An incoherent sound of awe escaped Deborah’s lips as they burst from the forest canopy and spiralled high in the air in freefall, the wide lands opening around them from horizon to horizon to horizon . . .
As they fell, Éha angled their direction to a large clearing in the forest. Soon they were over the stream again, and came to the pond and waterfall which was Imalwain’s favourite spot. With a gleeful cry, Éha released her power, sending both girls tumbling into the water. Kicking herself to the surface, Deborah spluttered, ‘That was incredible!’ She splashed the Pixie as she removed her dress and tossed it on a large flat rock to dry in the sun.
They played in the cold water for some time, until Deborah’s lips were blue. Then, Deborah shivering and Éha laughing, they climbed onto the flat rock which was smooth and warm and dry. Feeling like happy children, they lay flat, soaking up the sun’s warmth.
A sudden thought occurred to Deborah. ‘Malina gave that up.’
Leaning on one elbow, Éha said, ‘She sleeps with Rowf, too. Do you think she will have an Outcast baby one day? I wonder what that’s like?’
Deborah made a face. ‘When a baby comes out it hurts a lot.’