Winter Solstice, Part I.
Whatever pure thou in body enjoy'st
(said Raphael)
We enjoy in eminence, and obstacle find none;
of membrane, joynt or limb, enclusive,
Easier than Air with Air if Spirit embrace,
Total they mix, union of pure with pure
Desiring: not restrain'd conveyance need
as flesh to mix with flesh or soul with soul
John Milton
Paradise Lost VIII
. . . .
'Even the angels made love in heaven, according to Milton,' Daryl spoke into the mirror in the hallway as he adjusted his silk scarf.
'What's that, Daryl?' Emlyn called from the stairway.
'"--Strange love," did you say?'
Daryl just smiled at his reflection which returned the sentiment. 'Indeed...' he murmured as he picked up his violin case and set it by the door.
'I said, sure even the angels will be dancing tonight. On the head of a pin, I suppose...'
He sighed, and decided he looked presentable enough.
'I surmise Jack and Jethro will be traveling with the Bards, then?' He called up to her.
Emlyn descended the stairway which was now bedecked with the promised/threatened redwood greenery and mistletoe swags gracing the banisters.
Em was similarly bedecked with the colors of the season in a new gown, (from Daryl, via Yvonna, as her old ball gown had been torn to ribbons in la Revolucion); this newest, however, was a satiny emerald green to rival Queen Titania; and in the spirit of auld acquaintance, she also wore Jack's Herkimer diamond set about her neck. 'Neath it all, and tucked into her bodice, was her mother's cameo which had come bearing her photo within.
Also from Daryl. Interesting, that.
Pulling on her gloves, Em replied, 'Yes, they're all coming this time! The Triad will be with them, naturally. Sean and Mrs. Murphy are staying over with Homer. They are old friends and Homer will love having them about to complain to...
'Oh, and even young Casey will be with us! Jack thought he would enjoy it. He loves the City, now. Apparently he has missed his days as a library spy for me.'
'Ah, callow youth!' Daryl frowned at his reflection,
fussing with his hair, his jacket. He then noticed his 'ward':
'Ah, just look at you! You look -- transcendent! Emerald green becomes you... You will save a dance for me?'
Em stepped up to him, brushing lint from his velvet collar.
'And you look dashing, Uncle...,' she smiled with a hint of deviltry at him.
'You wound me to the heart!' Daryl stabbed at himself,
'O, callousness of callow youth! Am I all that aged, then?' He leaned closer to the looking glass, a worried tilt to his eyebrows.
Em was not about to salve Daryl's histrionically wounded ego with reassurances as to his attractiveness...she knew he could play a ready Narcissus.
He was looking rather dashing in his frock coat of deep forest green, however, top hat and all...
'You look a right treat, Daryl, as Aleister might say, "Easy on the eyes". I'd not be worrying.' Em smiled at him and held out her cape.
Daryl complied, easing Em into her long woolen cape, then he called to Rosa, 'Andele, Rosa!'
Rosa appeared from the stairway and rounded the corner, a vision in a scarlet Spanish Dancer's Flamenco gown. Rosa clicked her castanets and struck a proud pose.
Daryl helped Rosa into her cape, 'Perhaps...,' she demurred, flicking open her black lace fan.
Em was entranced. 'How wonderful you all look! Shall we be off?'
Daryl had a thought then.
'Uno momento! Don't move, forgot sommat...I'll be right back...'
He fled down the hallway to the study, then took a quick look back; Em was inspecting Rosa's eye-catching flamenco attire while Rosa demonstrated how to play the castanets.
Disappearing inside, he shut the doors behind him and went to the armoire. Reaching within, he brought forth: The Box. And: The Cup.
These he set upon the desk, as before, only foregoing the ritual circle of protection and salt, as well as the incantations.
He merely lifted the velvet cover from the Cup; and then, he leaned over and opened the Box.
The Box appeared quite new tonight, and lifting the lid, he inhaled the fresh scent of cedar wood. There was nothing inside, no markings, nada.
Daryl stepped back then.
'We'll just see what happens...'
Closing the double doors, he eased into the hallway, ceased biting his lip and putting a good face on things, assumed an air of innocent joie de vivre as he approached the ladies.
Daryl offered an arm to each, which Em and Rosa smilingly accepted; then he took a half step backwards, and began to sing: 'We'rrre OFF to see the Wizard! The Wonderful Wizard of Oz..!' And they began skipping down the hallway, underneath the mistletoe,(a peck on the cheek to each lady from Daryl), and out the door.
