“Melody, dear, it’s good to see you,” Maude says to my girlfriend as we meet for lunch.

  “It is, but my bosses are wary of you traveling again.” That sounds like Melody knows more about my former caretaker than I do. Which makes sense I suppose.

  “If the Guild weren’t paranoid, I’d be worried in return. Rest assured, however, that I am merely ensuring dear Zhantsa’s safe and timely arrival to Rivayne while teaching her as much etiquette as I can. Something that, of the folk in town, you are the only one better qualified than I to do so. A friend asked me to, and I like her, so I do.”

  “Ladies, is this tension something I should know about?” They both look at each other for a long moment. Maude shrugs, causing Melody to sigh and groan in what I assume is frustration.

  “I will preface with this, Zhan, no matter what I have found out over the last twenty years, most of this story is not mine to tell.” She waits for a reaction, but I just stare at her. “Alright. This is not the first time I’ve been in trouble with the Guild. The first time, I picked up a high-priority quest that required regular information exchanges, to track and capture the rebels that escaped Crater Bay after gutting the city’s leadership and burning half of it to the ground.

  “I caught up with them at the river crossing just north of your farm, when it was just a sand-bar that was easier to get horses to cross. A dozen prominent members of Marcrest, the city’s founders, were among them. Maude is one of them.”

  I suck in a breath. She was a rebel!? Goddess save the ones she would turn on, I wonder what they did. I’m not about to interrupt though—as Maude said earlier there is time on the trail.

  “With bows drawn and warnings fired as I began crossing the river, they asked me to check my system for what territory I was in. The Southern Marches were wild at the time, and pardons were given almost freely for those that would settle it. I remembered a mandate from the Rivayne Chapter of the Guild saying that pardons should be assumed for Southern March settlers. I reported that back via message to none other than Vanessa, the one that screamed at you, who then had me charged with aiding and abetting dangerous criminals that very same week.

  “I had no confidence in her being fair, or that chapter’s Guildmaster would refute her claims, so I turned back around, tracked them to a camp they’d made at the current location of the town hall and asked for asylum. A year later, we submitted a town charter on the condition of pardons for our crimes and we got them. Six months after that, the Guild reached out to me to set up a chapter here. I said I’d consider it if they made me an administrator and took Vanessa out of a position of authority. They agreed, I accepted, and many of the founders saw it as a betrayal due to the hardships that they suffered during the Guild’s hunt for them.”

  “Well half of the interactions I’ve had with townies make more sense now. It makes sense why Jameth was so mad at me today, and why Leeda blew up at me the last time I was here.”

  Melody looks away suspiciously and Maude is smirking. “Ah, well, Leeda has more reason than most to hate me, and that we are dating.” She sags in her seat, bringing her face into here hands, peeking at me before sighing. “I was contacted by the Guild a few days after we had become intimate.”

  Oh! That’s a trust implosion and a half. Then her new housemate that was recommended by Maude shacks up with the elfin ‘betrayer’ after short weeks of moving to town. I see how that would turn sour in her mind. I feel a little bad, but then the feeling disappears when I remember how she treated me, all because of shit I didn’t know.

  “That’s more than I thought. I couldn’t have imagined that this cute town was started by rebel leaders pardoned by the Emperor. Can’t say it matters too much, save how much you all know about other cities and services. You both have been very plain about how you intend to interact with me, and that’s all I can ask: Honesty in your dealings with me. Leeda’s really the only one that hasn’t been. Even Gertrude was painfully honest about how much she wanted me to die and float the river.”

  “That’s enough about the past, I think.” Maude flags a server and we all order familiar food. Well, I’ve never been here and I’m still trying food, so I ask Melody to order for me.

  “So, dare I ask how this relationship is going?”

  “I’m still in question about whether she’s attracted to me or the opportunity I present more.” Melody swats my arm and rolls her eyes. “You’re right, it doesn’t matter, as long as it keeps you with me.” I lay on the 100% pure sappy syrup and flutter my eyelashes.

  “And I let you move things into my estate. What was I thinking?”

  “Did you now? Zhantsa, she only has let housekeepers and cooks in previously.”

  “Considering someone burned my last one down, I thought restricting access was prudent. You and Zhantsa are the only people I trust not to wish me ill at the moment.”

  Oh, honey. That is so sad. I grab her hand and squeeze while imagining how desolate that would make my life. “I suppose I should think about where and how I can throw a party depending on how my trip to Rivayne turns out.”

  “Sweetie, do focus on the crises at hand. You’ll be out of money within six months if we keep spending like this.” I groan.

  “But half of my wealth is restricted!” I complain.

