As I descended the long stairs to the dungeons, I began to feel the tingle of a Trump contact. Normally when I'm in a hurry I'd squash the contact but the off-hand possibility that it was Kit seeing if my card worked made me decide to take the call.

An image appeared of Random's smiling face "Hi Flavel."

Well it was either Random, or Kit had gotten really ugly.

"What can I do for you Random?"

Random grinned "Oberon wishes you, I and Kit to attend an Efreeti festival at once and pick up a couple more of your research colleagues."

I Smothered my irritation, "When you say at once, do you mean now, or in a couple hours? My Tux is in the cleaners."

Random chuckled "I mean as soon as we're all ready. Sooner is better." His look grew serious "And we need to talk, Flavel."

I nodded back at Random without a trace of humor, "Aye, we do at that. Give me an hour and I will meet you where ever is convenient for you."

Random nodded, "The Green Room, alright?"

"Fair enough," I closed the contact and hurried down the stairs. Normally I'd let the caller close the contact but, like I said, I was rushed. Arnold, a guard I recognized, smiled and saluted as I skidded to a halt at the bottom of the stairs.

Returning his salute I said, "Hi Arnold. Any chance you have a spare lantern on you? I need to revisit my heritage."

Arnold nodded to me, "Just over there, your Highness. The lamps are all full."

"Thanks Arnold." I reached over and grabbed one, lighting it from Arnold's, "I'd love to stay and chat but I'm rushed."

Arnold nods "Take care, Milord."

"You too" I rushed past doors to God-knows-where. Ehen I reached the very end of the corridor, I was faced with double-doors. Without breaking stride I pushed them open.

And there facing me was law incarnate. The blue fire of the Pattern. For a moment, the Pattern almost seemed to flare as if in recognition.

I walked to where the Pattern began, I didn't have time to negotiate it but that wasn't my plan. I needed to fix it's image clearly in my mind. More clearly then anything else I'd ever memorized. I wanted an image as sharp as a polaroid photo on kodak film. Slowly I walked around the pattern's perimeter studying it from every vantage point I could acquire. When I felt my hours grace had neared expiration I saluted and whispered, "I'll see you again old friend."

With that, I started to race to the green room at a dead run, but as I was leaving I swore I heard a voice in my head, "Later, then."

The Green Room was empty when I arrived so I took advantage of the lull by cataloging the details of the room. The placement of chairs, where the windows were, etc. A few moments later, Random entered. He smiled and said "Hi."

A shudder passed through me as I realized that it was the pattern that had bid me later. The pattern was sentient! I responded to Random's greeting while wrestling with this new knowledge.

Random looked hard at me "Are you alright, kid?"

"I'm fine, was just a bit rushed getting here in a timely fashion. I didn't want to keep you waiting"

Random nodded "Alright. What's this I hear about you taking my kid round the Pattern?"

Random had just fired an opening salvo in a conversation that was to be it's own battlefield. I didn't mind terribly. Fiona had schooled me well in matters of conversation and my years as a bard where I had to make my way via language would serve me well. The only way Random would know about such a thing would be from Kit. I decided to take his words literally and evade. Perhaps he would enlighten me further. I arched an eyebrow slightly, "I'm not sure what you mean. I haven't shown Kit the pattern."

Random shook his head "Offering to take her around the Pattern. Not a great idea, For either of you. Have you any idea what your mother would do to me?"

I had privately wondered the same, but I didn't care for Random acting the aggrieved Uncle. Playing my conscious against me and trying to provoke guilt. Time to slam my dear uncle off balance with my own grievances. Besides, I wanted some answers as well.

I affected nonchalance, "Tell me Random, why'd you look up Kit now? You had several years to do so. You threw Kit and I together over breakfast. Her not knowing a thing, and I not knowing her ignorance. Did you want me to educate her on your behalf?"

Random looked grim "Not really no. And I simply didn't know about her until now."

Which gave me my answers but didn't answer why he had put us together in the first place. Did he think we would discuss sports for a couple of hours? But as much as I hated to admit it, he was right about the dangers of Kit and I essaying the pattern together. Especially now that I confirmed the patterns awareness.

