Sailing With Thunder

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Sailing With Thunder “If this speech goes on much longer I'll fall asleep where I stand,” Edmund whispered in Amanda's ear. “Why don't we head back to my cabin for a bit, I'm sure it would be a lot more fun.”

Amanda sighed and looked around, but as far as she could tell no one around had heard him. They were all humans, at least a head or two taller and with no interest in a little anfylk couple whispering to each other. She couldn't even see the person holding the speech from where she stood.

“No,” she whispered back. “I'm part of the event organization. I can't leave before the party is over.”

“Oh, come on. No one's going to notice. They'll never know you're gone.” His arm around her waist slipped down and he squeezed her butt through the dress.

“I said no - and keep your hands off me.” She brushed his arm away but remained standing where she was. People stood close together all around them and she couldn't step away without bumping into someone.

“Come on. Don't be like that, you know you want to. You wouldn't dress like that if you didn't want it.” Edmund once more put his hand on her butt, leaned close and winked at her.

“Enough.” She swept his hand away again. “People will notice. Hands off.” Amanda had bought the dress just for this occasion; an expensive, tight, little green thing that covered both knees and shoulders. To her, it seemed perfectly respectable, but apparently it gave Edmund the wrong kind of ideas. Perhaps she really did need to get out more.

Around her people started applauding. The speech had ended and the crowd began to split up, congregating instead around the bars spread out along the sides of the ballroom.

“There we go, all done. Come on, let's get out of here.” Edmund grabbed her arm and started walking towards the grand stairs that lead from the main floor up to the balcony overlooking the ballroom. From up there corridors lead to the sections of the air-ship that held the restaurants and the passengers' cabins.

“Stop. Let me go. We can't leave yet.” Panic. She couldn't afford to make a scene at her own party, but if she followed Edmund to his cabin it would be the end of her.

“What is it now?” Edmund stopped but didn't let her go. “Don't worry, no one will notice you're gone. They're all too busy with each other. I'll order up a bottle of bubbly and we can have some time to ourself, just you and me. It'll be fun.”

Amanda shivered. She knew asking her mom to find her a date for the charity ball had been a bad idea, but she hadn't known just how bad. Never again. Her mother probably thought Edmund was a nice guy and a great catch; famous landscaping architect as he was. Little did she know. Amanda promised herself if she got out of this she'd get her own dates in the future – or none at all.

