Caden
Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
’Through a lot of trial and error,” I informed Nero. In response to their other statement I bend my head down and kiss both of Nero’s hands. No, I couldn’t keep my hands off of them. Whenever I did something without my hands being on them, I could only think about touching them again.
”For me it was visual,” I said and shut my eyes.
”There are lines, cords. I have several of them. I have some connections to my remaining family members: one to Cass, one to Avery, and one just waiting. That one’s new. That one’s yours,” I say with a smile. I squeeze Nero’s hands, and the floating cord pulsates.
”When I’m blocking, I picture the cords and tell them to be quiet. I build a bubble around me and keep what I need contained there.” I open my eyes and look at Nero.
”Avery tells me his is a wall. And I’ve spoken to others who don't find visuals helpful. They used words instead. You’ll have to discover what works best for you.”
Cassiopeia Claire Alistair
Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:
Once the candles are set, I start to throw the jasmine petals into the water. Nic comes over and asks me if he can help. I smile at him and shake my head.
”Stay out of the circle and enjoy the show,” I tell him honestly.
Once I’ve filled the water with the dehydrated jasmine from India, I set the empty bag down and pick up the bag of sand. I pass Nic and kiss his cheek.
”I’m sorry. Much of my work doesn’t allow for outside help.” I start to trail the sand around the fountain, connecting the candles as I go. Once the circle is complete, I snap my fingers and the candles light. I pull out the yellow sapphire and approach the fountain. The sapphire starts to glow, and I smile.
The wind starts to pick up, but it doesn’t touch me, the sand, or the flames. In the air, I can smell the oils and flowers native to India. I can hear the bells and the chimes. I can hear the voices calling the stone home. I shut my eyes and start to chant in a different language as I approach the fountain and climb inside. I’m soaked again, but I could care less.
Once I put the stone in place, the noises I hear increase in volume, the wind picks up again, the candles flare briefly before they burn out, and the sand is wept away. I stand in the fountain for a minute longer before I crawl out and stand back to look at it.
”It feels different. It feels complete.” I don’t know if Nic will be able to tell. It’s more of an intuition-based feeling and an innate connection to land around me that tells me I succeed in my task.
Avery Zain
Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
When Kimiko gets out of the pool, I can’t help but stare at her. My eyes trace the natural curves in her body and how she stands. I note the way the water seems to cling to her before losing its battle to remain and drips down her body to pool on the concrete around her feet. I’m staring at a drop of water as it rolls down her legs when Kimiko’s laugh hits my ears wrong. I snap my attention back to her face and frown.
”Oh, okay. I guess that’s fine then.” I pause awkwardly after that, not moving to leave. And then I realize I’m staring again.
”Well, guess I’ll just go shower.” I turn around and march across the yard to staff housing. What the hell was that? I’m not usually that awkward around women, and Kimiko has never been that awkward around anyone.