I matched his stare, "I've just got back from reviewing the pattern. Before I didn't perceive any dangers walking the pattern together. I have had to..." I looked away before continuing, "change my opinion. It seems our relationship with the pattern is a much more...personal issue then I had previously imagined."

Random nods "Yes, which is why only one at a time walks the Pattern normally."

I decided to withhold judgement on his last statement. Why would people then walk the pattern together? His statement seemed to indicate that it had been done before. Something I would need research later. Hell, maybe I could just ask the pattern. What I really needed to know is what he expected from me in regards Kit.

"You know, I don't normally ask to the plans of elders, but I going to be stomping all over your tulips if you don't tell me what your plans for Kit are, and what you want from me. We all have our agendas. I don't want to be working at cross purposes from you. So in short, What do you want?"

Random smiled "Believe it or not, I want the best for my kid."

Great, I got a reactionary parent. Random probably didn't know what he wanted, but he could figure out what he didn't want. I desperately needed to know why he was operating as he had down, and the best way to get the information, I decided, was to provide a little criticism in the direction of his performance of late. Maybe he would justify himself, and in so doing, let me in on his plans.

So I didn't follow Random's smile when I said, "So you bring her into the limelight just as my generation is suffering from unknown attacks? She's going to be undertaking a mission without having any experience, on behalf a crown she hasn't sworn fealty to, without even knowing her own capabilities. Well that's just sweet."

Random shrugged "I reckoned she's be safer here than out on her own, with her cousins and me to look out for her and Kit doesn't work on fealties. What you see is what you get. And I think this is a good way for her to learn."

I just stared at him. This, this is how he operates? Throw Kit in the lake and see if she can swim? What about the piranha? It occurred to me then that each of the elders had a right to operate in their own way. I could never agree with Random's methods, but he was Kit's father. I could not legally intrude. Besides which, my own Roman upbringing had hammered into me that the father was king of his own household. Even issuing criticism as I had done could be cause for offense. I was being a jerk.

Abruptly, I shifted my eyes to the window. "Well you're her father. It's your prerogative."

Random sighed "Yeah, it is. Talking of which, can I trust you with Kit?"

That's was the third time I'd been asked whether I was trustworthy this week. I hadn't been asked this in as many decades before.

So I suppressed a laugh that was working its way to my throat and said, "You know, Kit asked me twice if she could trust me. Now you ask me. I've often thought the whole issue of trust is overated." Seeing Random's look I raised my hand. "Allow me to finish please. I can't answer you because trust is not mine to give. Whether or not you trust me is your decision to make. Not mine. I will say she is no threat to me, or my plans. I will help her as much as you let me."

Random nodded, "Fair enough. Look, I know you think I'm a loudmouthed, reckless so and so, but Kit matters to me."

One kind of gentleman would have rebutted his self-depreciations, another would have ignored them. Being neither I closed in for the kill. Besides which, I had feelings for Kit, and I needed Random to see my point of view. So I struggled to contain my grin, "I agree with you and believe you. But she is young and will follow your footsteps. Kit can ill afford recklessness. I'm sure you could argue the stunt we planned with the pattern was reckless as well. But I did think to review what the pattern was before committing to a course of action. I'm worried if she attempts to emulate you that she won't have the experience to pull through."

Random nodded, "Which is why I've forbidden her to take the Pattern right now. It could kill her as she stands."

I had wondered about this as well. I'd never met anyone quite like Kit. Her psychological profile had some holes in it, that and she was still acting like she wasn't a Lady of Creation. A major requirement to essaying the pattern is possessing a self-confidence the size of Ayer's Rock with an ego to match. Watching her faint at the sight of Amber wasn't a good sign.

"That does place her in a vulnerable position. Should she be separated from us it may prove difficult to find her."

Random nodded, "I'm also providing her with a Trump deck and knowledge of how to use them."

