The Storytellers

Conner and Ashlyn paused at the back of the house, the arced side that faced the courtyard.

"Do you need a boost?" Conner whispered.

"Are you kidding?" Ashlyn answered incredulously. "I've been making this climb since I was half this size."

Elisa's bedroom had a connected balcony, which extended to create a covered porch before the backdoor. The balcony was only one floor above ground level, supported by both the house's exterior and two elegantly carved stone pillars.

Ashlyn easily scurried up one of the pillars, finding supports for her hands and feet in the nooks and protrusions placed there in its carving, and slipped over the sturdy banister. With a bound, Conner caught the bottom of the balcony and hoisted himself up that way.

Quietly slipping past the drapes through the doorway, which Elisa kept open since safety was not an issue and Star*port was known to have good weather almost all the time, Ashlyn moved almost soundlessly to the side of the bed where her best friend rested peacefully. Then she tackled her.

Though startled, Elisa recovered from her distemper quickly once she recognized her attacker. She tackled Ashlyn back, smothering her friend in a tight embrace.

"Never do that again," Elisa pleaded. "Never. You left without a word. I was so worried."

"I'm sorry," Ashlyn apologized. "I should have said something. I got distracted; you know me when I'm caught up in something. There was this boy and-"