Chapter Text
Lena had been trying to get her Foundation off the ground and out from under the shadow of her family and all of their, well, insanity for years. She had become her job, but for the most part it had been worth it. Getting to work with people and institutions that assisted both humans and aliens alike. It had been a dream of hers. She had skipped birthdays and holidays. She had driven herself like this since she had decided to create The Luthor Foundation. There were galas, fundraisers, dinners, museum scavenger hunts, starting up soup kitchens, designing better trains for public transit, easier ways for electric cars to be charged, etc. She seemed to have her hand in all the pies, but her mind was always busy, whirling with ideas, so it suited her. Moreover, she had a drive to help.
But this year, she wanted to be there for Kelly, her best friend. Kelly was spending the holidays with her in-laws, well in-law as Jeremiah had passed away a few years ago, for the first time since her marriage to Alex. They all seemed to get along, but Lena knew how daunting it could be to spend a week during the holidays with your new in-law, especially when Eliza was so precise, not only about holidays, but about how the family spent their time together. She was wonderful, but Lena could understand why she might seem intimidating.
Lena was putting the last touches on the various components of the holiday bazaar they had been running, in the city, the last few years. It featured every institution they worked with, but also left space for new ideas and games while also having that holiday feel to it. It was complex but almost always had an amazing turn out. This was a feat considering how much the holidays filled New York City every year. Usually she was in charge of it, but this year she was flying out to Bozeman, Montana to be with Kelly over the holiday week. Apparently, everyone was excited she was going to be there. Only Kelly had seen her since the wedding.
"We're going to miss you during the bazaar." Sam said after Lena had finished her presentation about everything she had prepped for the team.
Lena hesitated, opened her mouth and closed it, not used to the holidays being about anything but her work for so long.
"We'll be fine, if anything comes up we have Brainy." Sam smiled softly at her and then they both looked across the office as Brainy was creating a Christmas tree on his desk with holiday cards. It looked as if he was having some trouble, but his expression was determined. While behind him was an extremely organized marker board with ideas and tasks.
"I'm sure he has it all in hand and I'm only a phone call or video chat away, just in case." Lena replied, smiling fondly at Brainy.
"Enjoy your trip and don’t worry about this place or us. You chose your staff well." Sam’s voice was soft but firm. “You deserve this break.”
Lena nodded in thanks before heading back to her office to finish up some last minute work before leaving to catch her flight. She enjoyed her final glimpses of the city adorned in all its holiday glory. The pulse of the city changed this time of year. It was aglow; everyone was still rushing around but with a spring to their step, the tasks of buying gifts and holiday decorations, acquiring ingredients to make holiday treats, both savory and sweet. Cradling mugs of hot apple cider while bundled up in scarves to stave off the sharp winds of winter that tunneled down the avenues and boulevards of the cityscape.
The airport was bustling with people already trying to get home for the holidays, but Lena breezed through and ended up waiting at the gate a bit anxious to get on the plane. She wanted to see Kelly. It hit her that it had been too long. As they began to board, Lena could not help but think back to Kelly and Alex’s wedding.
The wedding had been beautiful and happened at that perfect time of summer, when it was on the cusp of fall. Alex and Kelly were a beautiful couple and despite what it seemed at first, they were perfect for one another. "Happiness suits them," Lena said to her boyfriend, Richard.
"The wedding is lovely, as are the couple," Richard replied though his gaze was on the open bar. Lena was leaning against him and didn't notice that his attention was elsewhere.
"I can't wait to see their first dance." Lena sighed wistfully as she looked across the table at the radiant couple. Kelly had on a dress that came straight out of a Disney film and it suited her so well. Alex was in a perfectly tailored suit that showed off how she moved like a panther.
"I'm going to get us some scotch." Richard announced as he got up without even a pause for Lena.
Lena didn't register that Richard was entirely ignoring her, brushing her off, but Kara noticed. She was sitting next to Alex so almost parallel to Lena and Lena hadn't noticed her paying attention, no one had. Kara had mastered hiding in plain sight. She wanted to kick Richard out of this wedding celebration and not just because he was putting a bad taste in her mouth. Kara sighed, she knew it wasn't her place, so she refocused on the food in front of her, she was on her second plate as Eliza had only picked at hers and then gave it to Kara, knowing it would get polished off.
Later Kara watched Richard finally do something for Lena, they were on the dance floor. He danced beautifully but none of his focus was on the gorgeous woman in his arms.