Just to see how he would react, I diagonally brought up the fact I'd given her my card. Aside from which I privately wondered if Random had the card I'd given Kit. So I grinned and said, "Good, then I can ask for my card back."

Random returned my grin, "Sorry, kid. You're not in the standard pack."

I wondered if he knew how much it irritated me being called kid? Maybe I should start calling him old-man?

"Really? Did Kit give you my card, or did you commision somebody to draw me?"

Random shook his head, "No, I mean you're not in the pack that Dworkin hands out to the new kids which is what I will supply Kit with."

Interesting tid-bit of info, but not what I was after. "I was referring to your trump contacting me early. But it's not important."

Random grinned, "Ah that. Borrowed one from your mum." He hesitated and then said, "You like Kit, yes?"

I didn't care for where he was going with the conversation. I did have feelings for Kit but it wasn't something I was ready to announce yet. Knowing Random he'd tell Kit and that would complicate the picture even more. No, time to slam the door in this sales pitch, "So in addition to completing Oberon's mission, we need to look out for Kit. Was there anything else we needed to discuss?"

Random paused then asked "Yeah, what did I actually do to merit your opinion of me?"

That question startled me. Did he actually think I was going to start airing grievances? "Let's just say we have a divergence of opinion on several issues. An exploration of which would not be constructive. Don't get me wrong. I'd risk my life on your behalf if you or your issue is endangered. But don't expect any dinner invitations."

Random laughed "You're alright, Flavel."

//imagine how much your approval means to me Random//

I chuckled briefly, "I don't want to keep Fiona waiting." I essayed a brief bow to my elder, "By your leave?"

Random nodded "You hardly need my leave. When shall Kit and I call for you?"

"My chat with Fiona should only take a moment. Say in an hours time by the castle gate?"

Random nodded "No problem. See you then."

*** I hurried to Fiona's quarters. Worried that I might be late.

//I feel like a ping-pong ball stuck in a dryer. Bouncing from one activity after another. I wonder how the elder's ever keep up?//

Fiona was pouring a cup of tea as I entered "Good afternoon, dear." I paused at the doorway to compose myself. "Hello mother, may I come in?"

Fiona smiled, "Of course. Two sugars?"

I took the seat opposite from my mother. One of the things taught me was always sit across from family with something intervening, "Yes please."

Fiona handed me a cup of tea and smiled, "My poor dear. You look very hectic."

I ran a hand through my hair in an attempt to smooth it, "Yes, well, playing catch up can be quite strenuous at times. I've been away from Amber for some time now and there was a lot to reacquaint myself with."

Fiona smiled "Anything interesting, Flavel?"

Alternating the raising of my eyebrows, I decided as usual to confide in her. Fiona was well schooled in detecting deceptions and lies, so I usually plan more towards how I deliver my information then in making any attempt at withholding information. "I'd have to say just about...everything. How bout yourself?"

Fiona smiled, "Some interesting developments. How did your research go?"

"I found some interesting literature in the library, concerning the Cerdok theory. I also took the opportunity to do some light reading about pattern lenses (nice book by the way), and I leafed through some meterological reports concerning shadow storm reports."

Fiona smiled, "Thank you. I just wish Delwin was around to compare notes with."

So Fiona, knew the author. Not surprising. If there is something mysterious to explore, Fiona would already have at least looked into it.

I blew gently on my tea, and hazarded a sip. "Mmm. Very good tea. Just who is Delwin anyways?"

Fiona replied quietly, "One of your uncles. Remarkable talent for research. Seemed to be more concerned with helping your generation though. Bleys thinks highly of him too."

Setting the teacup on the table I folded my hands. "I'd like to meet him sometime. Strange I've not heard about him before now."

Fiona's looked sad, "He is truly gifted. Some time ago though, he disappeared."

Maybe there was a connection between Delwin and the shadow storms. "Any chance he disappeared, say, twenty years ago?"

Fiona shook her head "No, we were doing research then."

I frowned momentarily, "So much for that correlation."

Fiona sighed, "He did take off shortly after though. Bleys and I have been looking for him since then."

