Sorry for the short post – it’s the first week of the new schedule, and I’m adjusting! I’ll be catching up this weekend, I hope!<\/p>\n
December 10<\/p>\n
One of the things Molly loved about Crosswinds Books was the little alcoves and groupings that her aunt had scattered through both floors. Armchairs in twos and threes, some with small tables, but not all of them; cozy spots where one could sit and read, or write, or talk to friends. It was homey.<\/p>\n
She was on one of her normal rounds of the store, checking to see if anyone needed another pot of tea, or a cranberry scone, when the first clear notes of music stopped her dead in her tracks. The voice soared above the quiet hum of the other customers, clear and achingly beautiful, in a wordless hymn that touched something deep inside Molly.<\/p>\n
Once the song ended, Molly continued around the corner of the aisle and discovered Sharsha and Damien seated in a small conversation grouping. Sharsha had just sat back, but it was obvious that it had been her singing, and Molly realized that Father Christopher had been right. It would be criminal for her not to become a Minstrel.<\/p>\n
\u201cMolly! Come join us!\u201d Damien\u2019s voice, still rich despite his advancing years, never failed to wrap around her like a warm satin robe.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d love to, especially if you\u2019ll sing,\u201d she said, dropping into the third chair. \u201cSharsha, that was lovely.\u201d<\/p>\n
The girl smiled shyly. \u201cThank you,\u201d she said, turning slightly away. \u201cI hope to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAny better than that, and you\u2019ll have the world eating at your feet,\u201d Molly said, and Sharsha blushed, her eyes glowing with pleasure.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is a treasure,\u201d Damien agreed, his long fingers running over the keys on the small keyboard on his lap. \u201cAnd once we expand her repertoire, there will be kings begging her to perform.\u201d<\/p>\n
Molly had no doubt. Damien himself had performed for kings and presidents during his travels along the Roads, before retiring to the Cove. And even now, he could be lured out by the right person. Or the right price.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will not only perform for the rich, though,\u201d Sharsha said. \u201cMusic is a gift that should be shared with the world. That is why I begged my father to let me sing in Father Christopher\u2019s chorus. A holiday that is so saturated with music is one I must experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are very few holidays that I enjoy as much as Christmas,\u201d Damien said. \u201cThe music you Earth folk have come up with to celebrate this time of year is truly stupendous. Even in all my travels, I haven\u2019t seen the like.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally?\u201d Molly said. \u201cBut your people\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBah. We live too long,\u201d Damien said, waving one hand in the air. \u201cImmortality has a terrible price \u2013 boredom. And it sucks the passion out of us. You, on the other hand, your people have such vitality. It makes me feel young, and whole. I will never leave the Cove.\u201d He smiled at Molly. \u201cWhich reminds me.\u201d<\/p>\n
She wasn\u2019t surprised when he handed her a red envelope. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose it would do any good to ask you who gave this to you, would it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe he said to call him SA,\u201d Damien said, his deep eyes twinkling merrily.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you spoke to him?\u201d Molly raised one eyebrow.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did.\u201d The Minstrel leaned back and grinned. \u201cAnd no, I won\u2019t tell you who it is. You\u2019ll figure it out, in due time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTease,\u201d Molly grumbled, but there was no heat in her voice. \u201cI\u2019ve got it narrowed down, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood for you.\u201d Damien gave her nothing more. \u201cYou\u2019ll invite me to the wedding, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think you\u2019re moving a bit fast, old man,\u201d Molly laughed, opening the envelope. \u201cJust because I have suspicions doesn\u2019t mean I\u2019ll marry him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, I think you will. You\u2019re a good match, and I know good matches.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd now you\u2019re a matchmaker?\u201d Molly teased. \u201cMeddling old man.\u201d<\/p>\n
Damien shrugged. \u201cI must have something to do in my spare time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sharsha was looking at them with confusion writ large on her beautiful face, and Molly hastened to explain the mysterious notes. Then the Mareesh laughed. \u201cI have heard of these! He will tease you, taunt you with his identity, and then, once you have figured it out, will have you fall in love with him, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething like that,\u201d Molly said, grinning. \u201cWe\u2019ll see about the love part.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has your heart already,\u201d Damien said. \u201cYou just don\u2019t know it yet.\u201d<\/p>\n