Day 5 - Scene 15

The pot sat on the stove. Faint fumes rose out of it, but it had not yet begun to simmer. They sat on their stools, right next to each other, just in front of the stove; Enar wrapped up in his blanket, and Amanda still only in her red sweater.

Warmth radiated from the stove, but it would be quite a while before it drove the chill from the room. Enar rubbed his feet against each other and pulled the blanket tighter around himself.

He'd placed candles on the counter and on the little coffee-table by the couch. Their soft light filled the room. Over in the corner by the door, raindrops pattered against the little window, and now and then they could hear the wind howl, but other than that the room lay quiet.

Amanda leanedd forward and stirred the cider with a wooden spoon.

“Does it hurt? The hand?” said Enar.

“No. Only a little. It's much better now.”

“Good, good. It looked painful.”

“Well, it was, but it's not super-bad.” She looked at her hand and flexed her fingers. “I'll be fine really.”

Enar nodded. He didn't see any scars or burn marks on her, but it might just be the light. Through the hatch in the stove he could see flames dancing across the firewood. She'd created that, in her own hand, from nothing.

Without turning his head, he glanced sideways to steal a look at her. She stirred the cider again, focusing on the pot.

No one said anything.

The seconds dragged.

Enar cleared his throat. “Have you done that a lot? Magic I mean.”

“No.” Amanda stopped stirring the cider and clasped her hands in her laps. “I got the basic control training in school, but I'm too weak to do anything useful.” She sighed, reached out her hand as if to stir the cider some more but stopped herself for some reason.

“Well...” Enar grinned. “I'd say lighting the fire was pretty useful.”

“Heh, yeah.” She sighed again, but this time with a smile on her lips. “But how often do you get to do that these days? I can light a candle with the snap of a finger. It's a nice party trick, but that's about it.”

“Wow! Can you show me? We have candles here.” He looked around to see which candle was closest, probably the one on the counter.

“No. I'm all spent now. It wouldn't work.”

“Oh...” Enar's shoulders slumped.

He shouldn't be pestering her like this. She'd said she wasn't very good at it. She probably didn't like having to show it off more than necessary. Still, it was really cool.

Enar pulled the blanket closer around himself and rubbed his feet together.

Amanda leaned forward, and, stirring the cider, she sniffed at the brew.

“It smells good,” said Enar.

“It does.” She nodded. “I love mulled cider.”

“Me too. What's in it?”

“Oh, the usual stuff: cloves, cinnamon, sugar.”

Enar hummed and nodded. By the book. “Nutmeg?”

“No...” Amanda blushed. “I didn't find any, but I got bay leaf and cardamom instead.”

“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow. “Does that work?”

“I don't know.” She giggled. “We'll see.”

“Hah! Experimenting in the kitchen are we.” He grinned at her.

“Nah, I'm a lousy cook.” She hunched up her shoulders, and glanced over at him, a faint smile on her face. “But they smell good so I figured, why not?”

“Well, that's experimenting isn't it?” He smiled his best smile back at her. “I'm sure it will be fine. As long as it's warm.”

“Oh yes.” Amanda chuckled. “It'll get warm alright. If nothing else, it'll be warm.”

“Good!” He cleared his throat and sat up a little straighter. “I could do with something hot beneath the vest.”

She tilted her head and looked at him. “Still cold?”

“Yes.” He nodded and pulled the blanket closer around himself. “It's getting better though. The fire's warming up nicely.”

Amanda nodded. “Good thing you got out of those wet clothes.”

“Yes...” Blushing a little, he smiled at her. “I like the blanket. I can see how the winters like this.”

“Oh yes.” She chuckled and stirred the pot. “They're all about the big blankets and the fireplace and such. Furs too, they really like their big furs.”

“Mmm...” A big, soft, bearskin fur in front of the fireplace, with the winter storm roaring outside – maybe with some hot chocolate. “I can see how it's nice.” Then again: cold winter storm. “But I'll take a nice hot summer afternoon over that any day.”

“For sure, I'm a summer girl after all.” Amanda flashed him a big smile. “But a fire and a blanket is nice too, at the right time.”

“Yes. Yes, of course,” Enar hurried to say. “I'm not complaining at all. I'm happy to be here.”

“Oh, are you now...” She winked and elbowed him in the side.

“Hey!” Enar shied away. “I could be out there in the rain trying to find my way back to Rolf's place.” He bumped his shoulder against hers. “I'd much rather be here with... where it's nice and warm and dry.”

“And where you can get a hot drink, right?” She grinned at him.

“Err, well, yes, that too.” Blushing, he cleared his throat. “How's it looking?”

“It's probably good.” She leaned over and sniffed at the cider. “I'll get some cups.”

Amanda stood up, wobbled a little and put an arm on his shoulder for support. “Whoops!”