Kara couldn't take it anymore. She smoothly shifted her current dance partner to J'onn who she had beaconed over from where he was perched near the bar. Kara slid toward Richard and Lena. "May I have this dance?" Kara asked firmly, looking Richard in the eyes before catching Lena’s gaze. Lena gave her a slight nod. Richard didn't even blink or hesitate but stepped back giving ground to Kara. Kara bowed slightly to Lena and then held up her arms, so they could fall back into the waltz that was playing.
They were quiet for a while just dancing. They didn't know one another terribly well, they'd only met in the typical interactions over the years. And then it was sporadic because Kara was often away either for her photography work or for her superhero activities.
"I've never seen my sister so happy." Kara ventured, during their third dance, as Alex dipped Kelly across the dance floor. They both had permanent grins plastered across their faces.
"Truly, they are so wonderful together." Lena smiled as she looked over at Kelly and Alex. "They are such a lovely couple."
"I'm glad they were able to enjoy the wedding after all the, ah, intense planning meetings."
"Mmm," was all Lena said as she wasn't sure what Kara was referring to. She and Lena moved naturally together despite not knowing one another well.
“Between Eliza and Kelly, planning went a bit over the top.” Kara added politely though the look on her face must have given something away.
As Lena let out a chuckle, “I can imagine.”
The sound of Lena’s chuckle sank into Kara’s ears and she was quiet for a few moments.
"And how are you and Richard?" Kara couldn't seem to stop the words from leaving her mouth.
"We're doing well though we may be moving to London in a few months."
"Are you sure it will be both of you going to London?"
"What?" Lena's eyes flashed just a bit.
"He hasn't paid attention to this wedding and, more importantly, he's barely paid attention to you." Kara met Lena's eyes without hesitation, her hand securely on Lena’s back as they continued to dance. "And a partner who doesn't do that especially with someone like you, well, I think he'll be going to London by himself."
For a moment everything stopped. The talking. The dancing. The music. The celebration.
Then Lena was rushing across the dance floor in her deep green dress, but not before giving Kara a look that could vaporize her into dust on the spot.
It had been calming to watch the snow filled landscape out of the airplane window. Winter was here and Lena couldn’t be more excited. The flight was pleasant (it helped to be in business class) and Lena soon found herself in a large rental car surrounded by a land densely blanketed in snow. It was quiet once she got away from the airport. There was a crisp stillness to the air in winter even in bustling New York City, but to be in this landscape everything felt sharper. The smell of pine and fir trees. The crisp snap of the wind as it swirled. Lena let out a breath, opened a bag of granola, and took in the glorious mountainous landscape around her from the snow on the trees to the empty road before her. She had Christmas music quietly playing. Eventually, she started humming along. The spirit of the holidays started to enter her psyche.
Unsure of the time passing, her mobile phone rang, breaking the solace of the drive.
"Hello, Kelly," Lena said brightly, after answering the call through her car’s system.
"How was the flight?" Kelly was standing in front of Eliza's fireplace, which had stockings for everyone hanging from the mantelpiece and garland splayed across the top.
"It was nice actually, I should be there in about a half hour." Lena smiled.
"Thanks for agreeing to this holiday trip." Kelly whispered, her voice small but sincere. "I love this family, but I was unsure about spending my first holiday with them after finally marrying Alex last year. Knowing you're going to be here, calms my nerves."
"Hey, you're my best friend, I'm here for you." Lena stated firmly, some relief entered her voice as she continued, "Though it was easier to agree knowing ‘you know who’ won't be there."
“Un, well,” Kelly stopped speaking as voices at the front door caught her attention. She was clearly distracted, then, "Of course, I understand, see you soo-" then her phone cut out.
Lena raised an eyebrow in surprise, but shrugged and went back to driving and eating granola.
It was six months after the wedding and Kelly had come to visit. She and Alex lived in Brooklyn, but Lena was still in the heart of Manhattan, something about her inheritance she allowed herself, she would not skip on where she wanted to live, though she never lived to excess. Kelly had wanted to have a friend’s week, so she was staying over, though they were both still going to work most of the week.
It was Wednesday and they were having some pasta while they watched some Star Trek episodes.
“You think about trying to get back out there?” Kelly asked after taking a sip of her wine.
“I do.” Lena replied, twirling pasta with her fork. “It is probably best to try, especially with how it all ended.”