Meanwhile, back in the study, the Box and Cup began to glow with a soft blue hue...
It was evening of the Winter Solstice and the game was afoot!
. . . .
Fog was afoot, that was certain. And not on little cat feet, either. Rather it prowled the hillsides with a heavy lion's tread. The King of Fogs, so it was.
Manuel, also looking distinguished in his cloak and top hat, drove the carriage slowly and carefully around the Hill, through the gray nothingness of night illumined dully by stray street lamps, and over to Russian Hill, there to fetch the fair Yvonna.
That formidable lady stood waiting on the sidewalk beneath a street lamp with Sasha. 'I thought you would never arrive! I am becoming quite drenched with dew! A mushroom I have become...!' Sasha handed her into the coach, tipped his cap and returned to the lively, busy restaurant.
'Ma petite cherie! My poor kitten!' Daryl gathered her under his cloak and made alternately scolding and consoling noises. 'Why were you standing outside like a sailor on leave? I would have fetched you.' Yvonna snuggled closer, as Daryl reached within his coat.
'Come, I have something to cheer you, here...'
From within a vest pocket, Uncle produced a known cure-all for most feminine complaints, (of Yvonna's time and place, at least): a small velvet box tied with a red ribbon.
Yvonna held her fine profile away from him, dabbing her face with a lace hanky, but her quick dark eyes glommed onto the box which she now targeted like a falcon sighting a mouse.
'Oh!' Yvonna prettily exclaimed. 'You haven't, darlink! Et pour moi? Surely, mon cher, you should not have...'
Yvonna's quick hand was upon the box in a trice, and clutching it against her, she delicately undid the ribbon and opened the velvet lid...
Emlyn and Rosa, meanwhile, seated across from the two, leaned forward as one, to view this newest treasure from Uncle Daryl. One which, hopefully, was not the sort to leap across centuries and dimensions at a nod.
'Ah, il est enchanteur!' Yvonna breathed, as she gingerly lifted out the delicate silver filigree earrings. '...Beaucoup magnifique!' and, glinting in the street lamp's haze, one could just make out the green gleam of Brazilian emerald drops depending.
Yvonna fastened them onto her ears, overwhich, piled in graceful coils, fairly floated her glory of platinum blonde hair. She looked queenly indeed. 'You look a right czarina, cher,' Daryl said, kissing her hand.
Yvonna's green eyes smoldered into his. She planted a long, loving kiss upon his lips and smiled like a cat.
Mission successful, thought Daryl. Thus far...
At last, the coach returned to Nob Hill and onto the Leeks property.
Entering their long drive lined with cypress, Manuel relaxed somewhat knowing their journey's end near and his cargo of friends delivered safely. Once again, however, he wondered how the evening would be written. Times past, some of those en route were not amongst those who returned...
Torches lined the road betwixt the silent tree sentinels, and already music could be heard coming from within; every window bore a candle glowing on the frame, guests were spilling out onto the front porch and into the back gardens like overturned grape barrels. A fine turnout already!
As ever, Conner and Bridget met all at the door, taking coats and offering greetings with a hearty 'Merry Meet!'
'Ah, Daryl, and there's your violin, to be sure!' Conner clapped a hand upon Daryl's shoulder. 'We will no doubt call upon you later for some seasonal song,' he winked conspiratorially, 'but, do come in, and -- ladies! My, how you do grace our halls! Rosa, you do not disappoint, I see! And, in that dress -- you'll no doubt be steppin' out fine this night, indeed!
'Come in from the foggy foggy dew, dearies, and refresh yourselves,' Bridget enfolded them into the house and directed them to the parlor. 'Mulled wine, and Syllabub await your pleasure...do warm up a bit! Sophie and Shekinah, and the Bards of course, are here already as you can hear! And Jack and your wee friend Casey as well...can't miss him, eh?' Bridget winked, 'I am rather fond of redheads, you know...' she cast her bright eyes upon her husband who grinned beneath his own shaggy head of curls, still mostly russet amongst the silver.
Emlyn strode toward the music first, as always. She was pleased to note Jethro was there and he smiled and nodded to her as he teased the mandolin into a tremolo. Jack had been persuaded to riff on guitar and Sophie joined in with her ever-ready banjo. The full complement of Blackpool Bards was in attendance, leaving Em to wonder where Jeanne and Shannon could be...
