She replied in elvish. “I can. I can also speak in all the languages of the realms. It is just difficult to sort the language because some words are different but the same in different places.”
He blinked. “Wow. Oh. That explains why you were singing in Japanese.”
She grinned. “I have to go to the meeting now.”
She turned and scampered back down the hall to the boardroom. She found the empty chair next to Elodie and sat in for the presentation. She waved at Nessa, and her boss blinked and grinned back.
They sat and listened to the presentation that explained the nature of the clinic and the financial need for financing and equipment.
When the participants were standing, some had left for other meetings, and a few were making arrangements to go to lunch. Nessa had hugged Wylda, and she got the notice, “You can go in late today. Sarah is willing to pitch in.”
“Are you sure? I can head there right now.”
Nessa grinned and glanced behind Wylda. “I am sure.”
Wylda turned and saw a man from the Asian investor contingent who was going to be providing funds, with the caveat that Nessa treat some of their people on their soil.
The man looked at Wylda with intensity. “You look different.”
The voice was extremely familiar. “Oh. Hello, Lord Rez. You look... different.”
He looked her over. “You are stronger.”
“That happens as people get older.”
“You aren’t yet thirty.”
“No, but it has been an eventful few years.” She smiled ruefully.
He focused on her face. “You are well?”
“I am. I am with those who fell with me and now am complete.”
“I need to speak with you privately.”
She looked around and said, “Unlikely. Oh, the spell worked until today, by the way.”
He smiled. “I know. I regret the means of application.”
Wylda blinked slowly. “Oh. That. It worked.”
“I was unaware of your inexperience. Your movements on stage created a certain image.”
“Yup. That’s the idea.”
“I went too fast.”
“I didn’t have a speed camera on you.”
“I had too much to drink.”
“That is likely true.” She felt her cheeks pink.
“I wish to apologize.”
Another woman from the briefing came up. Wylda remembered her. “Stiila. Hello.”
Stiila smiled. “Have we met?”