“Richard, was…” Kelly blew out a breath.
Lena nodded, then, “I figure first dates, even if they are not great, would be a good way to wash all of that out of my system.”
Kelly nodded.
“And how is married life treating you?”
The smile on Kelly’s face could have powered the Empire State Building for a week. “Alex is wonderful. I mean she can drive me crazy, but I love talking to her, holding her hand, us both singing badly as we make dinner together...” Kelly kept talking.
Lena could not stop smiling for her best friend. To see Kelly this happy it made her want to dance around the living room.
“You have joy.” Lena said softly when Kelly paused to take a breath.
Kelly nodded and grinned at her.
The outside of Eliza's home was so welcoming, despite all the snow around, there were decorations that not just indicated the season, but that felt integrated into the landscape and her home. She had lights of every kind and they seemed to have been born with the trees, the house, and they twinkled just above the lawn. It almost looked like fairies dancing. Lena felt a breath she had been holding leave her body. Holidays of any kind had become about events and promoting and, well, work. It was almost moving to see all of the varied decorations as part of someone's home rather than an event space.
"So good to see you." Lena grinned as she climbed out of the rental car to hug Kelly, who had been standing outside with Alex when she arrived, "So excited to be here."
As Lena pulled back she looked over at Alex, "Thank you for having me."
"Of course," Alex smiled, "Welcome to the Danvers house."
Kelly paused looking with utter love at Alex, "First Christmas at the Danvers, as a Danvers." They both froze for a second with tears in their eyes before they began to kiss. At first, Lena turned away, looking at the mountains, but after a minute, she busted past them still smooching, "Okay, okay, let’s head inside.” Lena finished as she headed to the trunk to get her bags.
“I’ll take these in.” Alex said, reaching past Lena to grab her luggage, her hair mushed from Kelly’s hands. “I’ll send Kara out to get the rest.”
“Did you just say Kara?” Lena looked up from her phone which she had been furiously typing out emails on.
“Yeah, you know my sister.”
Lena didn't say anything, but her eyes were intense as she looked at Alex. She could hear Kelly mumbling behind her, but she ignored it.
“You never know where her vacations end up until you get the postcard.” Alex grinned and headed up the porch steps with Lena’s bags.
Kelly tapped her shoulder, “Before you say anything, it’s only for one night. Her flight leaves tomorrow morning.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Kelly gave her a look, “It only just happened and I didn’t want you to back out. Work is not getting another holiday out of you. Everyone needs a break, even from their life’s work.”
Lena was still shooting daggers at Kelly.
"I’m sorry, but is it really that big of a deal? I know she was a bit blunt at the wedding, but…"
"That’s an understatement, it was rude and uncalled for."
"Well, yes, but that's in the past. And she’ll be leaving in the morning. It’s one night, one evening." Kelly repeated again, a bit of pleading in her voice.
Lena sighed, "Fine. It’s fine. I can handle anything for one night."
The inside of Eliza’s home was just as lovely as the outside of the house. After all the greetings and hugs, Lena was looking around as Kelly kept chatting about this or that. Every surface was lovingly resplendent with not just decorations, but the feel of the season. There was a fire going and the house smelled of cinnamon and baked goods. The rooms were almost smiling. There was even a calendar of fictional activities.
Lena almost lost her breath at how enchanting the inside of the house was. It wasn't just lovely, it was cosy. It was welcoming, it felt as if everything here had always been here. Lena had never been in a space that felt this way.
"Follow me," Kelly smiled, as they started to walk toward the kitchen, "I’ll show you to your room. Eliza said you’re staying just upstairs."
As they reached the kitchen Lena looked down and noticed her shoes had mud on them, so she bent down to start taking them off before following Kelly, when she got bumped from behind. "Woah," she caught herself and turned around to see -
Kara.
"Oh, hey, I'm sorry." Kara quickly offered her hand to help her up, "You made it here in great time, you got here from the city faster than I did. Traffic was wild."
Lena blinked at her for a second. "Hello."
“Let me get your bags.” Kara was already moving to grab them.
“No, I got it.”
Kara froze, awkwardly, but didn’t press to help.
At that moment Kelly came back down the stairs she had just gone up, caught Lena’s eye and then, “Come on let's get your luggage put away so we can have dinner."
"Kelly, wow, Eliza really has a gift fo---" Lena was turning around in the living room, seeing the room in all its glory, a glass of wine now in hand, when she discovered Kelly was there with, of all people, Kara.
