Ralph and the Pixie

Malina digested this in shocked silence for a long moment.

‘This is what you and Pran disagreed upon?’

‘Partly,’ Theuli answered, ‘though not entirely.’

The kettle began to sputter. Malina took this opportunity to stop talking for a moment and think. She made up a tea ball, placed it in the teapot, took the screaming kettle off the stove and poured the hot water into the pot, took her time as she got the cups and cream and honey, and arranged them on the table. Then, she seated herself in a way that told Theuli that she was ready to hear more.

Again, Theuli had to watch her in wonder. How so unlike the Malina she knew.

And yet . . .

‘When we first arrived here, I had hoped that our lives would become simpler; that the Evil at work in the Elf Kingdom would leave us be, so that we could get on with our lives. I decided . . . I wanted very badly to have another child. I wanted for my husband to be home. For an end to . . . raising the children alone.’

Malina, who was pouring the tea, stopped momentarily, trying to read through what Theuli was telling her. To her mind, despite what Theuli was saying, came unbidden the words, “For an end to being alone.” She resumed what she was doing, and the Elf woman continued.