(advent) December 22 - Five gold rings...

Sorry it's late - yesterday was mad Christmas shopping! Traveling now, but the computer is coming with me, so I should have today's up tonight! Only 3 more days - can you guys stand it????


December 22

“Schrodinger, hurry up! We want to start!” Sarah called from the tea room, and Molly laughed.

“Go!” she said, shooing the CrossCat off his stool. “I’ll finish these – it sounds like they’re just waiting for you. And you’ve been waiting for this.”

Schrodinger didn’t need much encouragement. He hopped down and shot out of the room like he’d been stung by something. Molly laughed again and turned her attention back to the tea cakes cooling on the rack behind her. She and Schrodinger had been trying to decide how to decorate them, and she still wasn’t sure.

( Four calling birds... )

Like SA, this is one of my favorite Christmas movies. Enjoy!

(advent) December 23 - Peace on Earth

It's a short episode today, sorry - I'm wiped, and Molly's too worried to do much. But tomorrow, we will have more! I promise!


December 23

Molly? Why are you still up?

Schrodinger came padding out into the living room. Molly was curled up on the sofa under a throw her aunt had crocheted, looking out at the snow falling softly outside. The only light came from the Christmas tree glowing in the corner.

She didn’t answer him, and he came further into the room. Molly?

“Have you ever been to Caledon?” The question was so quiet that he almost missed it.

No. He jumped up onto the couch and curled up in her lap. I haven’t actually traveled that far, but my sire has. Why?

“That’s where they sent Drew,” she said, stroking him almost absently. “I’ve never been there. Did your sire tell you anything about it?”

It was warm when he went, Schrodinger said, after thinking for a few moments. Very green. He said it smelled alive there.

“Drew said they were having issues there, with the Middenfolk.” Molly looked out at the snow again. “I’ve never been to the Midden, either, but I’ve met Middenfolk. They come in to the teashop once in a great while, with lovely tea. I can’t imagine them being trouble – they seem so gentle.”

It’s probably not everyone, Schrodinger said. It’s never a whole people that makes trouble, after all, just certain parts of the population. I’m sure he’s fine.

“I hope so.” They sat and watched the snow fall for a while. Schrodinger knew she’d received an envelope earlier in the day, but he hadn’t seen her open it. For all he knew, it still sat on the table in the dining room.

“No,” she said, responding to his unasked question. “The CD is already in the player.”

What did he send you?

In response, she lifted the remote to the CD player and pressed a button. As the song filled the room, Schrodinger listened to the words and wondered again at how prescient SA was. Then again, if she was right and it was Drew, of course he’d known.

He’ll be back, Schrodinger said, when the song ended. Just like he promised. And he’ll be fine. No one will hurt a Gate tech.

“I hope so.” And she went back to watching the falling snow.

Poor Molly. As you listen, think not only of Drew, but of all the men and women around the world now in dangerous situations. Hopefully, some day, we will all live in peace.