"I've spoken with Random. It seems Kit, Random, and I have been ordered to make haste our departure. There is a festival of fire we need to attend, and additional cousins of mine will be present."

Fiona asked, "Would that be the Efreet festival?"

I shrugged, "In all probability. Is there anything about the festival I should know about?"

Fiona shook her head, "Salome, your cousin, is likely to be taking part. Caine is very protective of his child. She's also a skilled archaeologist."

//Caine, another elder I didn't much care for. I'm batting a thousand...//

"Is Salome anything like Kit?"

Fiona smiled, "Salome is reckless, yes, but far nicer than most of us and she has her own issues to deal with. She walks between two worlds as do you."

Well that comment confirmed my own suspicions of heritage. But it had been over a hundred years since we previously discussed my heritage. Very shaky ground. A wry grin crossed my face, "Sounds like were going to be a rather rowdy bunch."

Fiona chuckled, "I daresay you'll all settle down."

I decided to pry just a little into Fiona's remarks about different worlds. I would have to exceeding circumspect though. "I once came across a curious definition for magic. The communication between worlds. The words still haunt me from time to time."

Fiona nodded, "A very accurate definition."

"Yes, I thought so too. By this definition our conversation is a form of magic. My world, and yours."

Fiona smiled, "True. There is a rumor that Salome discovered a gateway."

Not the direction I expected the conversation to take but I was willing to listen to anything my mother had to say. Taking another sip of tea I asked, "Has she had a chance to explore this rumor of a gateway?"

Fiona sipped, "The rumor goes that she reported it to her grandfather and he set about making a team."

"Ahhh. Some pieces may be falling into place after all." I paused and decided now would be a good time to tell Fiona about what I experienced with the pattern. "What does the pattern think of all this?"

Fiona smiled enigmatically, but said nothing.

I drained the rest of my tea. "Random and Kit wait for me at the castle gates." Getting to my feet, I bowed to Fiona.

Fiona said with all seriousness, "Flavel, be careful."

I paused at the hallway and turned and said to her then, "I am my mother's son."

With all being said that I was prepared to hear, I hurried to the castle gates.

Detouring to my quarters, I took a moment to change into more appropriate attire. Something appropriate for a hot climate. Something festive, yet breathable. Airy, and yet flexible for any situation. A rose silken swordsman's shirt looked to be loose light and comfortable. The rust colored fencing pants were decent enough for any physical activities ranging from dancing to fighting so I put them on. A sunset open-coat of light suede that fell to near knee length with slashed sleeves trimmed in gold affords good range of motion and seemed roomy enough in hot weather. Strapping a squire's ring-belt to my waist I secured my shortsword, and lifestone. I thought briefly of carrying a rapier. They look good and not at all out of place during festive occasions, but I would want a moment to familiarize myself with a different blade.

Boots of brown glove leather, and a maroon slouch cap with a light evening cloak completed the picture of a rakish courtier. On impulse I took the flute of tempered gold from it's shelf and stuffed it into my shoulder satchel. There was always a possibility that the guests would be called up to provide entertainment.

Arriving at the gate, I doffed my cap in a sweeping bow in the direction of the assembled party. "I hope you all have not waited long on my account."

Kit smiled and afforded me a look that would melt a glacier before snapping her eyes back to Random.

Random just shook his head, saying briefly to Kit "As to your last question, there are various schools of thought on that." Smiling, Random then said, "Alright, everyone ready? Kit, Annie, place a hand on my shoulder. Flavel, you know the drill."

Doning my cap, I edged into the group prepared to chase rainbows. The image of the pattern flaring to life came to me unbidden and song poured like a bright river through my soul.

