Page 29 of It Varies
Jennika chuckled.“Does he own a fabric store or something?”
“Yes.With a sewing machine annex.”
“Well, she’s either made a friend, or she’s going to seduce him for quilter’s cotton.”
Tuvel set down her needle, lifted a hand, and extended her middle finger.
Jennika laughed.She could see the sound reducers in Tuvel’s ears.Her senses were on high alert, and it was why she surrounded herself with cotton and quiet.This was an aberration, but it was mages supporting mages.
She sighed.They all had their weak points.Jennika had to burn off her power, Ivy had to give just as much bad luck as good, and Vine balanced creativity and agony every time she moved.Tuvel lived in a world that was too loud, too bright, and the textures were too coarse; in return, she could sew physical and emotional comfort into whatever she wanted.Jennika had three oversized sweatshirts that Tuvel had made.She saved them for nights she wanted to feel like she was being held in her mother’s arms again.
Jenn looked toward the food trucks and wondered how long it would be before it was her turn to select the snacks.
* * * *
Sable looked at theelf walking with her.“What do you do?”
“I own an import company for stone countertops.”
“Ah.You are the stone dude.”
“Interesting descriptor, but yes.I am the stone dude.”
“Then, how do you fly?”
He chuckled.“My wings are stronger than you would think.”
“They would have to be.”
“You are the polymorph?”
“Uh, I guess?”
“How long have you been active?”
“Nine years.”
“Nine?You have survived four years longer than most of the polymorphs that I have heard of.”
They got in line for a slider truck.
“Well, maybe I will be fine.”
“And maybe you are already losing the ability to keep your original form.”
Sable sighed.“Maybe that one.”
He chuckled, and she ordered a spectrum of the offerings.She got a pickup ticket and went to wait with her tray at the ready.Xao did the same.He placed an order, put in the deposit for the tray, and waited with her.
“Do you ladies do this often?”
“Go out?Yes.Sit and watch paint dry?This is a first.Emhara needs a village.And some estrogen around her.We understand what she’s dealing with and who she is becoming.We are offering support and a cheering section.”She glanced at him.“And you are here because Xiroth said he could dangle a mage in front of you?”
Xao chuckled.“Something like that.He said that there was a polymorph mage who may be a match for me.Energy-wise, he was correct.You and I are compatible.I could help you draw out some of the extra magic, but you would have to be in enthusiastic agreement.”
“Enthusiastic?”Her number was called, and she loaded the tray with everything, including sodas, for five ladies.
His number was next, and he mimicked her behaviour.They started back toward the seats.