Enar leaned back to let her by and she squeezed past; careful not to brush against the stove. He looked after her as she went over to the cupboard, opened it and looked in. A smile tugged at his lips and then he caught himself, blushed, and tore his eyes away.

Still smiling, he picked up the spoon and stirred at the cider. It did smell great.

“You're not squeamish, are you,” asked Amanda from over in the corner, still rummaging through the cupboard.

“Not after a week out here.” Enar grinned. He hadn't had a shower for ages. “Why?”

“I'm not finding any guest cups.” She closed the cupboard and moved over to the counter where the cups hung on their hooks. “You can share mine with me if you want though.”

“Sure, that's okay.” He raised an eyebrow at her. “You have a cup of your own here?”

“Yeah.” She looked over the cups, searching for her one. “Storvak isn't part of Hyardum, but it's near enough we can have cups here.” She unhooked one and went over to show it to him: brown ceramic with little yellow flowers painted around the bottom, and with her name engraved into it in big, angular, letters. “Grandma has one too.”

“Oh, okay...” He leaned back again, and she squeezed past to sit down on her stool.

Amanda dipped the cup into the cider, filling it up. She lifted the cup up agan and let it drip for a bit before she wiped it off on the outside with the sleeve of her sweater.

“There we go. Just let me...” She moved the cup close to her face, blew on the steaming cider and sipped. A frown creased her brow and she cast down her eyes. After a moment she swallowed and handed the cup over to Enar. “Here.”

“Thanks.” Enar reached out and took the cup from her hands.

As soon has her fingers let go of the cup Amanda gasped and she jerked her hands away. “Ooh...” She shivered and something that could have been a giggle escaped her. “It tickles.”

“Tickles?” Enar stared at her.

“Yes.” She looked at him, her cheeks bright red. “It tickles when you hold the cup.”

“Really?”

Still blushing, Amanda cast down her eyes. “Yes. Only very faint, but I definitely feel it.”

“Oh, here, take it.” He held out the cup towards her again.

“No, no. Go ahead and drink.” She pushed his hands back towards him. “It's not unpleasant. I was just surprised. I haven't felt it before.”

Frowning, Enar looked at her. “Okay, if you say so. Just let me know if it gets annoying.”

“Yes.” She smiled at him. “I say so. Now drink.”

He raised an eyebrow at her and put the cup to his lips, blew on it for a moment, sipped, and closed his eyes. Sweet, sweet, apples. Cinnamon. Cloves and autumn. Warm and safe and friendly. “Mmmmm...” Could have done without the slight bite of the bay leaf at the end. “This is so good. So good.”

Beside him, Amanda groaned. He opened his eyes and stared at her. She sat bolt uprigth, with her eyes crammed shut and her face contorted into a grimace. Releasing her breath, her shoulders slumped and her face relaxed into a big, carefree, smile.

She opened her eyes, saw Enar staring, and turned brigth red.

“Uhm...” he started to say.

“Don't mind me.” Amanda snatched the cup from his hands and drained it in one go, hiding her face behind it.

Remembering himself, Enar closed his mouth. “Are you okay?”

“Is it good?” She held up the cup and frowned at it. “It tasted a bit odd?”

“Uhm...” Enar blinked and shook his head. “Yeah, it's the bay leafs, but it's just different. Not bad.” Not that it was exactly good either, but, honestly, it wasn't bad.

“Ah, good. I wasn't sure.” Without even a glance in his direction, she filled up the cup; again directly from the pot, wiping it off with the sleeve of her arm.

“Don't worry, it's great.” With the wave of a hand he dismissed her comment. “And it's nice and warm. Just what a body needs.” He clapped his belly and gaver her his best smile.

“It is. It is.” Amanda giggled, and as her face reddened again she hurried to take a sip of the refilled cup. “Yeah, that hits the spot.” She sighed and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

“Indeed.” Enar nodded. “And the fire's heating up too.”

“Yeah, I'll be having some more.” Another sip. “Might as well – I can't pour it back.” She nodded at the little keg over on the counter and then held out the cup to him. “You want some? You don't have to.”

He probably shouldn't, but really, who cares? “Nah, it's fine. I'll have some.” It was, after all, his vacation, and it wasn't like he'd never made bad decisions in the past. “I'm still a bit cold around the nose.” Enar grinned and grabbed the cup from her outstretched hands.

“Sure you are.” Amanda grinned back at him and as her fingers let go of the cup she shivered and a short gasp escaped her.

“Thanks.” Enar looked at her as he wrapped his hands around the cup, warming them on the rough surface. “Are you sure you're okay with me holding your cup?”

“Oh, yes. Totally.” She made a little dismissive gesture with her hand. “Don't worry. I think it's probably fading a little even.”

“Fading?” Enar raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, the enchant must be wearing off a little every time you trigger it.”