//Frost fire,//

//Blue flame,//

//Never leave a stain.//

I glanced at Kit as the words continued to pour through my skull. It warmed me that she returned my glance before winking at me and returning her gaze to Random's

//It's a mosiac game,//

//Encircled pain,//

//My constant cane.//

Rainbow colours swirled briefly around us. A moment of cold, then a wave of balmy warmth hit me. I saw then that we were in verdant gardens, tropical yet with a scent of salt in the air. Before us stood a tall man of dusky skin with black hair and eyes. He was dressed in dark green and black. Beside him stood a woman with dark brown eyes, dusky skin and long, red-black hair. She was dressed in a deep red and looked exotic, as dangerous and secretive as the Amberite beside her.

Even as our servant retreated with another servant of this land, I saw Random bow to the lady then turn to Kit and me, saying, "May I introduce Caine, Prince of Amber and Erishanaya, High Priestess of the Temple of the Sacred Flame, King and Queen of the Efreeti of Seven Shores. Caine, Erishanaya, meet Flavel and Kit, my daughter."

Caine smiled, a dazzling smile, that seemed to bring one into his confidence, "It is a pleasure to meet you both." Erishanaya smiled too, her smile warm and yet regal. "Welcome to our home, honoured guests."

I paused with the briefest hesitation recalling the modes of address in royal introductions;

//The form of the introduction is, itself, a clue--lower ranks are introduced to higher. If you are introduced first, the other person holds a higher rank. Did Random err, or is protocol reversed here? Or...the insidious thought rose briefly, was he deliberately attempting to confuse me?//

//Do I say Your Highness or Your Majesty?//

//Random introduced the royal pair as King and Queen of the Efreeti with everyone presently in Caine's realm so the higher address is warranted...except we are royalty as well, and the highest title is introduced first, which would be Prince and High Priestess, except if they are King and Queen they must be married. So peerage becomes relevent in the case of Erishanaya...no the rank is higher then duchess so she's equal.//

Taking a step forward,I bowed smoothly and with quick deliberation. Once to Caine and again towards Erishanaya . My eyes at the feet of the royal persons. I decided that less was better and said simply, "Your Highness", to each in turn, and quickly retreated a step wishing the situation was a receiving line instead of group to group.

I watched then as Kit mimicked me perfectly in every particular. A good show, but a curtsy might have been more appropriate. The worst that would happen, I decided, was her being subsequently treated as a man. Which, if it happened, would probably not be an issue for Kit. Insofar as she would not know the difference in customs. If, even, there were any.

Caine smiled, and inclined his head. Erishanaya smiled graciously to both me and Kit. "Welcome. In this land we consider guests honoured above all and hospitality sacred. We invite you to join us as our guests at the Festival of Light." Random bowed "You do us great honour, Erishanya. We will be delighted."

The Temple Doors were opened as the sun set. The only light came from the flickering torches that lined the route to the temple and continued within. The crowd was solemn, though there seemed an atmosphere of anticipation like electricity in the air. The central flame was dark, extinguished. Caine and Erishanaya made their way to a raised dais upon which seating was set. As they took their seats, a red robed woman brought a young, dark haired man with violet eyes to the dais. This man in turn, bowed politely and rather gracefully to the king and queen.

Erishanaya smiled and indicated a seat on her other side to him. Caine smiled, his tone seemingly more informal, "Daniel, this is Random, Kit and Flavel. Random, Kit, Flavel, this is Daniel."

Kit immediately jumped in with both feet and wide grin saying, "How do you do!" I, on the other-hand, was so intently focused on the activities around me, that I missed my cue momentarily before I could collect myself and turn to the group. I nodded my head in Daniel's direction and said in my best telephone voice, "Please to meet you Daniel."

Daniel returned our greetings easily and politely. There was the slightest hint of uncertainty in him, but it didn't seem to affect his manners. "Random, Kit, Flavel - I'm honoured to meet you all." He seemed like he wanted to say something more, but instead he grinned and took the seat beside Erishanaya.

I figured the puzzle that was Daniel would be solved in it's own due time so I went back to studying the proceedings.

The gathered Efreeti pilgrims fell silent as the doors to the inner sanctum opened and eight red robed priestesses emerged. In their centre, a black cloaked figure walked, it's features hidden under the heavy cloak.

