The Misadventures of Annika Brisby (23 page)

interlude

The next week went by incredibly fast. With the number of guests expected, everything had to be polished and spotless, and as soon as a task was finished, ten more seemed to take its place. Ambrose had hired a cleaning service made entirely of brownies, who specialized in completing their work at night and dazzling their customers upon waking. However, Althea still managed to find things around the house that needed extra scrubbing and dusting.

When she wasn’t feeding the horses or feeding her hosts, Annika was practicing her archery with the nymphs and showing Runa a few more kickboxing moves. Yuri had become less and less congenial to be around, but Annika chalked it up to nerves.

At night she kept returning to the reading room to gaze at the remarkable painting and write in her journal, or read from the book of fairy tales. Talvi would join her after dinner, reading quietly in the chair beside her for a few hours before he went to bed, or engaging her in a game of reversi or backgammon. When she was thirsty, he would pour her a glass of water before she even thought to reach for the pitcher. When she got cold, he would shut the window and fetch her a blanket before she sat up to do so herself. He even turned down a couple visits to the Tortoise and Hare, leaving the others completely bewildered when he politely declined their invitations.

There was something about those evenings that made Annika wonder even more about him. Did he always come here to read after dinner? Was he proving that he could be her friend after all? He made no more sexual references and kept his conversation geared towards refined topics like art, literature and music, but the most touching gesture he made was when he came to her with a comb and a pair of scissors.

“Half an inch, just like you said,” he warned, “and not a bit more.”

black and red

The day before the party, the samodivi and Annika went to Yuri’s room after breakfast to choose their dresses from the numerous armoires.

“I’m so nervous,” Yuri said of her twin brother as she selected some pretty gowns. “I don’t know what he’s planned for the music or planned to wear, and I’m getting worried. We
have
to match. Everything has to be
perfect
! At least he trimmed his hair. It was beginning to look scraggly.”

“Yeah it was,” Annika agreed, holding a blue dress in front of Runa. “I did that the other night while you guys were at the pub.” Yuri gripped the side of the armoire as though she’d suddenly developed a painful stitch in her side.

“
He let you cut his hair?
” she hissed through clenched teeth. Runa and Hilda’s eyes grew wide in shock.

“He just had a few split ends. It’s not like I chopped it all off or anything,” Annika said with a dismissive shrug.

“I think it looks nice,” Runa said quickly, grabbing the dress closest to her. “Yuri, what do you think of this dress? Can I wear this one? I think green looks so pretty with my dark eyes, don’t you think?”

“You’re holding a
blue
dress, you ding-a-ling,” Hilda cried in exasperation. “Although it does look nice against your complexion. If you’re wearing that one, then I’m going to take the green one since it’s already hemmed.”

“Either of those is fine with me,” Yuri said, looking distracted. “I think I’m wearing the purple one anyway.” Sariel didn’t seem to be very interested in the girlish pastime of trying on dresses.

“Why do I have to get frilled up?” she complained, but Yuri wouldn’t hear of it.

“You always wear the same things. Leather skirt, white shirt, green sash and fur trimmed boots, every single day,” she frowned. “You look fine enough right now, but you will stick out like a sore thumb if you aren’t dressed up like the rest of us tomorrow night. It’s only one evening of your bloody life, Sariel. You don’t even have to get ready until the sun sets. Now here…you should wear something that will compliment your skin and eyes. What about this red one?” Sariel shook her head as Yuri pulled a ruby red gown out of the bureau.

“That is way too flashy. I don’t want to bring attention to myself, remember?”

“Wow, that one is amazing!” Annika breathed, looking at the satin gown. “Sariel, if you don’t want it, I’ll wear it. Red is my favorite color.”

Yuri narrowed her eyes at Annika and shook her head in disapproval.

“It won’t look good on you. It will compete with your hair,” she declared, and reached into the armoire again. This time she retrieved a black silk dress and gave it to her. “Yes, I think this would be perfect. Wouldn’t it be interesting if you and I matched?” she asked Annika, who was amazed by the meticulous beading and lace. “Between our hair and our dresses, we’ll both be in black and red.” Annika was so preoccupied at examining the dress that she didn’t see the samodivi exchange confused glances behind Yuri’s back.

“I don’t know, Yuri. What if I spill something on it? It’s really elaborate,” Annika said. But Yuri wouldn’t have it any other way.

“But you
must
wear this one! It’s gorgeous. It will contrast perfectly with that bright red hair of yours. You’ll look so pretty,” she said with a smile so fake that Annika could see right through it. She didn’t want to make a fuss though, so she graciously took the dress to the mirror. She had to admit, the black silk did make her hair stand out more than the red ever could.

