Thanksgiving
Over the River and Through the Woods
The normal business day at the club hadn’t begun yet, although the elderly elf that seemed to come in every morning for a mug of shadowale was there. A touch of a smile lifted the edges of Malcolm’s mouth. On the television, a choir of little elves sang the traditional song that marked the beginning of the holiday season on Shynia.
Thanksgiving was, for both Shynians and elves, a day that was typically spent with your family. It was early this year, meaning that the coming Sunday wasn’t actually the start of Advent. However, that didn’t seem to stop people from gearing up for Christmas now. This year, Malcolm wouldn’t be able to visit his family, but his parents had promised to visit on Christmas itself.
“They’re not bad,” Oliver said, nodding at the television.
Malcolm nodded as well. He said nothing as his eyes sought, and found, Kawena. It surprised him how much the youngling resembled her mother. He couldn’t help but wonder how Night felt about the resemblance.
Pushing away from the bar, he said, “I have to meet with a client.” Oliver waved absently as he turned and headed out into the quiet street. He pulled his coat closer as a late autumn wind buffeted against him and turned his steps towards the Zen Café.
Fortunately, the café was only a couple blocks away. So, as he stepped into the cozy building, he wasn’t quite shivering from the cold. “I really should wear my scarf,” he murmured, peeling off his gloves and shoving them into his pockets.
“Master Woodland,” a familiar voice called.
He looked up to see an elderly elf waving at him. Stepping up to the table where the elf was seated, he said, “Master Niccolen?”
“The very same,” Niccolen answered, nodding. He motioned at an empty chair and said, “Thank you for meeting with me.”
Malcolm shook his head, dismissing the words, and sat down. “You said on the phone that your daughter is missing?”
“Has been since she was born,” he said, looking chagrined. He shook his head, looking towards the window, a wistful expression on his face. After a moment, he turned back to Malcolm and said, “My daughter left Everlund with her husband many years ago, right after they’d been married. Only now, twelve years after the island was liberated, have I gotten a chance to come and visit.”
“But you don’t have their current address,” Malcolm said, understanding the man’s situation. He nodded. Leaning forward, he smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. “Give me what information you do have and I’ll see what I can do.”
Niccolen nodded and slid a folder across the table to the investigator. “Those are the letters my daughter wrote me when she arrived,” he said. “After a while, they stopped coming, but I kept them all the same.”
Scanning the contents of the folder, Malcolm nodded to himself. He looked up at Niccolen and held out a hand. “I’ll do what I can,” he promised, “and let you know the moment I learn anything.”
“Thank you,” Niccolen said, shaking the investigator’s hand.
Malcolm lifted the folder into his arms and bowed before turning to leave. It seemed that this case would be a simple, straightforward case of tracking down someone who’d moved without leaving an address with her distant family members. He fully expected that the post office would have old records that would show where the family had moved.
***
Humming to himself, Malcolm made his way back to the Moonlight Lounge. He hoped that he’d be able to not only close this case quickly, but successfully. He might not be able to spend the holiday with his family, but maybe he’d be able to help someone else spend it with theirs.
“I’m back,” he called, stepping into his office. He turned, expecting to see Phoenix standing behind him and was greeted by Nekane instead. His heart skipped a beat as she padded across the floor to stand in front of him.
“Hey,” he said, his face breaking into a broad smile. He enveloped the slender elf maid in his arms and placed a kiss on her lips. “What are you doing here?”
“I missed you,” Nekane said, fingering the hem of his shirt.
The investigator leaned in closer to kiss the tip of her ear. “I missed you too,” he whispered.
“Malcolm,” she replied, as one of his hands slid down her back. One of her hands rest on the other hand, still at her waist, while she reached out with the other and began rubbing small circles into his thigh.
The investigator bent forward so that he could press his hand between her legs. “I like this dress,” he breathed, pushing the fabric aside and fingering the edge of her panties. He slid his other hand up to cup one of her breasts and she sighed, shifting against him.
Nekane pushed back slightly and looked up at him with hooded eyes. “Do you?” she asked, her eyes closing as he slid his hands into the fabric of her undergarments.
“Mm,” Malcolm replied, setting kisses against her neck and collarbone, while he loosened the pins that held her bodice in place. As the fabric fell loose, he leaned her back against his desk. “Where you here for any reason other than this?” he asked, cupping one of her cheeks.