Enar looked at the cup. It didn't look magical at all. Just a cup – with flowers and a name on. “Ah... I see.” Maybe that was enough.

“Yes. Now drink. Before it wears off completely.” She smiled at him, cheeks blushing, just on the verge of starting to giggle.

He raised an eyebrow at her and lifted the cup to his face, to smell the brew. He inhaled deep and his nose filled with apples and cinnamon. She'd really gotten the smell right, even the cardamom worked it's way into the aroma nicely.

With a nod, Enar set the cup to his lips and drank deep, swallowing down the warm liquid, heating up inside.

Amanda closed here eyes and shivered. A low moan escaped her.

Enar drank again. Warm. Tasty. Good.

Craning her neck, she tilted her head back and drummed her feet against the floor.

A smile pulled at his cheeks as he watched her. She seemed okay. You wouldn't smile like that if you were in pain.

Letting out a long deep breath, she leaned forward and opened her eyes. “Okay. Stop. That's enough.” Amanda stared at him for a moment and then her eyes fell on the cup. “Give here!” She snatched it out of his hands and drained what little was left in it.

“Wooha there.”

Blushing, she smiled at him. “Sorry. It's cool. It's just...” She reached out the cup to scoop some more out of the pot. “Actually...” Standing up, she put the cup down on her stool where she'd sat. “Let's have some cookies.”

“Uh... okay...” Enar nodded. Cookies?

Amanda stepped around the stool, again putting a hand on his shoulder for support. Perhaps she wobbled a little. Perhaps it was just his imagination.

He turned and looked over his shoulder at her as she scooped up the small tin from the little table behind them. She pried off the lid, put a cookie in her mouth and held the tin out to him. “Here we go,” she mumbled, spraying crumbs all over the place. “Grandma's cookies.”

“Nice.” Of course. Crumbly, delicious, goodness. How could he forget? “Those were really good.”

“Yeah, they're great.” Amanda put the tin on his lap as she maneuvered herself back onto her stool; nearly, but not quite, knocking the cup over. “The old lady's a monster in the kitchen. I wish I had a fraction of her baking sense.”

Enar popped a cookie into his mouth and chewed. “Oh, I'm sure you're fine.” A cascade of crumbs fell on the blanket. “The cider's nice.”

“Pff, thats just luck.” Amanda grabbed another cookie from the tin. “I can't brew tea without a recipe.”

“Heh, I'm sure it's not that bad.” Enar swallowed the last of his cookie and glanced over at the little pot on the stove. Perhaps half a cup left.

“It is.” She pinched another cookie from the tin and stood up. Lifting the pot by the handle, she slowshed the remaining cider around. “I hate cooking. I almost never do it at home.” Cookie in one hand and pot in the other she once more squeezed past Enar to get to the counter, rubbing her furry calves against his knees and almost hitting him over the head with the pot. “Need to wash down the crumbs you know,” she said over shoulder once she'd gotten past.

Enar stared after her where she stood by the counter, in only her sweater and undies, pouring cider directly from a keg. A smile crept on to his face, and he nodded to himself as a fuzzy warmth that had nothing to do with the cider grew in his stomach.

“I kind of like it.” He paused to let Amanda past with the pot – she only splashed a little on him. “I used to cook for me and my mom a lot.”

Amanda picked up the spoon that had fallen to the floor and began stirring the cider. “Oh, that's nice.”

“Yeah... and it's more fun to cook for someone else than on your own.”

“I guess.” She dipped a finger in the cider and then sucked on it. “I usually just go out somewhere to eat if I've got company.” With a shrug she scooped up more of the drink, sipped once and handed the dripping cup over to Enar.

Enar took the cup and wiped it off on the blanket. He put it to his lips and drank. Not even remotely warm. “We almost never did that. Mom didn't like people seeing her in a wheelchair.” He stopped himself. Maybe he shouldn't be bringing up sad things like that here and now.

Amanda's face turned serious for a moment. She rubbed her hands together and sighed, staring at the pot of cider on the stove. Then she straightened up and turned to him with a smile. “You should come visit me. I know this great restaurant at the Old Locks. It's called Molly's and it's anfylk only. You'll love it.”

“Only if you come visit me. I'll cook you my best dinner.” He smiled back at her over the cup. “You might have to help though. You can do that, right? It'll be fun.”

She straightened up and made a mock serious grimace. “I will need strict instructions and detailed supervision. You don't want me performing my impromptu carrot flambé when chopping up the wedges.”

Enar grinned and sipped his cold cider “I'm sure that would be rather impressive.”

“Well, it's your kitchen.” She made a dismissive gesture. “Don't blame me if I accidentally burn it down.”

He stuck out his tongue at her. “If you do, I'll just come and live at your place.”

“Great! Then I'll get my own private chef. You can sleep on the couch.”