“How many dresses do you own, anyway?” Runa asked as she squeezed in front of the mirror beside Annika.

“I’m not really sure. Isn’t that terrible?” Yuri counted in her head. “I really have no idea. Since I stopped riding around the forest with my lazy brother I have so much more time to enjoy dressing up and looking respectable.”

“I like how you used to dress just fine,” Sariel said as she chose the purple gown Yuri had originally wanted. “I don’t know why you changed.” Yuri rolled her eyes but said nothing more on the subject of clothes.

“Now that we know what we’re wearing tomorrow night, we need to see if the florist needs any guidance. If we don’t hurry them along they’ll never be done in time.”

Yuri’s entourage followed her through the house and they spent the rest of the day draping sheer fabrics over table tops in the ballroom and helping to arrange close to three-hundred red and white roses. While taking orders from Yuri was beginning to test her patience, Annika was surprised how quickly the day flew by. That evening she drew a bath and soaked in the tub. It was quite an ordeal to heat the water enough and pour it into the giant basin, but it was worth it. She found it paradoxical that she was bathing by candlelight, and yet beside the giant tub were all sorts of shampoos and soaps that looked like they belonged in a rustic, yet upscale spa. Everyone’s modern-looking wooden toothbrushes sat by the sink next to a large jar of homemade toothpaste, and a large hutch was at one end, stuffed with fluffy towels and baskets of sponges and washcloths. It was so familiar, and still she knew she was so far away from home. All it took was one look through the steamy windows where the larger moon, Vega, was nearly full beside tiny, steadfast Badra.

She’d been gone for almost three weeks and was surprised how easily she’d been distracted from her other life. Her life with a family and friends and a band in America, and an uncle in the Balkan Mountains felt so far away, yet so close. She thought about what Finn had said about parallel universes and the blocked paths that led between them, and wondered if she’d ever leave. She’d grown to care about these people, but she still felt like an outsider. She didn’t want to think about living here indefinitely, and when she thought of the pain her mother must be experiencing at that same moment, she broke down and sobbed, rinsing away her tears with the bath water only to find more had taken their place. She tossed and turned in bed for a long time that night, feeling pulled in two different directions by a heart in love with two different worlds.

a night to remember

The day of the big celebration had finally arrived, although Yuri seemed disappointed that something else hadn’t arrived along with the cake and wine. She was starting to drive Annika nuts, what with her obsession to have everything be perfectly perfect and completely under her control. She’d even gone so far as to move every plate and fork that Annika put beside the cake, because she felt they should be on the left instead of the right. Annika held her tongue and silently prayed that Yuri would mellow out after the party.

The twins disappeared as it grew closer to sunset while the samodivi and Annika got dressed up in Yuri’s room. She gasped as Hilda pulled the cords tight at the back of her gown, causing her small waist to shrink even more. The girls spent nearly two hours getting ready, perfuming their skin with scented oils and adorning their hair with some of the flowers and leaves they had left over from decorating. Hilda let Annika sweep her mess of thick hair into an elegant updo and held it in place with jeweled hair pins. Runa had woven some deep green ivy into her friend’s bright red hair, and even Sariel had broken down and let Annika apply eyeliner and mascara like the rest of them. In a dress and makeup she was almost unrecognizable, and she looked at herself in the mirror for a long time before giving a stoic nod of approval. They slipped on hard heeled shoes and clicked through the halls to see if any guests had arrived yet.

Finn was leaning against the heavy front door, but when he saw the four of them he nearly slid to the floor. He was dressed to the nines himself, in a dark brown frock coat and pants, and a red waistcoat embroidered with green and gold patterns. He tried desperately to appear composed, but he was clearly not prepared to see either Hilda or Sariel looking so feminine. Before he could comment there was a knock on the door. He opened it and for a moment Annika thought he was talking to a large moth fluttering in the lamplight. He invited it into the threshold and then suddenly a human-sized fairy stood there. Then three more, and then four more, until there were over thirty of them milling about on foot and a few feet in the air.

“Hello Dardis, Hello Sirvat. How was your journey?” Finn asked the first two fairies who had materialized from their previously minute size.

“Oh it was not too bad at all, really. We made very good time. It’s so nice to see you Finn!” one of them said. She had short blue hair and purple eyes, and her clothing was otherworldly. Her periwinkle wings fluttered before they lowered and hid underneath her billowing lilac cape. “My my, how you have grown even more handsome is a mystery to me,” she said flirtatiously as she walked up to the girls with her entourage. Annika wasn’t certain, but she thought she saw a flicker of jealousy in Hilda’s eyes.

“Hello Dardis,” Hilda said stiffly as the blue-haired fairy strolled past her.