Ah. She should have known; as she wandered into the dining room, she found her Triad sisters deep in discussion at the Round Table with Shekinah!
'Ah, there she is! Cambria, come join us!' Shannon waved to her as she flounced up and brought another chair for Em.
'I see you have all met!' Emlyn was glad to see the women getting on so well already.
'Indeed! Shekinah was telling us of your Kabbalah meetings,' Jeanne nodded, smiling 'You are in good hands, here, Em.'
'She has a telescope!' Shannon enthused.
Shekinah laughed, 'I very much like your Triad here, Emlyn!'
Jeanne had an idea: 'You must come visit us, at our next gathering, when it warms a bit. May Day is always a celebration not to be missed, yes, Em?'
Emlyn assured Shekinah this was so. 'I will be flitting to and from the City to Arcadia from time to time; you would be most welcome to ride with me. Sophie, too, if she likes. She is such a child of the city, though, I'm not sure if she would come.'
Shekinah and the Triad made plans for the future, then...
'...And bring your telescope!' advised Shannon.
But time has it's seasons and reasons and songs of its own, as the old lay goes...
The Future, as always, remained to be seen.
. . . .
'Ladies and Gents! Dryads and Satyrs! Selkies and Sasquatch!'
Connor intoned to his guests as he strode through the house, Bridget following with a blazing candelabra, 'Please be so kind as to follow us into the ballroom, where festivities will commence in earnest! Avanti! Onward to the halls of celebration, inspiration, illumination and revelry!'
So intense the women's discussion, that Emlyn hadn't noticed 'til then that the band had ceased playing and the parlor had all but emptied some time ago...
As they entered the ballroom, Em was struck anew at how grand and festive this place could be. With ingenuity, style and sweat, no doubt, it had been transformed into a lush green fairyland, (and Em should know); greenery was everywhere; decorating the walls and candle holders, the standing candelabras, while pots of poinsettias made small gardens around basins where water lilies floated. The light sparkled twice as brightly here, where dozens of crystal prisms were hung from every available dependage and mirrors had been strategically placed to elongate and magnify the rooms.
And, of course, there beside the bandstand stood a grand Noble Fir tree, bedecked with crystals as well, resplendent with glass reflective balls of intricately cut designs at the top; bright paper cutouts of all colors ala south of the border, and Balinese wooden angels flew through the equatorial region of the tree. Strands of popcorn, small popcorn balls and gingerbread boys and girls hung upon the lower branches. The children sighted these at once, naturally, and sped to them like hummingbirds to honeysuckle, squealing with delight. Straw Bridget's Crosses were ubiquitous, of course; also a favorite amongst the children.
The Bards were already in place upon the bandstand whilst Conner commanded the floor, awaiting everyones arrival.
'Hear ye, hear ye!' He cried, arms spread to include all, 'Everyone with their beverage of choice, then? And so, once more, dear friends, we are gathered here together as one beneath nature's bounty,' he bowed to the great tree, 'to remember the year past, and to contemplate the future.' It seemed to Em, that Conner's gaze focused upon her then.
'...And to welcome in, the return of our Solar Star, Ra!' Conner turned to Bridget, who strode forth with her candelabra flaming, and together they raised their cups:
'Sol Invictus! Sla'inte!'
'Sla'inte! Air do dheagh shla'inte!''
'Sol Invictus! Answered the crowd, raising glasses on high, toasting their genial hosts and the return of the Solar Light.
'Music, maestro!' Called Bridget, ushering Daryl upon the stage, as was his wont, violin in hand. Bowing to his host, hostess and all, he turned to the Bards and nodded, then called the time and tune; all launched into that mid-winter festive stand-by, 'The Virginia Reel', as it was called in the states; but made famous as 'Sir Roger de Coverly', from Dickens 'A Christmas Carol'.
True to tradition, Conner and Bridget first took a turn about the floor, then they were eagerly joined by others, til a carousel of belled skirts of many colors like flower petals of women, while long satin legs like unto stems, of men, twirled about, in and out, and back again, and, hopefully, in time round the sparkling room.
A tall red haired man appeared before Emlyn, bowing. 'May I have this dance?' Em blinked. By all the gods, was this truly young Casey?
'Delighted!' Em took his arm and was expertly spun about with the others...
No sooner had the dance ended than another began, and Jethro shooed Casey off and claimed Em as partner.
