Page 19 of Midwinter Wiles & Valerian Dreams
More babbling from one. An extra squeak from the other.
“I know, I know,” I murmur. “We had a job, we did it, that’s it. If she’s desperate enough to disguise herself as one of us, then she must have adrowninggood reason.”
Something doesn’t sit right.
“I guess I’ll keep her secret. None of my business, right?”
Hugo lets out a chirp from my pocket, and I roll my eyes.
“Oh, don’t act so noble. You’d sell her out for a bowl of grubs.”
Eevi shifts as the rising murmur of voices filters through the cottage walls.
“Yep. That’s our cue.”
I wish all our days could start in such comfort, but soon our funds will run low and it’ll be time to set out again. The life of a traveling acting troupe is never settled. Fresh performances and fresh audiences are where the coin is. If I’m honest, the need to keep moving is a constant itch under my skin. If we stop for too long, we’ll go broke, and I don’t need any reminders of why I can’t let that happen.
The main living area shows signs of life, with Katja reading at the table while Aili and Helkki chatter across from her and the smell of something faintly herbal lingers in the air. The wooden beams overhead give the place a snug feel, and the mismatched chairs around the table are as well-loved as the kids sprawled across them.
Aili looks up as I enter. “We’re hungry.”
“Well, good morning to you, too.” I arch an eyebrow. “I’m sure breakfast will be here soon.”
“Sure hope so,” my little grump mutters.
“Wow, such faith in me.” I shift Eevi to my other arm. “Good thing I don’t take it personally.”
In the corner, settled deep in the big wingback chair, Mikael silently sips his tea. I ruffle Aili’s hair as I pass by, just to see her swat at me with that adorable frown.
“The twins?” I ask Mika as I pass Eevi to his welcoming lap.
“Still sleeping.”
Ah, adolescents. The boys are in that growth stage where they can never get enough food or enough sleep. It’s only recently that Mika became a morning person as he finally aged out of that adolescent need to have nightly comas. I’m grateful to have him up and able to take Eevi for a bit so I can go start my coffee.
Need coffee.
“I started the pot,” says Mika’s low rumble, and I turn back to him.
Grabbing the young man’s face in both my hands, I smack a big kiss to his forehead. “You, Mikael Sokki, are my favorite. Don’t tell the others!” My declaration is at full volume, and Mika only rolls his eyes. “A saint walks among us!” I announce to the cottage, then I go fill the largest mug I can find with sweet, life-giving coffee.
The noise level rises as the cozy room comes alive, and I glance around, taking it all in. The worn rugs, the uneven floorboards, the faded plaid curtains… it’s not much, but it’s warm. It’s safe. It’s ours for now.
We’ll enjoy the peace while we can.
“Helkki, stop licking the spoon and putting it back in the sugar bowl!” Katja’s voice cuts through the calm.
Or not.
“I wasn’t licking it,” Helkki singsongs, the picture of innocence. “I was taste-testing!”
“That’s thedefinitionof licking it!”
“Ew,” Aili shrieks. “Helkki’s gross.”
“Fear me!” Helkki yells, brandishing the spoon like a sword as she leaps down from her chair to chase Aili.
“Hey, hey, breakfast will be here soon,” I call over the clatter of the chair falling over. “Try not to riot before then.”