“What are you waiting for? Come on.” Edmund tugged at her arm again.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, wait.” She pulled her arm free. “We have to dance first. I need to take part in the dance. Please.” She forced herself to smile at him. She even tilted her head a little to look at him from beneath her fringe. “It'll look bad if I don't.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Dance? But there's no...”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">As if on cue, a small orchestra somewhere she couldn't see began a slow waltz. Amanda tried to suppress a sigh of relief and with a smile she held up her hand for Edmund to take.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Very well then.” With a bow he took her offered hand in his and put his other arm around her waist. “As my lady desires, so it shall be.” He smiled, stepped close and led her into the opening steps.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A temporary respite. She didn't think she could keep him dancing for long, but at least she'd put off disaster for a little while. Now if she could only get away from him for a bit she could slip off to her own cabin and stay there with the door locked until it was all over. The ship would be docking at the Royal Towers tomorrow morning. Less than a day and she'd probably sleep most of it. If anyone asked she could claim a headache or an upset tummy. She'd be fine. As long as she could get rid of Edmund she'd be fine.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Edmund however, seemed to have no inclination of letting her go. His hand gripped hers, just a little too hard and the other one moved down towards her butt once more.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Grimacing, Amanda stopped moving. “I'm sorry, I need to visit the ladies' room. I'll be back shortly. Perhaps you could get us a drink while I'm gone?” She forced a pleasant smile on to her face; the kind she used for her clients when closing in on a deal.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Oh, yes, sure thing babe,” Edmund said with a big grin. “You go powder your pretty little nose and I'll grab us something warming from the bar. Meet me at the bottom of the stairs once you're done.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda cursed inwardly as she crossed the floor, heading for the ladies'. If he waited by the stairs there was no way she'd be able to get up to the cabin deck without him noticing. Hopefully there would be a long queue at the bar so she could sneak out before he got there.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A few minutes later Amanda returned to the ballroom only to be met by a swirling wall of dancing humans. Countless couples blocked the view of the room, the stairs, and pretty much everything else.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Next to her a small group of anfylk men and women stuck close to the wall, reluctant to step into the throng. Once out there the only way to know where you were going would be to keep an eye on the chandeliers in the ceiling – not to mention the risk of getting stepped on or tripped over.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Edmund would be out there, looking for her, probably with the strongest drink he could get his grubby little hands on. Perhaps if she didn't show up he'd get bored and drink it himself. Amanda smiled at the thought; maybe with a bit of luck he'd get drunk and pass out in a corner somewhere. It could happen.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Better not rely on luck though. She'd made it a habit not to and couldn't see any reason why she should start now.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The lower promenade deck would be a good place to hide out. A set of stairs leading down there should be nearby. They'd been given a tour of the air-ship, Amanda and the other members of the board, before signing the lease for it. She still had a good recollection of its layout.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The promenade ran in a horse-shoe shape along the outer edge of the ballroom, with stairs leading down to it at regular intervals. The first entrance should be on the port side of the ladies' room, not far from where she stood. Sticking close to the wall, taking care not to get in the way of any of the tall folk, she soon found the stairs, just where she remembered.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Glancing around to make sure no one paid her any attention Amanda stepped out of her heels, grabbed one in each hand and skipped down the steps. Totally undignified, but right now she really didn't care. Human-step stairs and anfylk legs didn't match at the best of times and in high heels, well, no deal, not now.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">At the bottom of her stairs, she stepped into her shoes and adjusted her dress. It had hiked up well over the knees during her descent. Looking around Amanda took in the scene. She hadn't actually been down to the promenade before. During the earlier tour she hadn't bothered climbing down the stairs but remained in the ballroom when the others went down. Being the only anfylk member on the board had its challenges; maintaining a respectable appearance despite the difference in height being one of them.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The view from the promenade was breathtaking. On the outward side, great panorama windows looked out over a vast sea of clouds, many thousands of feet below. Here and there stood telescopes on stands, freely available to anyone who wanted to have a closer look at the world beneath them.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">On the inward side, separated by dark wood panels, nestled alcoves filled with sofas and armchairs. Here people relaxed and chatted, enjoying a drink or cigar, or simply taking in the view. Amanda saw only humans; few anfylk would bother with those stairs on a formal occasion like this. Easier to maintain a dignified appearance that way.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She counted on her date seeing things that way. Edmund wouldn't come looking for her here. No way he'd climb the stairs himself and he probably wouldn't even imagine anyone else doing it. For a famously creative person like that, he was surprisingly narrow-minded.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her mother would hear about this. If this was her impression of a good date for Amanda then the old lady really didn't know her daughter at all. Sure, Edmund was successful and well-known in the anfylk community. On paper he was a great catch. In reality however, he'd turned out to be a first class jerk. Amanda could understand how someone would think she needed a man in her life – on a lonely day she might even agree – but she knew for sure Edmund wasn't the one.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Enough standing around moping. She'd probably be here for a while so she might as well get comfortable. Time to find a seat somewhere. Amanda started walking; keeping an eye out for empty spaces.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">As she walked she noticed another woman, a human, walking alone a bit up ahead. There was something familiar about her and Amanda quickened her steps to catch up. Could it be? The woman was of average height – for a human – dressed in dark blue; a long wide skirt and a short, tight jacket over a simple, white top. She wore her brown hair in a long braid down her back, in a way Amanda distinctly remembered. It really could be.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Neta? Is that you?” Amanda, a little winded, finally caught up with her.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The woman turned around and sure it was Neta, her friend since decades. “Manda! What are you doing here? I haven't seen you for ages. How have you been?” She bent down to give Amanda a hug, around the neck, like equals. “I'm so glad to see you.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Easy there big girl, it's just me. No need to get all excited. How are you doing?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Oh, where to start.” Neta sighed and cast a glance around. “We should find a place to sit.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes, I was just thinking the same. These little legs are tired from walking.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Shush you. You'd run me down any day and you know that Manda. Over there.” Neta pointed at an alcove a little further down the promenade. “That one looks empty.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda nodded and followed. She had no idea. No way she could see over the panel dividers from her height. Neta had been right though, the alcove was empty and the two women claimed a large leather-clad armchair each.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda's legs didn't quite reach the ground from where she sat, but she kicked off her heals and tucked her feet in under her. Convention be damned. Her friend wouldn't judge her for being too short for a human-size chair.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“So, Neta my girl, what's new? What are you doing at my party?” Amanda asked.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What do you mean 'your party'? It's the Royal Charity Ball isn't it? It'd be the king's party if anyone's?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Details. It's my ship.” Amanda drew herself up in a dramatic pose. “My company funded the lease and I negotiated the deal. Ergo, it's my party.” She kept her serious face on for a moment but couldn't keep a goofy smile away for long. “Now tell me what you're doing here, I didn't see you on the guest list and I didn't hire you on to do security.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You wouldn't, and you didn't.” Neta reached for her handbag that had fallen beside the chair when she sat down. ”I'm here as a plus one.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Really? Someone finally managed to catch the mighty shaman. Who is he? How did you meet him? Tell me all about it.” The questions came bubbling and then something struck her. “Err... Neta... where is he? What are you doing here all on your own when you have a date?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Neta sighed and fiddled with the bag. “I need a cigarette. Do you mind?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Oh shit, that bad?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Manners babe. We're not alone you know.” Neta fished up a battered pack from the depths of her bag and pried a cigarette out of it. “...and yes, it's that bad. He's a great guy and all but...” She looked up from rifling through her bag and shot Amanda a glance. “I can't find my matches. Would you mind?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Of course not. Here give me.” She grabbed the cigarette from Neta's outstretched hand. “We're pretty high up though. You might have to ask someone else if this doesn't work.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda took the little white stick between her lips and put a finger to the burn end. She concentrated. Her thoughts reached out for the aether and, deep beneath the surface – much further away than usual – she found it. Carefully she started pulling a thin strand up into her mind where she twisted it into a shape of heat. Satisfied the weave was tight enough she released it at a point just outside her fingertip.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Smoke appeared and Amanda drew in a breath, making sure the glow took hold at the end of the cigarette. Coughing, she handed it back over to Neta who put it to her lips with a tired smile.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Thank you babe. I needed that.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda didn't reply, just nodded and tried catching her breath. Her magic wasn't strong to begin with and at this height channeling the aether was even tougher than down on the ground.