From somewhere, there was the sound of flutes and drums merging into a heady tempo that seemed to vibrate into my very bones. A sweet incense like smell curled round the us, though the source of the fragrance was unseen.

The priestesses escorted the figure to a place just in front of the now dead flame and then retreated. I wondered briefly if this was going to be one of those human sacrifice deals. The figure stood as silent and still as the dead flame behind us.

Now the eight priestesses danced, each holding a torch bright with flame.

Torchlight reflected from bronzed limbs as they spun and leaped, their movements graceful and smooth, like flames themselves as their red robes spun about them, dark hair flying out behind them. The music moved on, the drums punctuated their dance with a sharp staccato beat. Again and again they entreated the cloaked figure who remained still, and motionless. A point of rest within the storm of movement.

The music stopped suddenly. The dancers stopped, then moved swiftly back into the shadows.

A strange tension appeared on the faces of the gathered Efreeti. A new music began. A slow, haunting melody of flutes, the drum beat soft, almost unnoticed.

In a graceful, shrugging movement, as if waking, the dark cloak fell away from the figure at the center. What was revealed was a dusky skinned woman that seemed to almost glow in the torchlight as if shining frm within. Black hair, braided with gold, framed a face of breathtaking beauty. Her long red dress left her arms bare except for one golden armring, the side slits in the skirt showed long, graceful legs.

At first, her dance was slow, reminding me of a fire waking, the flame licked at the wood, tasting its limits. Then the fire grew stronger, faster, the music too increased in speed as the woman moved like liquid fire around the cleared area. As she pirouetted, the movements became a near blur of shining gold, red flame colored the dusky skin. And the flame leaped higher, taking the form of a living Efreet.

A flame now danced in each of the woman's hands, the light in the darkness like streamers of fire as she moved. They grew brighter and flames licked along the woman's arms and hair, though they do not seem to harm her. The light within grew dazzling and in a sudden flare of light, the woman was gone and before us danced a being of pure fire, it's steps sinuous and graceful.

The Efreet made one final leap and landed on the pedestal that held the dead flame. Then in a sudden pulse of heat and light the flame erupted into life, engulfing the Efreet within.

Then suddenly, the Efreet leaped out of the now living Sacred Flame, it landed neatly and turned and faced the flame, kneeling in supplication to Fire, in honour of Fire. In a smooth transition, the woman stood, her red dress unburnt, the golden braids gleamed in the light of the Sacred Flame.

With a deep bow to the gathered pilgrims and then to to Erishanaya and Caine, the dancer retreated. The pilgrims cheered the Flame Bringer's passage, their gratitude for the renewed flame clear. The first part of the Festival looked to be completed and the Sacred Flame burned again.

The pilgrims started to slowly file into the main space. Two priestesses appeared to stand one either side of the Flame.

Caine explained "On this night, it is considered beneficial by Efreets to touch the Sacred Flame. So, my guests, what do you think so far of the Festival of Light?"

Daniel's response was slow in coming. I could tell that his attention was fully fixed, as it has been throughout the rite, on the dancer. One hand rubbed almost absently at his upper arm as he watched. Then he started as he realised that Caine has spoken. "It is...magnificient, sir," he murmured.

I couldn't manage to tear my gaze away from the sacred flame. I privately wondered if visitors were allowed to touch the sacred flame as well. "There's something you don't see everyday."

Distantly, I heard Kit say something about wishing she could like the dancer.

With regret, I realized my attention on the sacred flame might be construed as rude what with Caine speaking to us so I turned my attention towards him.

Caine smiled slightly at Kit's wide-eyed wonder. He addressed us, saying, "There will be more dancing towards dawn, but for the main part the Efreeti will now be healed, pray and give thanks. Many of them have travelled a long way to be here at this moment. My Queen and I will remain here as is proper, but if you wish to explore the surrounding festivities, please feel free. Our daughter Salome will be joining us shortly and will, I'm sure, be happy to act as your guide."

I noticed Daniel's eyes brighten at Caine's words and he nodded once.