'I'm so glad you could come, Jethro!'
'Yes, well...' he smiled, looking thoroughly pleased and his old handsome self again. Em knew he had had a chance to catch up on sleep and find a little peace now that Homer was improving.
'It wasn't easy, but Sean and Mrs. M. got ole Homer to stay put.' Jethro laughed. 'You shoulda seen it, Em! Mrs. M. actually SAT on Homer to keep him in bed! Well, you know, not truly, but just pretending was enough to put the fear into Homer... Oh, he's nearly back to his rascally self. But he is staying dry. So far.'
Conner and Bridget then claimed Emlyn and Jethro for a twirl, and soon after, Em found herself fairly gasping for air, and a seat and something to drink.
Wandering into the hallway she found tables lined with punchbowls, decanters and trays and plates of fruit, nuts, cakes, biscuits, shortbread and tarts piled high; Emlyn's gaze was quite rapt whilst she caught her breath.
She suddenly felt a presence behind her.
'I like your necklace.'
Em turned about to find Jack. Her Jack; holding a cup of punch and a plate of apple tarts. Her eyes nearly tear'd suddenly; so much they had both been through since they were here last. She couldn't help but recall finding him curled up in a little ball on the lab floor...
Impulsively, she rose upon toes and kissed his cheek. 'Sol Invictus, Jack,' she whispered. 'Thank you. Let us find a seat a moment, shall we? I need a wee break!' She took her punch whilst Jack grabbed his own and they found an empty alcove bench away from the main gambol of sound and light.
'Marvelous tarts!' Em munched, realising how hungry she felt suddenly. She studied Jack then, who was watching the band and the dancing, a soft small smile about the corners of his mouth.
His dark lenses were off, and he seemed to have gained some color. He still looked thin, however. But, overall, he appeared much like the Old Jack she well knew.
'You look fine, Jack. And, unlike myself, you played well tonight too. How are you faring?'
He turned to her. 'Much better, Em. I, I know you were there, in the lab, when I was returned...' Em nodded. She didn't want to say how much it had frightened her.
'It was an ill-conceived undertaking,' he admitted, head down, 'but, somehow, it seemed to have cured me...in some ways. In others...I'm not so sure.' He frowned, curiously. 'I'm changed, I don't quite know yet just how; and yet, in others, restored.'
'Physically, you appear healthier,' Em ventured.
Jack sighed softly. 'Yes, that is Aleister's assessment as well. But...I have, troubling dreams. I sometimes seem to have what some call Second Sight, now, as well.'
'That's not a bad thing, Jack! -- Is it?' Em was on the alert.
'N-no...not per se.' He looked back at the dance floor, frowning. 'Depends on what one sees.' He smiled at her suddenly. 'Are you rested?'
Em nodded.
'Shall we?--'
Taking Jack's arm, together the two erstwhile lovers swung into action joining the spinning throng round about, just as though
the ravages of time and fate hadn't spun them apart for lo, these past few years...
Indeed, he felt like Jack, still...odd, how comforting the feel of familiar arms and shoulders about her, thought Emlyn. He even smelled the same; like a healthy outdoor animal, scents of new mown grass and pine, of clear mountain streams...Em was tempted to rest her head upon his shoulder, and dream along with the waltz...'Blue Danube', an easy dream.
But that would not be fair to Jack, she knew; once awakened from the dream...
As they spun across the dance floor, Em sighted Daryl and Yvonna, an eye-catching couple; she as tall as he; her platinum shimmer was a fine contrast to his dark fire. Somehow, even a waltz seemed to simmer with passion when executed by the couple; they seemed to sense that the eyes of many were riveted upon their elegant motion; an aura of regal power emanated effortlessly from the two.
As they turned near Em and Jack, Daryl caught Em's gaze and
it softened into a smile and slight nod to her. Uncle approved her choice of partner, she knew.
Ah, the things that Might Have Been...
Jack, too, noticed his uncle's unmistakable presence. He nodded to him as well, then frowned as the couple spun away. He looked at Emlyn curiously, then bent to whisper in her ear, 'I...I'm not sure what it means, but, take care tonight, Emlyn. There is a...curious charge in the air here this night.'
Em looked full at Jack. 'Is this one of your...presentiments, Jack?' She was only half-jesting.
Jack smiled, not wanting to spoil the party. 'Perhaps.' He sighed. 'Or, maybe, I'm just wary of Winter Solstice parties now! Not without reason, you must admit.'
