horrible cold

[warmfeelings]

Chelsa buries herself in her friends, and the warmth of the world that Harley isn't on anymore. She doesn't understand him. She never will. But there's Corona, sun-scorching and intense; there's Amdon, her oldest and closest; there's Anneia, sweet and smiling; there's Sandre, cuddly and fun; there's Tima, pretty-kindling and empathetic; there's Pacco, bright and deferent; there's Jony, hot as a kiln; Lionara hot as molten glass. And Aelise herself, who makes so many compromises but who does love Chelsa after all.

Harley wasn't like that one cold, cold girl, who - she wasn't even technically a sociopath. Sociopaths kindle like everyone else. She was just - cold. Like an airless environment in which no fire can burn.

But Aelise had her killed, and Chelsa made sure no one would miss her, and if anything like that ever happened again, Chelsa has every confidence that Aelise would make it right. Harley's one thing. He can just be - out of sight, out of mind. Aelise would never expect Chelsa to compromise on the existence of such a terrible cold.

Comments

[alicornucopia]

When this doesn't instantly win Mehitabel over, Rinnah says, "Honestly, Mehitabel, just go!"

Mehitabel heaves a great sigh and plods in Aelise's direction.

[salus_populi]

"Thank you," says Aelise, leading her out to where the imperial vehicle is parked. It's not spaceworthy, but it's still impressive in an understated kind of way, with sleek engine pods and stubby little wings.

[alicornucopia]

Mehitabel climbs into the vehicle, sits, and opens her book.

[salus_populi]

The vehicle takes off.

Aelise sits quietly in the passenger compartment with Mehitabel and lets the autopilot take them around the world.

[alicornucopia]

Eventually Mehitabel comes to the end of a chapter. She is about to turn to the next one.

[salus_populi]

"Is that the end of the chapter?" says Aelise.

[alicornucopia]

"Yes. There are some more left though."

[salus_populi]

"I'd like you to put your book down and talk to me for a while," says Aelise.

[alicornucopia]

"Are you more interesting than this book?" inquires Mehitabel curiously.

[salus_populi]

"I like to think so. You might not agree, but you're not going to find out if you don't try talking to me."

[alicornucopia]

Mehitabel sighs and dog-ears her page and closes the book. "What do you want to talk about, anyway?"

[salus_populi]

"A few things. Your parents are worried about you," she says. "I'm sure you've noticed."

[alicornucopia]

"They made me go to a doctor," agrees Mehitabel. "I think I'm okay though."

[salus_populi]

"Do you know what it is they're worried about?"

[alicornucopia]

"Something about paying attention to announcements."

[salus_populi]

"The morning announcements," Aelise agrees. "What do you think of them?"

[alicornucopia]

"They're not interesting, I don't know why everyone likes them so much. Half the time there isn't even anything to announce and Chelsa just says good morning and stares at the camera."

[salus_populi]

"Why do you suppose everyone else likes them so much?" she inquires.

[alicornucopia]

"Mommy says it's because Chelsa is very likeable."

[salus_populi]

"She is," says Aelise. "That's her Gift."

[alicornucopia]

"Right, that's what it was," says Mehitabel. "I dunno. I think it's weird how much everybody likes her. She doesn't even do anything like you."

[salus_populi]

"Am I more likeable than Chelsa, then?"

[alicornucopia]

"You do stuff," says Mehitabel. "I don't know all of it but you're the Empress and you made there not be wars and stuff. Chelsa doesn't do anything but make everybody pay attention to her every day for no reason."

[salus_populi]

"I see," says Aelise. "Well, that's interesting. Is doing stuff what makes people likeable?"

[alicornucopia]

"If it's good stuff. Not if it's bad stuff."