"You're not supposed to be here."
Lena couldn't even tell if Kara had heard her, but before she could continue Kelly stepped in, “Her flight to Switzerland got delayed due to a strong snowstorm hitting Europe."
Lena huffed then took a sip of wine.
"It's just for tonight." Kara added calmly, a few steps away from them.
"Good, I don't want you ruining my first holiday off in years."
Just as it had been at the wedding, Lena couldn't tell what was going through Kara's mind. She could feel Kara’s entire body language being off and, if nothing else, there appeared to be a tensing in her back and shoulders.
"Well, it's for one night. I'll try and stay out of your way," was Kara's polite and concise reply. Kelly looked between them as if anticipating a blow up, but they were all saved by Eliza.
"Lena, I am so glad you could make it, and you’re just in time for dinner." Eliza greeted as she came in from the garage. A large box was in her arms before Kara went to take it from her. Eliza smiled at her quietly, directing her where she wanted it. Kara carefully took care of the task.
“Let me get these appetizers out for everyone. I am sure you’re all hungry.” The smile seemed to be lovingly and permanently on Eliza’s face. Everyone was home.
Eliza had practically danced to get everyone a third round of hot spiked apple cider. The scent of the pot made the downstairs feel cozy while it was cold outside. They were at the stage of dinner where everyone had eaten something, but they didn’t want to get up from the table.
"I'm so happy you are all here." Eliza smiled softly in her holiday sweater as she brought a carafe of spiked apple cider to the table.
"Yes, we are lucky Kara is here for once." Alex glared at Kara affectionately.
"What, I visit, I just have been wanting to spend the holidays in Switzerland for a few years now."
"I don't know how you do it. I get more leave as a forensic scientist than you do as a photographer." Alex teased, shaking her head.
"Photo-journalist.” Kara scrunched her nose at Alex. “The leave may not always be great, but it helps that stories happen all over the world. I get to explore some amazing places and cultures." Kara shrugged before taking another sip of the warm apple cider. “And there is so much to see out there.” Kara said wistfully as she moved her arm indicating the wide world.
Alex smiled, even as she rolled her eyes a little at Kara before grabbing another dinner roll to eat.
"It looks like you enjoyed the meal." Eliza murmured as she looked at Lena's plate as she sat back down.
"I did." Lena genuinely smiled. "I haven't had a meal that good in a while. I’m not always the most adventurous person. I like my routines."
Eliza’s grin could have powered the Christmas tree for an entire evening.
Later they settled cozily on the couches, eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate. The sweet smell of melting marshmallows and warm chocolate blending with the woodsy smell of the fire burning brightly on the hearth.
“It doesn't need to be fancy, just something from the heart.” Eliza was looking at Alex whose face was not pleased with the news.
“We’re making gifts?” Lena inquired looking around the room.
“One each. It’s been a tradition the last few years to make gifts, a new way to enjoy the season and avoid the busy stores. Everyone is going to pick a name.” Eliza held up the bowl she’d put the names in. “Oh, and I guess whoever gets Kara will have to make something quick or send it later.” Eliza added.
"Oh, well--" and the blare of Lena's phone ringing cut off all the conversation at the table.
"Sorry, I have to take this." Lena rushed out of the room while raising the phone to her ear.
They all watched her go, then, “Eliza, is there any pie?” Kara couldn’t help but grin as she asked.
“Of course, I made extra as usual.” Eliza went to get up, but then Kara was already headed toward the fridge.
“I’ll get it for everyone.”
Lena found herself moving around the house, trying to find reception, and, in frustration, she found herself outside, after yanking her coat on.
"Hello, Sam, can you hear me?"
"Hello." Lena was pacing around back and forth in the snow. “Sam.” Eventually, she got through and they discussed expanding the area of the bazaar dedicated to new ideas and potential charities and institutions they could work with in the future. But getting through the call was a struggle, reception was not her friend today. Lena hung up frustrated, not even noticing how lovely the sky looked, how the stars seemed polished, shining brighter than ever, though there were clouds on the far horizon.
"Come on." Lena dragged out the words and ended them in a huff. She was thinking it would be better to boot up her laptop and do a video chat next time they needed to discuss something.
"There isn’t the best cell tower service out here. Have you tried shaking your phone?" Kara's voice was clear, but quiet in the crisp, cold air.
