Saturday, December 20<\/p>\n
\u201cIs this really necessary? You think he\u2019d do something tonight?\u201d Molly asked Pavel, as he opened the front door to the farmhouse and peered out into the dark yard. The lights on the trees glowed in the clear night; if only there was snow, she thought fleetingly, it would be picture-perfect.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d the pirate replied, looking back at her with an unusually serious expression on his face. \u201cIf I were him, I\u2019d be counting on the fact that you think he wouldn\u2019t dare try anything when the Snow Queen in the Cove.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut he can\u2019t come in now,\u201d Molly protested weakly. \u201cJade will be in the Cove.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCaliban can\u2019t come into the Cove, but the banishment doesn\u2019t affect his servants,\u201d Pavel reminded her. \u201cHe can sit back in Stumpleton and pull the strings. That\u2019s why we\u2019re coming with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Molly couldn\u2019t argue with that logic, even though her gut said that nothing was going to happen. She wasn\u2019t a fighter – she was a kitchen witch, and if Pavel said it was possible, she\u2019d defer to him. At least he and his men had cleaned up amazingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo where did you all get the tuxedos?\u201d she said instead, reaching out to straighten his bow tie. He and the three sailors with him had shown up in tuxedos and tails, with dark red bow ties and cummerbunds, which incidentally looked amazing next to her pale wine-colored dress. Drew\u2019s vest was the same dark red, so she would have quite the escort.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have a lovely rental shop here in town, and they were nice enough to match us to what Drew rented,\u201d he said. \u201cSo we didn\u2019t clash.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPirates with fashion sense. I approve.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy dear girl, they revoke your pirate license if you don\u2019t have fashion sense,\u201d Pavel said, winking at her. \u201cIt\u2019s a requirement, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI had no idea,\u201d Molly said, chuckling. She turned as Drew and Schrodinger joined them. The CrossCat\u2019s tie matched the others, and he had actually agreed to wear a tuxedo coat this year, not just the tie. \u201cYou both look so handsome,\u201d she said, leaning down to stroke Schrodinger\u2019s head. \u201cI\u2019m going to be the proudest girl there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, we had to make sure we lived up to your glory,\u201d Drew said, looking at her admiringly, and Molly blushed. This year, they\u2019d all decided to go in vintage costumes, so instead of a tie, Drew had a white cravat, and white spats over his black shoes. Molly had found a lovely evening gown, with small puffed sleeves and pale wine-colored lace over the front, and her dark hair was swept up, piled in curls on the top of her head, threaded through with a ribbon that matched her dress. She had a small black velvet capelet that complete her outfit, and her mother had loaned her a cameo that she\u2019d threaded onto more of the wine ribbon and tied at her throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour carriage awaits, my lady,\u201d Pavel said, bowing her out the door.<\/p>\n
The large carriage rumbled along the road towards the Ball, and Molly snuggled up next to Drew, Schrodinger on her other side. Despite her worries, Molly realized she was happy. Her family was together, she was going to spend a wonderful night dancing with all her friends, and it seemed as if the Snow Queen was going to be okay.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave you seen Jack today?\u201d she asked Pavel.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, actually,\u201d Pavel said, leaning back against his seat. His white teeth gleamed in the dimness as he grinned. \u201cShockingly, he didn\u2019t come back to the ship last night. I assume he stayed with the Snow Queen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ride was uneventful, and the driver pulled the carriage skillfully up to the path into the ballroom. As she stepped down, Molly breathed out and realized that it was cold – not snowing, but there was a definite bite in the air, more than there had been all season. Which had to be a good sign, right?<\/p>\n
I think so,<\/em> Schrodinger said, hopping down beside her, his tail twitching. It might mean she\u2019s feeling better.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOr that Old Man Winter is with her,\u201d Drew said, taking Molly\u2019s arm and escorting her down the path. Two of Pavel\u2019s sailors walked in front of them, and Pavel and Goldie followed Schrodinger, bringing up the rear.<\/p>\n The path emptied out into the Snow Queen\u2019s ball room, the one that appeared ever year on this spot. Molly and Drew stepped onto the marble floor, and she peered around, looking for her friends. She spotted Sue in a lovely tea-length dress of cream and blue and waved.<\/p>\n \u201cThere they are, come on!\u201d<\/p>\n She pulled Drew and Schrodinger over to Sue as Lai, in an amazing floor-length emerald gown that shimmered in the light, and Noemi, in pale pink covered in lace, joined them. Steve, Mike and Luke had tuxes and cravats like Drew\u2019s.<\/p>\n \u201cThis was a great idea,\u201d Sue said, accepting a glass of champagne from Luke. \u201cWe definitely have to come up with another theme for next year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAgreed,\u201d Molly said, stifling the thought that there might not be a next year. There would be. The alternative was unthinkable.