“Sounds good to me.” Enar grinned wide. “I'll get my own sugar-mama who brings home the food. All I have to do is cook and sleep.”

“Pfft...” Amanda slapped him over the arm. “I'll give you sugar-mama you.”

“Baaaaa”

Amanda laughed and poked him in the ribs. “You better watch it. You're coming dancing with me after the food. If you're not nice I'll hook you up with someone horrible.”

“Hah! No way.” Enar made a grimace at her. “I'll cook up enough food you won't be able to move afterwards. I'll be horribly offended if you don't eat it.

“Well...” Amanda crossed here legs, clasped her hands in her lap and flashed him a big winning grin. “First you're going to have to drink my cider I'm cooking for you – or I will be the offended one.”

Enar laughed and drained what was left in the cup. “Sure. We wouldn't want that now, would we? Hit me up.”

Amanda took the cup and dipped it in the pot. Fumes now rose out of it, and when he received the cup back, the rough surface felt warm against his hands. He sniffed and drank. Less spices this time, but still full of sweet appley goodness.

Again, Amanda shivered when he drank. She closed her eyes, hugged herself and rocked slowly back and forth. “Aah, that's amazing. I had no idea the cups did this.”

Enar raised an eyebrow. “Feels good?”

Amanda's face grew bright red and she cast down her eyes. “Yes... very.”

“Oh...” Enar's cheeks burned as understanding dawned on him.

“Mmm...” She nodded, still not looking at him.

“Well, here.” He held out the cup towards her. “I don't want to make it awkward on you.”

“No, no. It's fine – you'll need to warm up.” Amanda waved the offered cup away. “And it's not like I haven't been walking around in front of you with my legs bare all evening anyway.” She grinned at him, cheeks still bright red.

“Yes, ehm...” Enar cleared his throat and looked away, studying the cups on their hooks above the counter. “I tried not to stare.”

“Mhm.” Amanda nooded. “Sure you did. Sure.” She dragged out the last word much longer than needed.

“They are...” He coughed and felt his face grow warm. “They're very pretty legs.”

“Thanks.” Averting her eyes, she leaned forward and smoothed down the fur on her calves, picking away the occasional lump of mud.

Enar stared. Eyes wide, he stared. He so wanted to do that too. To help her. Just a little. “You must have done a lot of dancing,” he said and drained the rest of the cup in one go.

Amanda looked up, a slight frown on her face. “Uhm, yes... why?”

“I mean.” Enar squirmed. “Your legs... ehm...” His face burned. “Dancing's a good way of working out, isn't it?”

“Ah, yes, you mean like that.” She gave a little laugh. “Yes – I've done a lot of dancing. More cider?”

“Sure thing. Yes please.” He handed her the cup, and thought for a moment. “What kind of music do you like?”

“Well, I'm fairly open minded.” She refilled the cup from the pot, and sipped it once before handing it back to Enar. “I used to be all about the full-on psychedelic trance, but these days I'm a lot less narrow minded. I've been listening to a lot of melodic progressive house lately. I like how it can be both very driving and soothing at the same time.

Full-on? Progressive? “Mhm...” Enar stroked his chin and nodded – very sagely.

“Oh, and then there's breakbeat of course, but that's just for listening, especially if there's vocals. When dancing I need a steady four to the floor beat to really get me moving.”

“Four to the floor?” So much for trying to appear wise and knowing.

“Yeah...” Amanda paused and thought for a moment. “You know when there's four beats to a bar and the bass drum hits on every beat.”

Enar nodded. “Mmm, yes.” He did know a bit about music, having been in the choir and all.

“It's like that.” She perked up and smiled at him. “Usually with a big throbbing bass as well.”

“Hm, okay, so it's sort of like techno?” He knew that.

Amanda's shoulders slumped. “Yes, I guess you could say that.”

“Oh?” Apparently, he knew nothing.

“Well, if you're not into electronic dance music, it's pretty much the same I guess.” She stirred the cider for a moment, dipping her finger for a taste test.

“Yeah, dancing's never really been my thing, so I haven't much listened to that kind of stuff – other than what's on the radio.

“Yeah...” She grinned at him. “Radio doesn't really play any of the good stuff anyway. What do you listen to then – given the choice?”

He thought for a moment and then smiled. “I guess I like pretty much everything – except maybe hard rock and angry stuff like that. I like happy music, like reggae, and pop.”

“I hear you.” Amanda laughed. “A bit of chilled out reggae on a sunny afternoon and I'm a happy bunny.”

“Happy bunny?” Enar giggled. “I haven't heard that in ages. I had a friend in uni who used tox say that all the time.”

Amanda stuck out her tongue at him. “Bah, I feel old now.” She grabbed the cup from his hands and filled it up. “What did you study?”

“Finance. Or, well...” He sighed and took the cup back from her. “That was the plan at least. But...” He filled his mouth with cider. Warm and lovely. “One thing lead to another and I ended up majoring in business accounting. Nothing exciting.”