Lena turned not even rolling her eyes at that one.
Kara was standing tall and broad at the top of the porch stairs. The porch had elf and santa figures, interwoven lights and garland swooping from the porch roof. Lena couldn’t help but notice how the lights' shadows brought out Kara’s handsome features.
"You should just turn on wi-fi calling and keep your phone connected to the home wi-fi network, so you don't have as much trouble next time."
Lena stopped her jaw from falling open, as she climbed the stairs, she hadn't been expecting such a helpful suggestion.
"Thanks," she mumbled as she headed toward the side entrance.
"Did I do something?" Kara asked as she leaned back against one of the porch beams looking out at the yard, as it was about to snow again. She could hear the icicles starting to form on the porch roof. She alway loved their clear beauty, it reminded her of Krypton.
Lena turned around, "Is that a statement or a question?"
Kara moved her eyes to look at her, "A genuine question."
Lena crossed her arms, "Do you really want to know?”
“I do.” Kara’s eyes were steady on her.
“You had no right to talk about my relationship.”
Kara raised an eyebrow in question.
“Do you not remember what you said about me and Richard at the wedding?”
“Yes, but all I said was your boyfriend was going to move back to London.”
Lena rolled her eyes a bit now, “but without me. Who says that to someone, especially at a wedding.”
"It was an observation.”
“Yeah, one that forced a conversation. And who knows maybe without that conversation...”
“Can I make one more observation?”
Lena shrugged her shoulders and let out a soft sigh.
“If a relationship can’t withstand one conversation, perhaps, it wasn’t ever going to last. Sometimes I just call things as I see them. You're here." The rest of the sentence sat in the air between them.
"And who made you the judge of everything, miss, can't stay in one place long enough to form an attachment."
Kara shifted her shoulders and narrowed eyes at Lena.
"It's not nice, is it, having certain things pointed out to you. Observations aren’t always helpful or wanted." With that Lena turned and headed back into the house.
Kara let out a breath that froze the freshly falling snowflakes in the air.
The living room’s fire was still warm and they were all gathered on the couches once more. Drinks in hand and sweet treats on the table. For a while the only sound was the quiet holiday music playing in tandem with the crackling of the fireplace.
Eventually, Eliza sat up straight, putting her drink on the table, “Time to pick names,” she said, standing up with the bowl of names. “Lena, our guest, picks first.”
As Lena was reaching into the bowl, Eliza asked “How did the call go?”
“Not great, but we’ll get things all sorted out. I have a great team.” Lena said tiredly to Eliza. She looked down at the snowflake she’d pulled out of the bowl and unfolded it to see Kara’s name on it. She worked to not let her eyes enlarge in annoyance.
“What did the airline say?” Alex asked, looking at Kara.
“Not great, there is a second storm, stronger than the first, hitting Europe so no flights until Christmas day.”
“So you’re staying?” Eliza and Lena said almost at the same time, but with completely different reactions.
“Oh, this just made my entire holiday.” Eliza beamed at Kara before moving to wrap her in a hug, which Kara returned in kind.
“So five more days?” Lena said quietly, almost to herself. She could feel Kara’s eyes on her.
“Yes, it looks like it.” Kara couldn’t help but grin a little at Lena. Lena swallowed a sigh, it was the holidays and soon talk turned to what everyone had been up to during the year. After a time, it hit Lena that she had missed this, spending quality time with the people she cared for.
Lena started as Eliza came into check on her, the room she had been given was Kara’s old one. "Are you sure you want me to stay in the room? I can-" She had been looking at a map of the world that had many pins in it.
Eliza's smile was comforting. "No, you stay here, Kara is taking the couch. It pulls out into a bed, so don’t worry." Lena hesitated for a moment and then nodded.
"Well, thank you for inviting me into your home. It’s lovely.” Lena smiled a bit, then, tugged at the bottom of her sleep shirt, it was covered in an advent calendar design. “I like these, they're very festive.”
"I'm glad. I always get new holiday themed pajamas for the entire family. Every year, it is quite fun." Lena tried to hold back a giggle. The idea of new holiday pajamas for Alex and Kara every year, it was too much.
“They try to fight it sometimes, but I always win. And I have the photos to prove it.” Eliza grinned wickedly at Lena. “Maybe I’ll show you them.” Lena could not hold back her giggle any more. “Rest well, Lena. I am glad you are here.”