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes, it's that bad.” Neta blew out a cloud of smoke and stared off out through the window on the other side of the promenade. “I'm here with Roy, the wrestler you know. He's a representative of the theriantropic community and he's a bit of a celebrity among them.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I know the name.” Amanda had seen it on the guest list but beyond that she had no idea. She didn't have time to keep up with celebrity gossip and it had been someone else's job to sort out the invites anyway. “Wrestler you say. Did he get into a fight or something?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, nothing like that, not yet at least, and I hope to all that's holy he doesn't or he'll end up having to go in exile again. Turns out he's got a thing for Toivo, prince Adrian's date. Some kind of childhood crush he's never gotten over.” Neta sighed and drew on the cigarette. “Men...”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Wow. I can see how that would ruin your day girl.” She paused and thought for a moment. “I didn't know prince Adrian was gay?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Neta laughed. “You really don't keep up at all do you babe? Toivo's a woman. It's a long story but for some stupid reason she's got a guy's name. It's neither here nor there. She's a paladin so of course the bloody prince had to have her for his date. Only apparently she and Roy were childhood sweethearts and he's still not over her – fifteen, twenty years later or whatever it is.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“That's a long time to carry a flame. Your man's got issues Neta. Issues.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Tell me about it. He's nice enough normally, but, yeah... issues.” Neta sighed again. “I sure know how to pick 'em.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda laughed. “Don't bang yourself up over it girl, at least you get to pick 'em.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What do you mean?” Neta asked and then realization dawned on her. “Manda. Don't tell me your boss got you an escort again. We've been over this. You know what happened last time.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Well, no, not exactly.” Amanda blushed as she remembered the disaster of that particular incident.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What do you mean 'not exactly'? What have you gotten yourself into this time? Who are you here with?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was Amanda's turn to sigh and stare out the window without saying anything.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Come on babe, tell me. I promise not to laugh.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She doubted Neta would be able to keep that promise, but decided to tell her anyway. “Right, I'm here with this guy Edmund. He's a complete jerk. I've spent all afternoon coming up with excuses not to go back to his cabin and have sex.” She shuddered at the thought of it. “I finally managed to get away from him when the dancing started.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“That sounds awful. Couldn't you just slap him in the face and tell him to let off?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“It was awful.” Amanda sniffed and rubbed her nose. She couldn't start crying here, not with all the people around. Not even with Neta. “I can't do that here. This isn't the forest. I've got responsibilities and a reputation to consider. I can't make a scene.” She paused and sniffed again. “I just can't.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Aw babe, I'm so sorry. I know what you're like with those things.” Neta reached over and gently patted Amanda's arm. “Don't worry. You're with me now. I'll look after you. Okay?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes. I'm fine. I'll be okay. Don't worry.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“That's more like it. That's my Manda. How did you end up with a douche like that anyway? Didn't you meet him before?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda felt blood rush to her face. This was it. She'd get the ridicule she deserved. She cleared her throat and steeled herself. “I didn't. My mother picked him out for me. I didn't have time to find a date of my own.” She glared at Neta, daring her to laugh.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You...” she paused. “You got your mother to set you up with a date?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Neta stared at her in disbelief and then she started laughing uncontrollably. Amanda knew she deserved it, but did she have to be so loud about it? People were looking.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“That's priceless.” Neta finally said, gasping for air. “You got your mom to find you a date and she set you up with a complete jerk.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes. That's what happened,” Amanda said. “I don't see what's so funny about it.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I'm sorry,” said Neta, still laughing, “but that's hilarious.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda huffed.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Maybe now you'll finally get your busy little ass in gear and go out and find yourself a man of your own.” Neta smiled, still giggling.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes. Or I'll decide once and for all I've had enough of men and their grubby hands and simple minds and lay off dating completely. I can be single for the rest of my life if I want, there's nothing wrong with that.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Aw, come on babe, you know you wouldn't want to do that. I'm sure you'll find someone.” She reached over to squeeze Amanda's arm again. “You need someone to help take your mind off work now and then. It'll do you good. I know some nice fylkin guys.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No.” Amanda said with perhaps a little too much force. “I'll find my own man or none at all. I've had enough of helping hands.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I'm sorry Manda,” Neta said. “I just want to help. You do work too much.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda sat silent for a while, her thoughts in turmoil. “It's okay. It's just.” She hesitated. “Look, can we talk about something else? Please? I'll find someone. I just don't want to have to deal with it anymore today. Okay?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Neta looked at her. “Okay, deal. On one condition.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Oh?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You and me Manda. Let's get hammered, like back in the old days. It's been way too long.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, out of the question. I'm part of the event organization. I have to be on the ball in case something happens.” She really couldn't go losing her head with Neta, no matter how much she wanted to.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Don't worry so much. You've got security staff on call if anything happens, don't you? They'll handle whatever emergencies pop up.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes, but, you know. If something happens I'll need to be there to make sure it gets handled correctly.” She'd negotiated the deal and she'd signed the lease. It was her ship and her party. She had to make sure everything went off without a hitch.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What would that be then? If something happens your job is to stay out of the way and let the crew you hired do the job you hired them for, right?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I can help too.” Just because she was a short woman in a stupid dress didn't mean she couldn't pull her weight in a pinch.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes babe, I know you can. I've seen you in action. You're great, but...” Neta paused and held up a finger to make sure she had her attention. “You've got hired professionals here to do what they do best. They will do it, and they'll do it better than you, whether you're there to look responsible or not.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes, but...”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No buts Manda. You've got to relax. I'll grab us a bottle of wine and we'll go to my cabin and get ourselves completely trashed. Just like in the old days. Okay? Let's do this.” She stood up, grabbed Amanda by the hand and pulled her out of the chair.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Hey! I'm coming. Just let me get my shoes on.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Once they'd navigated the steps up from the promenade deck – Amand refused to let Neta carry her – getting around the ballroom was a lot easier in the company of a human. Not only did Neta stand well over a head taller then Amanda, even in heels, she also had the looks and the bearing to make people pay notice and step out of the way.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">All Amanda had to do was hold on to Neta's hand, keep moving and not fall over. Everything else was a rush of passing bodies; legs, skirts, dresses and the occasional fylk looking after her in surprise as she swept by.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Somewhere along the way Neta thrust two bottles of wine at her. Not able to hold both of them in one hand she grabbed one around the neck and pinned the other to her side with the arm.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">As they ascended the grand staircase, its deep steps low enough even Anfylk women could navigate them with dignity, she spotted Edmund. He stood with his back to her, but she still recognized him, deep in conversation with fylk woman in a tight black dress. Amanda noticed with a pang of jealousy how the girl was both prettier and younger than herself, and how her dress was more daring.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A moment later she reprimanded herself. The guy's a jerk and she should be happy to be rid of him. If anything she should feel sorry for the poor girl he was trying to get it on with. Then, just like that, they were at the top of the stairs, entering a wide corridor and leaving ballroom, dancers and failed dates behind.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Are you sure this a good idea Neta?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Of course it's not a good idea.” Neta pulled the door to the cabin shut behind her. “That's the entire point. This whole entire trip was a bad idea and now I'm gonna make sure it stays that way. Where's the opener?” She dropped two bottles of wine down on one of the beds and started looking through cupboards and drawers.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda remained standing by the door, looking at her friend. “I'm sorry. I'm not quite sure I follow. Maybe we should go back to the party?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Not gonna happen. You're staying here until I say you're drunk enough not to walk home alone.” She located a wine opener in the drawer in the little nightstand between the beds. “There we are. Find some glasses. I think I saw some plastic cups in the bathroom.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“We're drinking wine from plastic bathroom cups now? Are you really sure we should do this?” Amanda put her own two bottles of wine down on the floor and pried open the bathroom door. Sure enough, two little plastic cups sat wrapped in transparent foil on a shelf next to the mirror.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Definitely. There's no way this trip is going to end in anything but misery for either of us, but at least this way we're in control. Give me the cups.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I don't know about this Neta. What if something happens. Don't you think we ought to go back to the party?