Em bit her lip, looking at their feet. 'I can't deny the need for wariness...' She then looked up into Jack's blue-grey gaze.
'It's all in the past, now, Jack. We have both been through so much! Let us hope for a new beginning, with the return of the Light and a new year soon!'
Jack nodded, smiling, as the dance ended and all applauded the band.
'I will see you again, soon, I hope,' Jack took her hand and bowed, then returned to the Bards.
'A short intermission!' Conner strode back before the bandstand.
'Do refresh yourselves, meanwhile! The night is young!'
Whilst the band and guests made for refreshments or the out of doors for a breath of air, (or a smoke, for some), Emlyn looked about her trying to locate the other 2/3rds of her Triad.
A pale blonde woman with a flute took the stand and serenaded the revelers with soft sweet sounds while the band took some much-deserved rest and refreshment.
Wandering about the floor, Em found Jeanne and Shannon with Bridget and Shekinah seated in a hidden alcove behind the Solstice Tree, and, as before, deep in discussion.
'...The Festival of Lights, yes,' Shekinah was saying, 'It is the season for Hanukkah. Or nearly so...' She indicated a candelabra set upon a table across the room, which Em recognised now as a Menorah.
'I noticed, too, that you have an Angel topping the Solstice Tree,' Shannon addressed Bridget. 'Curious, that.'
'Oh, not so very!' Bridget warmed to the subject, moving over to make room for Em. 'Angels are not exclusive property of the christoforos, you know!'
Shekinah was nodding. 'Angels appear in the Torah, the Old Testament. Jacob wrestled with an angel. And they are also mentioned in Islamic texts.'
Jeanne mused, 'That's so...it was the angel Gabriel or J'ibril who spoke to Muhammad.'
'Angels are old creatures. Not so different from the nature spirits, devas and elementals. They are part of the history of this old earth and the firmament, just as much as the flora and fauna,' Bridget assured them.
'And we have our own angels here in the states! What of that new religion of Joseph Smith's out in Utah?' Emlyn joined in.
'The angel Maroni and the Mormons... I've studied a bit of that tale; most odd, indeed.'
'That is, the story of the origins of our ancestors. They claimed they were from the Pleiades. Actually, many ancient temples in the Americas are aligned to the Pleiades; Teotihuacan in Mexico, for example...'
'And, in Egypt and the eastern hemisphere as well. Look to your roots, therein lie the answers!' Bridget nodded.
'But, angels, like much in this world of ours, can be either dark or light; Manicean and dualistic. They are powerful beings, not to be trifled with.'
Emlyn suddenly bethought of young Sophie. She had lost track of her since the dancing had started. 'Where is Sophie?'
Smiling, Shekinah discretely indicated a corner alcove at the other end of the hallway where two heads leaned together conspiratorially; one dark, one flaming red.
'Haven't you noticed they have been dancing together all evening?'
'Sophie and Casey?!' Em exclaimed. Well! Em wished them joy of one another. Country meets City, after all...
Once more, the Bards had reassembled upon the stage, and folk were slowly returning to the ballroom. Emlyn studied the scene from her secret seat and saw that Daryl was upon the bandstand, speaking to the blonde woman who had played the flute so well.
She was nodding, and, replacing her flute in case, took several pages of sheet music and placed it upon her music stand.
Meanwhile, another younger girl with long, dark shining ringlets, took the stage beside the fair flautist, and studied the music before them.
'Speaking of angels...' Bridget leaned forward, murmuring in her ear, '...Daryl and Sonia, the flautist, have been working on this piece for some time now. He said it is a reworking of an old song, but I'm not sure...it is a very interesting sort of music. I think you will like it, considering the subject matter.'
Em found all this most intriguing, and news to her.
'Who is the young girl?'
Bridget smiled. 'Ah. That is Bella, Conner's niece, actually. Wonderful young voice!'
Uncle was full of surprise packages this night.
'I'll see you later,' Em told the others, 'I wish to see this new musical gift!' She made her way round about to the front of the stage and waited for the maestro to begin. Hm. Daryl was the sly fox, indeed.
Daryl raised his violin and bow, arms outstretched, to address the gathering:
'Mesdames et messieurs! I offer tonight, a little light entertainment; a waltz, performed by myself and our Lorelies, Mlles. Sonia and Bella; accompanied by our brilliant band of Bards...