“Hah! Sweet!” Amanda clapped her hands together. “I'm definitely accidentally burning down your kitchen now.”

“Huh?”

She beamed at him. “Yeah, not only would I get a live-in chef. I'd get a personal accountant as well.”

“Oh you.” He grinned and bumped his shoulder against hers. “Baaaa!”

“Hey!” Squealing, she waved her arms around, trying – and just barely managing – to not fall off her seat. “Is there room under there by the way. It looks really cozy.” She grabbed hold of Enar's blanket, giggled and pulled. “Let me in. Let me in!”

“Ehm... sure.” Blushing, he shoved his stool a little closer and tried to adjust the blanket so that he could wrap Amanda up in it as well. “Maybe we could move over to the couch instead. It'd be more comfortable.” Smooth move. He smiled his best smile, and his cheeks felt only a little warm.

Amanda stuck out her lower lip and pouted. “Yes... but then we'd be so far from the cider.” She wriggled and twisted and eventually managed to get herself wrapped up in the blanket as well. “Drink up. So I can refill.”

Her thigh – so much colder than his – pressed against him and he shivered.

“Sure.” Enar stared at the cup, not daring to look up just yet. “I'm on it.” He breathed in, and let out a long breath, then he gulped down a mouthful, and another. She sat really close.

A ripple ran through her body. Enar felt in the way her knees, hips, arms, and lastly, her shoulders, suddenly vibrated against his. When Enar finished the cup and took it from his lips, Amanda produced a low, rumbling, noise, deep within her chest, like the purring of a tiger.

She sat bolt upright and slapped her hand to her mouth. Her face grew red enough to match her hair and she stared at Enar with wide eyes. Then she giggled and her shoulders shook. “Oops!”

Enar grinned at her, wriggled his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Silly girl.” This is okay isn't it? She'll be okay with it, right?

Still giggling, Amanda leaned her head on his shoulder and put her arm around his waist. “Pfft, you're the silly one.”

“No you!”

“Shut up, and give me the cup.” Her free hand reached for the cup and the blanket fell off her shoulder.

“Here, sure.” Grinning, Enar handed her the cup, lifted up the blanket to cover her again, just like on the wagon earlier. All the while, he tried to think of something clever to say, to keep the conversation going. “What about you? What did you study?”

Amanda sighed and her shoulders slumped. “Well, that's a stupid story.” She looked into the cup, as if to make sure it was really empty. “I studied ancient linguistics – language history. Interesting, but useless for getting a job.”

Enar frowned. “Oh, not even as a teacher or archaeologist or something?”

“No, there's no jobs in the field to start with, and the few that do exist are all held by elves anyway.” She sighed again and dipped the cup in the pot of cider.

“Ah... I see.” He'd never really thought about that; being immortal must be a huge advantage when working with any kind of history.

“Yeah...” Amanda nodded. “Doesn't matter how much you know about extinct languages when there's people around old enough to remember when they were actually spoken.” She lifted up the cup again and held it over the pot to let it drip for a bit.

Enar bit his lip and nodded in ascent. “That's a bit unfair isn't it?”

“Mmm...” She took a sip from the cup and hand it to Enar. “Makes for a pretty stale job market.”

Enar took a small sip from the cup. It'd be unfair to try and set her off when they were having a serious talk. “You did pretty well anyway though, didn't you? I mean, selling airships sounds pretty fancy.”

“Meh...” She shrugged. “It's a lot of work and I'm never off.”

“Never?”

“Last time a day went by that I didn't have a call from work was probably First-Flower, and that's like, what, three months ago.”

“Oh.” Enar raised an eyebrow. “Even on Sundays?

“Yeah, even on Sundays, and Restdays, and at all hours of the day.” She stuck out her tongue and made disapproving sound – then she sighed. “It's only out here that I get away from it, and that's only a few weeks a year.

“Heh, ouch.” Enar squeezed her shoulder. “That's harsh.”

Amanda shrugged. “It's okay... It's a good job.”

“Yeah, but still.” Enar pulled out his friendliest, most reasonable, voice. “You'll need to take it easy too. It's not good to work to hard.” He rubbed his hand against her upper arm, pulling her a little closer, trying to share some positivity.

“It's fine.” She tightened her grip around him a little and adjusted her head on his shoulder. “I do get my rest in – most weeks, and then there's this too. Coming out here recharges me for the entire rest of the year.”

“Oh...” Enar squirmed. “Now I feel bad again – getting you stuck out here in the cold and rain like this when you're supposed to be relaxing”

“Shut up silly. This is perfect.” She giggled, and with her free hand she pinched his nose. “I've got a hot drink and a warm lad and there's absolutely nothing I can do about anything else. So shut up and relax. We've got cider to drink and cuddling to do.”