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Neta sighed and flopped down on one of the beds. “No Amanda, I think that's an even worse idea. But, if you really don't want to hang out and chat with an old friend over a bit of wine I won't stop you.” With a loud pop she pulled the cork out of the first bottle. “Maybe you could go back to Edmund and have him pinch your ass while you don't slap him silly for it. Does that sound like a better deal to you?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No...” Amanda cast down her eyes and looked at the bottles of wine she'd placed on the floor.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Look, Manda. I'm sorry. Here.” Neta poured wine into a cup and held it out for Amanda to take. “I didn't mean it like that. Come sit down.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, that's okay. You're right.” She kicked off her shoes and took the cup from Neta's outstretched hand. “I worry too much. It's always like that. I hate it.” She sighed and sipped the wine.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Why is that then? I always wondered. I've seen you at work. You're a demon at negotiating a deal, but whenever you're at a formal occasion like this you're a complete chicken.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I don't know.” Amanda drained the rest of the cup and held it out for a refill. “I'm in. Hit me up.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“That's more like it. Here you go.” She filled up the cup and then raised her own. “Cheers.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Cheers.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">They both sipped their wine. Amanda climbed up on the other bed, put a pillow behind her back and sat against the wall. For a bit they just sat there, no one saying a word, listening to the hum of the air conditioning system.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Slowly, little by little, Amanda relaxed. She was okay now. Neta was right. Nothing would happen and even if it did she wouldn't be able to do anything about it anyway. She leaned her head back against the wall, closed her eyes and let out a long slow breath.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Neta, do we have some music in here?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, just the ship radio, probably just playing rubbish.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I know they do. Put it on anyway.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Neta fiddled with the radio on the wall and eventually settled on a station playing classic rock. “There, that will do.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Hah! I remember that song. They played it at The Bridge all the time back in the day when we used to hang there.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes, yes you're right. Remember that time...”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“So, Neta, this guy Roy, how did you end up with him?” Amanda looked at her friend through the bottom of her cup – empty again. “I'm assuming your mom didn't pick him out for you.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Neta laughed, then sighed. “No, not quite. It's a long story.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Well, go on then, tell me. It's not like we're going anywhere.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes. I guess you're right. Let me think.” Neta sipped her wine and sat silent for a moment. “So, I actually met Roy through Toivo, the paladin you know. We kept running into each other during an investigation I was working on this summer. She usually had Roy in tow so I sort of got to know both of them. Toivo's really cool actually.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You can tell me about her later. What about Roy? Wasn't he pining for Toivo back then too?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No. I mean, yes, he probably was, but I asked Toivo about it and she said there wasn't anything between them.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Goodness sake Neta.” Amanda sighed. “Just because she says there isn't anything doesn't mean he's not burning for her. Even I know that. You're like a world famous shaman, you should have been able to see the signs.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I'm not world famous. No teasing.” Neta wagged a warning finger at Amanda, taking another sip. “And it doesn't work on people anyway.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda giggled. “You should try common sense instead. I hear that works.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Lies. He's a guy, they don't do common sense.” Neta stroked her chin, mimicking pulling at a beard and thinking. “Oh, I forgot; you don't know any men.” She burst out into laughter.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Hey!” Amanda shouted. She grabbed a pillow and threw it at Neta who spilled wine all over herself trying to catch it.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Manda!” Neta squealed ”Look what you did.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amand stuck out her tongue at Neta. “You had it coming, and it's not like you're going to leave here anyway.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Neta laughed again and then filled her cup up with more wine. “Right you are, cheers to that.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Cheers.” Amanda smiled and, putting her cup to her lips, remembered it was empty. She'd get more in a moment. The bottle was all the way over on the little nightstand. Too far. “Okay, go on. You met this paladin and her tail and then what?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Tail,” said Neta, starting to giggle and almost spilling her wine again. “I did mention he's a terry, right?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You shouldn't call them that. It's not nice. But yes, you said he's a part of the theriantropic community.” Amanda put some extra emphasis on the word, making sure to take her time to pronounce it correctly.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes, yes. That.” Neta waved the reprimand away. “Either way, he's a werewolf, so yes, he was tailing after Toivo – like a little puppy.” She emptied her cup and started giggling again. “Woof woof.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda rolled her eyes but couldn't quite keep from smiling. She fiddled with her empty cup and waited for Neta to continue.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Eventually her friend regained her composure and continued talking. “So I met them and I got to know them. Toivo eventually helped out a bit with the investigation and we became friends. Then for some reason she had to go away somewhere and I got Roy all to myself.” Neta's face grew bright red. “I mean, I started hanging out with Roy a bit.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Mhm.” Amanda nodded, but didn't say anything else.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“So, it was just the two of us. Toivo didn't come back and one thing lead to another.” Neta sighed and sipped her wine again. “Nothing serious mind. We're not a couple or anything. Just, you know, having a good time together. That's all.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Mhm.” Amanda very pointedly still didn't say anything else.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Stop it. It's true. No teasing. It was just a bit of fun.” She drained her cup, grabbed another bottle and started looking around for the opener.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I think I get it now. You were having a good time and then suddenly Toivo shows up and then just like that he's forgotten all about you.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes. Exactly. He's such a bastard.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">With a click the lights went out and the radio fell silent.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Uh, oh,” said Neta.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What happened?” screamed Amanda.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“The lights went out.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes you idiot, I can see that. It's pitch black in here.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yep. Completely dark. Can't see a thing,” said Neta, giggling.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Stop laughing, it's not funny. Something happened and now we're all going to die and I can't do anything about it.” Amanda drew in a deep breath. “It's your fault!”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Calm down babe, we're not gonna die. We're still airborne you know. You'd feel it if we were falling down. Someone will come and rescue us soon I'm sure.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“We don't have time for that. I need to go and find out what happened. It's my responsibility – what if we got hijacked? What if we got lost and flew into Republic air-space?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What about it? It's not like you really could do anything about it anyway is it?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Shut up. I'll think of something. I just need to get out there first.” Amanda thought for a moment. “I need some light.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No! Amanda, no. Not here! You've been drinking. Don't do it! Please. Stop!”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda closed here eyes and tried to calm her thoughts. She dove for the ather, pulled up large chunk, forced it into a shape of light and released it. A huge ball of fire roared into existence, filled the room with light and searing heat and then flickered out and died.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Amanda, you nut case,” Neta yelled. “You know you're not supposed to do magic when you've been drinking.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Oops.” Amanda giggled.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What were you thinking? You could have gotten us all killed.” Neta yelled and started coughing, having breathed in lungfuls of the smoke that now filled the room.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Hang on girl. I'll get the door open and let in some air. Just a moment.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda clambered off the bed and hopped down on the floor. She felt her way to the cabin door, without bumping into anything or stubbing her toes. As she opened it, slightly cooler air streamed in, but no light. The corridor was as dark as the cabin.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">There was nothing for it. “Sit tight there Neta, I'm going to try again. Easy now.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her friend didn't reply, but a shuffling noise came from the direction of where Neta sat, followed by a loud bump – as of a body rolling off a bed and onto a floor.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda smiled, but didn't say anything. She put a hand on the doorframe to steady herself and once more she closed her eyes and concentrated.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This time she took it slow. She pulled a thin strand with infinite care and she wove it into the most basic, simple, shape for light she knew. Checking and double-checking that she got it right she slowly let it go just above the palm of her outstretched hand.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">No roar of fire came; no searing heat that burned off her face. Her palm grew a little warmer and as she opened her eyes she saw a tiny pearl of flame hovering a few inches above her hand.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She breathed a sigh of relief and looked at the little light for a few moments before tearing her eyes away. Much longer and she'd blind herself. “Hey, Neta. It's okay. I got it.