The Saginaw Elves 3

Things had finally settled down. There were still awful things happening, but nothing that was completely out of hand. Maiela was able to talk things through with her family, and all was well. She and Ninder had been working together, becoming closer. It almost seemed as if they would be back to the way they were before. Almost. But they were still friends, and their families got together every once in a while. This story tells of one of those joyous times. 

--- 

“Mother! Come on! I haven’t gone sledding since I was little! It’s been, like... five years! Come on, come on, come on! Besides, Kyana and I really need to talk about the project we’re doing together at school. Father’s ready to go. Right, Father?” Sasha questioned. She grinned at her father with a pleading look in her eyes, shifting from one foot to the other next to the door. 

“Yes, I am. Come on, Maiela. Let’s go. Ninder and I need to talk about that building that he’s checking out for my team and me. You and Tiatha can talk about whatever you two talk about. I’ll drive,” Akkar said. He went to Sasha and squeezed her shoulder. Maiela sighed and nodded reluctantly. 

“Let’s go. Don't forget your gloves and hat, Sash. Akkar, don’t forget your wallet. There’s hot cocoa, and I’m sure little miss here will want some.” Mailea grinned and ushered her family out the door. 

--- 

“Hi, guys!” Kyana greeted. Without saying anything in return, Sasha grabbed her by the hand and pulled her to the sledding hill. Ninder and Akkar stepped off to the side, immediately talking business. Tiatha and Maiela chuckled slightly at the normal routine. They trudged through the three-inch snow to a bench and sat down next to each other. Sasha and Kyana were already sledding down the hill then starting the trek back up. The best friends laughed the entire time while the men were talking seriously. 

“I’m glad you and Ninder made up, you know. Somedays he would mention you, and the saddest look would come on his face. He felt bad for being jealous of you, and for taking your position,” Tiatha stated. Maiela refused to look at her; she just continued to watch the girls fly down the hill. 

“To be honest, I was not totally innocent, either. I didn’t think about Ninder when I took the job, which I should’ve done. I’m still sorry about that.” Maiela’s eyes turned sad, switching her gaze from her feet to Tiatha; she didn’t look at Ninder and Akkar at all. Tiatha grabbed Maiela’s hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. 

“I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories. Let’s switch to a new subject...” Tiatha half-smiled and Maiela returned it. 

“Okay. How is Tannivh doing? Didn’t he get married recently, to Allannia Hagduin?” Maiela wondered. Tiatha nodded, beaming. 

“Yup! She's nice.” 

“But...” Maiela prompted. She giggled, knowing that Tiatha always had some bone to pick with anyone. 

“She’s got the most annoying, high-pitched voice in the world! And I’m not kidding, Maiela. It rings in my ears for hours after I see her. I won’t say anything to Tannivh, though. He’d kill me. Ninder agrees with me, though.” Maiela suppressed a laugh so she wouldn’t hurt Tiatha’s feelings. It didn’t work; spurts of loud laughs escaped Maiela, and Tiatha slapped her playfully on the arm. 

“Don’t laugh! I told you, I’m not joking!” 

“I know! That’s the funniest part!” Maiela cried through fading giggles. 

“You’re the worst,” Tiatha teased. The two new friends laughed together more until they couldn’t laugh any longer. 

“Mama! Watch me and Sasha!” Kyanna shouted. Tiatha and Maiela turned to their daughters and watched them race downhill together on a sled. 

Times were good. 

Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words Extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words extra words