  “Ah, I had a thought about that.” Melody and I turn to Maude. “Yes, well, Leeda complains loudly when she thinks no one is around and I heard about the metals. It depends on the results of this meeting, but I believe you can broach the topic with your sponsor, and if they don’t have the need, I have no doubt Duke Rivayne can help with permits or exceptions. You need to think about how you can use this situation to your advantage, because every other noble in the duchy certainly is.”

  “Now I really want to be going with you. Especially since the Elves of the Verosian Grove are amicable with Skyreach and the Earthen Empire.”

  “Nobles would see it as making alliances against Humanity. While Zhantsa is not responsible for Tribe allegiances, she will be judged on her associates.”

  Melody mumbles something that suspiciously sounded like ‘stupid human bullshit’.

  When lunch arrives, our conversation lulls and we munch our way through our meals and our thoughts. I rest a hand on Melody’s leg while we eat, feeling more comfortable touching her than not.

  Digging into something meaty, noticing that my adjacent Elf has something green and also mushroom based. I lean over to kiss her cheek. “Thanks for understanding.”

  “As a thank you, for being so considerate, perhaps consider some greens for me in your greenhouses in the winter months?”

  “Once I get the glass made, I will set a whole one aside just for you. And, if you get me spores for a mushroom or three, I can cultivate those too. Unless you’ve developed high poison resistance since I’ve left, the Glow Mushrooms are delicious.”

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  “It’s an advanced toxin without preparation, how would I be there already?”

  “I’ve found a way to get it down to low intermediate levels. According to what I’ve read, I need to get it down to Novice before it can be medicinal.”

  “I could eat it then too. Mm. I support this research into my being able to experience local exotics.” Melody is now very close to me, smiling that I’ve been considering her diet as well.

  “You two are adorable. I don’t know how to fix that specific problem, but we can ask after that section in the library once we get to our destination.”

  I narrow my eyes at Maude. “Are you trying to lure me to stay in Rivayne?”

  “More like keeping your mind on the trip instead of the dozens of projects you could be half finishing.” I protest and Melody chuckles at that accusation.

  After that, I try to avoid work conversation and we devolve into asking Maude questions about her knowledge of Rivayne.

  ***

  “One day my customers will be on time, but no matter! You will look fabulosa when you leave!” and within seconds, Giuseppe is shoving me into a room off his parlor. We are fifteen minutes early for our appointment and the man is a drama queen.

  He puts his hands over my eyes before turning me around. “Are you ready to amazed?”

  “Every moment in your shop is an adventure, Giueseppe.”

  “You say such nice things!” I can tell that Maude is muffling her laughter. “we have a gown, an Imperial dinner ensemble and Skyreach ambassador inspired finery.”

  He takes his hands off my eyes and I see quite possibly the most elaborate embroidery on men’s style clothing that I have ever seen. Storm grays and silver form a lightning-adjacent paisley brocade on the cream field and lavender trim. The frock coat isn’t designed to close, but it fastens to the tunic toggles with light chains of white gold. The pants have a similar pattern down the stripe of the leg against the same field and the black boots I got earlier would look smashing with this outfit.

  When I reach to open the coat and take it to slide it on, the tailor slaps my hands lightly. “I see you are eager! Excellent, but we must see the other outfits before we arrange the displays.”

  The second reveal is a surprise in three ways: There is more skin showing for formal wear than I have seen; the design pattern is a mix of tribal and art deco; and the colors match the leather braiding on my fancy scabbard but the colors are brighter and more saturated.

  The top is a sleeveless, full-necked crop top with a chevron-like feather design. The bottom is a high-waisted skirt with side splits just above the knees, with an angular pattern that looks like tail feathers. To the side, there is a stand with a floor length overcoat that appears to be made entirely of feathers dyed the same colors as the outfit. I try my hardest to ignore the angular hat that will never touch my head.

  “Giuseppe, I don’t know what this is, but I love it.”

  “Of course you do! Giuseppe was inspired. Do not let it steal the awe from your eyes, because the last one you must try on to fully appreciate.”

  He hands me a gown in a silvered crushed grape with a tulle slash across my midsection, adding more blue-silver to the region, adding an accent and yet again focusing on my skin—which is apparently a Troll custom. The part that really stands apart, is what I thought a heavy lace, is really an electrum weave with thousands of crystals threaded onto the mesh. I’m laced in as I appreciate the absolute masterwork that this dress is. Since I can feel that the mesh is electrum, on a whim, I channel some aether into it like I had with my electrum tool while charging explosive aether dust. I gasp when I see the first rows shine, checking as many mirrors as I can to make sure I’m not imagining it.

  Row after row illuminated and as I spin to see the whole effect of a shimmering metallic dress lit by its own decoration, my swirling dress appears like a spiral galaxy against the concentration of the crystals on the torso of this work of art. The joyful trill of laughter that escapes me seems foreign, but I can’t stop it, just like I can’t stop spinning.

