“Sorry,” Quin returned. “I didn't have any control over where it went.” He dried Layla's cloak then scanned her body. “Still warm?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Everyone hover.”
The crowd obeyed, and the runoff that had melted into the lake flowed from its flooded banks, creeping back up the frozen slope until the glacier was fully repaired.
“Okay,” Quin said, lowering Layla's feet to the ground, “let's see what we can do on our own.” He paused, glancing at the others. “You might want to back up.”
They nodded their avid agreement then began working their way up the slippery slope. Before the explosion of heat, snow added traction to the glacier, now there was none. A few people floated to the top, but others had too much fun conquering the challenge to bypass it.
Once everyone was at a safe distance, Quin and Layla began testing their limits, which stunned the observers into awed silence. Even Layla was impressed with herself, particularly with the control she held over her spells once they were cast. She could summon a fireball and toss it any way she wanted, forming it into any shape she desired while changing its color. She could break a massive piece of earth from the mountainside then break it again and again before juggling the debris. And when she was done playing, she could put the jagged rocks back together and fit them into the mountain like a puzzle piece. She could lift the entire lake into the air then turn it into a cyclone or a sphere or a liquid beast. When she held it over everyone's heads and threatened to let the floating wave go, some of them actually believed her. Replacing the lake, she grabbed a gust of wind and changed its course, slowing it down and speeding it up. Then she tested her precision by sneakily lifting Brietta's skirt with a gentle breeze. After adjusting the garment three different times, Brietta finally caught on, and Layla laughed while lifting the skirt a little higher.
Brietta giggled and struggled against the summoned wind. “All right, Layla Love. Very clever.”
Kegan grinned and tilted his head, candidly admiring her legs. “I like that bit of magic.”
The wind finally died down, allowing Brietta to let go of her skirt, and she wrinkled her nose while punching Kegan’s bicep. “I bet you do.”
A cluster of auras appeared near the southern mountains, and everyone looked over as the hazes filled with Selena, Brayden, Alana, Banning, Skyla, Edana and Enid.
“Where's Drystan?” Selena asked, alighting with a kid on each hip.
Enid landed beside her and scanned the crowd. “Are they not back from finding Agro’s camp yet?”
“They should be,” Edana noted. “Devlin said he’d probably beat me here.”
Caitrin laid a hand on Edana's shoulder. “Don't worry, ladies. We don't expect them for another thirty minutes.”
They nodded, prepared to wait, but none of them relaxed.
Brayden wiggled from Selena's grip and hopped to the ice. Then he grinned at Quin, who was making his way up the slope. Without warning, Brayden sprinted forward then slid one foot ahead of the other, positioning himself to glide down the glacier.
Letting go of Layla’s hand, Quin quickly knelt and braced, catching Brayden before he could skate into the lake.
“That was fun,” Brayden exclaimed.
“It looked fun,” Quin returned, meeting his excited grin.
“Come on, sis,” Brayden called. “You try. Layla will catch you.”
Alana bounced as she looked at Selena. “May I, mom? Pwease.”
“Go for it,” Selena allowed, lowering Alana’s feet to the ice.
Alana's little legs immediately pushed her forward. Then she positioned her feet like her brother had and skated down the slope. Layla’s heart rate spiked as she knelt and used magic to stay planted. Then her pulse calmed as the toddler slid into her arms. “Wow, Alana! That was very graceful.”
Alana beamed as she clapped her hands together. “That was fun!”
Layla laughed and continued the climb toward the others, getting there as Caitrin finished the introductions between their guests and the new arrivals. After introducing Alana and Brayden, he looked at Layla. “Do you want a break?”
Layla shrugged. “I don't need one.”
Then Cecelia stepped forward and spoke. “I’d like to feel your fire, Layla. If you don't mind?”
“Of course not,” Layla agreed. “I’ll give all the newcomers a sample.” She kissed Alana’s curls before passing her to Morrigan. Then she gasped as Quin swept her off her feet.
“Ready?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.
“For what?” she returned, but he didn't answer. He just took off running then slid down the glacier.