She shook her head and smiled, tempting him to continue his attentions. “That can wait,” she said, caressing his cheek.
“Nekane,” Malcolm sighed, leaning forward to kiss her. As his mouth pressed over hers, he pulled her into his arms. He broke from the kiss and smiled. “This isn’t a good place for this,” he murmured, carrying her through a side door into his apartment.
Phoenix peeked into the room just as the door slid shut. Blinking in confusion, the dragon decided it was probably better to leave the couple alone. He slipped back out of the office, locking the door behind him. At least, he thought, this would give him a chance to confer with Bishop.
***
Frowning a bit crossly, Malcolm regarded his reflection in the mirror while he washed his hands. He’d only known Nekane for a few weeks and, already, they were becoming close. The investigator choked back a laugh at the understatement. They’d slept together every night since that first, not to mention her daytime visits.
Small hands rested on his waist and he smiled at the reflection of his lover in the mirror. “You wanted to talk,” he said, his voice low. Part of him dreaded hearing what she had to say. However, he knew it was important.
Nekane sighed and then stepped around, so that they were facing each other. “My family,” she started, “I… need to visit with them.”
Malcolm frowned, but nodded. “I understand,” he said, cupping her cheek and caressing it with the tips of his fingers. “I expect they’re worried about you.”
Nodding, the elf maid wrapped her arms around him and sighed. “I may be gone for a while - months even - but, I promise that I’ll come back,” she said.
“I’ll wait for you,” he answered, pulling her tightly against his body. He took a deep breath, his nose filling the soft scent of her hair, and then he pushed her back gently. “That’s why you visited, hmm?”
“I wanted to have a good memory while I travel back to Wynter Isle,” she said, caressing his cheek. “I can’t think of a better one than you and I together.”
Malcolm smiled and took her hand, kissing it gently before he released it again. Part of him felt like she was abandoning him, but a larger part knew that Nekane had to go back if she was ever going to move forward.
“What about your job?” he asked, scowling. “Did you have any trouble getting the time off?”
“I quit,” she replied, smiling. She stood on her toes and looked deep into his eyes, adding, “I don’t want anyone else to see me in that way - only you.”
“Write me?” Malcolm said, his voice catching. His eyes misted and he forced a smile, shrugging. “You can do that, right?”
“All right,” Nekane said. Then she kissed him and Malcolm leaned forward, holding her close. He never wanted this moment to end, even though he knew it had to.
As she stepped back once more, he touched her nose lightly with one of his fingers and said, “I’ll take you to the station.”
“Thank you,” she replied. Then she returned to the bedroom to dress once more. Malcolm stared after her for a moment and then a hint of a smile touched his lips. He knew she’d be back, it was only a matter of when. Until that day, he could wait.
***
Much later in the day, Malcolm was sitting quietly in a corner of the Moonlight Lounge. He’d dropped Nekane off at the Gateway station and watched as she disappeared through the portal that would return her to the Wynter Isle. She said that she would return in less than a year, but the investigator was unhappy with how long that would mean they’d be apart.
As Night finished the last song of his set, he practically bounded off the stage in his excitement to reach the investigator. “Mac,” he said, grabbing onto the human’s arm and peering around his shoulder to look into his eyes. “Do you have plans for the holiday?”
“Not yet,” Malcolm answered, chuckling weakly at the elf’s enthusiasm. He could tell that it was his friend’s way of helping him cheer up after Nekane’s sudden departure.
Grinning brightly, Night released his arm and danced ahead of him up the steps. He stopped at the landing and looked down at his friend, still smiling warmly. “Would you like to come to dinner with me and mine?”
“Your parents and siblings are coming to town?” Malcolm said, quirking an eyebrow. He laughed again as Night nodded enthusiastically. “How can I say ‘no’ to such an offer,” he said, shaking his head slightly. He chuckled and said, “Where are we going?”
“My parents made arrangements with the manager of the Private Eyes,” Night said, sounding pleased with himself.
Malcolm goggled at the elf and whistled in appreciation. The Private Eyes was an exclusive restaurant that was said to serve the finest food in the city. “Then I will definitely be there, my friend,” the investigator said, still blinking in shock. He shook his head and grinned. “I just have this case to finish up and I’m taking the rest of the week off.”
