Rayne stood in the archway surveying the street. With a determined smile, she buttoned her blazer and readied her umbrella though the rain had barely begun to fall. As she closed her eyes and sniffed at the air an eerie calm fell over her youthful but threatening appearance. She relished the solitude of fresh rain, the opening notes she liked to call it, the slow overture of sparse minor scales, suspenseful hints of the darkness and chaos soon to arrive. She stepped out of the shadow of the archway and began composing her symphony. Eyes still closed she listened as the mist became drips that began to spatter on the ground. Though seconds apart now, these tiny interruptions of the silence would soon dominate the ambience. The dampness settled on her pale face making it glisten as the stray red hairs of her otherwise tied back fringe clung to her forehead. A brief gust of wind disturbed her serenity but she maintained a calm demeanor as she gracefully opened her eyes and gazed across the road.
 Sky had appeared there. His eyes in darkness, shadowed by the peak of his pale blue hood. Staring menacingly at Rayne he slowly pulled back his hood to reveal a mess of rough blonde hair swaying slightly in the breeze. Rayne flashed him a sly grin and winked in defiance, his only response was to sharply pull the zip of his jacket to its highest point. A subtle crack of thunder rumbled as Rayne popped up her umbrella with the push of a button and held it over her head. Almost raising an eyebrow she stared expectantly at Sky. Summoning a mighty wind he flew across the road foot outstretched. Rayne moved her umbrella out in front of her as though it were a shield as she span to the right evading Sky's opening blow, he landed gracefully and turned to face his opponent.
The pair locked gaze again, much closer to each other now than they had been just a few moments ago.
The downpour was much heavier now and the wind beat the air, and Rayne’s damp orchestra became the frenzied white noise of an arena crowd chanting for a masterpiece of destruction.
 Rayne and Sky were two of the youngest harbingers and the guile of their youth would not allow them to disappoint the echoes of this imagined audience. The dull grey façade of urban terraces grinned at the flash of lightning and trembled at the roar of thunder as the pair clashed. The air was heavy and the deluge heavier. Yet these duelist’s movements were fluid and unimpaired. Each met the others blows with deflections from the forearm or grasps of the wrist, every kick was countered by a leg sweep. Yet with grace and poise both parties remained on their feet. Road turned to river and the once hard concrete ground had become a churning layer of water. Ghostly echoes of the tussle hung in the air where clusters of droplets had been delayed on there decent to the earth. Tendrils of water stirred up from the ground or flicked from the extremities of these brawling champions.
 In the distance an unlikely duo observed the conflict. ‘So it has begun!’ Tempest announced, his unease apparent as he clutched at the umbrella resting on his shoulder unable to effect the pristine look of his sharp black suit. ‘It's no surprise. The Lumni travel to the south again, as they did last year and for every year that I can remember’ Gus replied, scratching at the white whiskers on his jaw line, his digits just as ragged as the green woolen fingerless gloves he wore or the facial hair they fondled.  Tempest looked down at the old man in his wheelchair and watched the rain splash off of his woolen hat and quietly cautioned. ‘It seems earlier this year.’ Gus peered up at him. 'Time moves quickly for us old man, but the nights aren’t that long yet and the days are still warm.' he supposed whilst adjusting the green woollen hat that matched his gloves. 'Yet it seems these two are eager to start the season.' Tempest frowned as he looked on at the two still battling in the street, backlit by ferocious Lightning strikes, their scuffles muted by the downpour and booming thunder claps each more deafening than the last. 'Such passion!' He remarked. 'perhaps it's not just the season that brings their blood to boil.' Gus argued whilst he shifted in his seat rubbing his legs through the tartan blanket across his lap. 'Hmm.' Tempest sighed opening is umbrella so that it could protect both of them from the onslaught of rain. 'You know as well as I that aggression like this can only signal the approach of the wraiths.' Tempest's voice was calm but authoritative.  'I prefer to remain optimistic Tempest.' Gus retorted. 'after all every cloud has it is silver lining.' He chuckled patting Tempest on the back a little harder than necessary. 
