Elissa slept well during the rest of the night, and appeared to be doing much better by morning. She had awakened to the sounds of soft chatter as some of the residents were going about getting their breakfast. She still didn't feel up to talking with anyone, so lay awake, wrapped in the blankets, on the couch.
To Elissa's surprise and apprehension, Ben came to her, offering some breakfast and a hot drink.
"Where's Felicity?" the little elf asked.
"Beru is getting her ready for school. She'll be joining us for breakfast very soon. But you will not be accompanying her to school today, Elissa."
"But - " she protested.
"No buts." Ben said firmly. "You will be just fine, and you are doing very well after last night's ordeal. But today, you rest and recover."
"But who's gonna help Felicity? Ocean again?"
"No. Ocean is in no condition for that. She and Luke are extremely upset, horrified over what happened to you last night, as am I."
"But you and luke seem okay, I thought I saw Luke walk into the kitchen." said Elissa.
"Luke was going to help out with the homestead, but he has to take it easy. He's worn out from stress and lack of sleep. He and I had to take care of Ocean after you last night because she was upset to the point of sick."
"Sick?" Elissa's eyes went wide.
"Yes. The last storm to rage out there was hers, though she was unaware of it until I mentioned it."
"What do you mean, her storm?" Elissa asked.
"There were three force storms going on yesterday, Ocean's, Lukes, and Sheev's. All because they were very upset.
"I didn't know there was such thing." the little elf marveled.
"Only a force-sensitive individual can tell if a storm is just nature or if it's a result of a force user's emotions running high. I was telling Luke and Elf last night that when all three were storming, I couldn't even be sure it wasn't just nature, until Sheev's died down. Luke's stopped when he went to bed, so that left Ocean, who must've had difficulty calming down. What in the galaxy made you not seek shelter from the storm?"
"I tried," Elissa said, "but there weren't any empty buildings that weren't locked."
"Why did you want an empty building?"
"I didn't want to draw any more attention to myself. If I showed up on someone's doorstep, they might've taken me in and asked a bunch of questions, or called the cops."
"Or, they could've called emergency and have you checked out and treated sooner."
"And then they would've had more questions, and brought me back here. I wasn't trying to get back here, I didn't even know where I was when that stringbean droid and Ocean found me."
Ben's eyebrows raised. "K2," he corrected in a calm but firm voice, "we call him K2. Speaking of droids, once you were asleep, I had some of our medical droids monitor your vitals. You had a mild near moderate case of hypothermia, and no frostbite. The length to which you went to avoid facing us is incomprehensible.""
"Thats because you don't know how awful I feel about Shmi." said Elissa. "Her heart broke over those figures."
"What were you expecting?" Ben asked pointedly.
"Not that. I tried to use the force but never meant it to do mass-destruction. I just wanted to get back at you all because my feelings were hurt." Elissa had to admit. "You weren't there when Yoda condescended to me like some little pre-schooler at the library."
"He wouldn't have had to confront you at all if you hadn't coerced our librarian into letting you sign that book out behind our backs." said Ben. "So, you thought you'd give us a few setbacks and maybe annoy or frustrate us, is that it, Elissa?"
"It was only one prank. Sure, it ended in some damage, but I never touched Shmi's figures."
"Whether or not you ended up making Shmi cry, what you did was still very wrong, and not in the Christmas spirit at all." Ben stated.
"I know that, Ben." Elissa said, bristling. "Don't you think I'm already kicking myself hard enough without you rubbing it in? That's another reason I didn't want to see you."
"I am not trying to rub it in, Elissa," Ben said firmly, "I realize your pride has taken a serious blow, but there are some things you need to face."
"Yes you are rubbing it in!" the little elf retorted.
"Be quiet!" Ben had to raise his voice a little, then continued more gently. "Besides Shmi and the library book, there were other things you did which made Luke, Sheev, and Ocean this upset."
"But I didn't do anything to Shmi, you gotta believe me!" Elissa appealed. "I was just as shocked as she was - "
"Don't lie to me!" Ben said sternly. Then you ran away, to compound things, your wandering around in those harsh weather conditions was really dumb. Yes, you were found in time, but what if you hadn't been?"
"Well I didn't set out to freeze to death," Elissa snapped, becoming even more on the defensive, "The mall was shutting down!"