“Must be nice to make your own hours,” Night said, winking to show that the comment wasn’t serious. He sighed theatrically and added, “My boss makes me perform every night - even on holidays!”
“The ogre,” Malcolm replied, shaking his head in mock horror. He looked up at Oliver and said, “Did you hear how cruel Night’s employer is, Ollie? Making him work on holidays?”
“Yup,” the elf said, his tone light and teasing, “the guy’s a real Scrooge.” Turning to Night, he said, “Get ready for your next set, Cratchit or I’m docking your already meager pay.”
Night chuckled warmly and nodded. “Yes, sir,” he replied, giving the other a mocking salute. He grinned at Malcolm and added, “So, be there at about two-thirty and dress up, but not formally.”
“Like… semiformal?” Malcolm said, tilting his head to one side.
“Look nice,” Night said, shrugging. He scampered over to the stage, calling back, “Like you would for services.”
Malcolm bit off a laugh. “It’s been… years since I went to worship, my friend,” he murmured. Then he stood and headed into his office. He had lots of work to finish if he wanted to take the holiday off.
***
The investigator settled down at his desk and lifted the telephone handset to his ear. He dialed the number for the local post office and blinked as the line was picked up on the other end after only one ring. “Hello,” he said, scanning the page in front of him for the address Niccolen had for his daughter. “I’m looking for a forwarding address for Arima Niccolen. The last address I have for her is 63 River Road, in Saphbell, but it’s about six years old.”
“Let me check out records,” the clerk replied. Malcolm heard the clatter of fingers on a keyboard as the clerk asked, “Are you related to Miss Niccolen?”
“I’m a private investigator,” he said, shaking his head. “Her father hired me to see if I could find her in time for the holiday.”
“Oh, that’s nice,” the clerk said. The clattering sound stopped and then the clerk said, “Here we are. The last address we have on file for Miss Niccolen is 24 Avenue A in Havelen Center.”
“Thank you,” Malcolm said, writing the address on a scrap of paper. As he hung up, he said, “Thank you very much.”
“You’re going out?” Phoenix guessed, as the investigator stood.
Tucking the paper into his pocket, Malcolm nodded. “I want to check and make sure that they’re still there before I give the address to my client,” he explained.
Phoenix’s eyes widened and he nodded. “I hope they are,” the dragon said, waving at the investigator as he left the office once more.
“Me too,” Malcolm murmured. He bounded down the steps and out the door, slipping behind the wheel of his car. As he turned the key in the ignition, his radio blared to life, playing a modern Christmas song. “Bit early for that,” he complained, changing stations.
He drove through the busy city streets until he found himself on Main Street in Havelen Center. “Now, the avenues cross Main Street and are lettered north to south,” he murmured. He turned down Avenue A and continued until he reached a tidy little house numbered twenty-four.
As he pulled into an empty space in front of the building, he noticed a young-looking elf maid on the small lawn with two little children. He turned off his car and stepped out. “Miss Niccolen?” he called. When she looked up, he smiled. “Are you Miss Arima Niccolen?”
“I am,” she answered, standing and lifting the smaller of the children into her arms. “What can I do for you?”
“I’m Malcolm Woodland,” he said, holding out his business card. As she took it, he said, “I’m a private investigator. Your father hired me to help him find you.”
“My father’s here?” she asked, her eyes brightening. She grinned and looked at the children. “You’ll get to see your Grandfather!”
“I’ll just give you the contact number he left with me, then,” Malcolm said, a warm smile coming to his face. It was nice when a case was so easily solved and with such positive results.
“Thank you so much, Master Woodland,” Arima said, taking the card he gave her. She looked at it briefly and then looked back up for only a moment before she hugged him with her free arm. “Thank you!”
“No thanks are necessary,” Malcolm replied, bowing and stepping back. “I’m only glad I could reunite you in time for Thanksgiving.”
“It’s truly something we can be thankful for,” she answered. As he got back into his car, she waved and called, “One bless you!”
Malcolm ducked his head to hide the sudden blush and then chuckled to himself. He started his car and headed back towards the club. At least, if Nekane was going to be away for the holidays, she would be able to spend them with her family.
“I’ll invite Night to spend Christmas with me and my family,” the investigator said, realizing that the elf’s family probably wouldn’t make it up for both events and he would not be able to visit them in North Lake.