 'Speaking of which!' Tempest pointed into the distance where a shaft of light had begun to breakthrough the clouds. The sounds of the storm began to soften and the rain seemed to dance playfully in the air. Rayne and Sky continued to brawl but they fought less intimately each of them seeming unable to muster up any real energy anymore. Gus and Tempest's eyes followed the beam of light to the ground where Ray stood. His Bright yellow t shirt and red combat shorts seemed untouched by the rain and his short spiky hair remained unmoved by the wind, not even a hint of a goosebump tarnished his perfectly tanned skin. He wrinkled his nose as he looked toward the sky, his sunglasses conveying more disgusted confusion than his facial features ever could. More and more sunlight began to breakthrough the clouds. Rayne and Sky had noticed his presence now, they stopped fighting and gazed upon him in awe, the magnificent storm they had brewed up mere moments was now little more than a gentle breeze accompanied by the sparsest spatter of rain.
 Ray concentrated on wiping the lenses of his glasses on his shirt as he introduced himself 'What's up guys? One last pre season friendly before the trials begin?' he joked. Rayne tried to inspect herself subtly before she quickly replied 'Certainly Sir!' He stopped wiping briefly to give her a quizzical look but before he could comment on her formality Sky interrupted 'Something like that.' Ray raised his eyebrows as he replaced his glasses, glancing at the pair silently for a few moments his half smile welcomed any comments but did not plead for them. 'Well good hustle guys!' He patted them both on the back simultaneously then walked through them toward Tempest and Gus. The pair silently watched him walk away until they noticed the rest of their audience. Gus smirked and waved to Sky, who snorted like an embarrassed teenager before flipping is hood and bursting into a brief gust of wind. Rayne tried to nod to Tempest but changed to a curtsy halfway through then quickly rose, her face reddening with embarrassment. Tempest nodded back and she slid away in a hurry, her heels desperate to find a firm grip of the floor.
The storm had truly passed now, Tempest and Gus watched Ray approach, a rainbow framing his silhouette like a halo. They tipped their hats respectfully to him and he nodded politely in return. 'crazy weather we are having huh? G & T.' he smiled at them. They nodded in agreement. 'I heard rumours that the Lumni had began their vacation already this year?' Gus inquired earnestly as he he wiped his brow. Ray placed his hands firmly into his short pockets as he shrugged. 'What can I tell you? Some of us have stayed a while to squeeze the last days of summer out. Sol and I are investigating why the currents have shifted so early this year.' Tempest paused in the middle of folding up his umbrella 'I told you!' he nearly cheered. Ray peered over his glasses at Tempest. Gus decided to ease the tension. 'Dangerous game, gambling on the currents. How many got stranded last year?' Ray looked back to Gus 'Too many, mildest winter on record the local inhabitants called it.' Gus chuckled 'And what did Solomon call it?' Ray began answering almost too quickly. 'A monumental fu...' Gus raised an eyebrow 'ahem disaster' Ray corrected himself.
'I think I prefer the local's view.' Gus glanced at the townsfolk returning to the streets now that the chaos had ceased. Ray turn round to observe them. 'Ha they moan when it is too hot and twice as much when it is cold, too wet, too dry, no breeze, too windy. If they knew what they wanted they would be dangerous.' Tempest joined the other two watching the hustle and bustle of human affairs. 'They danced for us once.' he remarked almost devoid of emotion. The others nodded with a kind of nostalgic glee. 'It is difficult to compete with Gods that fit in your hand.' Tempest sighed. The others nodded. The three of them stood in silence for a while.
Gus was the first to speak. 'So you and Solomon are checking out the currents then?' Ray had almost forgotten anyone else was there and it took him a few moments to gather his thoughts. 'Not exactly, the currents have never been consistent so it is not alarming when they shift earlier in a year, but this seems to be a growing trend in recent years. We just want to make sure that there are no external forces at work.' Gus furrowed his brow. 'You think the wraiths could do this?' Ray removed his glasses and hung them from his shirt. 'Possibly.' He began 'or...' he glanced back toward the local population. 'I believe they call it anthropomorphic global warming.' Tempest explained. 'So now they think that they are Gods' Gus chuckled. 'Well it certainly doesn't feel any warmer around here.' he continued. 'Hey!' Ray complained. 'Present company excluded of course.' Gus feigned tipping his hat. Ray bowed dramatically 'I thank you.' As Ray bowed he caught a glimpse of his watch then looked towards the sun. Evening was approaching. 'Take a walk with me guys.' he requested. Gus stared at him blankly. Tempest rolled his eyes as he hung his umbrella from Gus' wheelchair and took the handles and followed Ray.