<\/p>\n Pavel brought over champagne for her and Drew, and when she looked at him, shook his head. The guest of honor hadn\u2019t showed up yet, apparently.<\/p>\n Old Man Winter was there, though, standing near the throne that the Snow Queen usually watched the ball from. Molly touched Drew\u2019s arm and murmured to him that she was going to talk to the spirit, then walked over to him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look lovely tonight,\u201d Old Man Winter said, his weathered face breaking into a welcoming smile as he saw her. She hugged him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look very handsome,\u201d Molly told him, admiring the tuxedo. He\u2019d even trimmed his beard, so the long white hairs looked like shining snow instead of straggling everywhere, like normal. His vest was silver-grey and covered with tiny silver snowflakes, and his cufflinks were silver snowflakes as well. \u201cHow is Jade?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBetter today,\u201d he said. \u201cShe\u2019s not fully back to health, but bringing Jack in was a good call.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHas she\u2026?\u201d Molly hesitated, not sure if she was allowed to ask this question yet.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Old Man Winter said, shaking his head. \u201cShe hasn\u2019t made that decision yet. But I do know that she and Jack talked for a very long time yesterday. He slept in one of the guest rooms in the castle last night, and this afternoon, Jade looked more like her old self than she has in a while.\u201d He looked out over the rapidly-filling ball room. \u201cI didn\u2019t know for a bit if she\u2019d even make it tonight. But she will.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen will they be here?\u201d Molly asked.<\/p>\n \u201cSoon. She was finishing up a few things when I left.\u201d Old Man Winter patted her arm. \u201cEnjoy yourself tonight, Molly. You\u2019ve earned this night. And save a dance for me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d Molly smiled up at him, and then went back to Drew and the others.<\/p>\n After about twenty minutes, the room had filled with happy people, talking and exchanging holiday greetings. Molly waved at her brother and sister-in-law, who joined them.<\/p>\n \u201cNo Peter and Donna?\u201d Molly asked, and Corrine shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cThey took Lily and Jack for a sleepover with Zoey,\u201d she said. \u201cDonna was a little superstitious about going this year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you can\u2019t really blame them,\u201d Drew said, and Molly nodded. Donna and Peter Allard\u2019s house had burned down during the last Snow Queen\u2019s ball. \u201cAnd this means you didn\u2019t have to pay a sitter this year!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrue,\u201d Nathan said, then he chuckled. \u201cAlthough you should have heard the howls when Lily and Zoey found out that they couldn\u2019t go this year.\u201d<\/p>\n Yeah, I felt a little guilty about that,<\/em> Schrodinger admitted, hanging his head a little. But not enough to stay home.<\/em><\/p>\n They all laughed at that, and then there was a ringing bell, and everyone turned to the throne. Old Man Winter had been joined by Jack Frost, looking very handsome in a dark green morning coat and black pants, with shining black boots. There was a spray of autumn leaves on his lapel, and Molly thought he looked calmer than he had before. Then the door behind the throne opened, and she turned all her attention to the Snow Queen.<\/p>\n If Molly hadn\u2019t been in the room the day before, seeing how bad her friend had been, she\u2019d have had a hard time believing anything was wrong. Jade was radiant, smiling at everyone as she walked slowly to her throne. Her floor-length dress was pure white and shimmered as she moved. Her long hair fell about her shoulders, and there were snowflakes woven in her curls. Her coronet was more snowflakes, icy and light and glowing faintly. She was enchanting , as always.<\/p>\n She reached her throne; Old Man Winter and Jack each took one of her hands and lowered her to the seat. Then the Snow Queen looked out over the assembled crowd and said, \u201cWelcome, my friends. I\u2019m so glad to see all of you! Please, enjoy yourselves tonight!\u201d She raised a hand and gestured to the band, who started the first waltz.<\/p>\n Drew held a hand out to Molly, who handed her champagne glass to Sue and allowed him to wheel her out on the floor. Old Man Winter was right. She\u2019d earned this night. Laying her head against Drew\u2019s shoulder, she let him and the music lead her away.<\/p>\n Molly couldn\u2019t remember dancing so much – she seemed to go from partner to partner, hardly resting at all between songs before she was out on the floor again. Finally, she had to plead exhaustion in order to get a drink.<\/p>\n While she and Schrodinger sat on the side, Jack came over. \u201cDo you mind if I join you two?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cAs long as I don\u2019t have to dance, no,\u201d Molly said, moving over a little on the bench she was seated on to give him some room.<\/p>\n \u201cNo dancing,\u201d Jack agreed, sitting down. He looked out over the crowd. \u201cIt\u2019s funny, how big this has grown. Did you know I was at the first ball?\u201d<\/p>\n Really?<\/em> Schrodinger said, his ears pricking up. What was it like?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cNot like this,\u201d Jack said, smiling. \u201cThe very first ball was held during the height of the siege on the Cove, and was to actually set up the wards that protect you. We had everyone we could find, to dance, while the five of us cast the spells needed to weave the protections together.