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You sure? No more explosions? I think you burned off my eyebrows.” The muffled sounds of someone getting to their feet could be heard from within the cabin. “Can you bring it over here? I can't find my shoes.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Sure thing big girl. I'll be right there. It's just, you know, I have to take it slow with this.” She started turning around, carefully maintaining the shape of light in her mind and pulling the aether in little by little.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“That's fine. Take your time babe. You already blew up the cabin once. That's enough for today.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Sorry about that.” Amanda felt her face grew red, but it probably didn't show too well in the dim light of the pearlfire. “I got a little bit excited.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You don't say,” said Neta and laughed. She located her shoes and put them on. “There, let's see what the emergency safety instructions say about this.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“They say to go to the grand ballroom and await instructions there.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, seriously, I need to find them and see what they say.” Neta rifled through a pile of papers and brochures on the nightstand.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“They say to go to the ballroom. I read them when reviewing the ship before we started negotiating the lease.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Hah. I should have known you'd be on the ball with the details. That's the Manda I know. Let's move it then.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, you'll need to bring your coat or a warm blanket as well. If the power is out for long it's going to get freezing cold in here.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Oh... I didn't think of that.” Neta grabbed a blanket from the bed and folded it over her arm.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda started turning back towards the corridor, careful to keep the light steady. It's color flickered back and forth between yellow and pink as she turned, but once she stopped it went back to a clear bright yellow and stayed like that. She knew it'd be easier the longer she held it. Once the form settled in her mind all she needed do was feed more aether into it and that too usually got easier over time – practice makes perfect, or something.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She started walking – slowly. Every time she set down a foot the light flickered pink, but after she slowed her pace even more it stayed stable. The corridor went on forever. With no windows anywhere hers was the only light in the darkness. Amanda remembered they'd turned a few corners getting here and while she wasn't sure she could find her way back on her own she knew there were maps at every intersection. She knew these things. It was her job to know these things.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Neta walked in silence beside her, stopping now and then to take a swig from her bottle of wine she'd somehow remembered to bring from the room. Girl's got her priorities straight at least. Doesn't lose her head in a critical situation.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Somewhere in the darkness ahead a door opened and someone stepped out into the corridor. “Hey, what's happening. Why did the power go?” a man's voice asked.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Shush, keep it down, you'll distract the light.” Neta shouted. “We got a pearlfire, but it's a bit wobbly.” She giggled and ran off towards where the door had opened.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Wobbly. Amanda stopped and clenched her teeth. The flame flashed to pink, then green and started to drip. She closed her eyes and concentrated; ignoring the burns on her palm.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">In her mind the shape of light twisted and bent, fraying at the edges and on the brink of unraveling completely. With a surge of will she pinned it down and started adjusting it back to how she needed it to be; forcing the weave into a semblance of her original design and tucking in any loose ends where she could.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The end result wasn't perfect but it would have to do. The heat still warmed her hand and when Amanda opened here eyes the pearlfire still burned bright in the air above her palm.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">That was the main thing. The slightly pink tint probably came from the wine. She'd blame it on that if anyone asked. Neta's fault. Totally.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Hear friend spoke in hushed tones to someone up ahead. When she'd steadied her breathing and made sure the pearlfire kept its shape Amanda started forward again; slow step, by slow, careful step.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">As she neared where the door had opened the conversation ceased. Amanda kept walking, not stopping to look who might be standing there with Neta. They knew better than to disturb her and silently fell in behind her after she'd passed. Hopefully they'd brought blankets or jackets as well.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Like that they walked through the dark corridor. Amanda in the lead, carrying the light, with Neta and whoever else following in her wake. When they reached the first intersection she stopped to check the map on the wall; right here and then left almost right away. After that it was just straight on.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Normally, she wouldn't even have stopped to look at the map at all. Now, she stayed a little longer, catching her breath and smoothing her mind, before moving on again. Her breathing slowed down a little. The pearflame burned steadily, without changing shape or color.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She could do this. After the next turn they could probably see the lights of the ballroom. Amanda wasn't sure it would still be light outside, but they'd have candles and lanterns there in case of emergencies like this. Enough dawdling. Time to move on.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Off in the distance a bright spot indicated the end of the corridor. The light blinked and flickered as shadows passed in front of it; people walking back and forth on the balcony ahead. They were close now, but Amanda had carried the pearlflame this far – several minutes – and she would carry it until she'd gotten them to where they needed to be.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The ballroom was the assembly point for the entire ship. Everyone would be there. Once arrived they could assess the situation and decide on a course of action.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">As they got closer the noise from the ballroom grew louder. The voices of shouting men and women mixed with the crackling of electricity. Amanda noticed the light seemed to change on its own. It wasn't just people walking past the mouth of the corridor that shaded it; the light itself flickered on and off.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Just before the balcony overlooking the ballroom she stopped. She no longer needed her own light to see. Neta stopped beside her and the two others, whom she still hadn't really seen, hurried past and disappeared into the crowd.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">With a thought she cut off the stream to the aether and dissolved the shape in her mind. The pearflame flickered and went out and as her thoughts flushed away she lost track of where she was.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The world spun around her. The flickering light of the ballroom mixed with the afterimage of her own fire and the memory of the shape. Her stomach churned and her throat filled with bile. Arms flailing she keeled over, or would have.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Dropping the blanket, Neta grabbed hold of her and held her close. “Easy there babe. I've got you now. Don't worry. You'll be fine. Just relax for a moment.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda closed her eyes and let her friend hold her. Releasing a weave held this long always messed her up.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">After a few deep breaths she steadied. She opened her eyes and looked up at Neta. “Thanks. I'm good now. You can let me go.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Any time babe. You did well.” Neta let her go and turned to have a look around.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda took in the scene from where she stood. Shorter than everyone else she saw only the backs and legs of humans around her. A mass of people stood between her and the railing of the balcony. No way she could see what went on down on the floor. Looking up she could see bright flashes of light illuminating the ceiling, casting intricate shadows in the chandeliers up there. Curios about what went on she started making her way towards the grand staircase nearby. She wanted to see what was up, but not bad enough that she would start crawling between people's legs.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">As she reached the stairs Neta caught up with her and grabbed hold of her arm.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Amanda, stop.” Neta said, her eyes wide. “There's a thunder sprite down there. Toivo's holding it locked at the moment, but I need to get down there and help her. I want you to stay up here. This could get messy.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What? What's it doing here? They should have set up wards against that kind of thing.” They should have. She'd hired top notch security. This shouldn't be happening.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I don't know, but it's here now and I've got to deal with it.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No. Neta, it's dangerous. You could get hurt. There are others who can handle it.” She grabbed hold of her friend's arm and tried to pull her away from the stairs.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, there aren't. This is out of their league. Let me go.” Neta ripped her arm free. Her jaw set she nodded to Amanda and turned to leave.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The biggest man in the entire world stopped her – at least, that's what he seemed like to Amanda. Broad of shoulder, with a thick stubble and in an immaculately tailored suit he stood nearly a head taller than anyone else around.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Neta, you can't go down there,” he said. “It's dangerous. Toivo's handling it, she's trying to banish the thing.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Banish? Roy, that's a thunder sprite, it can't be banished,” Neta yelled at the man. “I have to get down there and help her.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, we should get out of here, you could get hurt.” Roy grabbed Neta's both arms, holding her still and looking her in the eyes. “I'm serious.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Neta! Run! I'll distract him.” Amanda yelled as she slipped around her friend and punched Roy as hard as she could, right where his legs met.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A terrible howl filled her ears and her feet left the ground. For a dizzying moment she saw the crowd from above instead of from below. Her shoulder erupted in pain and she gasped as she came to an abrupt stop and fell back towards the floor again.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Roy caught her in his arms as she came down. “What are you doing? Are you alright? Who are you?” Still holding Amanda tight he bombarded her with questions.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda said nothing. Mind reeling and her shoulder in pain she had enough of a time trying to figure out what had happened. How did she end up in the big man's arms like some baby to be carried?

