Breath of Air Read Online Free PDF Page B

have my long lost Air Dryad return. We have missed you dearly, child. You are greatly needed here.”
    “Oh.” Capri’s eyes widened. Was she supposed to know how to be an Air Dryad right away? She wondered as Thea grasped her arm gently and began to lead her towards the head of the table. Then she remembered all of the people now staring at her, and the thought fell to the wayside as her nervousness flooded back.
    She saw both men and women, both young and old. The youngest was a skinny boy with jet black hair who looked to be about fourteen and the oldest a man of about forty-five with long white hair and vivid blue eyes. Liam’s eyes…she realized with a shock. Was that his father?
    Everyone was dressed so beautifully, and now she understood why she had needed the dress. Apparently formal wear was popular here. Even Thea was now adorned in a shimmering silver gown which spilled over onto the floor in a lovely train. Capri had to watch her step so as not to trample on it.
    The extravagance of it all caught her by surprise. Though, after meeting the princely Liam, had she really expected anything less than royalty?
    “Sit here, next to me, and I will make a toast. We will do the introductions later, after dinner.” Thea motioned towards a plush mahogany and gold silk chair. Capri took her seat, and Clynn sat in the chair on the other side of her. As they sat, the rest of the group took their seats as well, including Sebastian. Thea alone remained standing.
    Capri stared dutifully at the white tablecloth in front of her, terrified to do anything more. All of these people were making her incredibly uncomfortable. How did anyone get used to this? At least at the orphanage she wasn’t required to socialize. She could just eat in peace, talk to someone if she pleased, and be on her way. She had a daunting feeling that she was not going to have that same luxury here.
    When Thea began to speak, Capri looked up, her eyes focused on the woman she now knew to be Mother Earth.
    “Fifteen years ago, our home was violated. We were attacked by our enemies, and we suffered a great and terrible loss. One of our own was killed, and another stolen from us, presumably dead. I am thrilled to, on this night, announce that what was once lost has now been found. And while the memories of the attack still plague our minds, I hope you all will take comfort in knowing that miracles do happen, and even a tiny three year old girl can have the strength and resilience to survive. Let us toast, to her return.”
    At that moment, all across the table golden goblets appeared out of thin air. Capri watched as everyone reached for theirs casually, as though everyday objects commonly appeared out of nowhere, and lift the goblets in toast.
    Capri reached for her own, glancing inside briefly to see deep red wine before lifting the goblet. She returned her eyes to Thea, who smiled warmly at her.
    “To Capri.” She bellowed powerfully, and all around the table the group repeated the phrase, resounding like a deep echo. Capri blushed again, unable to look at all of the people who were toasting in her honor. She felt her father pat her gently on the arm in comfort.
    Everyone around her began to drink, so she lifted the goblet to her lips and sampled the wine. It was smooth and woodsy, with mellow cherry and vanilla undertones. Impressed, she took another sip, wondering if they got to drink wine like this every night.
    She set the goblet down on the table, just in time to notice that it had been suddenly populated by gold rimmed plates and more food than she had ever seen in her life. Stunned, she simply stared while everyone around her began reaching for the food and filling their plates.
    Sensing her discomfort, Clynn lifted her plate and began placing a few slices of turkey breast and some steamed vegetables on its surface. He added a buttered roll and set it down in front of her.
    When he saw the look on her face, he looked sheepish. “I’m sorry, did