 Tempest had never understood why Gus had begun to represent himself this way, a harbinger had no real use of a wheelchair. Then again a harbinger had no real use of an umbrella. For harbingers much of their appearance is symbolic, a representation of their experience and character. Gus was a very old harbinger perhaps he felt this was a valid representation of his age or maybe over the course of all his years seeing the climate change through unrecognisable extremes regardless of how he exerted his power he had chosen this representation of himself to mark his supposed impotence, a gleaming chrome monument to his dismal pessimism. Whatever the reason Tempest knew that Gus' wheelchair was in fact redundant, Gus could just as easily walk with a cane or without any aid, he could roller blade if the mood took him but in spite of all this Tempest did not mind assisting his friend. It concerned him deeply though that someone as strong as Gus would consider themselves so weak.
  Ray stopped them when they reached an electrical goods store and pointed towards a television in the window. On screen a formally dressed woman pointed to lines and numbers on a map. She spoke about 'low pressure' 'isolated showers' and offered clothing advice as though she spoke to an adult population that had never encountered cold weather before. 'They are certainly not as in tune with the currents as we are but they are always imagining better ways to measure them.' Tempest remarked. Ray nodded pointing to the top of the screen where there was now a graphic of a strange blue mist that bubbled and swelled across the landscape. 'See here? The wraiths have already landed in the north and over the next few weeks they can either use small variations in the currents to move south a few at a time or they can wait till the end of those few weeks when they could all move south in one big push.' Gus studied the images on screen intently. 'They don't usually move this far south so early.' he pondered. 'I know.' Ray agreed 'They may not be causing the currents to shift like this but they've certainly taken advantage of it this year. I have never seen them move this fast.'
Tempest and Gus looked on each others faces. It was now clear that Tempest had been right in his fearful worries of an early winter. Mere days ago Gus could have laughed it off, but today he felt it inside, a bitter sting. He hated that his friend was right. Tempest himself felt no victory in his accuracy his mind turned to the doubt his friend had shown. For a moment the pair stared coldly at each other till the realisation struck them. They softened their faces and looked on each other as friends again. Both of them knew they would have only a few chances left to do so before their friendly rivalry turned to a feud of foes again. Shame overcame them and they turned away from each other in sorrow. Gus grumbled out a cough into his sleeve to mask his sudden compulsion to hide his face. Tempest sniffed as the glimmer in his eyes betrayed the slightest increase in dampness.
'You okay guys?' Ray interrupted the silence. The pair's attention shot to Ray as they remembered they were not there alone. Tempest searched for an excuse 'It's getting cold.' he nodded toward the sun as he pulled a green handkerchief from his chest pocket and wiped the moisture from his eyes. Ray examined the sun, it was waning now. 'I suppose I ought to turn in.' He shrugged 'Sol will be wondering what I have dug up, we're staying at the Apollo if you hear anything.' Tempest and Gus nodded politely. Ray turned and walked away a few steps before turning around and walking backwards somehow seeming more confident than he had been walking forwards 'Oh keep an eye on those two!' He yelled 'Whatever is going on they seem to be feeling the effects of it the most.' Tempest and Gus silently expressed their agreement with him as he turned back to the road ahead. After a few steps he retrieved his glasses from his collar placed them on his face and disappeared in a flash of light.
Tempest felt an awkwardness now. He managed a smile as he picked up his umbrella from the handle of the wheelchair raising it slightly into Gus' view as though to validate his actions. 'Next time old friend.' He bowed to Gus. 'Next time.' Gus nodded. Tempest pointed his still closed umbrella toward the heavens and ascended like steam into the clouds. Gus shook his head in disbelief. Removing his woolly hat he scratched at the scraggly hair underneath whilst inspecting the inside of his tattered beanie. With a sigh he replaced it on his scalp and vanished in a gentle breeze. The street was quiet now, empty and darkening by the minute. The Television continued dictating to an absent audience for a few more moments before it went black and moments later darkness filled the electrical store.

The next morning Sky sat on a beach. The creases of his beige khakis embraced the sea wall he was parked on, his hands were placed firmly in the pouch like pockets of his jacket. Alone with his thoughts he daydreamed about yesterdays conflict. The memory of each amazing feat he had performed reinforced his sense of youth and agility. His rough and baggy clothes disguised it but, under his shabby appearance, he was well built. The glee of his self celebration was quickly cut short when he remembered how the event had ended. Friendly as Ray had been, Sky could not help but feel that he was chastising them. 'She started it' he thought to himself remembering the way she had stood in the rain. 'So smug!' he muttered to himself. He closed his eyes in mockery of her and a gentle breeze rolled up. He had tied his hair back today but stray tufts danced and curled in the wind. The sea spray lifted up into the air and as the mist hit his face Sky smiled and calm washed over his mind.