The normal business day at the club hadn’t begun yet, although the elderly elf that seemed to come in every morning for a mug of shadowale was there. A touch of a smile lifted the edges of Malcolm’s mouth. On the television, a choir of little elves sang the traditional song that marked the beginning of the holiday season on Shynia.
Thanksgiving was, for both Shynians and elves, a day that was typically spent with your family. It was early this year, meaning that the coming Sunday wasn’t actually the start of Advent. However, that didn’t seem to stop people from gearing up for Christmas now. This year, Malcolm wouldn’t be able to visit his family, but his parents had promised to visit on Christmas itself.
“They’re not bad,” Oliver said, nodding at the television.
Malcolm nodded as well. He said nothing as his eyes sought, and found, Kawena. It surprised him how much the youngling resembled her mother. He couldn’t help but wonder how Night felt about the resemblance.
Pushing away from the bar, he said, “I have to meet with a client.” Oliver waved absently as he turned and headed out into the quiet street. He pulled his coat closer as a late autumn wind buffeted against him and turned his steps towards the Zen Café.
Fortunately, the café was only a couple blocks away. So, as he stepped into the cozy building, he wasn’t quite shivering from the cold. “I really should wear my scarf,” he murmured, peeling off his gloves and shoving them into his pockets.
“Master Woodland,” a familiar voice called.
He looked up to see an elderly elf waving at him. Stepping up to the table where the elf was seated, he said, “Master Niccolen?”
“The very same,” Niccolen answered, nodding. He motioned at an empty chair and said, “Thank you for meeting with me.”
Malcolm shook his head, dismissing the words, and sat down. “You said on the phone that your daughter is missing?”
“Has been since she was born,” he said, looking chagrined. He shook his head, looking towards the window, a wistful expression on his face. After a moment, he turned back to Malcolm and said, “My daughter left Everlund with her husband many years ago, right after they’d been married. Only now, twelve years after the island was liberated, have I gotten a chance to come and visit.”
“But you don’t have their current address,” Malcolm said, understanding the man’s situation. He nodded. Leaning forward, he smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. “Give me what information you do have and I’ll see what I can do.”
Niccolen nodded and slid a folder across the table to the investigator. “Those are the letters my daughter wrote me when she arrived,” he said. “After a while, they stopped coming, but I kept them all the same.”
Scanning the contents of the folder, Malcolm nodded to himself. He looked up at Niccolen and held out a hand. “I’ll do what I can,” he promised, “and let you know the moment I learn anything.”
“Thank you,” Niccolen said, shaking the investigator’s hand.
Malcolm lifted the folder into his arms and bowed before turning to leave. It seemed that this case would be a simple, straightforward case of tracking down someone who’d moved without leaving an address with her distant family members. He fully expected that the post office would have old records that would show where the family had moved.
***
Humming to himself, Malcolm made his way back to the Moonlight Lounge. He hoped that he’d be able to not only close this case quickly, but successfully. He might not be able to spend the holiday with his family, but maybe he’d be able to help someone else spend it with theirs.
“I’m back,” he called, stepping into his office. He turned, expecting to see Phoenix standing behind him and was greeted by Nekane instead. His heart skipped a beat as she padded across the floor to stand in front of him.
“Hey,” he said, his face breaking into a broad smile. He enveloped the slender elf maid in his arms and placed a kiss on her lips. “What are you doing here?”
“I missed you,” Nekane said, fingering the hem of his shirt.
The investigator leaned in closer to kiss the tip of her ear. “I missed you too,” he whispered.
“Malcolm,” she replied, as one of his hands slid down her back. One of her hands rest on the other hand, still at her waist, while she reached out with the other and began rubbing small circles into his thigh.
The investigator bent forward so that he could press his hand between her legs. “I like this dress,” he breathed, pushing the fabric aside and fingering the edge of her panties. He slid his other hand up to cup one of her breasts and she sighed, shifting against him.
Nekane pushed back slightly and looked up at him with hooded eyes. “Do you?” she asked, her eyes closing as he slid his hands into the fabric of her undergarments.
“Mm,” Malcolm replied, setting kisses against her neck and collarbone, while he loosened the pins that held her bodice in place. As the fabric fell loose, he leaned her back against his desk. “Where you here for any reason other than this?” he asked, cupping one of her cheeks.