“Thank you, Eliza, I’m happy to be here.”
Kara had just finished making up the sofa bed when Alex came into the room with two mugs of hot chocolate, one had a heaping mountain of marshmallows.
“Yes.” Kara exclaimed excitedly as Alex handed her the one with near endless marshmallows on top. They both sat and just sipped their hot chocolate for a while.
“So, staying longer,” was all Alex said.
Kara looked at her out of the side of her eye, “Yeah, what of it. It’s the holidays.”
Alex raised an eyebrow at Kara, “It is, but you also spent the holidays here last year. Not to mention that you can kinda fly anywhere. You would be gone if you really wanted to be. Is there, perhaps, something different this year.” Alex ended, bumping her shoulder into Kara’s.
Kara rolled her eyes while she took another sip of hot chocolate, “Well, I know there is something different for you and Kelly.”
“What…how did you…?” Alex's eyes rose to meet Kara’s.
Kara grinned and lifted a finger to one of her ears, “Superhearing remember. I can hear the extra heartbeat.” Kara’s smile softened.
Alex’s eyes got a bit of water in them, “You can hear…”
“A good strong heartbeat.” Kara rested a hand on Alex’s shoulder, “I am so happy for both of you.”
“Thanks, Kara.” Alex said as she pulled her into a tight hug. She pulled back gently to catch Kara’s eyes.
“Think it is time to tell Kelly.” Kara’s eyes sparkled a bit.
“You sure?”
“She’s family…and I’m ready.”
“Thank you Kara, but, maybe, after we tell mom about…” Alex was gesturing at her stomach and unable to hide her huge grin.
“I’m so excited.” Kara grinned and floated a bit off the bed.
“Me, too.”
They were both silent for a bit, then Alex took a chance, “You know, it’s okay if you like Lena. It’s the holidays, maybe it's worth a try?”
“Maybe.” Kara agreed, eating one of the many marshmallows in her mug as she continued to float just above the couch.
Lena had just gotten snug under the covers when there was a knock on the door.
"It's me," Kelly whispered.
"Come in," Lena replied with a smile.
Kelly entered and immediately crossed her arms. "Did you have to say something?"
"How do you know I even brought it up?"
"I didn't, but it's all over your face now.” Kelly pointed at Lena’s pinched brow. “Why?"
"Something had to be said."
"Well, I hope it clears the air between you." Kelly leaned back against the dresser, recrossing her arms as she spoke.
Lena sighed.
Kelly looked up at the map on the wall over the bed. "I really am so glad you could make it. I’m so nervous about this holiday, you have no idea."
Lena looked over at her. "They are lovely, but it's always hard getting to know people."
"Indeed." Kelly nodded. "So many pins on the map." Kelly murmured as she moved to squeeze Lena's arm in thanks, her other hand barely touching one of the pins.
"Please get rest, sleep in." Kelly squeezed Lena’s arm again, her eyes now meeting hers. "You've been working way too hard, for years."
"Now you sound like Jack. Don’t worry, I plan on sleeping in as much as I can, even if I have to do some work this week." Lena replied, patting Kelly's hand. "I love you."
"I love you more," Kelly replied with a deep smile as she left the room.
Lena laid there for a bit happy to finally be by herself. After a while, she couldn't help but shift from under the covers to gaze at the map and all the pins in it, again. It was amazing really. There were pins in Indonesia, Africa, and, even, Estonia. Lena wondered in passing if Kara took photographs of all of these places.
Kara flew off once everyone was in bed and, at least, half the house was asleep. There were some fires in Australia where her assistance was needed. Once in the skies above Bozeman she could see the smoke tendrils in the far off skies. It took a few hours, but she was able to utilize her abilities enough, so that the local firefighters and authorities could handle the rest of it. It always struck her how different a wild fire smelled than the hearth fires that filled cold wintery landscapes. One was a daze and the other almost a beacon. Rao , they were both beautiful. Afterwards she floated for a while, just vibing and listening to her adopted home. It was fascinating to see the contrast of skies firmly in their summer hues while Bozeman was in the sharper colours of winter. When she landed back at the Danvers, the holiday lights twinkling and dancing around the house, Kara went inside and quietly made herself a third large cup of cocoa with half a bag of marshmallows to go with. The smell and taste cleansing her powerful senses of the wildfires’ ash and smoke. She took everything outside and curled up on the porch swing seat and watched the snow continue to fall for the rest of the night.