 His peace was interrupted by the laughter of a couple of small children. Opening his eyes again he blinked for a few moments as though he had been woken from a heavy slumber. He had come here for the quiet, people rarely visited the beach at this time of year but it seemed a local family had decided to take their dog for a walk while the weather was still nice. The mother of the children attempted to make small talk as she passed by him. 'Isn't it nice and peaceful this time of year without the summer complaints crowding up the place?' He smiled in agreement but did not reply. Surveying the area for any other possible interruptions he noticed an easel with a canvas attached blocking most of the silhouette of an old man sat painting on the green hills behind him. He sneered and flipped his hood up, a moment later he stood behind the man. Contemplating how best to scare the man without harming him Sky crept slowly behind him raising his arms slowly. 'I can smell you, you know?' the old man announced.
Sky's shoulders dropped 'You're not so fresh yourself Gus.' He joked. Gus shook his head 'countless millennia gone by and I've never known a harbinger to smoke before you and her.' Sky moved briskly into Gus' eye line 'Rayne?' he queried a little too curiously. Gus raised his eyebrows knowingly 'The laments are usually too formal to chew gum you know.' Sky pouted 'too uptight you mean?' Gus ignored him and held a paintbrush in the air, measuring some artifact of the landscape. Sky continued regardless 'I mean did you see her yesterday?' he pleaded still raising no response. 'I tried to get on with her through the summer but she treats her work like it's a piece of art.' he argued. Gus looked at his painting then at Sky in disbelief. 'There's nothing wrong with a little passion in your work.' Gus stated quietly. 'Passion is one thing, but they are all so proud of themselves, like a little downfall is the be all and end all of weather.' Sky ranted. A gust of wind shifted the grass back and forth violently as he spoke.
 Gus tried to redirect the conversation 'Have you ever explored your creative side Sky?' This question rendered Sky speechless 'huh?' he mumbled. Gus turned back toward his painting carefully dabbing and stroking the canvas with his brush. 'poetry, song writing, doodling, painting..' Gus stopped painting to scan the boy before him up and down briefly 'Graffiti maybe?' Sky shook his head. 'I can't say that I have.' Gus raised his eyebrows but did not look away from the canvas 'Pity!' he remarked 'they can provide a healthy outlet for all your pent up emotions.' Sky grew weary of this seemingly meaningless tangent. 'And what does all this have to do with Rayne and the other laments?' Gus was surprised at this question but Sky looked genuine in his request. 'You say that the laments are too proud but Tempest is one of few men that I have met who have never looked down on me.' Guilt caught in Sky's throat. Gus continued 'As for Rayne, she requested to be transferred here. It was her art that inspired her to seek change. Here she enjoys much more freedom to create the weather that she loves, a different world from the constant drizzle she was expected to create up north. I think she is allowed to be proud of herself.'
 From the crest of the Hill a tall gaunt man approached. Grey sprigs of hair sprouting wildly from under his flat cap, his ill fitting tweed jacked flapping in the wind as he grinned and waved to Gus. Gus waved back. 'Speaking of the north.' he began to pack away his painting equipment. 'Me and Hal have some important things to talk about, could you give us some privacy.' Sky nodded. 'what about this creativity lark, how should I go about that?' Gus took down his painting from the easel 'You are a harbinger lad, humans spend their whole lives trying their hands at many different art forms before they find their passion, for you it should be easy, look inside yourself and you'll find the answer.' Sky was not entirely satisfied by this response but he turned and walked back towards the sea wall. As he placed his hands back inside his pockets he found a notepad and pencil there. Withdrawing them he noticed he could still hear the waves though he was a considerable distance from the shore. As he walked he jotted down the hidden character behind the sounds of every ebb and flow.