"You could have come straight back here." Ben suggested.
"No, I couldn't." she said. "Not after seeing Shmi break down. I knew you would all probably blame me for that."
"I understand that running away from trouble that is one's own fault is common, but - "
Looking about to explode, Elissa violently mashed her spoon down into the cereal bowl and raised her voice. "I told you, I know, you don't have to keep blaming me for everything, I already blame myself! Are you happy now?"
Ben shook his head. "No, Elissa, I am not. Now simmer down and listen. If you had already decided not to return before hypothermia set in, Tatooine is an unfamiliar place for you and even under normal conditions, our climate can be extreme. It was very lucky for you that you ended up back here after all. Hypothermia causes impaired judgment and disorientation, and you could have just as easily wandered away into the desert where there is no shelter at all. That would've been infinitely worse than any confrontations you might've faced if you'd just come back here in the first place. You could've gotten yourself killed!"
Elissa stared blankly ahead, making it impossible for Ben to discern if anything he said was actually reaching her. Finally, she shuddered, and there was a moment of fear flashing over her face. Then she recovered and nodded.
Seeing she finally appeared to understand this at last, Ben continued. "Now, this is not about what you did so much as the ramifications and how the others were effected."
The little elf heaved a very huffy sigh. "I'm not eating until you get off my case." she said sullenly.
"That is fine. You won't starve either way." Ben said, and continued. "now Luke and Ocean feel responsible for your hyperthermia. They did not do it intentionally, and no one knew you were out there. Ben's phone rang. "All right, Elissa, just finish your breakfast, and I'll be back soon to take the tray away."
He straightened up and left the small elf on her own to contemplate.
"Elissa!"
Alissa heard the call of her name and then saw who issued it. A blonde elf came hurrying toward her. "Oh, no," she mumbled under her breath, "Nadine."
"Welcome back." Nadine settled on the other end of the couch.
Elissa groaned.
"You just missed having a missing persons report filed."
"I should've stayed missing." Elissa said miserably.
"What kind of talk is that? Look, I'm not going to pretend I know what exactly went on, but whatever it is, running away added more concern and worry. Now that you're back, at least that's something gone right."
"You should've gotten this job, not me." Elissa said.
"Well, maybe you and I can trade places if Shmi and Ben okay it." Nadine suggested.
"Not today," Ben said, returning from his call. "Elissa, you will remain resting and under observation to make sure you won't be sustaining any organ damage from your hypothermia last night."
Nadine's mouth fell open. "Hypothermia?" She had been fast asleep when the events of the night before were going on.
"Santa called," Ben continued,"
Elissa's expression turned scared.
"He is sending someone to take over and help Felicity at school today."
Same look from Elissa. "He probably has me on the naughty list." she mumbled.
"He didn't say, but I imagine that is between you and him." Ben answered her. "He also says you should rest." said Ben. But I'm not through with you yet."
"Well I'm finished with you." Elissa muttered.
"What did you say?" Ben gave her a sharp glance.
"Oh I can't believe I did this." said Nadine suddenly, "I meant to get the other type of cereal. Please excuse me." With that, she quickly exited the uncomfortable scene and rejoined Luke, Yoda, Shmi and whoever else was in the kitchen/dining area.
Beru and Felicity emurged from Felicity's room, and took their seats for breakfast. Beru stood up to go get their breakfasts.
In the mean time, Ringo, had come in, and not realizing Beru meant to sit with Felicity, took his place beside her instead.
"Hi, Felicity, I'm Ringo."
"Hi," she said, smiling at him.
"I'm here to help repair damage that was done in the workshop. I heard your flute playing yesterday. It was beautiful."
"Thank you, Ringo." she said.
They were having a pleasant conversation when Beru returned with Felicity's breakfast, and Beru smiled in surprise to see Ringo there. "Oh, good morning, Drake, was it?"
"Good morning, Beru, " Ringo smiled at her, "It's Ringo, people get us mixed up quite often."
"Looks like Ringo is in your seat today," Felicity grinned at Beru.
"Oh? Pardon me," he apologized, starting to get up, "I didn't realize this seat was taken."
"Nonsense, Ringo, I have a few more breakfasts to make, and why don't you just carry on with your conversation?"
