Exton

Back at her cabin Star gets ready for bed. She takes out a worn blanket and pillow and curls up on the couch. She hasnt used the single bedroom in the cabin for years and has it closed off. Years ago she moved everything out except the bed, hating the memories the room brought to her mind.

Her thoughts drift back to the past evening and the time she spent with Erik. Whenever he was close to her she wanted him closer.... She didnt know how else to explain it.

When it looked like Monty was closing up Rowan had said they should go. Star turned to tell Erik, 'tell' not quite accurate, she had pointed to herself and Rowan and then to the door. He looked at her and pushing her hair back away from her face asked if he would see her again. The touch had startled her for a second, her eyes changing to brown and then as quickly to bright blue when she reached up and touched his hand. She smiled and nodded once then hurried after Rowan.

Star smiles to herself and snuggles under the covers. Her thoughts wander a bit and she is soon fast asleep...


At the same time, across town at the tavern, Erik is walking around the widow's walk, his thoughts also going over the past evening.

When her eyes shifted color, I thought I was sunk. I had butterflies the size of carrier pigeons just thinking about it... but like Raina had said, "Faint heart ne'er won fair lady." So I took a chance and touched her.

When she smiled, it was all I could do not to hug her right there. But I kept my face still except for a smile of my own... and after she left, my knees went weak as water.

Erik watches a star slips from the sky, leaving a bright trail before burning out. He can hear her saying 'Make a wish' and he smiles at the memory of her soft voice.

Will I ever figure out this power she has over me or should a person even try to figure it out?