 Gus finished packing up and watched Sky leave before he greeted Hal. They shook hands firmly and Gus gestured towards a deckchair that lay closed on the ground. Hal Unfolded the chair and placed it firmly on the ground testing for soft spots before he sat down. 'So.' he began. 'Starting to feel the cold here yet?' Gus gestured subtly toward Sky who was now sat penciling his inner most thoughts onto his pad. 'Some of us are.' He jested. Hal snorted. 'He's barely a few decades under that hood. Most of these apes know more about the cold, harsh winters than him.' Gus nodded in a polite agreement, though he silently noted how cold and harsh Hal sounded. 'I hear events up north are unfolding quicker than usual?' He hinted subtly. Hal's gaze dropped 'You can say that again.' He lifted his flat cap and tried to rub the worry from his brow. It was a brief response but Gus sensed that things were more serious than even he had imagined. He tried to mask the growing concern in his voice. 'Well, how many are left untouched?' Hal stopped rubbing and pulled his cap back firmly against his scalp, He opened his mouth but couldn't push the slightest utterance of a word out of his lips. Gus widened his eyes urging a response. 'I was the last.' Hal sighed quickly hoping he wouldn't really be heard. 'How?' Gus whimpered.
Hal searched for excuses in each blade of grass that caught his attention. He tried to lock eyes with Gus a few times but each time his gaze bounced off and sought another distraction. 'Only three Lumni turned up for the whole summer, and they all had a foot out the door the minute they arrived. They checked out after a few weeks.' Hal noticed the expression on Gus' face for just long enough to see he was listening intently. 'We hadn't even shaken last years grudges before the wraith returned.' He paused, the next words were the hardest for him to say. 'They took River first. A few days later she called up a blizzard and the others were lost in the confusion.' Gus sat in shock. 'we were completely unprepared.' Hal tried to console him.
 River had been to the Laments in the north what Tempest was to the Laments here. The harbingers had no real hierarchy system but the elders often taught the younger, Taught in the loosest of senses. a harbingers abilities come quite naturally to them so a little moral guidance is all that is needed. Though the most senior harbingers tend to devote most of their time to watching and guiding their juniors and rarely tout their abilities at all. Gus knew that Tempest was very fond of River and he hoped that this news would not reach him before Gus could tell him. An eerie gust of wind howled through the air as Gus tried to figure things out.
 'What are you going to do?' Gus inquired of Hal. A new confidence came over Hal and he spoke with a rhythm that could only be achieved by rehearsal. 'Well it's doubtful the currents will allow me to return to the north, and even if I did go back what could I do there?' He paused allowing Gus time to agree with his sentiment. 'No.' Hal continued as if answering a question he had never asked himself aloud. 'The wraiths are on the war path and I intend to stay here, together we can Halt their progress south.' He asserted confidently. Gus worried that this confidence might be concealed aggression fueled by the close proximity Hal had been sharing with the wraiths, nevertheless he knew that with the wraiths pushing south so rapidly this year Hal would be an invaluable ally. 'We can't have you around the Laments here, if you push us into the fighting too early we'll be as ill prepared as you were. And I fear if you spend too much time with the other Breezers it could bring out more violence in them.' Hal was panicked, Gus didn't have any authority to send him back but without Gus' blessing there would be little for him to do here. 'I'll work behind the scenes then, surely there's something I can do, some way I can help.' this awoke something in Gus, his eyes widened, the solution struck him so clearly 'Solomon and Ray!' he exclaimed 'Who?' Hal asked unsure whether to be relieved or confused. Gus could barely contain his excitement. 'They're the last couple of Lumni around here, they're looking into the shift in the currents, you could tell them what you know and help them with their investigations.'
 Hal thought on it for a while. The Lumni tended to remain neutral in their affairs with the other harbinger groups, and other than their complete avoidance of the wraiths they socialised with other harbingers a lot more freely. Their role, other than to bring the Sun, was to manage the peace during the summertime. Most harbingers had a lot of respect for the Lumni and Hal was no exception though his time spent in the north meant that he had less contact with them than southern dwellers. It wasn't hard for him to realise that Gus' solution would produce the best outcome for all involved. 'alright!' He nodded. Gus grinned his usual pessimism beat down by hope for the time being. 'Excellent, You should find them at the Apollo hotel in the next town over.' The pair shook hands excitedly and with a brief gale blowing east then west the pair went their separate ways. The painting and art supplies went with Gus. Only Sky remained puzzling over the incoherent babble on the pad before him, a sloppy but not completely awful first attempt at written poetry.

