Ch: 34 Cuts Like a Knife

 

Gary came out of the grotto with a vast stretch and a smile of ludicrous size. “Ok, I feel great!”

 

Tawny was at the pianoforte, helping the band tune up, she giggled a little at the sight of him. At her unusual reaction, they all looked… and giggled as well.

 

He took a twirl and a bow, enjoying the feeling. He was swathed in a diaphanous robe of gleaming white. Snowy, wide bandages wound around his middle to keep his insides, inside. Loose, white silk pants and a conical white hat with a bright green tassel completed the ridiculous ensemble. 

 

The open front and short wide sleeves displayed a lot of pale, milky white skin. That contrasted interestingly with the sun bronzed, smiling face hovering above.

 

Shai danced up, skirts spinning and twirled around him, while Dannyl and Becky played a silly melody. “I do see Gary’s sweet face, where though be his body, specter?” She kissed him full and hard.  “Aye Sonja did warn that ye would be as pale as moonlight on a snowbank boy. I shall be keeping ye anyway.”

 

“Oh, such loyalty deserves a reward my dear. Just for you, as requested.” With a flourish Gary pulled an instrument case from nowhere, a simple thing of brown, leather covered wood. 

She snatched it up with a soft squeak and dashed to the nearest table. The onlookers caught a glimpse of a green silk lining before the noise started.

 

Sweet, high notes flew across the room from her new instrument. Its vibrant spring green fiddlehead fern headstock, gracefully swept down into a slender neck. 

 

The body flowed in gentle curves and sweeping scrolls creating the illusion of an unfurling spring frond. Her bow flew over those glimmering silver strings, sending waves of sound crashing through the space.

 

Shai lept and twirled in exuberant joy, flinging snatches of familiar melodies around the room. She spun up and whispered in Gary’s ear with a kiss and hardly a pause in her dancing flight. “I do love it, now ye must get tae work on Dannyl’s.” 

 

“Way ahead of you, lover.” He called, pulling out his mandolin and easing in among the bathers to warm up.

“So, how are we doing this?” He asked the band, while eyeing the boat crew, lingering by the fireplace.

 

“We assumed you would just sweep out and make things happen…” Liam began. 

 

“If I may?” Becky interrupted. “The villagers should start showing up soon, we leave a trio up on stage, when the time is right, you set it off. Shai says that you will ruin any plan we make, just cause you get carried away.”

 

The other bathers grinned, sharing a secret joke among themselves. “This is your first time, right Becky?” Ivy asked, blue eyes twinkling merrily. “I’m sure he will take it easy on you…”

 

“Hey, you act like this is going to get weird.” Gary complained from the back. “Just relax into it, everything will be fine Becks, don’t know how much I have in the tank gang, gonna need our rhythm section when I fall out. Shai, did you make me a set list?”

 

She was over in the corner, making out with her new violin like a weirdo. “Nae, ye would just wander off anyway. Ye will follow our lead this night boy.”  

 

Slowly they filtered in, fisher families, the elders rolling up in a carter’s wagon. Even young babes in arms, struggling against naptime’s siren call. 

 

Each family had a bowl, kettle, tray or cask of something along. Baskets draped with napkins and bundles of long loaves gave the procession an almost martial appearance, as though an invading army of leisurely picnickers was executing a beach assault.

 

They came up the strand, dressed in their finest, enjoying a short walk in the winter afternoon sunshine. Happy chatter preceded the groups, swelling and falling like an excited tide.

 

The prior night’s crowd was just a taste of what was coming, at least a hundred people were trooping up, ready to do battle against winter boredom.  

 

Gary and Shai made eye contact, she from behind the bar, he from behind the band and nodded together. In a twinkle, most of the wall between the common room and garden pool vanished, just as slippers and benches proliferated around the garden gate.

 

Most of the horses wisely elected to stay inside the stable, uncomfortable around so many strange humans. Annie was playing garden hostess to the hilt, prancing and frisking with excitement. 

 

Otho was overseeing all the festivities from a cushion on the landing, while Falco declared himself lifeguard of the baths.

 

Becky’s clear, high voice rang out from the instruments all around as the villagers entered by the garden gate. “Welcome to Shai’s inn, we are Ginger Dreadnought… Enjoy the evening, The family show ends at sunset, then it’s anything goes til the authorities shut us down.”

 

“Hey!” Gary tried to shout from the back, but he had no tiny silver button on his silly robes. His feeble cry went mostly unheard, though Shai smiled wider than she should have been able at his discomfort.