\u201d<\/p>\n Why did you need them to dance?<\/em> Schrodinger asked, curious.<\/p>\n \u201cIt raised more power,\u201d Jack said. \u201cAnd really, we needed all the power we could get.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cI never realized she kept this going.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s tradition,\u201d Molly told him. \u201cOf course it\u2019s gone on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich explains why the protections are still so strong,\u201d he said. \u201cThe dancing every year renews it.\u201d<\/p>\n Would it last without her?<\/em> Schrodinger asked softly.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Jack said. \u201cI\u2019m hoping we don\u2019t ever find out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s that going?\u201d Molly asked. \u201cOld Man Winter said you guys had a long talk yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe did.\u201d Jack was still watching the dancers whirl past them. Molly and Schrodinger waited. Finally, he said, \u201cIt\u2019s not going to be solved with one conversation, no matter how long, guys. I did some terrible things. And she\u2019s right not to trust me yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut she\u2019s willing to give you a chance,\u201d Molly said, touching him lightly on the arm. \u201cThat\u2019s more than she was going to do. It\u2019s progress.\u201d<\/p>\n Jack covered her hand with his and smiled at her. \u201cYes, it is. And I have you two to thank for it.\u201d<\/p>\n You did the work,<\/em> Schrodinger said. We just provided the teaching.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re good teachers.\u201d Jack squeezed Molly\u2019s hand and stood up. \u201cNow, I think I\u2019m going to see if I can get a dance with her, before the end of the night.\u201d<\/p>\n Molly and Schrodinger watched him weave his way across the floor and lean over to say something to the Snow Queen. She smiled up at him, and gave him her hand, allowing him to lead her out on to the dance floor. Dancers moved out of their way as they began a slow turn around the room, and the band moved into a stately waltz.<\/p>\n \u201cThey look good together,\u201d Drew said in Molly\u2019s ear, coming up behind her and slipping his arms around her. She leaned back against him and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThey do.\u201d They watched the two spirits dance, so wrapped up in each other that Molly didn\u2019t think they realized that they had the floor to themselves. Jack murmured something to her at one point, and she laughed, a silvery sound that danced through the room.<\/p>\n Finally, the final dance, the Cinderella dance, was announced. Molly removed her right shoe and threw it into the pile with all the other women\u2019s shoes, then went back to the bench where Schrodinger was waiting. As always, the gentlemen went in and picked a shoe, then looked for the lady who it belonged to. Even the Snow Queen had a shoe in the pile.<\/p>\n \u201cI think this belongs to you, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Molly grinned and nodded, accepting her pale heel from Pavel and slipping it on her foot before she stood up. The pirate whirled her out onto the floor and into the crowd.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have done a great thing, Molly,\u201d Pavel said, and nodded to Jack, who passed them with Lai in his arms. She was laughing at something he said, and rather than looking put upon, or studiously polite, Jack looked like he was enjoying himself. \u201cI would have never thought I would see that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t do it, really,\u201d she said. \u201cLike Schrodinger said earlier, Jack did the real work himself. I just provided the way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are a good navigator – one I wouldn\u2019t mind having on my ship,\u201d Pavel said. He nodded over her shoulder and turned Molly so she could see Jade dancing with her brother Nathan. \u201cShe already looks recovered.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI doubt she is, but I wonder if this is renewing her as well as the wards,\u201d Molly said. When Pavel quirked an eyebrow at her curiously, she explained what Jack had told her and Schrodinger earlier. \u201cSo if this renews the wards, and she\u2019s tied into the wards, wouldn\u2019t it renew her too, a bit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt makes sense to me,\u201d Pavel agreed. \u201cThere is much I don\u2019t know about the spirits we associate with.\u201d<\/p>\n Molly gave him a skeptical look. \u201cI think you know a lot more than you are letting on, my friend. You just don\u2019t want to reveal all your cards.\u201d<\/p>\n Pavel didn\u2019t say anything to that, but he did give her a wink.<\/p>\n At the end of the dance, Nathan returned the Snow Queen to her throne, and she smiled up at him in thanks. Then she turned to the crowd.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, my friends. Once more, you have brightened my day by sharing this ball with me.\u201d Jade smiled at all of them. \u201cMerry Christmas, and may we meet again soon!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Saturday, December 20 \u201cIs this really necessary? You think he\u2019d do something tonight?\u201d Molly asked Pavel, as he opened the front door to the farmhouse and peered out into the dark yard. The lights on the trees glowed in the clear night; if only there was snow, she thought fleetingly, it would be picture-perfect. \u201cAbsolutely,\u201d …<\/p>\n