Rayne came in from the cold, her new pale blue scarf draped around her neck. Outside it was cold and gloomy but inside the restaurant it was warm and inviting. The golden glow from the chandeliers bounced impossibly from every facet of the vast dining hall. Diners sat at every table and though they were all deep in conversation, barely a dull murmur pierced the ambience. This was the sort of place where you would have had to join the waiting list around the time your birth certificate was signed in order to guarantee a table. Even the cutlery looked so extravagant that it probably cost enough to feed a small family for a lifetime. All of the guests were exquisitely dressed, their tailored suits and designer evening gowns made them the perfect ornaments of this refined eatery. By comparison Rayne looked scruffy in her well kept and regularly laundered office wear, even the waiting staff were better dressed than her, their waistcoats unsoiled in defiance of the vast quantities of food they transported each hour. Their clients were the wealthiest kinds of people, the finest of ancient kings could not have imagined living in such luxury. These people were so well off they were probably ignorant to the existence of winter. In all likelihood their table cloths were liable to be the whitest things they would see in the cold months to follow.
Rayne held her head high and strolled directly to the grand piano in the centre of the room. Her steps deliberate as this was a journey she had experienced many times in this venue before. Gracefully she perched herself on the bench before the keys carefully examining the piano for a few minutes stroking it gently. Unimaginably black it was the only thing in the room that did not reflect the golden glow of the lights though inside it's strings seemed to emit their own glow, Rayne would not have been surprised if she were told it was actually strung with gold. As enamoured as she was with this particular piano she would have still preferred the old beaten upright that she used to play at a little Bed and Breakfast in the north. It had a character this one would never achieve. Whatever soul this piano might attain would be sanitised by the morning. She begun warming up her fingers by reciting 'Toccata and Fugue in D minor.' If the guests noticed her playing none of them paid her any heed. Slowly she relaxed into the song her movements becoming increasingly fluid. Till she swayed like a woman possessed, each beat pulling at her very soul. Outside the clouds grew thick and heavy darkening the already gloomy sky. Inside the lighting remained unchanged and the guests appeared undisturbed by the beautiful din that Rayne had stirred up.
Once she had finished she blew a stray tuft of hair back into her fringe then moved onto something more contemporary. 'In the house, In a heartbeat.' This had always been her favourite piece, it was how she established her mindset before every downpour she created. There was an elegant simplicity to it. The kind of build up that perfectly suited her uniqueness. She often felt that the other Laments could be too brash when developing their downpours, but for her it always had to rain when it poured. Calmly she played out the notes, staring intently at each finger as it flexed. The keys moved so softly it was as though they were not even there. Anyone paying attention would have sworn that for each note a single raindrop streaked the windows of the venue. Rayne's innocent smile perfectly masked her anticipation. When she reached the bridge the windows were transformed by a barrage of precipitation that overwhelmed them. Perhaps it was a testament to the extravagance of this fine establishment that even drenched by the rain the windows looked like an expensive art installation.
It wasn't until Rayne's fingers stopped moving that the rain eased off again, bouncing off the glass and dancing playfully on the window ledge. A wicked glint was in Rayne's eyes and she glanced about naughtily before redirecting her attention to the keys with slightest giggle of a schoolgirl doodling in her diary, nothing but mischief on her mind. She toyed with the first few notes of chopsticks before a familiar voice interrupted her.
'Isn't it a little late in the season for that piece?' Rayne froze unable to turn and face him. 'Tempest! I didn't hear you come in.' Tempest moved to the vacant side of the bench but did not sit. Rayne still did not turn her head. 'May I join you?' he requested politely. 'Certainly.' she agreed staring intently at the piano's polished finish. He sat carefully rearranging his garments subtly as he lowered himself to minimise crumpling. Finally Rayne looked towards him 'About yesterday, I...' Tempest raised a hand gently to interrupt her. 'I assure there's no need.' Rayne studied his face and saw that he was genuine, a wave of relief rushed over her. Tempest placed his fingers to the keys and flashed Rayne a daring grin as he begun to play 'merry go round broke down.' Rayne feigned embarrassment but soon joined him in a duet.
