Hushed Willows vergnügen

It was like stepping into an alien world. Her parents had been firm, but not openly disciplinarian. Her brothers and sisters sometimes out of line, but never like this. The stern words from Mahler, the yelling from Seabreeze. . .it felt as if she were in the crosshairs, rather than Mali. For all the strong, angry sentiments she'd shared in her life, she suddenly felt weak and small and childish and. . .

Mali, let's go, Lily said quietly, almost under her breath, in the midst of Seabreeze's command. Come on, come with me. Let's not. . .let's not bother our guest any longer. The blackbird swallowed, turning her head slowly to stare at the violet-eyed man, who must think her an absolute--an absolute fool. I'm so sorry, sir, she whispered, choked.

She made a semi-circle around Mali, far enough that the boy-almost-a-man wouldn't snap at her, trying to herd him away. Let's go, come on, she murmured, eyes down, as if chastised herself. Come on. Her heart was racing, hard and fast and lodged at the base of her throat.

Lily didn't wait for him, hoping against hope that he'd follow. She didn't--she couldn't wait for him. She glanced over her shoulder and gave Seabreeze and Mahler a tremulous nod of farewell before slipping like a dark wraith through the willows, tail all but between her legs.