“Can you tell me about it?”
“Today, after Anvil sparred with Steed, you saw how the strike drained him. This is something you’ll need to know for a group conflict. The tactics are different than one on one.” He hadn’t answered my question at all. But he was talking and I would take it. I nodded for him to go on. “A single opponent allows you to use more energy, focus only on that and let yourself…”
My thoughts were wandering. Stupid dust.
“… but with a number of opponents, you have to reserve your energy so you don’t leave yourself too weak…”
I was watching his mouth move as he spoke but losing the words. Focus.
“… tactics that do not drain your energy. Protect yourself…”
I was leaning toward him. Stupid idiot.
“… even hand-to-hand combat or choose a weapon. Ruby’s whip, a staff…”
Stupid Ruby. Grrr…
“Frey.”
“Hm?”
He shook his head. “Never mind.”
I was already angled toward him and I was still moving. My mind was screaming stop but it was too late, I had closed in on him, his lips. I was close enough my intent was unmistakable when he stopped me, grabbing both arms around the bicep with a too-tight grip, “Freya–”
A howl. A wolf.
He let out a deep breath and it tickled my nose. Oh crap. My head cleared enough to realize my mistake. He still held me around the arms, neither of us moving. My neck flushed and I looked down, embarrassed. The door opened and he dropped his hands, spinning as he stood to face it.
“They are here.” Steed’s voice but I didn’t raise my head, sure the flush was still in my cheeks.
“Take her to the ridge, I will meet you after…” Chevelle stopped midsentence. After what? Steed must have been concerned because Chevelle explained, “Ruby gave her a little dust… to relax.”
“Frey.” Steed was beside me. I glanced at the door, Chevelle was gone. “Are you well?”
“Ugh.”
He snickered. “Come on.” He swept me up, planning to carry me. My head spun.
“No. Please let me walk.”
“You do not tolerate that stuff well. You’re going to have to lay off the shimmer.”
“It’s not like I chose to take it,” I complained. He laughed.
The cold air helped a little. I was back in the circle, the group of us sitting around a small fire. Ruby was telling stories. She related the tale of Bonnie Bell, a blue fairy from the East. “He hunts the human children, luring them in with glitter and lights, and eats them, beginning with the toes. Though given no choice in the matter, in exchange, he allows the mother one wish.”
I scoffed, “Humans aren’t real.”
“Even so,” she continued, smiling wickedly, “you’d be surprised how many don’t think to wish for their children back.” Raucous laughter floated up around the ring. Fairy tales indeed.
It felt good being there, surrounded by my new companions, a fire and stories, laughter. This was more of a home than Fannie’s had ever been. But I was also under the influence of a fairy.
“Better yet?” Ruby asked. I grimaced.
Grey approached. “Ruby dear, won’t you allow us to partake?”
“Speak for yourself,” Anvil cracked from across the fire, “last time I lost a bit of tongue.” I cringed and remembered my dream. I thought I could still smell burning flesh.
Ruby laughed. “Ah, well, I suppose just this once.”
Grey sat on a stone and she leaned over him as if to kiss but stopped just short. A glint of light hit from the fire and he breathed in the shimmer. As she pulled away, his arm trailed slowly off hers and I suddenly felt I was intruding, so averted my eyes.
Steed was beside me, he gave me a gentle smile. I like Steed. He’s a good guy. I shook my head to clear it. Stupid dust.
Ruby joined us. “Do the effects last longer sometimes?” I asked.
“It depends.”
“On what?” Seemed like an obvious follow up.
“Your mood.”
I was irritated all over again but got distracted when she licked the point of an arrow. “What are you doing?”
She grinned. “Look, Frey, I don’t know if you’re up for this story right now.” I didn’t think she was funny. She sighed. “Okay, but you’ll probably regret it.”
“Just give her the short version, Ruby,“ Steed interrupted. “No gory details.” His eyebrow was cocked meaningfully.