 

Becky just smiled, winked at Tallum and jumped off stage to mingle with the crowd. 

That big bass started thumping, way down low, plucky and resonant, driving along in a simple groove. He leaned in and grumbled in that rumbly voice, while Dannyl’s tenor rang out clear on top.

 

Draggin the line…

Makin a livin’ the old hard way…

 

Gary’s gift lashed out like a hungry hentai monster at a cosplay convention, wrapping up anyone he could grab at the second or third toe tap. 

 

No one was safe, at least two babies were shaking their rattles along with style, while a third was attempting to crack the code on the beat box. 

Tambourines and simple drums from Gary’s stock started circulating, filched from his storage by Shai.

 

Gary just surrendered, letting his friends and family carry him away. 

 

#

 

For all Gary’s build up and vague threats, it was a fun night and a fun show. Shai took the lead, using her own and Gary’s weird gifts with a subtle hand, Gary’s stuff had the band woven together tighter than a prayer rug. 

 

Shai took the dance floor under her feet and managed the moving bodies the way old shepherd Glenn’s familiar handled sheep. She directed the band and dancers effortlessly and with barely a sign of what she was doing.

 

Dannyl was singing one of Gary’s out of town songs, something pleasant about dancing ‘Cheek to Cheek’. 

When that one wrapped, Shai leapt onto the low stage with a smile. “We be free o younguns now, The band will take a break and we will tap some beer, aye?”

 

While the crowd of villagers cheered and lined up for beer, the band descended on the potluck table like a horde of locusts.

Even late in the evening the tables were still pretty heavily laden and delicious. A kettle of fish stew and loaves of crusty bread, casseroles, roast chickens, it went on for a while from there. Gary wound up back behind the stage half reclined in a sofa, playing spanish flavored guitar improvisations. 

He noodled on aimlessly in a food induced daze.That woman of his still had his gift spinning around her hips, waiting to pounce.

#

 

Of her crew, Yuzef seemed most affected and least concerned. The music was pleasant enough, but Shai and her boy were like a stone in her shoe, demanding her attention as their gifts entangled. Poor Yuzef had his new guitar out, playing along with a rapturous smile, he was enthralled for the evening. 

 

Esperanza watched as the delightful pair spun the whole town around their fingers, so gently, only a few even suspected magic was at play. 

 

It was torment, she could feel every thread of magic between that pair as though it were her own. It tickled and stroked wherever she moved, like campfire smoke… sweet sensual campfire smoke that teased her senses with Shai’s scents and flashes of the boy's warmth. 

 

As their last number wrapped, she rose; fully intent on abandoning the inn for her quarters on Esperanza. ‘This one could enjoy the music from there at least…’ She thought as the boy began filling the room with gentle, idle music. 

 

As the buxom trader made her way to the door exhausted and hazy eyed, she fantasized that Shai took her hands and began dancing her around the garden.

 

“This one is glad she went in to bed, this is a very pleasant dream.” Esperanza said to her imaginary Shai, who smiled radiantly and twirled her around the room while the boy played on. 

#

 

When the band reconvened on stage, Shai jumped up and pinned a tiny silver button to Gary’s collar with a smile. “Wake Gary, tis time to play fer real.” She said, before disappearing back into the crowd while he roused himself with a manic grin.

“Tallum, it’s ‘Ladies Night’ and the feeling’s right.” He said as things started to speed up and get bass heavy.

 

#

 

Gary woke up and started his weird ‘out of town’ music while Shai twirled off to dance with Esperanza. That thing was settled now at least. 

The stupid sexual energy those three had been circling around themselves had been making Becky nauseous, whenever they got too close together.

 She observed when she could on the increasingly chaotic dance floor, those two were swaying and sliding around too much to really keep an eye on them. 

 

“They’re fine…” Becky said to the young fisherman she was letting clumsily lead her around the floor. He looked confused for a moment, which was not surprising she supposed.

“Uhh yeah, what yer sayed…” He mumbled in his cute drawling accent. Since he was dancing steps he didn't know, to unfamiliar music, she decided to let it pass. The poor fellow had enough on his plate.

 

She caught sight of Shai leading Esperanza off. The merchant looked done in and then some, almost stumbling upstairs with Shai pulling her along. Her dance crazed sister reappeared shortly, flying about as wildly as ever until the music wound down for the night.