"Are you sure that's okay?" Ringo asked.
"Of course." said Beru.
"Sure." said Felicity.
"Wasn't that yours?" Ringo asked when Beru set what had meant to be her own breakfast before him.
"No, it's yours, unless you want something else."
"Thank you, this is just fine." he said with a smile, then set about helping Felicity before starting on his own breakfast.
"Where's Ocey?" Shmi asked.
"She's still sleeping." Felicity answered her.
"She had a rough night." said Ben. "I'll - "
The doorbell rang.
"Tell you about it later." Ben finished, and went to get the door.
Two tall women stood there. The one with long blonde hair was recognized as the fairy Cosima Brett. The other was a stranger withe hair the color of chestnut.
"Good morning Mr. Kenobi," the blonde said, smiling.
"Good morning, Miss Brett, good to see you again. And who's your friend?" Ben asked, returning the smile.
"This is Misery Chastain. She and I were sent by Santa."
"Hello." Misery chimed in. She was soft-spoken, and Ben thought he detected something of a British accent.
"Hello, come in, and I'll introduce you." Ben said.
So it was a few more minutes of the two strangers being introduced to the compound residents, and then it was time for Misery to take Felicity to school.
"Do you need a map or instructions?" Ben volunteered.
"Misery smiled and shook her head. "Santa gave us one, and Cosima and I checked out the route, so we're good. Thank you."
"Good. Well then, off you go, Felicity, have a good day at school."
Several people said goodbye to Felicity and Misery, but Felicity looked back anxiously. "What's the matter Felicity?" Yoda asked.
"It's just weird that Ocey's not up to see me off." she replied.
"Take care of her we will."
During this time, Misery and Elissa had seen each other. Misery tried to hide her sudden anxiousness, and Elissa scowled at her, and turned away.
Misery and Felicity left for school.
Cosima was invited to take a seat and make herself comfortable. She chatted with everyone and proved to be approachable and friendly.
Though Elissa did not speak to her, she was glad Cosima was there to take the heat off her. Perhaps Ben had already forgotten about the rest of that talking-to he said he would resume later. So Elissa lay on the couch beneath the blankets and listened to the conversations.
When the elves who were working in Shmi's workshop were all finished their breakfasts and had helped to clear up, Ringo said it was time to go back to work.
"I'll be along in a few," said Nadine, "I'd like to talk to Elissa first."
Elissa grimaced.
"Okay, but if you don't hop along smartly, Denie, I'll report you." Ringo joked.
"Hah!" Nadine grinned back. "I won't be long."
"No, I'll see to that." Elissa muttered.
"How in the world did you get hypothermia?" Nadine asked as she approached Elissa.
"I went out, then got lost." Elissa said in a rush, apparently wanting to get any and all focus on her stopped. "Anyway, don't you have some place else you need to be?"
"Fine," Nadine retorted, looking offended, "I was just concerned and curious. I hope you'll be all right."
Elissa turned away from Nadine.
Suddenly, Luke spoke up. "Hey Nadine, since you're on the way to the workshop, I thought I'd go along with you and see how things are coming along."
"Sure!" Nadine said with a smile. "It isn't nearly all fixed up yet, but we made good progress yesterday, and hope for a lot more by the end of today."
So the pair set off for the workshop, and Luke took it at a slow pace so he could inform Nadine on just exactly what had gone on leading up to this morning.
This left Elissa alone with Cosima and Yoda.
At the feeling of being gently shaken, and hearing the sound of someone calling "Ocey, wake up, Ocey." the elf started awake.
"Good morning, Ocey," said Shmi.
The elf groaned and stirred beneath the blanket, then suffered a violent coughing fit.
Shmi helped the elf to sit up, then handed her a tall glass of water. "Take it easy, everything's all right." she said.
The elf sputtered and coughed her way through her drink, leaving her short of breath. Shmi thumped her on the back and kept trying to say things that would calm her.
"I'll see about getting you something hot and soothing to eat." Ben said, and left.
The elf shook her head dejectedly and continued coughing from distress.
In the front room, "Excuse me, Cosima," Yoda said, and left the room.
Cosima nodded, then looked at Elissa.
The small elf turned on her side and snuggled into the blanket, making as if she would go back to sleep.
Cosima took the hint and remained silent.