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“Now, thePathwork Pixieis a charity event that has expanded to fund children’s charities across the continent. This year, we have raised three million, eight hundred thousand, six hundred dollars. These funds will introduce children to skating, fund afterschool programs, and uplift our community.”
Everyone applauded, and a few hooted in support. She was stunned at the amount, but it was gratifying that her little story had grown so much.
“And for the first time, we have R. Lest herself to thank the players.”
Ruby paused. Marshall got up and pulled her chair back. “You can do this.”
She snorted. “I know I can, but I don’t know if I want to.”
“Tough. Go get up there.”
She sighed and got to her feet, walking up to the podium where the coach was still standing. She got an enthusiastic hug, was lifted off her feet, and spun around. She looked down at him but didn’t say anything until she got to the mic. “Huh. Take five, coach. You might want to stretch before trying that again.”
After the wave of laughter subsided, she looked out. “Well, I am looking at a lot of familiar faces tonight and some that are the same people but a little... taller.”
The two familiar faces that glowed white in the crowd were Ida and Meira. Standing at the back of the room was Emmy, which added a third, and then there was a shock. A woman walking back from the restroom was flickering. One of the stage hands quickly made her way back to her table, and she held a finger to her lips with a wink.
The woman sat down, and Rayden began to scan the crowd.
“Right, well, I don’t know why so many elves would be involved in the story of a little pixie who covers her glow with bits of burlap in order to hide the fact that she has power and so many of her people don’t, but I am glad they did. The coach might not have let me on the ice otherwise.”
Folks grinned.
“When I wrote the story, I was a little girl who had just gotten into competition, but I thought that since I could fly on the ice, I also knew that I wanted to see a story about people who flew on the ice. So I wrote it. I presented the plan to the winter festival conference, and they got excited. The first few years it was performed by children, but then I went to the council and asked them to get adult volunteers, and that was much better for the children’s charities. The kids still performed for schools or classes, but the grownups got to be pixies in front of a paying audience. Over the years we have gotten kids into afterschool programs, gotten them tutors, set up scholarships, and also had a blast with the production. In the decade since I wrote it, this has been my first time actually performing. So, I would like to thank you all for coming onto the ice, building sets, catering, sharpening skates, checking lighting, wrangling sound systems, and, of course, all of you who skated your hearts out.” She smiled. “A special mention goes to Meira for singing like a siren and lighting our stage with the blaze of the solstice.” Ruby started clapping. “Everyone up to get the applause you deserve.”
The gathering stood, and Emmy and the caterers from the trucks stood as well.
When everyone had gotten their due, Ruby smiled. “I believe that the tables are going to be moved for dancing, so feel free to fall on your butts. No one has paid to watch you this time. Thanks again, and consider volunteering next year if your jobs will allow. Even those of you who—” She wiggled her fingers in the air. “Hockey.”
Rayden got up and walked toward her.
She quickly got out. “No wonder they are cranky; they have three periods a night!”
She squawked as she was lifted off her feet and carried to the dance floor.
The music began, and the firm grip turned into gentle guidance as Rayden swayed with her.
“You aren’t half bad at public speaking.”
“Thanks.”
“I can’t believe you made a period joke.”
“Well, it does explain why you all look so cranky on the ice.” She chuckled as he spun her out and then pulled her back in. “I tried to watch, I really did. But that is a very small puck.”
He laughed, and they continued to move together. More dancers were on the floor with them, and soon Marshall was cutting in.
Ruby enjoyed the feeling of having fun, but the mystery elf in the room nagged at her. One moment, she was there; the next, she was gone. It was maddening.
Marshall leaned in, “What is bothering you?”
“There is another Elite omega in here besides the obvious ones. Can you sense her?”
He looked around. “I don’t see one and can’t sense anything. You can ask Meira’s males. They are both hunters.”
She swivelled her head around until she saw the triad in deep discussion. Ruby had to know, and Keres wasn’t here to force the transformation.
“Okay, I have to ask them.”