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Roy, you idiot.” Neta yelled and slapped him in the face.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her open hand against his cheek cracked so loud Amanda couldn't help but wonder if her friend hadn't broken her fingers. That gotta have stung – and why hadn't she run when she had the chance?

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What?” The big man hadn't as much as flinched. “She hit me.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Because you wouldn't let me go. That's my friend Amanda. You'd better not have hurt her.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Oh.” Roy looked down at the little anfylk woman in his arms. “I'm sorry. Hi, I'm Roy,” he said, blushing underneath the stubble.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Let me down.” Amanda said.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Roy squatted and gently set her down on the floor. He kept a big hand on her shoulder, making sure she kept her balance. “There, are you okay?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes, I'm fine. You can let me go now.” Amanda grabbed his wrist and push his arm away.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Really sorry about that,” Roy said, still with his legs bent, keeping his head at a level with hers. “I used to be in wrestling. Reflexes took over.” He tried to smile. “At least I caught myself before I let you go, or you'd have had quite a flight. You're much lighter than I'm used to.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Are you making fun of my size?” Amanda glared at him. “That's really not appropriate you know.” She knew he wasn't, but she wanted to see him sweat. He'd been an ass to her friend.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, not at all,” he hurried to say, clearly flustered. “It's just... I'm...” He let out a long breath. “Look, I'm sorry. I usually fight guys my own size. I didn't mean to make fun of you.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda looked at him. She could definitely see how Neta would have fallen for him. Her friend had always favored the big, rugged type and they didn't come much bigger or ruggeder than this.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Looking around she couldn't see Neta anywhere. She'd made her escape.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Okay. Just don't let it happen again. You really don't want to get on my bad side.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, no, of course not.” He put his hands on his knees and made to stand up. “I'm a nice guy really. Usually. You'll see.” He rose and looked around. “Where did Neta go?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda craned her neck to look up at him. “She went down to help Toivo with that thing. Don't you pay attention at all?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What?” Roy looked around as if to try and see where Neta really was, but he too didn't seem to find her. “Seriously.” He sighed and looked down at Amanda. “I've gotta get down there and help her. You stay up here where it's safe.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Sure thing,” said Amanda and followed him down the stairs. No way she'd stay and hide up on the balcony where she couldn't see anything. Something had happened on her ship and she had to help set it right. Just because she was short didn't mean she was useless. She'd proven it before and she'd prove it again.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">One of the advantages of being little was that it was really easy to follow people, especially in a crowd. No one saw you. Roy plowed through the human throng like a bear through tall grass, barely noticing the people he pushed out of the way – gently, or not so gently.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Halfway down the stairs Amand caught the first glimpse of the thunder sprite. The crowds parted for a moment and down on the floor she saw a flaming inferno of electric fire; blindingly bright at its center and shooting out bolts of lightning and tongues of white flame. Then the people in front of her moved again and all she could see were the backs of humans and the flashes of light reflected in the ceiling high above their heads.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Roy moved on down the stairs and out on the floor and Amanda had no choice but to follow. She'd get to see the thunder sprite up close soon enough. Neta would have to get near enough to touch it to do anything and Roy would no doubt go straight to her. Like a dog tracking its prey. She smiled to herself and then banished the thought. Bad Amanda. Not appropriate – even if he was a bit of a dunce.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The crowd finally opened up in front of her. A big circle had been cleared in the middle of the ballroom around where Toivo held the thunder sprite down. Hundreds of faces stared at the inferno in mixed awe and fear – too scared to get any closer, to curious to leave. The paladin herself could barely be seen; a small human shape, occasionally glimpsed inside a fury of electric discharges and bright white fire. Amanda looked away and covered her ears. Too bright. Too loud.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Neta!” Roy roared, a booming voice over the crackling of flames and lightning. He started left, skirting along the edges of the crowd, reluctant to get near the thunder sprite. Big as he was, he would still get singed and burned if he got too close.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda looked too, but couldn't see her friend anywhere. Unwilling to leave Roy's side she followed him close by. Better stick with the big human she knew than risk some well meaning person trying to rescue her and pull her into the crowd. If something happened and they panicked she'd get crushed in the stampede.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Sticking close to Roy she tried to keep an eye out for Neta. The shaman was nowhere to be seen. Even after they'd circled halfway around the thunder sprite neither of them had spotted her.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Roy stopped to look around, stretching to see over the crowd, but not making any sign he'd spotted the woman he'd taken to the party. “Neta!” he yelled once more.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Neta!” Amanda echoed beside him, her voice barely audible over the noise.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Roy looked down, noticing her for the first time. She stared back up, daring him to say anything or try to send her away. Not gonna happen. He made as if to say something but stopped himself and tilted his head to the side as if to listen. Amanda could have sworn she saw his ear twitch, but it might just have been a trick of the light.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Then she heard it too – music. The orchestra had started to play. Why would it do that? She looked over to the little stage, noticing others in the crowd turning to look as well. There she saw what she'd been looking for. Neta jumped off the platform where the musicians sat and strode out towards where Toivo held the thunder sprite down.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Roy had spotted her too and started running along the edge of the crowd around the open space, towards the stage where Neta had appeared. Amanda sprinted after him, as fast as her short legs could carry her in high heels and dress.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Neta however, didn't stop. She pointed at Amanda and shouted something, but the words were drowned out by the noise. Amanda put a hand to her ear signaling she hadn't heard, but kept running, trying to catch up with Roy. Neta walked on towards Toivo, in the center of the fire and lightning. She mouthed a word, held her arms out wide, spun around and skipped a few steps, as if dancing. With a smile and a wave she disappeared into the white inferno.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She couldn't possibly mean, could she? Then again, she was the shaman. She'd know. She knew these things.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Crazy,” Amanda muttered to herself. “Absolutely crazy.” Then she laughed and hurried to catch up with Roy, a wide grin on her face. She had a job to do.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Dance!” she yelled. “Everyone. Come on, you have to dance.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">No one moved. The people nearest squirmed and looked away, pretending they hadn't heard her, hoping she wouldn't notice them.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Please, it wants to dance. We have to dance with it,” Amanda pleaded, but still no one listened.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A few faces further away looked at her where she stood at the edge of the little stage, but still no one moved. It was hopeless. Amanda sighed and turned to look at Neta. Her friend looked really small among the flashes of the thunder sprite. A small human figure, spinning around with the core of a flaming inferno in her arms. She danced. Why wouldn't anyone else?

