Strange Noises Fiction by Rachel Greenham

Introductions introductions. I'm already feeling overwhelmed, like I did that first night when the Satthei introduced me to her guests at Denhall. This time we're in the formal garden. There's a fountain -- I wonder how it's pumped -- and precisely laid-out flowerbeds and a lawn, and a colonnade around the sides away from the house itself, affording a high view over the city. Paper lanterns hang from ornate poles.

I've been trying to get Ateis's hair clean. Shampoo made from whale oil and ash and a few perfumes that don't quite hide the smell is not among my favourite things about Jeodin. Apart from anything else it's too harsh and strips the hair of too much of its natural oils, so you have to use coconut oil on it afterwards; which is nice if you can get it, but I have to confess to a hankering for modern chemicals at times like this.

It feels good to be back out in the light. I know it's a terrible cliché -- in both worlds -- about elves disliking being underground, but I really was starting to feel claustrophobic. It's funny, I don't get that belowdecks on a ship, where there's far less room.

"Come on, I want to show you something," Hajarean offers. "Before everyone else arrives." "What?" "Come on, you'll see." "It's his collection," his granddaughter explains, with a roll of her eyes. Her name, we've been told already, is Alison; Allie for short. It's very weird, hearing an English name here. "You'd better go or he'll sulk all evening." She's a pretty, redheaded girl of about twelve who's already taken Asuti in hand, it seems, showing her around.

It's hot, so it's afternoon-rest again. Siesta, it would be called back in the other world. We're in the suite of rooms they've set aside for us, having returned here for rest after lunch with Hajarean and Hanima and the four of their grandchildren currently staying, although the latter were prone to dash off with our little pack into the garden to get acquainted rather than finish their meal. It's very well appointed in the Jeodine style, with curved-arched windows, shuttered now against the heat, and rugs and cushions and chaises-longues and proper beds.

"Don't!" Sam yells at Little Jalese. She and her brother have discovered the statue at one end of the atrium pool "You'll break something!" "I wouldn't worry," Hajarean says. "This place is pretty kid-hardened by now."

As far as the smaller children are concerned it's all very exciting. None of them have ever had a ride in a horse-drawn carriage before. Well, neither have I. Asuti and Garelan have a sense that it's not just for fun. Garelan's sitting very quietly with his mother. Asuti's next to me, looking out of the window, fascinated by the spectacle of the city going past outside from such a strange vantage. But I can tell from the tension in her back and shoulders that she's worried too.

Three days later, and the morning of the day we're invited to Hajarean's 'get-together,' a ship docks in harbour carrying news. It's an independent marketeer, arriving from Taka'utuk. Chirasel is the first back to the boarding house with a copy of the printed newssheet. From her flushed face it looks like she ran all the way.

I wake up, bizarrely, to the sound of football being played in the courtyard. It's mid-morning, I can tell from where the slatted sunlight strikes the bedroom wall. Not too hot for football yet, then.

"Well, girls---" Hajarean starts. "Watch it," Sam warns. She's nearly asleep. "Hehehe. I need to head back up the hill. If I'm much later I'm going to be early." "Okay," I say. "I'm glad we caught up with you at last. It's been great talking, catching up on things---" "Oh, I hope this isn't it!" Hajarean objects. "I don't know what we're doing, long term. I don't think we planned on staying here for good." "Well, as long as you are here, you must come up for a proper visit. I promise I'll be more welcoming this time." "That's good to know," I say. Smile.