Bethany saw the slight smile. “She didn’t come back alone. Did she become a more intent friend afterward?”
“Yeah. How did you know? There were weeks of rehab, but she was up and almost like a new woman after a while.” Ambera smiled. “The head injury changed her personality a bit.”
Bethany smiled. “I’ll bet. How have you been, Elodie?”
“Pretty good, Wylda. You look a little tense.”
“I have been on the run for a few years. You look shockingly humble.”
“Just running errands for the light court. Still locked to them until I get a dispensation for killing my husband.”
Bethany blinked. “What?”
“Oh, yes. He killed poor Halla and was very surprised that Elodie was now running the body.”
Ambera blinked. “You two know each other?”
Elodie smiled. “I am the dark star, but my initial impulses after returning to my wedded situation caused difficulty. Poor Enmar was not ready for what walked through his door. He will be missed. The wife-beating bastard.”
Ambera blinked. “Wait, you are now Halla?”
“No. Do you remember how Halla was timid and wore long sleeves? How you were always worried about her until the brain injury made her aggressive and fearless?”
“Y-yeah.”
“The night that you got Delphine started, I landed in Halla’s body the moment before she died. We exchanged information, and I helped her leave her body to join the dance of the stars. In a few thousand years, she will burn bright as a soul star herself.”
Ambera teared up. “She’s gone?”
“If you are talking about the wounded elf before that night? Yes. If you are talking about the elf that you met for herbal tea while I let you smell my latte during your pregnancy, that lady is right here.” She pointed her thumb at her chest.
“How... how did you get here?”
“Oh, well, Wylda and I were playing and singing with Delphine, and then we all got a hard tug toward the earth. Mages snagged Wylda, you got Delphine, and the child I was supposed to join passed, so I had to seek another. I found an elf dying in a car with blade wounds running through her. We talked while emergency services arrived, her soul mostly out of the fading form. In the trip to the hospital, she invited me in. She said it wasn’t the strongest body, but it was average for an elf, and it was injured, but I could fix that. She warned me about Enmar, and I was ready. He thought I was dead. I had them call my brother Veeso, and he sent you instead.” She smiled. “And here you are.”
Ambera laughed, but there were tears in her eyes. “Halla was sweet and quiet. You were controlled rage.”
“And a snappy dancer.” She grinned.
Another hug caught Elodie.
Cale was staring. “So, you are really a star?”
“Yup. I just jumped into an empty body, not an infant. It makes for a different perspective, and I had to learn fast.” She looked to Wylda. “Are we going public?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Excellent. I have some elves to kick. Please excuse me.” She looked at Cale. “The dresses?”
“Oh, sure. These are for the court?”
“Yup.”
“When can I make one for you?”
“When they pay folks in prison.” Elodie chuckled. “Thank you for the garment bags. You may hear from me in the future. I have to kick some pointy-eared asses.”
Ambera frowned. “Do you want me to come with you?”
