Once safely home, I panicked. A lot. Can you blame me? My house was filled with reminders that I had wanted to go home, or at least know where home was. The thought of going back into the Void, though, even inside a ship this time, filled me with stomach churning, weak-kneed dread. I couldn’t do it. No way. I couldn’t even sleep in the dark. Nor did I want to give up my freedom. In Lyramir, your life was assigned to you, loosely based on both where your natural talents lay and what jobs needed more people doing them. Hate it? Want to try something new? Want other friends? Too bad, this is your place in life. No, I was not going back.
I hid out at home for a few days, but as each day passed with no further contact, the panic eased. This was my world, not his. He, they, couldn’t hurt me, nor prevent my teleporting, so why was I hiding?
Perhaps he’d already gone?
I ventured back out, my head high, my eyes on the people map, and my finger near the home button.
Phoebe at the ice cream parlor was pleased to see me. “Where have you BEEN? Someone came in yesterday and won the Ice Cream Bucket Challenge!”
She waved her hand at the side wall, where my picture was one of three on it, posing proudly with a spoon and an empty, milk coated and chocolate streaked bucket.
Don’t look at me like that. It was only about 10 scoops of chocolate and vanilla. And some cookies. And some fruit. And some whipped cream. I think there was caramel drizzle. And sprinkles, of course.
There was a reason they knew me by name here.
“You’re not going to take my photo down, are you? Is there an extra prize if I order another?”
“He wouldn’t let us take one. Shame, too, he would have looked great on our wall. What is it with elves and ice cream? It’s like you can’t get enough!”
My sweet tooth shriveled up. “A blonde elf? Kind of old fashioned?”
“Big blue eyes,” she added dreamily. “Scrawny like you. Where do you put it all?” She tilted her head thoughtfully. “He even trilled his R’s the same way. Friend of yours?”
“I do not trill -” I stopped short as she laughed at me. “Not a friend, but from the same place. Did he say anything?”
“Not much. He certainly didn’t like the song and dance routine when we brought out the bucket. You'll have to ask Jessie.”
Jessie looked up from where she knelt behind the counter, restocking napkins. “Mr. Tall, Pale, and Surly? Did you send him in? Was he a prank? Most people come in with friends and make a big deal out of the bucket, but he was alone and ate like it was a boring chore he had to get through.”
“Not me. I’m trying to stay away from him!”
“Uh oh. He didn’t mention you, and we even pointed out your picture. He did ask about a repairman, or engineer of some sort. I didn’t know anyone, but I showed him how to search for one.”
He was still here, damn it. And edging in on my ice cream shop!
Fine. I was just going to have to go find him and encourage him to be on his way.
But first I ordered a crumbled cookie milkshake.
Photo Credits
Location: Bella Pointe, The Pink Flamingo Diner
Aggi
Head: Lelutka - Raven
Skin: The Skinnery - Eve
Hair: Magika - Midnight
Shirt: DD - Lucy T-Shirt
Pants: Blueberry - Laine - Zipped Cutiebootie
Bucket - Custom Made
Location: Bella Pointe - The Pink Flamingo Diner
Winner photo:
Hair: Wings - EF0229
Shirt: Bold Llama - Pirate Tees (it says 'Pirate Redhead - Argh!'
Phoebe
Head: Genus - Strong
Uniform: Tres Blah - Summer Fete Apron - Black
Hair :Alli & Ali - Paninka Hair
Skin: Pink Fuel - Renee - Pure
Jessie (blonde)
Head: Lelutka - Raven
Uniform: Tres Blah - Summer Fete Apron - Black
Hair: Alli & Ali - Paninka Hair combined with A&A Fillipa Hair Spring Colors
Skin: Gloom - Finlay Skin
Makeup: Stunner Originals - Mix HD EvoX/Evo Lady
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