The Elementals by Annalynne Thorne Page B

“She is, but she can be a bit...” Terra couldn't find the right words. “Airy.” She smiled at Era in kindness; in the distance Terra could see the tiny painted fluffy clouds, the background a baby blue sky.
                Curiously she took a glance at her wristwatch but as soon as she brought it up to eye level it was wrenched from her. Bryne grabbed at the face, the clasp breaking, bits of silver scattering. In his fist he squeezed. Bits could be heard cracking, the twisting of metal. He opened his hand up and showed there in his palm the crushed pieces of what used to be her watch. Her only one at that. She could see the inside flakes of what used to be the sun and leaves, the papery green background. There was no repairing it.
                “Why did you do that?!”
                “Trust my inner clock, the real ones will drive you insane.”
                “What, now you expect us to go without stoves, microwaves and watches?”
                “You don't have to go without, but it will cause you gray hairs. Haven't you ever heard of the watched pot theory?” Bryan groaned not waiting for an answer, “drink your milk.”
                “Are you trying for me to sleep?” Terra chuckled.
                “Yes.”
                She set the milk on the floor. He grumbled but did not force her, though she saw his hand twitch as if he was thinking about slapping her.
                She looked to Era to decipher what he said and while grinning she mouthed, " little tree hugger brat ." Terra tried not to laugh feeling a little warmth for the fire-boy.
                Laugh. Unfortunately is was the wrong time to show any sign of joy when her friend was being held and possibly hurt. She didn't want to think of the torture he was going through but it was nearly inescapable. Unless Hadrian planned on giving him a herbal drug, there were not many ways of torture for their kind. They were peaceful, and every power that they had was used for good. What if he found a way to use it for evil?
                Bryne was right, though she'd never admit it. She was going to go prematurely gray from all of the stress.
                Marissa had gotten up and fetched her makeup kits. She sat cross - legged painting Era's face in light blues and silver. Swirls like smoke curled from the corner of her eyes, her lips shimmering pale.
                Era in turn painted Marissa. Dark blue and sea green, waves from her eyes. When Terra was next, they both worked on her. The bristles of the brush, their warm and cold hands comforting, relaxing her in a way she didn't expect. It was over too soon, and Marissa held up a small mirror.
                Terra caught her reflection. Earthy brown and green, yellows and blue flowers. It was like her eyes had sprouted ivy flowers. It was lovely.
                Era placed the brushes in their holders. "It's like preparing for battle. Bryne, do you want us to draw something on you?"
                "Over my dead body, feather duster."
                She giggled and he smiled at the sound of tinkling bells. "How about black? Like ashes? I could paint them on your neck and chin."
                He nodded and she floated over. She quickly sketched red and orange flames from his collarbones to his chin. Dotted over his cheek were the sparks. It was realistically beautiful, and Bryne's statement was a great motivator.
                "You're a good artist, Era, how long have you been painting?”
“Seems like forever. When I lived on the street I pulled out broken crayons from the dumpsters and painted the sidewalks. I'd have a block done by midnight, if I worked all day and didn't eat.”
                Bryne had the look of pitiful shock on his face. “You lived on the streets?”
                “Yes. I can't