It took a little time to convince Teddy that 'probably' was not enough assurance that her biological weapon would not escape the volcano. While the infection that Teddy had unleashed might have eventually caused the creature to weaken, it was just as likely that the powerful monster would remain immune forever.
In contrast, the entire city of Ravenheart could be wiped out by a superbug before anyone knew they were sick.
With a sigh, Teddy had removed her little friends and assured them that she would find a better game for them someday. Noble didn't want to think about what kind of "game" the assistant might have meant.
The rest of Noble's break passed without incident. The only other notable event included the reward that Beastmaster had promised.
The Queen had indeed taken notice of the young man's accomplishments. Noble at first feared that they would be offered a mirror again. It would be much harder for the ambassador to refuse a gift for his child.
Thankfully, they didn't have to. When the package arrived, it came with fanfare and a royal decree.
"I am Jam of the Song Domain." The man pushed back his long black hair as he unrolled the paper and cleared his throat. "On behalf of Clan Song, this is in honor of Blaze to commemorate the first time electricity was used to light the Dream Realm. It will not be the last."
The messenger rolled up the scroll and tucked it back in his bag. A long, tall object, which was wrapped in a thick tarp, was unloaded from the cart and placed upright in the front yard.
Jam smiled warmly as he waited for the man of honor to open his prize.
"I think that is your cue." Fort nudged his younger son.
The family watched as Blaze tiptoed forward. He hesitantly touched the first knot, hardly believing this was happening. After several moments, Rain couldn't handle her brother's meticulous unwrapping.
"Hurry up, Blaze!"
Ignoring her, the younger twin savored the moment and tugged slowly. Only when the last cord was released did the cloth canvas fall away.
Noble gasped. "Oh!"
Fort's mouth dropped open.
"It's beautiful."
"The Queen sent this?" Blaze reached out to touch the smooth surface. "Wow!"
Brock tilted his head. "What is it?"
"You really don't know?" Noble grinned. "It's a lamppost."
The city had been planning on installing lamp posts all throughout Ravenheart, but the project had been delayed in favor of road building. So Noble had only ever seen the tall, thin light poles in books or very old movies where people inexplicably sang in the rain.
This wasn't any regular light pole, though. It was made of a single piece of perfect glass.
"Indeed, it is a lamppost," Jam beamed. "It is cut from the depths of Glass Hill and molded with meticulous care. It is one of a kind and will never have another like it."
"You made this?" Noble knew the loving words of an artist when she heard them.
"I did. Especially for Blaze. Innovators like him are rare." The kindness in Jam's words warmed Noble's heart.
"Thank you," Blaze continued to touch the delicate surface with the due amount of awe. The glass from Glass Hill was practically indestructible and could handle both the heat and cold without cracking. Noble had wanted some to go behind their shutters in their windows, but the price to transport even a little bit was exorbitant.
And here was an entire sculpture!
"I haven't even shown you the best part!" Jam was so full of excitement that Noble thought he might burst.
Brock bent down and read the inscription on the base. "On the occasion of Blaze bringing electricity to Ravenheart. Brother, it even has your name!"
There was no jealousy in the elder brother's tone, only pride.
Jam coughed lightly.
"Master Noble, I was led to believe you can levitate objects?"
"Yes." Noble furrowed her brow. Did he want her to move the object to its final location?
Jam lifted the canvas that had been wrapped around the sculpture. Noble noticed how thick and wide it was.
"Can you turn this into a canopy?" The artisan felt the cloth lighten and then lift from his hands. "Get closer!" He encouraged the others.
The canvas unfolded like a blanket and then wrapped around the lamppost and the people in a wide tent. While not all of the light was blocked out, the noonday sun was kept at bay.
And that left room for…
"Look!" Blaze stared up at the luminaire as the light inside it reflected in his blue eyes. "It glows!"
Sure enough, the glass globe flickered and released a swirling light that looked like a flame.
Noble squinted.
"Are those fireflies?"
She hadn't seen those tiny creatures since fleeing America, but the memories of warm summer nights suddenly came flooding back to her.
"That was the look I was going for. With the help of a friend, I was able to merge the qualities of his Aspect into my artistry. While it's not something I will repeat, I am quite pleased with the results." Jam placed his hands on his hips and nodded. "It is a monument fit for the occasion. I hope you like it."
"Like it? I love it!" Blaze hugged the lamp post and then shook Jam's hand.
"Is it going to remain here?" Fort asked. "If so, I will hire someone to cement it to the ground."
"It can go here or to the city square at the end of the lane. As for the base, I will take care of that. Just say the word." Jam's winsome smile left the choice in their hands.
"Please, can we keep it here!" Brock begged both his brother and his parents in turn.
Blaze nodded. "If we leave it here, I can see it from my window."
"It will look pretty fantastic against the wood of the house," Rain added.
The two parents exchanged glances. They knew they were outnumbered. Even if it would make more sense to put the precious gift where it could light the way for anyone who needed to get water at the common fountains, they knew better than to try to go against the three sets of pleading eyes now staring at them.
"It's up to you," Noble easily passed the choice to her husband.
The ambassador smirked. "Here it stays, I suppose. Jam?"
The artisan was already going to work. "Light, please!"
Noble removed the canvas, and the sunlight flooded into the lamplight. The iridescent quality of the glass reminded Noble of her Soul Sea.
Jam dug into the snow until the sculpture was flush with the ground. Then, with a touch akin to a whisper, he rooted it to the ground beneath. Like a glass tree, it would stand unmoving against the elements.
Jam rose and brushed off his fingers. "That should do it!"
"It's beautiful, Jam." Noble wished she had more words to share her admiration. "We will treasure it."
"That is all I can ask," the man bowed. "Enjoy it with my compliments and the Queen's."
Even days later, Noble would stay up late and wake up early just to watch the lamppost and remember the fireflies from her childhood. Today, however, she would have to leave before the glow ever began that evening.
She had her own festivities in the waking world.