And now, for your listening and dancing pleasure, we present: 'Angel of Music', to be followed by 'The Flower Duet'!'
Adjusting the violin against his chin, Daryl then made his own magic, introducing the beginning notes as the piano softly crept in behind him...and then when Bella began to sing, the melody lifted to the treetop; when Sonia answered, it climbed clear to the stars and beyond, and all sighed with pleasure and began to dance...
Meg:
Where in the world have you been hiding
really you were perfect
I only wish I knew your secret
who is this new tutor --
Christine:
Father once spoke of an Angel
I used to dream he'd appear
now as I sing I can sense him
and I know he's here --
Here in this room he calls me softly
somewhere inside, hiding
somehow I know he's always with me
he, the unseen genius...
Meg:
Christine you must have been dreaming
stories like this can't come true
Christine you're talking in riddles
and it's not like you...
Christine:
Angel of Music, guide and guardian
grant to me your glory
Angel of Music hide no longer
Secret and Strange Angel --
C: He's with me even now
M: your hands are cold
C:(all around me)
M: your face Christine, it's white
C: it frightens me,
M: don't be frightened....
. . . .
-- A brief pause...
As Daryl, or Diego now, as El Maestro, drew out a last note upon strings, then, setting down the violin, he raised his hands to the musicians and singers.
Nodding once, he conducted only the two women who harmonized together effortlessly, as they eased into the next song, which fit seamlessly into the last... Sonia and Bella blended their voices together to weave a rich tapestry of song which, if possible, reached to even further celestial heights...
...As the song began, soft piano wandered in, whilst Allyn took up a violin of his own and began to play a delicate accompaniment in Daryl's stead.
As the song rose in height and beauty, Diego stepped down onto the dance floor toward where Emlyn stood, enraptured, at stage front.
Slowly, gracefully, like a Spanish don, he bowed to her, and offered his hand...
Quite undone by the soul-stirring music, Emlyn accepted, curtsying. Daryl led her onto the floor, and they took it as their own...skillfully, he led her in a winding waltz about the room, as the glorious notes echoed up beyond the rafters, beyond the City, above the fog, and into the stratosphere...Em felt something she had not felt in quite some time...
But exactly what it was, she could not say. She only knew that this was another world, now...a world of dreams, and suddenly all the cares of that other, mundane world were gone.
Daryl kept his eyes upon her, his face unreadable. He seemed to be nodding slightly in time to the music, a slight smile to one side of his mouth. He, too, was caught up in the music and the spell of his own making...
On and on, they spun about, until the other dancers, smiling, drifted off about them and gazed at the couple together in green, the color of the Fey, as they twirled and spun about the floor... The music was divine; and here, amongst friends who only wished to pay Daryl homage in this way, the two could only dance on, united as one by the spell of sound and song, quite oblivious to anything else...
Not all were enraptured, however. Jack was not playing, but sat beside Jethro, watching his uncle dance with his...ex-fiance'e; a frown betwixt his brows. Jack was a worried man. For all that Daryl had done for him, and possibly saved his life, he still had never come to trust him all that much.
But, the music...he couldn't deny the power of it all. He knew whence Daryl had plagiarized the songs, of course. But to blend the two together this way, was spellcraft, indeed. It made ALW nearly digestible.
It made Jack wonder, however. And when Jethro shot him an equally wondering gaze, then back to the couple on the floor, Jack's wonder doubled.
Jack had looked for Daryl's partner, Yvonna, who had somehow disappeared.
But, upon the dancefloor, they with no such doubts, circled and flew across the room, until, with the last dying notes from the songstresses, (the sorceresses); the couple at last came to a slow, spinning stop.
It was then, when the room erupted into applause, that Emlyn and Daryl looked about them, realizing the spell had lifted, and they had been alone upon the ballroom floor, the music faded and now dissolved.
Daryl was rushed like Liszt, receiving 'Bravos!' and other accolades, as others gathered round Sonia and Bella with kudos of 'Bravas! Bravissimas!'
Emlyn felt rather overcome by it all, and Daryl kissed her hand, as she took her leave, whilst others took her place crowding about El Maestro. Em went to fetch herself something
from the bar. She needed something cool to drink and some space to think, alone, for a moment...
. . . .
Next: Winter Solstice, Part II.
WATCH AND LISTEN: Angel of Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lG2zPKo9e4
and Flower Duet from Lakme'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H82i_fApe0
