AUTHOR's NOTES: This is my first posted complete Firefly fanfic. I used to write fanfic for The Sentinel. I am working on a longer fic at the moment that I will post when it is completed. And if you can't tell I am Jaynebabe and a Rayne shipper. Enjoy! Would really appreciate feedback on this fic.

The Strawman

Stormwolf

The flames danced.

All eyes watched the people who paid homage to the flames, moving in rhythmic grace, encircling the bonfire that lit the village of Salem.

River moved among the dancers and the revelers chasing the sparks that floated upon the wind. She found Simon first, sitting on a bale of hay beside the sweet mechanic, drinking the home brewed beer, and cuddling against Kaylee. Kaylee seemed to welcome the cuddle, seeking her own comfort in Simon’s arms.

River passed them by, intent on following the strawman. He danced on spindly legs, while sparks from the fire that burned him blew in the air like fireflies. He had been placed on the bonfire earlier, to burn away the year and to burn away the sins. River didn’t think it had worked.

But she followed him anyway as he beckoned her with burning hands. He led her to Malcolm Reynolds, who sat upon the tail of the wagon that had brought the straw and the wood for the bonfire. He, too drank, the homebrewed beer. Drowning in the fermented grain,. He looked up at her approach. She knew he could not see the burning strawman, only the young girl who was not a girl standing before him in her red dress and combat boots, hair blowing in the night breeze.

“What are you doing?” Mal asked her. “Where’s your brother?”

“Simon is basking in the sun, swallowing the grain and feeding the warmth.” River said. Beside her the strawman laughed, flames burning brighter.

“Uh huh.” Mal said. “He’s with Kaylee I suppose. And what are you doing?”

“Going to find the Green knight, I need a holly bush. The man of straw and hay leads the way.”

“Green knight huh. Not any of those around here.” He took another