His face heated up. “Well...” No one had ever referred to him as a warm lad before. “If you say so.” He could do with some cuddling. Cuddling was nice.

“Yes. I say so.” She raised her head and kissed his lips.

“Oh...” Eyes wide, Enar stared at her. She'd kissed him. His heart stopped and a big, stupid grin forced itself on to his face. She'd actually kissed him – on the lips – of her own will.

“See...” Amanda put a hand on his chest and rested her head on his shoulder again. “This is fine.”

“Mmm...” said Enar and nodded, grinning like a fool and without a coherrent thought in his head.

“Just promise you'll call sometime,” Amanda whispered. “When you get back I mean.”

Call? He'd never leave her side. “Yes. Of course.” Blushing, he put his other arm around her and pulled her closer until he worried he'd break her. “I like you. I want to be your friend.”

“Good,” said Amanda. “I like that. Friend is good.”

“Yeah.” A good start, but she'd kissed him – they could be more than friends. “I could do with a friend too.”

“Hah! I know what you want lad.” She chuckled and shrugged out of his embrace, leaning down to pick up the cup that had fallen on the ground. “You men aren't so complicated.”

“What?” He wasn't trying to be complicated.

Amanda peered into the cup, as if making sure there weren't any last few drops hiding at the bottom. “You're a lovely guy, Enar. We'll find you a girl easy enough. Don't worry.”

“Uh...” said Enar.

She winked at him. “Until then, you'll just have to make do with little old me.”

Leaning close, she once more pressed her lips to his his. Just for a moment – barely a second – before pulling away and turning her head the other way.

Enar opened his mouth to say something, but closed it again. His lips burned with her touch: soft and warm, wet with cider and tasting faintly of apples. He looked at her, licked his lips, and swallowed.

She still sat leaning towards him – one hand on his knee for support – but with her head facing the other way, looking at the pot on the stove.

“Ehm...” Enar cleared his throat. “That's not so bad is it? You're pretty cool you know.” He wasn't complicated, was he?

“Aww, that's sweet of you.” She sat up straight and sighed. “I'm no good though.”

“No good? I think you're awesome.” He moved his hand up to her shoulder again and squeezed it, trying to be reassuring.”

Amanda shrugged his hand off. “Shush now. I know what you want, and I'm not it.”

“Oh really, do you now?” Why would he be complicated?

“Yes!” Giggling, she bounced to her feet, and pointed both hands at him, fingers outstretched. “You want more cider! Now shut up and enjoy the moment.”

She pushed him back and squeezed past, then reached back over him to grab the pot from the stove and skipped away to the counter where the keg still stood.

Enar looked after her. She was so beautiful and so happy. Where did she get all that energy from? They should go cuddle on the sofa. He should stand up, take her in his arms, and carry her there.

Humming to herself, Amanda wagged her hips back and forth as she splashed more cider into the pot. The keg seemed a lot lighter now, or maybe she was just really strong? She probably had a pretty bum. Too bad the sweater was so long. It matched her hair though; the sweater, not the bum. That's got to be the reddest hair he'd ever seen. He should say something clever; make witty and charming conversation. Would she kiss him again? What if he tried to carry her and he wasn't strong enough? It'd be bad if he dropped her. He'd already done that once. No way she'd kiss him if he dropped her. The fur on her legs looked so smooth. Better sit still and not take stupid risks. He should say something clever. Mr. Witty, that was him. Enar the charming.

As Amanda shuffled past with the pot, still humming, and still swaying her hips, Enar sat up a little straighter. He cleared his throat and put on his best smile. “So, uh...” Clever! More Clever! “What do you do when you have free time?” Brilliant. Super charming, really. Just brilliant. “I mean, uh... you can't work all the time can you?”

Amanda sighed and fumbled at the hatch in the stove. After a few attempts she got it open and tossed in a few sticks of firewood. She snorted and slammed it shut, not bothering to close the latch.

“No... I guess I can't, she said. “Sometimes it feels like I do, but, you know, time just slips away.”

Enar nodded. “Yeah, I know what you mean.” He, too, sighed. “I keep meaning to do all these things, but then something else comes up.”

“Like what?” Amanda stirred the cider. “What do you mean to do?”

What did he want? What was his purpose. Enar shrugged. “Oh, lots of things. Most of all I just want to get my life in order.” Because that was a nice and clear answer and not at all vague. “I need to get out of my apartment, and I need to meet new people and make some friends – maybe join a choir.” He thought for a moment. “And I want a dog.”

“So...” Amanda turned to him with a smile. “What's stopping you?”

“I don't know.” He sighed and starred at the pot on the stove. “The weekend just comes around and then I don't do anything and then it's gone and it's back to work again.” Fumes already rose from the cider. The stove must be roaring hot by now.

