The next game Lucinda chose to partake of was the one with the largest crowd of people surrounding it. With it obviously involving the recent icy addition to the lake, her curiosity as to what it might involve had been sufficient to draw her in, regardless of whether there were any more animal forms for her to gain.

“This one’s always fun,” Varmia said as they reached the lakeshore. “It’s sort of like the knife-throwing one but better.”

There was no need for Lucinda to ask for the reasoning behind the offered words, for there were two gathering attendees taking part at that moment. Two people she knew quite well at that.

“Time for the final round,” an unfamiliar man called out from within the crowd of spectators. “The one that’ll decide the winner of this bout. You two ready?”

“Born ready!” Grissa shouted.

“I'm twice as ready as she is,” Waflaw followed up confidently.

It looked like they were about to begin, when Varmia revealed she had other plans. “Wait!” she shouted out. “You mind if we join in on the throwing? Give Lucinda a chance to get back at her mentor for all the times he’s mistreated her!”

Although Lucinda still only had a rough idea of what the game might involve, the mental image Varmia’s words had brought about was an alluring one.

“It’s come to this has it, my apprentice?” Waflaw said in a theatrical tone.

“I think we can accommodate such a change,” the man running the game said before turning to Lucinda and Varmia and motioning them over. “I take it this is your first time?” he asked Lucinda. At her nod he continued. “Not to worry. Once time starts, all you need to do is pluck the bulbs off the plant here and throw them at your target. Your goal is to knock them off the ice before the other pair of throwers manages to do the same for theirs. If neither of you succeed, then whichever target suffers the most hits will lose instead. Nice and simple. Name’s Efgid by the way.”

After shaking the man’s offered hand, Lucinda looked over at the plant; It was not one she recognised. Reaching up from the ground to about chest height, it had a large number of broad green leaves, a strangely coiled tip, and then plenty of the bulbs that were apparently an integral part of the lakeside game. The objects to be hurled were obviously lemon-like in shape and size, but a dark purple in colour.

“You’re so going down Waffles,” Grissa taunted. “No doubt she’s dying to get some payback!”

Waflaw chuckled loudly. “Is she? I think I’ve been good to her on the whole.” He sent a wink in Lucinda’s direction that didn’t fail to bring a smile to her face.

“We’ll begin on my count,” Efgid announced. “Throwers, you’ll have one minute to conduct your assault within, or less if the bulbs run out. Targets, the same rules apply: remain upon the ice at all times, and no permanent obstructions between you and the throwers.”

Glad I got that practice in with the knives… Those first few throws in front of everyone here would have been so embarrassing…

“On my mark!” Lucinda mentally prepared herself for the upcoming task at Efgid’s shout. “Get throwing!”

Wrapping her hand around one of the bulbs, she tugged the slightly squishy object away from the connecting stem. She experienced a brief moment of relief as it came away easily, before turning her attention fully to the distant figure of her mentor. Taking a moment to test the plant-produced projectiles weight, Lucinda began lining up her aim. Barely a second passed before Varmia’s first throw was loosed.

That looks good…

Lucinda had been fully expecting Waflaw to avoid getting hit by physically dodging, which caused her a great deal of surprise when the wandering Druid deflected the fast-moving object with an extremely quick spell cast instead. She had no idea what the spell was, noticing only a brief flash of light as it had done its work.

“Damn…” Varmia cursed.

There was no need to discuss what to do next. Their eyes met and a nod passed between them.

“On two,” Varmia whispered once they were both armed once more.

Can he block both like that?

The answer to her internal question turned out to be yes, although it didn’t help that both thrown objects had ended up targeting almost the same exact part of Waflaw’s body. They tried again without delay, changing up their strategy with different timing and targeting. By the fourth volley, Lucinda’s hope of succeeding had dwindled considerably, but on the fifth their luck suddenly changed.

“Oww,” Waflaw said levelly, his voice muffled by the slab of ice his face was pressed against; the loss of balance as he’d attempted to deflect the most recent wave of projectiles being the cause.

“Hah! Watch out Waffles, footing’s a bit tricky… Fuck!”

Despite being so focussed on taking advantage of her prone mentor’s state, Lucinda didn’t fail to notice the hit Grissa had taken from the other pair of throwers. The mood of the spectators perked up alongside her own as the seeming invulnerability of both victims suddenly faltered. Lucinda and Varmia began pelting Waflaw with wild abandon at the same instant.