The rain outside became erratic pounding heavily at the windows one moment then lazily tapping at the glass the next. They played together pretty well and Rayne was surprised to discover that Tempest's abilities outweighed her own. At times she struggled to keep up with him. When they had finished Rayne gasped in wonder 'I didn't know you played.' tempest shrugged humbly. 'When you've lived as long as I have, there isn't a lot you haven't mastered.' Rayne was intrigued. 'What else can you play?' Tempest let out a short derisive laugh. 'It would be quicker to ask what I can't play.' Rayne took the bait. 'Okay then what can't you play.' Tempest paused for a moment looking from side to side then leaning in slightly. 'The Kazoo.' he joked. Rayne covered her face with her scarf as she giggled. Tempest examined the scarf gently 'This is new!' he said in a questioning but calm manner. 'Oh yes do you like it?' she asked winding the fabric carefully from around her neck and passing it to him. 'It suits you.' he complemented her. 'Thanks!' she beamed 'I fancied just a change.'
Tempest smiled and nodded knowingly. Rayne was silent for a moment ten awkwardly asked 'So what was the last thing you changed about yourself?' Tempest thought carefully 'It was a long time ago now but I believe it was this.' he retrieved his handkerchief and passed it to her. 'It used to be red satin.' Rayne examined the cloth in her hand, it was cotton, poorly machined and faded green. 'Why did you change it?' Rayne had the slightest tinge of disgust in her voice. Tempest gently took the item back and folded it neatly into his chest pocket. Softly he told her 'We both know that's personal.' She was ashamed of herself now bowing her head she apologised profusely 'Sorry I didn't think.'
Tempest squeezed her shoulder in a compassionate manner. 'It's fine.' he reassured her. 'I just didn't come here about me.' he explained. She raised her face 'Oh?' she replied less ashamed but slightly more worried. Letting go of her shoulder he started carefully 'Yesterday...' Rayne's head dropped again her shoulders slumping with it. 'Oh.' she mumbled. 'let me finish.' feebly she attempted to make eye contact with him. 'I was concerned about you. How have you been feeling lately?' he asked sincerely. She perked up a little but she seemed slightly annoyed at the question. 'Fine, why do you ask?' Tempest wasn't satisfied with her answer. 'Things seemed very hostile between you and Sky yesterday.' Rayne tried to downplay the situation. 'It was just practice, I thought we both performed rather well yesterday.' Tempest couldn't argue with that. 'So you felt no ill will toward him then?' she shook her head. 'I thought he was a little over enthusiastic but that's him all over, boisterous and menacing.' she had attempted to ape a macho pose whilst finishing her sentence but that made her words come across more like flattery than mockery. 'you mean like playing chopsticks in a silver service restaurant?' Tempest retorted. Rayne blushed timidly. 'We all get bored.' he explained 'Gus once had a habit of standing outside colleges, blowing apples of the trees and watching them fall on the academics sitting below them.' Rayne chuckled the redness of her cheeks changed subtly. 'Really?' Tempest grinned with nostalgia. 'Absolutely, the renaissance was a crazy time, the nineteen sixties had nothing on the sixteen sixties.' Rayne began to laugh uncontrollably.
The conversation of the other guests became hushed and many of them stared at Tempest and Rayne now. Disgusted grumbles began to fill the air. A waiter quickly moved towards them and politely invited them to leave. Rayne suppressed her laughter as much as she could. 'I'm ever so sorry she apologised.' collecting her belongings as gracefully as she could. Tempest took her by the arm and courteously led her out, duffing his hat apologetically to each diner as he passed them. The doorman opened the door for them politely but a little too willingly. Tempest thanked him and gestured for Rayne to exit first and he followed shortly after.
The rain had subsided outside but the air was damp and everywhere the waning sunlight and the light from freshly activated street lamps bounced from puddles and glistened from the damp paving stones. Tempest offered his handkerchief to Rayne. She took it graciously and dabbed the tears of joy from her eyes while she caught her breath. Once she had composed herself she returned his handkerchief then took some gum out of her clutch bag and began chewing on a piece. Tempest looked at the patchy clouds in the evening sky, and felt the bracing cold on his cheeks. Seeing Rayne in such high spirits it was hard for him to justify his concerns any longer. 'I apologise if I seemed intrusive tonight, but as you know the currents are shifting and I had to be sure you had not been affected yet.' she clamped her lips tight and nodded as earnestly as she could. 'This isn't my first winter you know. I can't be your little girl forever.' she joked. Tempest smiled politely he couldn't burden her with the knowledge of how serious events were turning out to be this year. Nevertheless he was satisfied that she was still mostly in control of her temper. 'Well you know where to find me if you need me.' he extended his hand to bid her farewell. Nodding quickly she shook his hand. Her mind already on the nicotine hit she would seek when he departed.