“Well, give me a call and we can go look at apartments.” She tilted her head and raised her eyebrows. “I know some people...”

Enar squirmed. “I don't know...” Why couldn't they just kiss some more?

“Aww, come on.” Amanda elbowed him in the side. “It'll be fun. We'll find you a great little place. I'm sure of it. Something with a garden where your dog can run around.

That didn't sound too bad, but still. “It needs a kitchen too – and you can't burn it down.” He raised a warning finger and grinned at her.

“Oh, snap!” Pouting, Amanda snapped her fingers and sulked. “There goes my live in chef-accountant.”

“I'm sure I can do house calls – like a doctor.” He reached down and picked up the cup. It had somehow ended up on the floor again, right by his feet. He looked at it for a moment and then dropped it in the pot. That would have been a great opportunity to brush against the fur on her legs. She probably wouldn't have minded.

Amanda waved her hands in a dainty little mock-panic gesture and squealed. “Help! Doctor Enar, come quick, I think my economy is ill.” She clasped her hands in her lap and looked up at him with big puppy eyes. “I don't know what happened. It was all fine the other day and then I went shopping and now it's all gray and wheezing.”

“Oh well Miss von Storvaken.” Enar cleared his throat, harrumphed twice and sat up as straigth as he possible could. “I'm afraid your economy has suffered a serious case of over-consumption. I recommend a strict... diet... of, uh... wholesome home cooking and uh... no new hand bags.”

“Pfft...” Amanda stuck out her tongue at him. “I'll give you handbags!” She slapped him over the knee and giggled. “Miss von Storvaken indeed.”

“Less slapping, more cuddling.” Enar wrapped his arms around her. “Doctor-accountant's orders.”

“Well...” She grinned and rested her head on his shoulder again. “If the doctor says so.”

“Yes, I say so.” He tried his best to immitate her accent, but giggled too much for it to be any close.

“Hey, that's my line!” Amanda grumbled.

She wiggled a little, adjusted her position and slipped an arm around him under the blanket. The hair on the top of her head rubbed against the skin on his neck, tickling a little.

“I love your hair. It's really red and it smelled of raspberries before.” It made sense. Raspberries were red, so it should be red because it smelled like them.

Amanda giggled. “Before? What does it smell like now?”

Enar sniffed and thought for a moment. “Sweat, and dirt – but I love it anyway. It's really red.” Strawberries were red too, and apples and red paint, but this was raspberry red; hairy, red, rasperries.

“Hrmpf!” Amanda shoved at him.

Enar lost his balance, hollered and flailed his arms around. Keeling over backwards he kicked out with a foot – narrowly missing the stove – and put his hand down on the floor behind him.

Howling with laughter, Amanda grabbed hold of his other arm and hauled him back up to sitting position. “You!” She stabbed a finger at him. “You!” Squinting, she tilted her head and waved her hand in his direction. “You're drunk!”

Really? “Yes!” When had that happened? “Very. You too.” That probably wasn't part of the plan. Not good. Not good at all. Time to change plans.

“Yes!” Laughing, she raised her fist in the air. “Drunk! More cider!”

Amanda stood up, wobbled a little and placed a hand on Enar's head for support. Frowning, she glared down into the pot of cider. It had sat too long on the stove and now boiled angrily; spitting and bubbling, and with clouds of fumes billowing towards the ceiling.

She snorted and pulled the sleeve of her sweater over her hand. Using it as protection she grabbed the handle of the pot and hurried over with it to the counter, splashing hot cider all over the place.

“No,” Enar howled, dodging out of her way and managing not to get scalded by any stray drops of scalding cider. “Come back here! I need my cuddles. Need!”

Amanda squealed. “The cuddles!” Giggling, she pulled out a bucket from under the counter and emptied the the pot into it. “Cuddles!” she yelled and burst out laughing.

She hoisted up the keg and splashed cider into the pot, and on the floor and the counter and on herself too.

“Come back,” yelled Enar again, pretending to panic.

“Tada!” Amanda held up the pot, almost still, not swaying much at all, and made her way back to Enar by the stove.

Enar cheered, waved his arms in the air and stamped his feet against the floor. “More cider! More cuddles!”

Amanda set down the pot, took a deep breath and turned to face him. For a moment she just stood there, with her red hair and bare legs and cider-soaked red sweater, and looked at him.

Silence fell upon the room. The fire still crackled to itself in the stove. The wind still howled outside and the rain still pattered on the little window in the corner. Even so, there was a silence. No one spoke.

Enar swallowed.

He hoped she hadn't noticed. He didn't want to seem nervous. He mustn't look away. His heart beat so hard she could probably hear it.

Amanda sat down on his lap and put her arm around his shoulders.

“Hi there,” she said.

“Hi,” he replied.

He stared up into her eyes – large and mysterious, full of life – trying to see the woman within. She saw him. He was sure of it. He felt naked in a way that had nothing to do with not wearing any clothes, and everything to do with her big eyes looking into his.

