“Sorry, ma'am,” Rath said. “You're right. Please forgive my rudeness. Thank you for going against your nature to help us.”
“That's better,” Fire said. “And you're welcome. Now, back to Death. He can't get past your ward because, even when he is not inside Aranren, he is connected to him, making him just physical enough to be warded against. He's like a balloon tied to a rock. It can float about, but if the rock can't go somewhere, neither can it.”
“What's a balloon?” I asked.
“For fuck's sake,” Fire huffed. “Can't you figure it out by the context?”
“Context?”
“The way it's used, Sparky! A balloon is a ball full of . . . shit, you won't know what helium is either. Uh, it's—”
“It's a floating object,” Air interrupted. “Now, let's get back to the subject at hand. All you need to know is that we can go places that Death cannot. You are safe from him here.”
“That's good to hear,” Ranor said. “And I don't need to hear anymore. I can feel the truth in your words and my bones. You are here to help, and I approve of you training Lord Ember. But before you get started, I have to speak with the rest of the lords. This shouldn't be my decision alone.” He stood up. “I'll summon everyone to the dining hall. Please, join us, esteemed Elements.”
“We will be there, General,” Air said.
The General nodded and faded downstairs.
“He called us 'esteemed,'” Fire said, her tone a mix of glee and amusement.
Seconds later, a knock came at the door. I was speaking with Air, so Keltyr answered it. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Vex.
“He's steady, that one,” Air said. “But you've been flighty with him. Puts you out of balance.”
“No, I haven't,” I said.
Fire snorted.
“How can you snort without a nose?” I asked.
“It's a sound. I can make sounds,” her tone went dry. “Not so bright for the destined savior of the world. Are you, Sparky?”
“Oh, leave him be,” Water said. “It was a valid question. Although, she was right to snort, Ember. You have been wishy-washy with him.”
“Wishy-washy?”
“Yes. It means unstable. Back and forth. Weak in willpower.”
“Weak in willpower?”
“Yes, you can't decide whether you love him or not.”
“It's not that I can't decide,” I said. “I can't be certain of my feelings with all this shit with Ara going on. I can't focus. And love can't be decided upon anyway.”
“Blowin' hot and cold,” Fire said.
“You know a lot about our private affairs,” Vexen said.
I winced and turned toward him. “Sorry, Vex. Uh, these are the Elements.”
“Yes, I've heard,” Vexen drawled, his bright stare shifting around the room as if he could see them. “They're nosier than I expected.”
“Nosy?!” Earth rumbled.
“We have been watching Ember for a while,” Air said. “We needed to know whether he was worth our interference. You happened to be with him.”
“Yeah, otherwise we wouldn't give a shit about you,” Fire said.
