This has to be it, but what the hell is with the Fae and puns? It’s shiver-worthy.
“Ready?” I whisper, catching Fiadh’s eye.
“Always,” she replies with a smirk, her hand already on the doorknob.
The bell chimes softly as we step inside. The room is an eclectic mix of magical paraphernalia—crystals pulsing with inner light, jars filled with swirling mists, and ancient tomes bound in leather. There, amidst the organized chaos, stands a grizzled old coot that has to be the Henley mage, cloaked in robes that seem to shimmer with the essence of a dawning sky.
“Good day,” Fiadh begins, her tone respectful yet firm. “We seek your expertise—and perhaps, if you’re willing, an exchange.”
The mage eyes us curiously, a flicker of wariness in his gaze. “What would you offer for such a bargain? I can sense your powers are merely developing, and the vampire won’t haveanything I’d want.”
“Something of equal value,” I interject smoothly, producing a small, intricately carved box from my pocket I’d lifted from one of the Mayor’s room in Arrowwood. My witchling eyes me suspiciously, but I simply stare at the mage. “This contains a rare enchantment, one that I believe may interest you.”
He studies the box before meeting our gaze once more, his expression unreadable. “You seek the map to the Sunken Temple,” he states, not a question but a declaration. “It is not easily parted with.”
This old windbag purposely spread that rumor around to drive the price of this thing up. He’s probably had it for years.
“We understand its worth,” Fiadh assures him. “And I believe my vampire’s offer is equivalent to that.”
Silence stretches between us as the mage weighs our words, the air thick with unspoken possibilities. Eventually, he nods, reaching for the box with a hand that seems to blur the surrounding air.
“Very well,” he concedes, and something akin to respect softens his stern features. “Your determination speaks volumes. Let us discuss the terms of this fair trade. I may have a few other requests from you.”
A surge of triumph courses through me. I have no idea if the box is worth anything at all, but given the corruption in that town, I’d taken the chance it would be useful later. “State your wishes, mage, and perhaps we can haggle.”
After an hourof haggling with the mage, the witchling and I occupied ourselves with learning the layout of the town for the rest of the day. We didn’t find anything as interesting as a fight club, but we located a smaller, more local resident inhabited tavern to eat dinner at and various stores she raided.
I bought every damn thing she liked and didn’t listen to her bitch for a second.
Grinning as I push open the door toBloomin’ Dale’s, the bell chimes overhead, announcing our arrival. Warmth wraps around us as we step into the fancy little boutique, a cacophony of colors and textures greeting us from every corner. The scent of fresh pine and earth mingles with the subtle hints of lavender and rose—the natural essence of the dryad who runs this place.
“Ah, you’ve arrived!” Dale’s voice is rich and resonant, like wind through the leaves. His bark-like skin makes him almost indistinguishable from the wooden fixtures of the shop, save for the vibrant green of his eyes. “Come in, come in. The artisans have outdone themselves today, and the rest of your group is already here.”
Despite the earlier gripes about having to dress up, there’s a palpable curiosity among us as we fan out across the store. Fiadh heads straight for a rack of dresses, her fingers trailing over the intricate designs. She pauses at a piece that seems to call to her—a punk rock dress with tattered edges and slashes of fiery red that reflect the flames I’ve seen dance in her eyes when she’s particularly feisty. It’s gothic, bold, and undeniably Fiadh.
I think her sister would be shocked to hear she headed for a dress first, and I make a note to tell the pixie that tidbit later on.
“Sassy, that’s wicked,” Khol murmurs, and even Revelin nods in approval, his usual jesting quips momentarily silenced by the striking choice.
“I need to find things to match that fire,” Dale says, his gaze thoughtful as he surveys the rest of us. He guides us to selections that echo elements of our mate’s choice—dark, but with touches of color and flair that speak to each of our personalities. For Revelin, it’s a shirt with a subtle shimmer that catches the light, reminiscent of his spotlight moments on stage. Tiernan gets a sleek jacket with hidden compartments, practical yet stylish. Khol selects a vest thatcomplements his deadly scales, the fabric shimmering and the cut tailored.
I’m last, and Dale presents me with leather pants and a satin shirt that has an edge to it.. It’s not my usual attire, but it feels right when paired with the others’ garb.
“Your turn to twirl, Dezi,” Fiadh teases, her eyes glinting with mischief as she emerges from behind the changing screen, the studded rocker dress hugging her form as if it were made just for her.
“I hope that splash of color doesn’t clash with your brooding,” Revelin chimes in, earning himself a pointed look.
“Careful,” I shoot back with a smirk, “or you’ll be the one starting a new trend in transparent clothing featuring a red ass.”
“Who says I wouldn’tlovethat?” He bobs his brows playfully and everyone snickers, even Dale.
We spend a while trying different combinations, laughing and critiquing until we’re all satisfied with our choices. Dale moves among us, making adjustments, ensuring the fit is perfect. There’s a camaraderie in these moments that softens the usual sharp edges of our group.
Finally dressed, we thank Dale and his staff, their skilled hands responsible for making this a painless experience, unlike the one in Arrowwood.
“Off to the new tavern, then?” I suggest, and heads nod in agreement. “The Wet Stoneisn’t far from here, but it’s tucked away from the touristy main drag.”
“We debrief over a good meal cooked by someone who isn’t used to servants handling the food,” Fiadh sarks, looping her arm through mine. “Plus, I’m starving because we skipped lunch.”