Then she leaned in and kissed him.

Her lips pressed against his. Her mouth opened and her tongue touched his. Wet and warm, soft and smooth as water. His heart burned. His entire core was on fire. He wanted her like he'd never wanted anything before – or anyone.

His tongue probed against hers; wrestling, teasing, playing. She nibbled at his lower lip and his hand found its way in under her sweater and up her back. She wrapped her arm around his neck and pressed herself agains him.

Joy seared through him. He shone like the sun and his heart sang with hope. He still had a chance. He wasn't too old. It wasn't too late. There was someone for him too.

Amanda pulled away. Enar clung to her, his lips kissing her cheeks, her chin, her neck. He bit into her sweater, thrashed his head around and growled like a dog.

Eventually he let go, tilted his head back, and, gasping for air, looked up at her; still with that big, stupid, smile on his face.

“You'll call me, won't you?” she said?

“Yes!” Most stupid question in the entire world ever! “Of course I will. We should do this again.”

Amanda stood up. She bent to pick up the spoon from the floor, and, with her back to him, began stirring the cider.

Enar reached out anf tugged at her sweater. “I'll come dance with you, and I'll cook you food and listen to your forty four music.”

Laughing, Amanda turned around and bonked him on the head with the spoon. “You're so drunk right now.”

“Yep!” He threw his arms wide and smiled his best smile to show just how great everything was.

Amanda frowned. “Maybe we should take it a bit easy?” You've got a long day tomorrow.”

“Nonsense.” Enar winked at her and swayed back and forth on his stool. “I've been drunk before. I know how to have a hangover.”

“If you say so.” Amanda grinned and scopped up some cider in the cup. She took a big swig for herslef, and held the cup out to Enar. “Have some more then.”

Laughing, Enar took the cup and drank. He poured the hot liquid into his mouth, tilting his head back and letting it run down his through, until the cup was all empty. Then he shook out the last drops.

“It's gone.”

“The cider?” Of course it was gone, he'd drank it. There must be more in the pot though. They couldn't be out of cider. He wanted more cider.

“No silly, the magic in the cup.” Amanda grinned at him. “I don't feel it when you drink anymore.”

“Oh...” Enar stared at cup in his hands. Just a clay cup now, with little flowers and a pretty name on it. The prettiest name.

“Oh well...” Amanda sighed and then smiled. “There's cider left at least.”

“I'm still here too.” Enar smiled and threw his arms wide. “Come here. You can feel me any way you want.”

Amanda pressed her lips together. “Yes. I know, it's just...” She sat down on the stool next to Enar's, clasped her hands together in her lap and stared off into the distance.

“Is something wrong? Did I say something bad?” Enar reached out his arm and laid it around her shoulder.

“No, no. You're okay. You're great. You're a good friend Enar.” Amanda sighed. “It's just...”

“Don't you worry. Just sit here and relax and everything will be fine. I'll hold you.” He brushed a few red strands of hair away from her brow and wrapped his other arm around here. Pulling her close he slowly rocked back and forth.

“Mmm...” Amanda leaned her head on his shoulder. “Thanks.”

“You okay?”

“Yes.”

Enar frowned. He drew breath as if to say something, but no words came out. Nothing fit. Nothing felt right.

“Just... just hold me for a while, like this.”

“Okay. Don't worry,” Enar blurted out. “I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you.”

“Sshhh.” She didn't move, she didn't look up.

They sat like that for a while. He with her arms around her. She with her head on his shoulder. Both of them silent.

He'd said something bad. He didn't know what, but he'd done something he shouldn't have – again. This was the second time he'd upset her, and he hadn't even made it up to her for the first time.

“I'll sing for you.” He'd make it up to her.

“Huh?” Amanda lifted her head and looked at him.

“I'll sing you a song.” Enar released his grip around her and pressed his lips against her brow. “It'll cheer you up.” She'd kissed him. He could kiss her back. It was fine.

Amanda frowned. "Oh, that's not needed. I'm okay, really.”

“No. I'll sing.” He knew exactly the right song. The words would come back to him as soon as he started. ”I promised I'd make it up to you and I'll sing you a song.”

Amanda stared at him.

She was so beautiful; the prettiest woman he'd ever known, with eyes to warm the soul ,and a cute little nose he just couldn't help but want to pinch.

Enar took a deep breath and stood up. Swaying back and forth he put a hand on Amanda's shoulder to steady himself. Taking another deep breath he stared up into the ceiling. How did it begin again? Something about a star, or the four winds – something like that.

The ceiling spun away. Amanda yelled something and from where he lay he could stare up at her standing over him. Why was he on the floor? The fur on her legs looked really soft.

---

Continued in Day 6 - Scene 1.

Back to Enar's Vacation.