The game ended just a short while later, with the two similarly aged Druids being forced off of the ice at almost the same time. Efgid announced Waflaw as the winner, but Lucinda hardly minded; it in no way diminished the fun she’d had watching her mentor get doused by the many bulbs she’d managed to make explode upon his body, especially the one that had splashed its contents into his face.

“Didn’t look like you were holding back,” Waflaw commented once he’d returned to land. “What happened to that strong mentor-apprentice bond we shared?”

“It’s still there,” Lucinda replied while smiling just as widely as her mentor was. “I knew it would survive me throwing some exploding plant things at you.”

Waflaw released a quick bark of laughter before replying. “Well, if you had fun I don’t really mind. I am starting to wonder if this friend of yours isn’t a bad influence though.”

“I think she might be too…”

Both Lucinda and Waflaw turned towards Varmia. Showing no signs of being perturbed by the dual assault, the young Druid instead met their gazes with a pleased grin.

“Just doing my part in helping you become more Druidy,” Varmia said. “Can’t have you leaving here while still acting like a Cleric! People would get the wrong idea about us.”

“True,” Waflaw replied. “They might start thinking we weren’t uncouth wild-folk that shun societal norms in favour of pursuing a life of unbridled hedonism.”

“Wow, that’s one way of putting it. This is one of those rare times I’m glad my mum was a Wizard… You’re right though!”

Lucinda had no trouble joining in with the shared laughter of the two Druids. Despite the flowery form her mentor’s words had taken, she knew they weren’t exactly wrong in some ways. Yet, her agreement with the underlying sentiment was hindered slightly by the recollection of her father’s opinion on the topic.

“Waffles!” Grissa’s long ranged shout was loud and demanding. “Kellon needs more people to have knives thrown at ‘em. I said you’d do it, so come on!”

“Would you be surprised to hear I’m starting to wish I hadn’t bedded her?” Waflaw asked quietly.

Lucinda smiled at her mentor, for the expression he wore revealed he wasn’t as bothered by the situation as his words implied. Her smile then grew in size when she realised she’d avoided blushing.

“If it helps: she’ll probably be bored of you soon,” Varmia offered.

“I thought she preferred younger men,” Lucinda said. “Ah, not that you're old... But maybe you could get one to sacrifice themselves for you?”

Waflaw adopted an amused grin. “I might try that; I'm certainly not as young as some. Although, that's not always a problem.” The subsequent wink he sent her way ended her happily non-blushing state in an instant.

With no promising looking animals among the companions of those present by the lake, Lucinda had little trouble agreeing with Varmia’s idea to move onto another game. In fact, the only thing holding her back was a desire to see how her deer form might fare at avoiding the hurled plant bulbs on the difficult, icy terrain; however, with how popular that particular activity presently was, she soon settled on leaving it until later.

Their wandering brought them to a much quieter section of the circle clearing, where a familiar pair of individuals awaited them: Owilen and Quiln. The area they were in didn’t appear to host a game, or not obviously so, possessing only a few tables and accompanying chairs.

“Hey,” Owilen greeted. “Good timing you two!”

“What are you up to?” Lucinda asked as she waved her own greeting.

“I got roped into looking after the kids…” Owilen ran a hand through his hair. “Not that I mind or anything,” he added hastily alongside a smile. “Ivi and Nat already ran off somewhere, but turns out my buddy here is quite the artist.”

“You’re just drawing things?” Varmia asked. “You know if it was Gran who forced you, you could have told her no.”

Owilen chuckled nervously. “I said I don’t mind. Anyway, your grandmother is…”

“What?”

“Mmm… Intimidating? She’s ancient. I don’t even want to know what kind of magic she has access to.”

“Don’t you have any grandmothers back home?” Lucinda asked. “Or grandfathers? Or just old people?”

“We do. Of course we do. But… I know them. They’ve been there my whole life. While she… she’s a stranger with mind blowing powers!”

Varmia turned a thoroughly bemused expression in Lucinda’s direction who giggled faintly as she saw it.

“What are you on about?” Varmia asked.

“I sort of see what you mean,” Lucinda offered. “I’m not sure it applies to Yalia, but the High Cleric in the temple I worked at was a bit like that.”

And a horrible, horrible man beneath the surface…

“I still don’t see it… What are you drawing anyway?”

“Buddy?” Owilen asked in the young boy’s direction.

“…Not ready yet,” Quiln replied meekly before returning to his work.