She shook her head and smiled, tempting him to continue his attentions. “That can wait,” she said, caressing his cheek.
“Nekane,” Malcolm sighed, leaning forward to kiss her. As his mouth pressed over hers, he pulled her into his arms. He broke from the kiss and smiled. “This isn’t a good place for this,” he murmured, carrying her through a side door into his apartment.
Phoenix peeked into the room just as the door slid shut. Blinking in confusion, the dragon decided it was probably better to leave the couple alone. He slipped back out of the office, locking the door behind him. At least, he thought, this would give him a chance to confer with Bishop.
***
Frowning a bit crossly, Malcolm regarded his reflection in the mirror while he washed his hands. He’d only known Nekane for a few weeks and, already, they were becoming close. The investigator choked back a laugh at the understatement. They’d slept together every night since that first, not to mention her daytime visits.
Small hands rested on his waist and he smiled at the reflection of his lover in the mirror. “You wanted to talk,” he said, his voice low. Part of him dreaded hearing what she had to say. However, he knew it was important.
Nekane sighed and then stepped around, so that they were facing each other. “My family,” she started, “I… need to visit with them.”
Malcolm frowned, but nodded. “I understand,” he said, cupping her cheek and caressing it with the tips of his fingers. “I expect they’re worried about you.”
Nodding, the elf maid wrapped her arms around him and sighed. “I may be gone for a while - months even - but, I promise that I’ll come back,” she said.
“I’ll wait for you,” he answered, pulling her tightly against his body. He took a deep breath, his nose filling the soft scent of her hair, and then he pushed her back gently. “That’s why you visited, hmm?”
“I wanted to have a good memory while I travel back to Wynter Isle,” she said, caressing his cheek. “I can’t think of a better one than you and I together.”
Malcolm smiled and took her hand, kissing it gently before he released it again. Part of him felt like she was abandoning him, but a larger part knew that Nekane had to go back if she was ever going to move forward.
“What about your job?” he asked, scowling. “Did you have any trouble getting the time off?”
“I quit,” she replied, smiling. She stood on her toes and looked deep into his eyes, adding, “I don’t want anyone else to see me in that way - only you.”
“Write me?” Malcolm said, his voice catching. His eyes misted and he forced a smile, shrugging. “You can do that, right?”
“All right,” Nekane said. Then she kissed him and Malcolm leaned forward, holding her close. He never wanted this moment to end, even though he knew it had to.
As she stepped back once more, he touched her nose lightly with one of his fingers and said, “I’ll take you to the station.”
“Thank you,” she replied. Then she returned to the bedroom to dress once more. Malcolm stared after her for a moment and then a hint of a smile touched his lips. He knew she’d be back, it was only a matter of when. Until that day, he could wait.
***
Much later in the day, Malcolm was sitting quietly in a corner of the Moonlight Lounge. He’d dropped Nekane off at the Gateway station and watched as she disappeared through the portal that would return her to the Wynter Isle. She said that she would return in less than a year, but the investigator was unhappy with how long that would mean they’d be apart.
As Night finished the last song of his set, he practically bounded off the stage in his excitement to reach the investigator. “Mac,” he said, grabbing onto the human’s arm and peering around his shoulder to look into his eyes. “Do you have plans for the holiday?”
“Not yet,” Malcolm answered, chuckling weakly at the elf’s enthusiasm. He could tell that it was his friend’s way of helping him cheer up after Nekane’s sudden departure.
Grinning brightly, Night released his arm and danced ahead of him up the steps. He stopped at the landing and looked down at his friend, still smiling warmly. “Would you like to come to dinner with me and mine?”
“Your parents and siblings are coming to town?” Malcolm said, quirking an eyebrow. He laughed again as Night nodded enthusiastically. “How can I say ‘no’ to such an offer,” he said, shaking his head slightly. He chuckled and said, “Where are we going?”
“My parents made arrangements with the manager of the Private Eyes,” Night said, sounding pleased with himself.
Malcolm goggled at the elf and whistled in appreciation. The Private Eyes was an exclusive restaurant that was said to serve the finest food in the city. “Then I will definitely be there, my friend,” the investigator said, still blinking in shock. He shook his head and grinned. “I just have this case to finish up and I’m taking the rest of the week off.”