#

 

Esperanza enjoyed the most convincing dream of her life, spinning and stepping in time to Shai’s elaborate dances… no human feet could skitter so deftly across the floor. “This dream should never end…” She sighed as the music wound down. Esperanza smiled beatifically, surrendering to full slumber with only a tiny shiver of regret.

 

The first glimmer of sunlight peeked through the garden box in the window, warming the jasmine flowers and perfuming the chamber. That was Esperanza’s favorite wake up call, though the bouquet was different. She smelled a spicy citrus tang of bergamot and kaffir lime, she had none in her garden. 

 

With a jolt Esperanza realized she was in the bedroom upstairs... Sweet Shai’s bedroom. Slowly and carefully she turned and looked the room over. 

A tranquil sky mural on the ceiling spoke of springtime, while the garden box in the window fairly shouted the same. Moss and round river stones made up the walls and floor, while fantastic mushrooms and shelf fungus stood in for furniture. It was as silly as the pair themselves. They were entangled in their own blankets, bundled together into a single entity. 

She was tucked into her own discreet bedding with care.  It was a very welcoming and loving message about boundaries, only sweet Shai could be so gently unambiguous. 

 

With a soft sigh and a smile, Esperanza decided that was enough, for now. She kissed the sleeping duo and rose, feeling the need to play with darling Falco.

#

 

Gary and Shai woke together for the first time in a long time… a very long time.

 

#

 

They stumbled downstairs, looking exhausted around third bell. Gary started attacking anything that looked edible, scraping together a vast buffet of leftovers. Shai was making coffee with an almost religious attention to detail.

 

Various bathers attempted to communicate, and got nothing. The duo were operating in some form of fugue state, barely awake. They ate, drank coffee so hot they should have scalded themselves thoroughly and staggered for the bath with the single minded determination of salmon swimming upstream.

 

They splashed down and floated aimlessly, hand in hand for a long while before stirring. 

 

Yuzef was in the corner, playing something sweet and melodic, watching over the pair as they drifted. Esperanza and the other boatmen were not in the home, nor were Becky, Liam, Ivy or Tallum.

 

Seeing him move, Yuzef called out softly. “All is well, some went in to Port Ellis for supplies on Esperanza.” He smiled and picked out something cheerful and untamed on his instrument. “With fair winds, they should return before evening, if not, Esperanza is our home… though now, this one supposes this is home too, brother.” 

 

He lounged in the plush sofa of tawny velvet by the fireplace, while chatting with new close kin, relaxing in a hot spring bath nearby. “This unworthy might grow accustomed to some life ashore, for a while.”

 

“Ooo, am I a bad influence on you? Thinking about leaving the sea for a life of zany adventure ashore?” Gary’s eyebrows bounced comically while he dressed, Shai following after.

 

“An ye poach Esperanza’s crew she might try an steal Becky away. She hae been angling fer a boat ride since we did first meet wi them.” The graceful smith called, in husky, velvet tones as she settled in by the fire looking pleased with herself.

 

“Are you supposed to supervise us today Yuzef?” Gary asked, wrapping an arm around the older man’s shoulder.

 

“Yes, La- mistress Tawny’s orders. I’m not supposed to let on.” He confided, before turning slightly red. “I wasn’t supposed to tell.’

 

“I know buddy, and your secret is super not safe with me, sorry about that.” Gary said with a wink to his confused new friend. “I have some work to do downstairs, so just toddle on down with me ok? We’ll have some fun while you supervise. I hear you do a bit of carpentry as well…”

 

#

 

Shai watched her fool lure poor Yuzef downstairs, whatever they got up to, her boy was on the mend now. She brought out her lovely new violin and savored its sleek lines and vibrant sound. As long as she was at home she still had access to Gary’s silly Interface gift, the instrument answered her like an excited puppy, eagerly looking for a treat.

 

Woodland’s Call, Unique instrument, violin, string class, quality rare. Enchanted; Chosen subjects within audible range recover stamina, mana, health and sanity at greatly increased rates, wielder excluded from effects. Moderate ongoing mana and stamina cost. Similar and complementary effects from non hostile sources gain bonuses to effectiveness, wielder not excluded.

 

That was her man, always thinking. About what, she had no idea, but thinking… and one should never argue with results, or a firm arse. 

She went back to working on ‘Fire on the Mountain’, while practicing a very complex bit of footwork one of the fisher women showed her.

