Caden blinked.
“It’s a wall.” Illarion tossed his head.
“Angkor Wat!” she retorted.
“Ancient temple!” He waved her off. “What’s exciting about that?”
“Mount Everest,” Mei grinned.
It was Illarion’s turn to blink. She laughed delightedly.
“Imagine, Caden, when you and I stand atop Mount Everest and then fly down,” she said. “And the food in all the different nations, each one is better than the last. Your mouth will thank you as you eat your weight in herbs and meat, noodles and dumplings, and so much more! And if you want nightlife? Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza and more!”
“Uhm, wow, Mei, that will be amazing!” Caden sounded awed.
“Indeed. I have already started planning,” she said with an affectionate wink.
Valerius found himself grinning. To see Mei wink was something he hadn’t even thought she was capable of. And here she was, doing it. Naturally. Happily. Planning on taking Caden on the town. Wanting to spend time with him. Valerius would be there, too, but he was chopped meat compared to Caden. He didn’t mind that at all. He was happy just to come along and watch Caden have a brilliant time.
“Well, now I’m feeling like I need to up my game!” Esme said as the bartender made her another drink. “I was thinking of the Eiffel Tower, Neuschwanstein Castle, Windsor, and of course, Tower of London, at least.”
“Can we do a Jack the Ripper tour?” Caden was wide-eyed again.
“Well, of course, we must! There are several authors that do extraordinary tours that I’d think you’d enjoy!” Esme said. “And, of course, London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, and so many more places have nightlife to die for! I, personally, enjoy Berlin’s nightclubs. They never go dark.”
“What you’ve said sounds incredible too, Esme!” Caden shook his head in disbelief.
“Well, let me give you something to nibble on, too. For as much as everyone here is taking you to the wonders of the Earth, I plan to offer you a chance to see the wonders of the moon,” Jahara said with a smile she couldn’t hide.
Caden’s mouth fell open. “What?!”
That was repeated by several people in the room including Valerius.
Jahara lifted her head high. “Our space program has advanced to a point where civilians will be able to take a flight around the moon and back. Caden and Valerius, you will be on a flight with me.”
“And I was just excited to see the cities in your territory, Jahara, or go on a photo safari,” Caden admitted.
“We will be doing those things too! But the moon flight will be the pinnacle of the trip,” she said.
“I can’t believe it. Wow! Amazing, Jahara.” Caden looked stunned. “I’ve got to be able to bring Tilly and my folks on this. Not to mention Wally and Rose. I don’t think they’d forgive me if they didn’t come.”
“Indeed,” Valerius agreed. Chione gave him a meaningful look. He quickly added, “And, of course, I could not be without my Chione.”
Chione smiled.
“Yes, yes, all are welcome!” Jahara laughed.
“I think fishing and snow is better,” Kaila muttered.
Tez was tenting his fingers together nervously. He suddenly burst out, “While Jahara may be taking you to the stars, I am going to take you into the bowels of the earth”
Caden blinked. “Ah--”
“There are many cenotes that we can explore!” Tez explained. “Ones with water so pure that it looks like air. Caves filled with crystals you’ve never seen! And then, of course, there are the ancient ruins of the Mayans and learned scholars to explain it all to you and make the past come alive!”
“Wow, Tez! I can’t wait!” Caden grinned.
“And the food and beaches and nightlife! My territory knows how to enjoy themselves more than any other,” Tez enthused.