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was the only way. She was sure she'd understood Neta's signals right. She had to get the people moving, but they stood like rooted. Mesmerized by the thunder sprite and its display of lightning and fire the crowd just stared.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She had to do something soon. Neta had some kind of protective charm, that kept her from being burned to cinders, but it wouldn't last forever. Even Toivo, who was apparently a mighty paladin, had been badly singed while holding the thunder sprite down.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The woman had come out of the flames shortly after Neta had entered; her dress in tatters and her blonde hair almost completely burned off. Roy had rushed to meet her. Heedless of flames and lightning bolts he'd picked her up and carried her to safety out of reach of the thunder sprite.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now she sat on the floor with her back to the stage, breathing heavily and starring at Neta while mumbling under her breath. Roy had given her his suit jacket to cover herself and disappeared in the crowd, presumably to get a glass of water.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda turned her attention back to Neta. Still moving around inside the flames; still dancing, or trying to dance, with the thunder sprite.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Come on people, you have to dance!” Amanda yelled at the crowd again. She stamped her foot on the stage. She waved her arms in the air. “It's the only way! We must dance!” It had better be the only way or Neta would have some serious explaining to do once they were done with all this. No one moved, except to look at something else in some other part of the room that wasn't where Amanda stood.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“It wants to dance and we must dance with it.” She pointed at Neta inside the sparks and chaos. “She's a shaman. She knows what she's doing but we have to help her. Come on!”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It wasn't working. No way anyone would listen to a crazy little fylk who was probably drunk anyway. No one moved.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda screamed in frustration. They'd die up here. Toivo was all done and Neta couldn't last forever. She'd burn and then no one would be left that could handle the thing. The thunder sprite would run amok and people would die. The ship would drift and get lost among the clouds and they'd all freeze to death before anyone could make it up here and save them. It would all be her fault.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She couldn't let that happen. Not on her ship. Not on her watch. The orchestra still played. She had no idea what Neta had said to them, to get them started or to keep them going, but they still played.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">There was nothing for it. If no one else would dance she'd do it alone. Maybe someone would join her. Amanda clambered down from the stage. It wasn't high, barely two feet, but in high heels and a dress it was still a bit of a struggle.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Adjusting her clothes, she stepped out into the open space; just a few steps, not too far. It wouldn't do anyone any good if she stepped too close and burned to crisps. She closed her eyes and listened for the music.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Faint, but present, hidden by the crackling of the thunder sprite and mingling with the murmur of the crowd, the melody came to her. Amanda nodded her head in time with the beat, waiting for her body to latch on and start moving. Three beats to a bar. Waltzing had never been her thing, but music was music and she did love to dance. She could find some joy in this, that was the important part.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda flung her arms wide and spun around, trying not to think about all the faces looking at here. They must think she was crazy. She kept her eyes closed and tried to focus on the melody. She'd heard it before, but couldn't name it. It was famous; a classic by some well-known, long dead, composer.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Slowly, but surely, her body caught on. Her legs moved with the beat, her arms flew with the melody. Amanda danced. Somewhere in the cacophony of sound a new beat appeared; a light tick on the first beat of every bar, barely discernible among all the other sounds.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The thunder sprite had noticed her and she smiled inwardly, making sure to put a little extra strength in her steps on the first beat. It was working.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What are you doing?” Roy's voice cut through the music.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He grabbed Amanda's arm and pulled her back to where Toivo still sat by the stage.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Are you absolutely crazy?” he asked. “You could get killed out there.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, you idiot. I'm saving us all. Let me go.” Amanda ripped her arm free.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What, by getting yourself killed?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No, didn't you see what Neta did when she went in there? Don't you see what she's doing now? Look.” She turned and pointed. “She's dancing with it.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">They could barely see Neta moving within the fury of the thunder sprite, but move she did; round and round, back and forth.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Really? I thought she was fighting it. Are you sure?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes, you dolt, that's why it's here in the first place.” Amanda said. “It must have felt the cheer of people having a good time and become curious. It wants to dance too.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Roy just stared at her.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I tried to get everyone to move, but they're just standing there.” She sniffled and rubbed her nose. This was not the time to start crying. “You've got to help me.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Help you, how?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda wanted to scream. How could he be so thick? “You need to dance with me. The more the better. If enough people dance the sprite will get what it wants and disappear.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Oh, are you sure?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes. Positive.” Amanda stamped her foot down and stretched her arms up to the huge man towering over her. “Take my hands and dance. Trust me.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Without a word, but frowning and glancing to the sides, he took her hands in his and looked down at her.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Good, now move it big boy. One, two, three.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The big man moved. Amanda had to jump to keep up. She could tell Roy knew how to dance, but he clearly wasn't used to a partner barely half his height. Then again, who was?

