Dinner for 7: Andy + Open (Lennon)
A cool touch came to the air as the memories of the retired adorned the gardens in strings of cadged candles. It was not ment to be a romantic setting, but it seemed a better touch than an overly large globe of fire in the middle of such greenery. A round table was being set with ghostly china by the half-there forms of Yvan and Mickeyal. Andy dragged towering vases of lavender to the corners of the setting. It was all an attempt to call Skadi back home. The leopard had been missing for such a long time that Andromeda was beginning to worry.
She had prepared honey muffins, seven large tenderloins, a roasted pig, fresh mozzarella and a banana cake specifically for the occasion. They were all Skadi's favorites. It was the same meal that Andy had prepared weeks ago to see her friend off on her mission.
"She'll come Ma. Don't worry so much, " Yvan said softly with his hand on Andromeda's shoulder.
"I'm not so confident... thank you for your support though. You both should be going. I have invited a few guests tonight and they might be alarmed by your presence." She patted her sons on the head and adjusted the wick in the main lamp. "Besides, you know how much energy it takes for me to sustain the counsel."
"Yes Mother," they began in unison. "Have a nice evening." With that the two boys vanished into thin air.
Andromeda sat patiently at the edge of the table for nearly an hour, adjusting her braid nervously. Stones shifted under a heavy boot and a light foot some distance away. Raising her head abruptly at the sound, Andy pulled herself back to reality. "Hello?" She called somewhat excitedly.