“Hilda, is that you?” Dardis stepped back to look at the nymph in front of her and her large violet eyes widened even more. “Your hair is…well, it’s cooperating with you quite well tonight.” Hilda wrinkled her nose but said nothing. “You look so lovely, all of you. And Sariel!” Dardis exclaimed. “Why, you look like a princess! You should dress up more often.” Sariel grumbled a response but tried to appear gracious.

“Who is your new friend?” asked an older fairy decked in a yellow dress and green cape. The dainty and majestic creature wore a crown made of pussy willows on top of her long waves of golden hair that fell down her shoulders.

“Sirvat, I’d like you to meet Annika, Finn politely introduced. “She’s a modern girl who’s staying with us for the time being. Annika, I’d like for you to meet Sirvat. She’s our fairy godmother.”

“It’s nice to meet you Sirvat. I…I’ve never seen a fairy before. I thought you were tiny.” The blonde fairy smiled sweetly as Dardis laughed a laugh that sounded like silver bells ringing.

“We usually are, but it wouldn’t be much fun to dance with the elves if we only came up to their ankles!” Dardis said, and they walked to the ballroom. The other fairies followed her, speaking in a strange language that she couldn’t understand.

“Let’s see what you’ve done with the place…ah, yes,” Sirvat sighed.

“Is it good? Are you pleased?” Hilda asked.

“Very much so! Let’s liven it up a bit though, shall we?” They stepped into the huge room where a group of twenty or so musicians had gathered. One of Anthea’s pianos had been wheeled in as well. The musicians wore black pants and black vests stitched with roses and vines, with white drop-sleeve shirts. They each had a different instrument, some that Annika didn’t recognize. A female musician stood up and played a few long, slow notes on her violin, then a pair of male violinists joined her. The pianist sat down and with great flair he hammered out a commanding tune. Dardis squealed, and her periwinkle wings trembled in excitement from underneath her cape.

“Chivanni, come dance with me!” A very slim, youthful man with hair just as bright red as Annika’s emerged from the group of fairies, his orange wings vibrating noiselessly as he flew across the floor.

The toe of his red boot dragged on the marble tiles as he stopped himself near Dardis. He wore red leggings and an orange tunic with a glittering red belt. His hair was combed forward, and he’d carefully brushed his bangs off to one side. He took Dardis and dipped her down as an accordion player joined the violins and piano, and the ballroom transformed from a cavernous and empty place to a vibrant dance hall. Annika was mesmerized by how Dardis and Chivanni danced together. He reminded her of a nimble flame hopping from side to side, trying desperately to catch the watery and languid blue-haired fairy. Some of the fairies floated up to the chandeliers and curled their hands into fists in front of their faces, and then they slowly released them and puffed as if they were blowing kisses. Within a few moments all of the candles were lit and a warm glow filled the room, creating a surreal atmosphere. The lights twinkled as if they were living and joyful just to burn. There was a fine dust of golden frost covering all the flowers, making them glitter in the light as the colors of the room came alive.

“Well there’s the birthday boy and girl!” Sirvat said as the host and hostess of the party stepped through the archway. Annika turned around as well and saw Yuri escorted by her twin brother. Over her red dress, she wore a black shawl that resembled a spider’s web. He brother looked absolutely dashing, wearing a black frock coat and slacks, and a blood red waistcoat to compliment his sister perfectly. Together they made quite a stately pair, and they stopped so that Talvi stood with his sister on one side, and Annika on his other.

“How is my favorite fairy godmother?” Talvi asked as he let go of Yuri’s arm, bowed down, and hugged Sirvat gently, keeping clear of her delicate wings.

“Oh, I’m so glad to see you two on this day,” she breathed as Yuri embraced her. “How excited you must be, finally turning three hundred! It’s a very magical number, the number three,” she said, gazing at them lovingly.

“I like the black,” a voice behind Sirvat said.

“I like the red,” another said.

“I can’t decide,” yet another cried. Sirvat turned her crowned head around to look at the fairies.

“What on earth are you bickering about? We didn’t fly for days only to argue now.”

“We aren’t arguing, Sirvat,” they laughed. “We were trying to decide who looks more striking beside Talvi.” Annika prayed her face didn’t turn red as she realized that it was probably Yuri’s intention all along to see who looked better standing next to him when she’d picked out their dresses.

“I say the girl with hair like Chivanni’s.”

“I say Yuri in her red dress.”

“I can’t decide! They’re both so lovely,” the third voice wailed again. Yuri looked at Annika with a satisfied smile before turning to Sirvat.

“Shall we make sure the wine hasn’t been poisoned?” she asked her fairy godmother.

