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YASMINE
Yasmine held a sleeping Pia in her lap most of the way home, after an incredible day of seeing Pirn with the mayor and Calipha.
Pia being asleep left Yasmine to gaze out the window and think about how much her life had changed in the last few days.
A week ago, she would have sworn she could map out the entire course of her life. She pictured herself growing old working at the eldercare center, living in her small apartment, and doing Tai Chi to ward off the ghosts of the past.
Now she had a family to look after, a small but important role in the redevelopment of a town, and dreams of a whole new future.
This nanny job had been a gift that she could never have imagined. She thanked her lucky stars that her “boyfriend” Zanfredd had been by her side in the moment she needed the push to open herself up to something new.
“Here we are,” Captain Rivvor said quietly as he brought the Cloudcutter in for a gentle landing.
Pia woke up cheerfully and they said their goodbyes to the captain and headed up the front steps with Thomm, wondering if the others would be back from the game yet.
“We’re in the dining room,” Ruler Kreed called out cheerfully as soon as they entered.
Yasmine and Pia exchanged a look and then headed for him.
After their long day, Yasmine was hoping they weren’t going to have to have a formal dinner. She was feeling happy, but so tired.
When they reached the massive space, she let out a gasp.
The formal table was littered with scraps of paper, pens and pencils, and a couple of takeout boxes.
And the walls were covered with pencil sketches of people, waterfalls, mountains, animals, and a smattering of sample paint colors.
“I’m going to paint a mural,” Jax said, absolutely radiating pride. “Well, hopefully the whole Art Club will.”
Yasmine felt her heart smile at his joy.
“Wow,” Pia yelled.
“Jax let me know he’s more interested in art than sports,” Ruler Kreed said proudly. “And I couldn’t wait another minute to see what he could do.”
“This is why you two rushed off,” Yasmine realized out loud.
“I don’t really play much anyway,” Jax said. “So the coach didn’t care about me quitting right before a game. And the art teacher is getting in touch with the club members to see if they want to participate in an extra-credit project creating a mural at the palace.”
“You two certainly are efficient,” Yasmine said in wonder.
“Different animals,” Pia said, walking along the wall and examining the drawings. “Different kinds of people.”
“Yes, the theme is convergence,” Jax said. “The different beings who came from all over the system to make up Ulfgard. And the many animals, trees and geographical wonders that make up our planet. They’ll all come together at the ceiling arches.”
“This is incredible,” Yasmine breathed.
“It’s perfect for the room,” Ruler Kreed said. “For the whole house, maybe. If he’s not worn out when he’s done here.”
“Speaking of worn out, should we take a break dad?” Jax asked.
“I guess we’ve been at it since we got home,” the ruler chuckled. “And I’ll bet Pia and Yasmine are ready for something to eat.”
“I’ll rustle something up for us, Pia,” Yasmine said. “You go stretch your legs after that long ride.”
“Want to play hide and seek?” Jax offered his sister.
“Really?” she asked, her eyes wide.