With a small smile I decided I had better be the person to actually acknowledge Caine's words, "I look forward to the festivities, and meeting with the Efreeti. They seem a wonderful people."

Kit, for her part kept looking at me and the Efreetian dancers. I wasn't sure what she was about. She had been acting a bit strange lately, but I didn't know her well enough to be certain.

There came a parting in the crowd near us and the dancer of a few minutes before appeared, now clad in a simple outfit, consisting of baggy red trousers, a cropped red top and a loose, silken red overcoat. The braids had been removed to reveal long black hair. Closer up, her eyes were of a near black shade. Erishanya held out her hands to her, "Salome, my dear, come and meet our guests."

Daniel smiled quietly as he watched Salome approach.

I got the definite feeling I was the spokesperson amongst my cousins. So I performed a small bow. "Greeting Salome, I am Flavel. Son of Fiona. Your dance was amazing in it's grace and power." I had thought to maybe say I was the son of the princess Fiona, but the grouping seemed more informal so I decided against dropping titles.

Kit smiled faintly, her expression continued to be unreadable. She inched slightly towards Random and leaned over to whisper something.

Random shrugged and whispered something back.

Salome curtsied to me and then rose and replied, "Thank you. I had a wonderful teacher." and she smiled at the queen, who nodded back, and looked pleased.

Caine smiled too, "Salome, be nice and take our young guests to the other festivities. "

She grinned back at Caine, clearly pleased with the idea. To Daniel, Kit, and me she asked, "What would you like to do first?"

Daniel rose to his feet and moved to Salome's side, he took her hand and linked his fingers through hers. "Please," he addressed Kit and me, "feel free to chose. I have already seen much of the temple and you are guests here."

So Kit and I were the outsiders. With Daniel aligned with Salome. Interesting. I wondered where this would lead. I raised my hands, palms up. The silver glyph in the palm of my left hand reflected the fire light. "I would not know where to begin. So much of this is new to us. However," I turned slightly to catch Kit's eye, "anything involving fire would be fascinating for us to see."

Kit smiled a little awkwardly, and nodded. "Yeah, I like fire." At which point she winced and added, "Whatever recommendation you can give would be simply delightful."

I sympathized with Kit, no wonder she was acting strange. She probably was feeling a little out of her league.

Salome thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I know of a place we can watch fire-dancers and have something to eat. Is this agreeable to everyone?"

Daniel nodded, but said nothing. He seemed slightly intimidated, but I couldn't tell if it was because of Salome, her parents or seeing new cousins.

To fill the silence I said, "That sounds delightful, I know that I am hungry."

Kit merely nodded her head in agreement.

Salome smiled and lead us all to a space on the nearby beach that wass rapidly filling with Efreeti who sat and watched the spectacle in the center. In the center were now a group of Efreeti, acrobatic dancers wielding fire as others might wield water or silk. The fire sprouted from their hands and sank back into the selfsame hands with no seeming pain or difficulty.

The aromatic, spicy smell of food reached me and in truth I knew I had not mis-spoken about my hunger.

Salome smiled "Please, be seated, honoured guests. I will fetch food for us all."

Leaving me and Kit alone for a moment, Salome moved away to obtain food for all of us, indicating to Daniel to come with her.

Daniel nodded politely to me and Kit and moved to Salome's side as the two walked away to fetch refreshments.... Behind them, the hospitable Efreeti gave Kit and me plenty of room to stretch out and be comfortable while a safe distance away the fire-dancers spun and played with raw flame...

I watched Daniel and Salome walk away and thought, //I wonder if those two are an item?//

Shaking my head briefly, my attention was soon drawn to the elementals frolicking with fire.

//Could it be that some principle of ecological polarization occurs in shadow? If so then the existence of a high-energy realm would imply a realm that was frozen, or low energy. Would there be a relationship between the two? One taking energy from the other? Most phenomena based on transference involve two way streets. What would a realm that was losing energy gain, or from our relative position, what is missing here? File this under speculations|shadow ecologies.//

Realizing Kit has been quite for some time I turned to her, "Penny for your thoughts?"