“That’s a fine idea,” Sirvat laughed and together with Yuri she led the fairies and samodivi towards the refreshments. Relieved that Yuri had gone away, Annika turned to Talvi, who had none of his arrogant airs about him. He only smiled sweetly and offered his arm to her, which she took.

“You um…you look incredible tonight,” she said, trying not to gush.

“I would tell you the same, but the words pale in comparison to what I see before me,” he replied in such a low voice that only she could hear. Her heart thumped hard in her chest as he poured her a glass of wine and introduced her to the other fairy folk. More and more guests began to arrive and Talvi tried his best to introduce her to all his fairy friends and his Aunt and Uncle Derbedrossian, carefully avoiding Sevan. He introduced her to the other elves from the village, and even other samodivi from far away. But eventually Yuri took him away, and they wandered off into the sea of people.

Dardis pulled a handful of objects that appeared to be marbles from a pouch on her belt and began tossing them into the air. One at a time they exploded and sent a spray of fine dust around the room. At first Annika couldn’t tell what she was doing as the dust settled on her skin and the flowers. Then they began to come alive and slightly sway to the rhythm of the music. It was clear to Annika that even with elves, samodivi, and fairies in attendance, this celebration was going to magical. The colors seemed more intense, the candles burned brighter, and the music was a lyrical elixir to her ears. In no time she found herself dancing with a cute fairy boy with turquoise hair and tribal tattoos on his forearms. She caught glimpses of Ambrose, Althea, and Anthea talking with the heads of the Derbedrossian family. They seemed to be getting along well as they watched Stella and her little brother try to catch fireflies. The room was full of light and laughter, and as the music swelled with waltzes and tangos, Annika danced with her friends until she was out of breath.

As she went to get her drink refilled, she could see Talvi and a blond young man in black from across the room talking to a group of tall, willowy elves from the village. The women they spoke to were so beautiful, and so enrapt at the words Talvi spoke, she could only wonder if they were anything like the words he’d said to her. She watched as he set his glass down and escorted a blonde onto the floor. It didn’t seem fair how effortlessly they glided across the floor, and she felt the slightest tinge of jealousy. But she was being irrational. She knew it was the right thing for him to be dancing with another elf. Not someone who was from a different world, a different species, and two hundred and seventy-five years younger than him.

After some time, Finn came into the room and took Hilda away from the others. Runa giggled like a school girl.

“Did you know that they have fancied each other for years?” she asked Annika.

“Well, did she ever tell him that she liked him?”

“She tried, but she’s terrible at it. Oh I’m so glad they’re dancing together. Look at them move. It’s like they were made for each other,” Runa sighed dreamily.

“Even though they were made the wrong size?” Annika joked, but Runa didn’t catch it. “There’s almost a two-foot difference between them!”

“Why would that stop love? It’s the force between them that makes them move the way they do,” she said and glanced at Annika, who was trying not to laugh. “Just watch them.”

Annika did watch them, and envied their happiness. They dreamily gazed into each other’s eyes as if they hadn’t seen each other in forever. She couldn’t help noticing that Finn’s brother had chosen another elf from the small group of admirers and was moving similarly. After dancing with her, he chose another. And then another. She tried not to let it bother her since she was the one to ask that they only be friends, and nothing more.

The waltzes died off as the musicians took a break. The room quieted and everyone gathered around Ambrose, Althea, and Sirvat as toasts were made to the twins’ good fortune and passage into their three hundredth year; how the number three was such a magical number, and to expect great things to come. As the comments were wrapped up, the room stirred when a troupe of nubile young belly dancers appeared at the edge of the room. They wore silver bracelets on their wrists and ankles, and elaborate silver belts with tiny bells attached. A dark-eyed woman had seated herself at a small table along the opposite wall from the platform. She wore black and purple skirts, and a feather earring in one ear. Her long wavy hair was dyed with indigo and adorned in gold bands. She wore gold bracelets and a gold belt made of hundreds of tiny beads and bells that jingled when she walked. With rings on every finger, she spread out a silk cloth covered in batik images of magical symbols, and placed a white candle to her right, and a few sticks of incense to her left. A group of fairies had already gathered around her, and she brought out a leather pouch which she removed a deck of cards from. Shuffling the cards, she looked around at the fairies and one sat down across from her.

“Should we go have our readings done?” Runa asked her.

“Like tarot cards?”

“Yes! Pesha can see the future. Do you want to go find out what yours is?”

“Sure,” Annika agreed, and followed her to the crowded table.

“Welcome back, my dear Runa,” the woman said kindly after she had finished with the fairy’s reading. Her eyes shone black and mysterious, but her smile was warm and friendly. “Who is your friend?”

“This is Annika. Annika, this is Pesha.” Annika nodded at the gypsy woman, who in turn nodded at her.