“Right, of course. Take your time.” Owilen flashed a smile at both women. “You mind taking over here for a bit? Shouldn’t be too long, and you can try your hand at drawing if you like. The topic is supposed to be animals and animal companions, but I don’t think it matters too much.”

“But…” Quiln stammered. “Dad said we had to draw animals…?”

“Pretty sure it was just a suggestion, but maybe you’re right.” Addressing both women again, he continued. “Well?”

“I don’t mind,” Lucinda said. “I’m terrible at drawing though…”

“I’m not great either,” Varmia added. “How about you don’t take too long, and you bring us back some drinks when you’re done?”

“Deal!” Owilen announced happily as he rose from his seat. “Back soon!” he then added before dashing away.

Sitting down at the table with the occupied young boy, Varmia soon passed out some drawing implements for herself and Lucinda, including some thick parchment and a selection of differently coloured wax crayons.

“Got anything in mind?” Varmia asked. “I think I do.”

“Drawing animals? I think I do too…”

“Marrow, yeah?”

Lucinda shrugged and smiled in response, then turned to her companion who had hopped up onto the table to investigate the coloured crayons.

“Can you strike a pose, Marrow? So I can draw you. Or try to…”

“Friend?” Marrow asked.

“Like with Prathin earlier. Remember? How about if you hold your wings out?”

“Marrow!”

A smile spread across Lucinda’s lips as her companion did as she’d asked. The full breadth of her extended wingspan was as impressive as ever.

“Perfect,” she stated. “And so beautiful! I’m so lucky to have you, Marrow.”

“Bone?”

Lucinda laughed loudly. “Another bone? Lunch wasn’t that long ago… How about two later?”

With her desired drawing in mind, Lucinda began attempting to make it a reality. Considering the colours available to her, it was obviously possible to produce a likeness of her companion, the problem lay in her own ability to actually do so. Less than a minute into her work she was forced to admit that her skills remained unchanged.

“I’m so bad at this…” she muttered, before releasing a disappointed sigh.

“Aww, come on, Luci,” Varmia replied without looking up from her work. “I told you I’m bad too. It’s about having a try and having fun despite that.”

“…You’re right. I guess I’ll keep going.”

After another minute, a well of continually mounting frustrations finally forced Lucinda to throw down her crayon in defeat.

“Ugh! I know what I want it to look like, but I can’t even draw the lines properly!”

“Yeah? It can’t be that bad…” Lucinda slid her parchment over to Varmia. “Ahh… Hmm.”

“It’s terrible, isn’t it?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You were thinking it!”

“Well… Maybe a bit. No one’s good at everything. Besides, mine’s not much better…”

“Let me see it.” It was Varmia’s turn to slide her parchment along the table. Lucinda took in the details on it with a rapidly increasing frown. Almost immediately she decided it was far better than her own attempts, even if it wasn’t exactly a masterpiece. Still, those thoughts didn’t get far as she realised what it was that the young Druid had drawn. “You drew me? What happened to animals?”

“I’m, uh… better at drawing people.” Varmia nodded forcefully. “Yeah, that’s it.”

“…She fancies you…” the quiet Quiln interjected, bringing the gazes of both women to him. “One of the older women said so…” he added shyly.

Varmia soon burst into laughter, while Lucinda failed to suppress a smile even as her cheeks heated up noticeably.

“Maybe that’s part of it,” Varmia said.

“…Are you… girlfriend and girlfriend?”

“No,” Lucinda replied immediately. “We’re just friends, Quiln.”

“Aww, Luci,” Varmia said. “I’m hurt.”

The mock sadness evident in the other woman’s tone and expression brought another unavoidable smile from Lucinda. Shaking her head as Varmia’s expression continued to linger, she decided to change the topic somewhat.

“It’s a good drawing,” Lucinda offered. “A lot better than mine…”

“Did you ask Marrow what she thinks?”

“I didn’t want to disappoint her…”

“Friend? Marrow?”

“Sorry, I tried to draw you but it didn’t come out how I wanted,” Lucinda sent to her companion. “You can take a look if you want…”

“Marrow!” In two short hops Marrow crossed the table to stand over Lucinda’s work. She stared down at it for several seconds, cocking her head this way and that more than once. “Marrow?”

Lucinda groaned and collapsed forwards onto the tabletop. “Even Marrow hates it!” she said into the crook of her elbow. A feminine hand found her back and began patting her gently, while a beak began nudging her in a similar manner.