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She more ran than danced, but at least they moved. They moved with the music, and that's what counted, right? Awkward and clumsy at first they must have made a laughable sight; him a giant even among humans and she a mere fylk.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Awkward or not, Amanda focused on the dance and the music. Her shoulders soon ached from holding her arms high, but she kept moving. She found she could put more force on Roy's hands than she'd first thought – a lot more force. The man could easily lift her with just one arm. With childish glee she grabbed on and swung back and forth like a little girl hanging from a tree branch.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Something tickled her leg. She looked down and saw a small tendril of electric fire had attached itself to her. Twitching like a lightning bolt, but burning no more than a hot shower, it clung to her, climbing slowly upwards, clothing her leg in white light. Amanda squealed, half in fear and half in delight.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Her shout caused Roy to notice and he instinctively pulled her away, spinning on the spot so fast Amanda's feet left the ground. She held on for dear life as Roy,k for the second time this evening, threw her around like she was no more than a dish rag. This time she knew what was going on though and she landed howling with laughter.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The lightning that had clung to her no longer did, but she was sure it would come back. Roy looked at her with worried eyes, but as he saw her laughing he smiled and nodded. Their dancing picked up from there. They made up their own steps and moves. They stumbled and nearly fell, but they kept moving and they kept smiling and they had, actually, quite a bit of fun.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">More and more tendrils of electric fire latched on to them. It tickled and burned, but not enough to really hurt. At one point Amanda looked up at Roy and noticed he was almost completely covered in bright white flames. He looked happy though. Sure, his hair was signed and his shirt smoldered on his chest, but he did smile. Amanda giggled and spun around in yet another pirouette.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">That's when she saw them. Other couples had entered the floor. Other people danced. She jumped up and down and whooped, beating her hand in the air. She gave Roy a big hug around the waist, completely ignoring whether it was appropriate or not.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“We did it,” she shouted. “Roy, look, we did it.” She laughed and spun around, hands outstretched, round and round.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Roy smiled and grabbed her hand and together they danced closer to the center of the thunder sprite, deeper among the sparks and flames and lightning bolts. It burned and tickled worse than ever, but still it didn't hurt. They played a game now, dancing in the fire, catching lightning bolts with their bare hands, burning without and within.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda lost track of time. She had no idea how long they spent there, but eventually the light faded. The crackling of lightning and the roaring of flame became weaker and in the end couldn't be heard over the music. Amanda could still feel the tingling of electricity in her fingers but no sparks shot out from them anymore.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The thunder sprite was gone. A faint moonlight drifted in from the windows on the promenade. Here and there, candles appeared.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">She stopped moving, closed her eyes and let out a long slow breath. Her entire body ached and she realized she was exhausted. “I need to sit down I think,” she said.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yeah, you look like you could need a rest,” Roy said and, taking her hand in his, lead her back towards the little stage where they'd left Toivo earlier.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Ahem...” Roy stopped and cleared his throat. “You go on and sit down over there by the stage. I'll go see if I can get you a glass of water.” Without another word he turned and disappeared into the crowd in the opposite direction.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda frowned and debated running after him. Before she'd made up her mind she realized it was too late and so she shrugged and pushed on in the direction of the stage.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Toivo, still wearing Roy's suit jacket over her burned dress had moved up and now sat on the edge of the stage instead of on the floor. Next to her, a bit singed around the edges and swaying gently back and forth, sat Neta.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Deep in conversation, neither of them noticed Amanda until she stood right in front of them.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Hey, Manda, you did it.” Neta's words came out slowly and without energy, but the smile in her eyes was genuine. “Toivo told me all about it.” She nodded at the other woman. “Thank you so much Amanda. You're the best.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda blushed. “Oh, it wasn't just me. I couldn't have done it without Roy. No one listened to little old me standing around yelling.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Bah,” said Toivo. “He'd never have made a move if it wasn't for you. Where is the big oaf anyway?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“He went off to find me a glass of water – over in the other end of the room.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Neta and Toivo looked at each other and burst out giggling. Amanda looked from one to the other, but no explanation came. Not her business. She'd ask Neta later.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Poor Roy,” Toivo said with a big grin.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“He'll be fine, Tee, don't worry,” said Neta. “Amanda, we have another problem. Much worse than a runaway giant werewolf.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Neta kept her face straight for several seconds before she burst out laughing uncontrollably. Amanda looked around. The music still played, people still danced, the thunder sprite was gone. Even so.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I don't know what you're on about Neta, but yes, we still have a problem. If the power doesn't come back on soon it's going to get very cold and very uncomfortable – very soon. We can only...”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The lights came on.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Toivo very pointedly looked at something else, somewhere else. Neta hadn't fully recovered from her last fit of laughter and now she fought for air, sounding more like a dying pig than an actual human being.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda stared at her but couldn't keep her serious face on and soon she too grinned like a fool. A tired fool. She really needed to sit down and Roy needed to show up with that water.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I'm sorry Manda, but that was too funny,” said Neta once she had regained her breath. “Tee, did you see... aww crap, where are my manners.” She jumped to her feet, nearly stumbled and placed a heavy hand on Amanda's shoulder for support. “Tee, this is my good friend Amanda. Manda, this is Toivo my... the paladin.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Pleased to meet you, lady paladin.” Amanda reached out her hand to the other woman who took it in a firm grip.

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You will call me Toivo or I will smite you,” said the paladin. “Just kidding, but please call me Toivo anyway, or Tee. I'm not comfortable with titles.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Amanda raised an eyebrow. “Toivo it is then, smiting or no smiting.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Okay, are you guys done with the pleasantries,” asked Neta. “We still have a problem here.”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes Neta, what is it?”

<p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I'm all out of wine. Let's get back to the cabin.”