  A pair of firm hands catch me. “Not too much now, or you’ll melt the dress. Is it not the most magnificent you have ever seen?”

  “It truly is, Giuseppe.” I heed his warning and stop pushing aether through the tiny conduits, but the dress keeps sparkling—he used aether crystals. Probably mine unless I’m paying a hundred gold this dress alone.

  He spends the next few minutes inspecting me thoroughly, asking me to move this way and that to ensure the dress fits exactly as intended. He does the same for the other two outfits and I must say, the Troll inspired outfit is the most comfortable, even if that coat of feathers weighs ten kilos.

  “Is it weird to feel like no matter what he charges me, that I’m getting the better deal?” I ask Maude quietly.

  She laughs, “You haven’t seen his bill yet, but I do believe every crafts person that loves their work wants their customers to feel that way. Even your patron my raise a question about that gown he made.”

  “Goddess, that dress. It made me so giddy to spin and sparkle in it, I think I almost set myself on fire.”

  “The loss would have been a tragedy, but which greater: The girl or the gown?” Maude smirks.

  “Hey!” I protest, noting that she is covering her mouth to politely cover her laughter. Rude. It doesn't hide anything, when it has its own meaning, turd.

  The miracle-working tailor comes back to tell us the garments are being packed for travel and that should I favor his work, I would pay him in hard currency to bypass the remote banking fee. The final bill came to a whopping 32 Drachma, 63 Obol. A truly princely sum, but my preparation is still within the 100 Drachma my patron sent, so Maude encouraged me to put the cost in perspective yet again.

  “What time will we be departing?” I ask my soon to be traveling companion.

  “An hour after breakfast is served at the Inn, so eight. I’ll guide the carriage to Melody’s place to load your things?”

  “Sounds great Maude, and thank you so much for taking care of our preparations, I know my Traveler nature can be a burden on others.”

  “I daresay your girlfriend did as much or more than I have. Be sure to keep the Duke and your Patron in mind when doling out thanks as well.”

  A warmth fills my chest as I feel the concern of a teacher and parent in her small lessons. I try to share that warmth by pulling her into a hug. She pats me on the arm a few moments later to signal a release and I do so. She smiles warmly at me, waves goodbye and walks toward the warehouse entrance of Leeda’s place.

  Exhausted and happy after a busy and expensive day, I want nothing more than to go to Melody’s and collapse into a snuggle. However, as she mentioned at lunch, it would be a good opportunity to discuss my resources with people that have the authority to grant me permission to sell them.

  I tell my girl that I’m headed back to the farm to get some or and a bottle of dust, asking if she has a spare travel trunk that I can borrow. She says she has several to choose from in the carriage house behind the manor—which I didn’t know existed.

  The trip there, loading, talking with Tanner and heading back takes four hours. Tanner and Izzie are there to help me load materials in the trunk and get it back in the cart. I hand Tanner a heavy pouch of silver for wages on the property and to pay the delivery man for my glass-making supplies.

  “So, are you and that Elf serious?” the strapping young woman setting next to me on the cart’s bench asks. I was reluctant to have Isabelle tag along to town and this is why.

  I was convinced to let her as Derrick had arranged for a pickup of various building materials in town, and my not needing the cart after today was a perfect opportunity. Ugh, damned convenience and logistics.

  “I like her a lot, so quite serious, yes.”

  “You know they usually don’t pair up with short-lived races.” I snicker at her allegation. Though honestly, I would not have guessed that Trolls lived longer by far than Elves either.

  “We had that conversation. Trolls are quite long-lived as well. Though the longevity of my partner’s race is not a primary concern for me. Is Derrick putting you up to this?”

  “What?” She turns red but also looks angry. Guess I was wrong.

  “The way you were arguing with him when I went on my walk-about, I thought someone in your family was trying to play matchmaker. Don’t get me wrong, you’re very handsome, and I would be interested, had I not already been ensnared by an older woman.” I grin and waggle my eyebrows.

  “Wait, you’re not some hundred years old hiding behind a teenager’s face, are you?”

  “Well, I’m twenty now, but otherwise no. Young Troll with amnesia is who I am.”

  “That’s a lost memory thing, right?” The barefaced admission of not knowing is endearing.

  “Yes, ma’am. Nothing before the trauma I suffered that landed me in the local healing house. But, I should learn more about myself and my people during my upcoming trip to Rivayne.”

  She sighs next to me, turns back forward and slumps into the bench. “When you come back with marriage proposals and you talk with your Elf about unconventional relationships, keep me in mind yeah?”

  I sputter and cough, undoubtedly turning a deep shade of purple in my embarrassment. What does she think will be happening to me when I get to the Duke’s court? I will not tolerate being offered like a prized mare.