#

 

The small barge plowed through the waves at a surprising clip when her sails were filled. Marc and Dante both had gifts tied to the spirits of air and water, allowing them to propel and guide the boat in their own ways. Along with Falco’s propulsion and unique insight, Esperanza was far faster than she would appear, once in open water.

 

Becky sat at the low prow, half leaning on a windlass, watching the shallow sea fly by. Her harp rang out a joyful song, rippling through the air like her sister’s chimes. Having Shai and her big dummy along would have made this boat ride perfect.

 

Esperanza settled in beside her, with a big blanket to wrap them both and a giant cup of tea for sharing. 

“The sea, it is a wonder, even the Shallow sea. In the wide ocean, where men dare not sail, waves tower above the height of tiny Esperanza’s mast. Those waves crash against the shore as your sister’s hammer strikes an anvil, beating the very stones of the earth into sand. A wonder, but deadly dangerous to the unwary, much as the land is. On your stoney hills, this one would be as lost and helpless as Gary.”

 

Becky snuggled into the soft merchant and sighed, exhausted and eager to be home despite the novelty of a new city, trading and sailing. Esperanza smelled like home too. 

 

“When you need a guide over our stoney hills, just call.” She said into that pillowy bosom. “Shai and her pet fool owe me a lot, I’ll make ‘em carry your baggage.”

 

#

 

Poor Yuzef dragged himself back upstairs behind Gary, looking like a mile of tangled line. He sank into the bath and gasped with relief. “Mistress Shai, that man is exhausting. This one thinks you should exercise him more.”

 

Her insufferable smirk and raised eyebrows sent his face deep scarlet. “I shall take that under advisement, did he wear ye out Yuzef?” She called from where the pair were now canoodling in a seat by the fire.

 

Before he could answer, Becky came stampeding into the house, remembering to change into slippers just as Gary’s glare brought her up short. “Guys, Port Ellis is huge! The dock ward is bigger than Wheatford, it’s super close too. Just a few miles!”

 

Shai rose and went into the kitchen to look over the swag while her sister enthused.

 

“Fifteen miles Becky, sailors must be precise.” Esperanza corrected, hugging her giant hostess over the tiny dynamo’s head. “I bring fresh milk and eggs, fresh news and rarer still, chocolate…”

 

Gary jerked as though electrocuted, from across the room. “Shai? Everything ok?” He called, ambling over with far more grace than usual. “I felt a sudden disturbance in your aura.” 

 

“Dinnae make a scene, but Esperanza does say she hae some chocolate.” She muttered, looking furtive. “An Tawny or Ivy find out, we must split it more ways…” She flushed slightly with shame. “Ye would nae understand, tis a thing of women.”

 

“Oh no, I get it, I love chocolate, haven't seen it here yet, is it really that hard to get?” He burbled happily with his big dumb man mouth. Tawny and Ivy both perked up, while Luna climbed in through the stable window, directly into the kitchen with animal grace. She lept, grabbed a rafter and swung silently to the floor in the very center of the group without making a sound beyond the rustle of clothing. 

 

“Chocolate.” Was all she said, her dark eye gleaming dangerously.

“I do love thee deeply Gary…” Shai said, with the tone of someone reminding themselves of something that had been briefly forgotten. Esperanza and Becky just looked at him as though he had soiled himself.

 

With a remarkably deep sigh, even by her standards, Esperanza produced a small waxed paper packet. At just over four inches by six, it was not an inspiring sight. 

 

With a delightful crackle the wrapper peeled away revealing a dark brown gritty mass. “Uhh huh…” Gary muttered “so, what are you making with that?” He asked, jarring the womenfolk to their toes.

 

“Making? Boy, we are eating. Fie, I should cut thee out entirely fer opening yer yawp, but I shall let thee kiss me once I've had mine, tis fair.”

 

“Whoaahhhhh” Gary called out, backpedaling away from the hungry women. “Really? That’s like, half processed at best, it would be like coffee grounds mixed with butter.”

 

“Aye tis nary a woman alive who has nae tried that. It dinnae have any effect, tis less vile tasting though.” Shai said wisely, and the women nodded along. 

 

Over in the kitchen they divided the small mass like a band of jewel thieves, negotiating and second guessing every cut. 

Once it was portioned they all swept it into their mouths with eagerness, if not delight. Soon they were blissfully sprawled in the bath floating without direction.

 

Gary did get his chocolate flavored kiss from Shai, it was bitter and gritty.