“Must be nice to make your own hours,” Night said, winking to show that the comment wasn’t serious. He sighed theatrically and added, “My boss makes me perform every night - even on holidays!”
“The ogre,” Malcolm replied, shaking his head in mock horror. He looked up at Oliver and said, “Did you hear how cruel Night’s employer is, Ollie? Making him work on holidays?”
“Yup,” the elf said, his tone light and teasing, “the guy’s a real Scrooge.” Turning to Night, he said, “Get ready for your next set, Cratchit or I’m docking your already meager pay.”
Night chuckled warmly and nodded. “Yes, sir,” he replied, giving the other a mocking salute. He grinned at Malcolm and added, “So, be there at about two-thirty and dress up, but not formally.”
“Like… semiformal?” Malcolm said, tilting his head to one side.
“Look nice,” Night said, shrugging. He scampered over to the stage, calling back, “Like you would for services.”
Malcolm bit off a laugh. “It’s been… years since I went to worship, my friend,” he murmured. Then he stood and headed into his office. He had lots of work to finish if he wanted to take the holiday off.
***
The investigator settled down at his desk and lifted the telephone handset to his ear. He dialed the number for the local post office and blinked as the line was picked up on the other end after only one ring. “Hello,” he said, scanning the page in front of him for the address Niccolen had for his daughter. “I’m looking for a forwarding address for Arima Niccolen. The last address I have for her is 63 River Road, in Saphbell, but it’s about six years old.”
“Let me check out records,” the clerk replied. Malcolm heard the clatter of fingers on a keyboard as the clerk asked, “Are you related to Miss Niccolen?”
“I’m a private investigator,” he said, shaking his head. “Her father hired me to see if I could find her in time for the holiday.”
“Oh, that’s nice,” the clerk said. The clattering sound stopped and then the clerk said, “Here we are. The last address we have on file for Miss Niccolen is 24 Avenue A in Havelen Center.”
“Thank you,” Malcolm said, writing the address on a scrap of paper. As he hung up, he said, “Thank you very much.”
“You’re going out?” Phoenix guessed, as the investigator stood.
Tucking the paper into his pocket, Malcolm nodded. “I want to check and make sure that they’re still there before I give the address to my client,” he explained.
Phoenix’s eyes widened and he nodded. “I hope they are,” the dragon said, waving at the investigator as he left the office once more.
“Me too,” Malcolm murmured. He bounded down the steps and out the door, slipping behind the wheel of his car. As he turned the key in the ignition, his radio blared to life, playing a modern Christmas song. “Bit early for that,” he complained, changing stations.
He drove through the busy city streets until he found himself on Main Street in Havelen Center. “Now, the avenues cross Main Street and are lettered north to south,” he murmured. He turned down Avenue A and continued until he reached a tidy little house numbered twenty-four.
As he pulled into an empty space in front of the building, he noticed a young-looking elf maid on the small lawn with two little children. He turned off his car and stepped out. “Miss Niccolen?” he called. When she looked up, he smiled. “Are you Miss Arima Niccolen?”
“I am,” she answered, standing and lifting the smaller of the children into her arms. “What can I do for you?”
“I’m Malcolm Woodland,” he said, holding out his business card. As she took it, he said, “I’m a private investigator. Your father hired me to help him find you.”
“My father’s here?” she asked, her eyes brightening. She grinned and looked at the children. “You’ll get to see your Grandfather!”
“I’ll just give you the contact number he left with me, then,” Malcolm said, a warm smile coming to his face. It was nice when a case was so easily solved and with such positive results.
“Thank you so much, Master Woodland,” Arima said, taking the card he gave her. She looked at it briefly and then looked back up for only a moment before she hugged him with her free arm. “Thank you!”
“No thanks are necessary,” Malcolm replied, bowing and stepping back. “I’m only glad I could reunite you in time for Thanksgiving.”
“It’s truly something we can be thankful for,” she answered. As he got back into his car, she waved and called, “One bless you!”
Malcolm ducked his head to hide the sudden blush and then chuckled to himself. He started his car and headed back towards the club. At least, if Nekane was going to be away for the holidays, she would be able to spend them with her family.
“I’ll invite Night to spend Christmas with me and my family,” the investigator said, realizing that the elf’s family probably wouldn’t make it up for both events and he would not be able to visit them in North Lake.