The Fire Inside

Amoret

I have returned and I am ready for part two! (Heh have fun with this one guys ;))) BUT ANY WAY HERE WE GO!!!

...

A twelve year old girl crashed into Kova with a smile and a hug. "Oh, my God, finally!"

"Hey, hey, Rosella, gentle," Hale Bridgerton pulled her away as he saw his niece stiffen. "Good to see you again, Kova. How was the drive here?"

Mor looked down at her feet, fidgeting with her fingers through the gloves in the harsh air. "It was nice, sir."

"I'm sorry about Rosie, Cam," he apologized to his sister as Camille put gentle hands on Kova's shoulders. "As you know, they were all a bit excited."

"Don't worry, Hale," Finnick patted his niece on the back. "All's well. Kova, do you want to go inside? We can do the rest of the instructions in the warmth." She hesitantly nodded and Jill and Rosella both took her hands to lead her inside. Mor had no choice but to follow, feeling bad for Ivelle who was shyly hanging in the back.

Once again, Mor was amazed by the size of her own family. Five out of her mother's six siblings were in attendance, along with each of their spouses and children. Her uncle Gideon was once again too busy to come, but he would be there for Christmas itself, and the rest of his family was there. Hale's wife Babette and their children, Rosella and George, hung together talking to Camille as Rosie dragged Mor inside. Joseph and his husband Hardin spoke with Isadora (Gideon's wife) as her stepson Jack and her kids, Sophia and Miles, ran around each other teasing one another. Lester and Saraphine were trying to talk to Elizabeth as she watched Killian try to pull their daughter Jill from Mor, but failed as her cousins giggled with each other.

Bran and Ulsaine were the only ones somewhat relaxed. Of course, it was hard to be, meeting a new family member and all, but Ulsaine was from a noble family from a neighboring country. She was well versed in royal mannerisms Camille's family was not. When the group finally stepped into the warmth of the foyer and those oak doors shut behind them, Ulsaine gave Kova a smile and nod.

"Here, I made these," Rosella finally let go of Mor and Jill followed. Camille immediately hugged her from behind in reassurance. Rosie came back with beautifully decorated cookies that were the shape and style of Christmas trees. "There's Christmas cookies, but we can have some now. Have you ever tried a sugar cookie?" Mor shook her head silently. "Oh, my God, you need to try one. Here." She handed her one.

Her cousin took it from her and took a small bite from it. "It's very good, ma'am," Mor mumbled.

"Thank you." She beamed, then Rosella's eye caught on Ivelle, who was standing and quietly speaking to Elise. "Would you like one?"

Ivelle froze. She blinked in astonishment before looking down at her feet. "If you'd like me to, ma'am."

"Here." Kova's cousin cheerfully brought over the tray. "You can pick one if you want."

Hesitantly, Ivelle took one and took a bite of it. "Thank you, ma'am."

Rosella continued to ignore the title. "Of course, you can have another one if you want when you're done with those."

Babbette turned to Kova. "Rosie likes to bake."

Mor looked at the marble floors under her wonderfully made, fur-lined leather boots. "They're well made, ma'am."

"Thanks, Kova," Rosella put the tray down and turned back to her aunt and uncle. "Ooh, Aunt Camille, could we play one of our Christmas board games? Now that Kova's here too, it'll be even bigger."