“So, I guess that summoned stars have it worse than fallen stars.”
“Why do you say that?”
“We are supposed to develop in our communities. My original host died, and you were summoned into greed. Delphine was born to heartbreak.”
“And the other two were involved with ogres.”
“Yup. Being summoned sucks, but I am glad we didn’t land alone.” Elodie squeezed Wylda’s hand.
They were directed to a green room, where they nibbled at snacks and drinks before it was Wylda’s turn. She wrapped herself in an elegant gown and winked at Elodie. “I am ready if you are.”
“Yup. I will await your signal.” Elodie grinned and put on her delicate and airy costume.
Wylda went on the stage, wished the birthday boy well, and then began to sing and play, horns and wings out, looking as wild as her magic. Her music was amazing and powerful. The watchers smiled, laughed, and gasped.
The party was enjoying the performance when Wylda paused between songs. “I have talked this over with his better half, and this part of the celebration is going to become interactive. Elodie.”
Elodie came out in her shining black skin, her medieval-style wench outfit hugging her tightly, while the skirt swayed with every step.
She curtsied to the assembled men and women in formalwear, hopped off the stage, and moved smoothly to the birthday boy. Stovos raised his brows when he saw her, and she grinned as she took him by the hand and walked to the dance floor. Music, centuries old, spilled out, and she and Stovos began to move easily and then with more energy to the songThe Elf Dances.
Stovos was grinning as he tossed her skyward, and she remained there for a moment before dropping into his arms, and they continued their skipping and whirling.
She saw Orvis, and as the song came to an end, she curtsied to Stovos, and Orvis said, “I am cutting in. The ladies have taught me how to dance with my clothes on. Now, move it.”
Stovos grinned, and off they went to the next song.
Musicians played drums and fiddle, with occasional harp solos. Wylda kept the songs moving fast, and Elodie went and grabbed one male after another to dance with. The party wasrocking, and the guest of honour had a wide white grin as he and his wife moved around the dancefloor, complete with throws and skipping.
Elodie made her way to where the seasons were sitting and grabbed the dark-haired one and hauled him along. “Come on, Summer. I know you can dance.”
He looked at her in surprise and came with her, moving her into the dancers. As they moved, he asked, “How do you know what I am?”
“I used to be Halla, and I was a volunteer at the vision centre when they let me. You were six when you lost your vision, and it was hard to teach you to focus on sound around you.”
He stared at her as they danced around with the others. “You can’t be Halla. That was over twenty years ago.”
“Elf, dumbass. It was one of the only things they would let me do away from the court.”
“Why?”
“Because my abusive husband died under unusual circumstances. They suspected but could not prove it.”
He stared at her. “Abusive?”
“There are scars... so many scars. Well, on my other body. He killed Halla the night that Wylda and I were drawn down, so I comforted her. Remained with her. When she left her body, I took it over and repaired it. Her husband was... surprised.”
They were dancing on automatic, and Summer’s face was astonished. “So, you are the same woman I knew?”
“Yes. I see elevation to a season returned your vision.”
He nodded, looking down at her. “It told me that if I looked hard enough, eventually I would see the woman who would be everything to me.”
“Oh, have you found her? I have heard you are rigorous in your judgment of women.”
He smiled. “I think I have. I didn’t think she would haul me to the dance floor, but here you are. My voice in the darkness.”
She frowned. “Hm. I am not a fan of what I have heard about you.”
