... It's not right.” It wasn't right, and that's that.

Amanda sighed. “Don't be silly.” She tilted her head and batted her eyelids at him. “Despite, it's every man's dream to have a woman invite him to the cider-house, isn't it? I'm not even wearing a dress you know.”

Blushing, Enar swallowed. “That... I don't... that's not true... and I'm sure that's just exaggerations from...” He cleared his throat. “From bad stories anyway.”

“Of course it is.” Amanda laughed. “You've got nothing to worry about.” She picked up the smaller tin from within the basket. “Come now. We'll bring the cookies.”

Enar sighed and hung his head. This would never end well. He shrugged, straightened up and forced himself to smile. “Okay then, if the cookies are going, then so do I.”

Amanda grabbed his foot and gave it a light squeeze through the blanket. “Good man,” sha said. “Good man,” perfectly imitating the local accent.

When she turned away and headed for the lantern, Enar downed the last of his cider.

---

Continued in Day 5 - Scene 14.

Back to Enar's Vacation.