“There there, Luci. You just need some practice. How about I give you a few pointers?”

“Okay… I guess it can’t hurt.”

The minutes passed with Varmia doing her best to instruct Lucinda in how to draw more competently. Her suggestions were numerous, the most obvious being a change of grip that felt intensely awkward despite the apparent benefit it was supposed to provide. A short time later she began a new attempt at drawing Marrow. A few lines was all she managed before Varmia interrupted her with a loud exclamation.

“Luci!” she said as she smacked one of her hands into her forehead. “I’m an idiot. Or maybe we both are.”

“Umm, what?”

“You’re using your right hand!”

“…And?”

“And you’re left-handed!”

Lucinda frowned intently at Varmia. “I… Am?”

“Yes! I’ve been paying close attention to you recently – for no particular reason… You eat with your left-hand, drink with your left-hand; you even pet Marrow with it, or mostly.”

“Ah, I don’t think…”

“Just try it! Try drawing with it, come on!”

Seeing the powerful expression on her friend’s face, Lucinda swiftly gave into her demand. She wasn’t convinced, but saw no harm in trying. Switching her current crayon over, she began a new attempt at drawing.

“And?” Varmia asked a few seconds later.

“…It feels weird.” It was the young Druid’s turn to frown. “I’m trying, okay?”

“Yeah, okay. I was hoping for more, but I guess it’ll take time. I’m sure I’m right though. Keep at it!”

With still no sign of Owilen, the session of drawing continued onwards. Lucinda kept to using her left-hand as suggested by Varmia. She managed to produce another image of Marrow that was somewhat better than her first, though she was more amenable to the idea that the cause of the improvement was practice rather than the change of hands.

After more minutes had passed, Varmia announced her boredom with an obvious weariness in her voice. A few complaints about Owilen’s tardiness were spoken, before she declared it was time to try something new, and with that she shifted into otter form and began drawing anew. Lucinda was amused by her antics, and surprised by the quality of the drawing so produced. Still frustrated with her own attempts, it didn’t take much for her to decide to take a turn herself. Shifting to her black bear form – chosen for its reasonably dexterous paws, and not overly massive size – she followed suit. Not long after they'd both begun drawing animals, as animals, they were joined by a fourth person. It was not Owilen.

“Hi, Son,” an older man called out. “How’s it coming along?”

“Good, Dad! I’m almost done… I think.”

“Let’s take a look, shall we?”

“Uh, okay…”

The man offered a wave to both Lucinda and Varmia as he moved over to Quiln’s part of the table.

“Not bad, not bad. Maybe a bit more pink on the mouth?”

“Oh… Good idea, Dad! Thanks!”

“Not a problem, my boy. You’re doing fine work as always.”

Once he’d ruffled the hair of the smiling young boy, he turned to address Lucinda and Varmia. “I was told Lucinda was here. Would either of you two animals happen to be her? The bear perhaps?”

Lucinda nodded her head in reply. Placing her crayon down upon the table, she shifted back to human form.

“Hi,” she greeted. Varmia wasn’t far behind, reaching human form just a second or so later.

“Ah, bear you are!” the man said, before bursting into laughter at his own joke.

“Dad…” Quiln muttered in clear protest.

“Was it Owilen you spoke to?” Varmia asked. “He said he’d be back soon… And with drinks.”

“Mmm, I did speak with him. No mention about drinks though, sorry.”

Lucinda smiled as Varmia growled in obvious annoyance. “Did you need me for something?” she asked.

“Not exactly. I heard you were searching for more animals to ‘acquire’, and thought I’d introduce you to my companion.”

“Oh!” Lucinda replied excitedly. “That would be great! What companion do you have?”

“Ah, he’s a beauty, let me tell you. Give me a mo, I’ll summon him now.” The man’s hands came together to begin the easily recognisable spell, while a quiet almost-laugh seemed to emerge from Varmia.

“Luci,” Varmia said. “Meet Quiln’s dad, Quilm. That’s with an ‘M’ on the end. He’s an even better artist, but less great with things like introducing himself…”

“Ah, yes, whoops,” the older man said as he continued his spell. “In my defence, it’s actually rather rare we have people here that don’t know who I am. Relatively speaking, of course. That’s sort of true back in civilisation too, not that I’m trying to toot my own horn or anything, believe me.”

“You’re famous?” Lucinda asked.

“Ho-ho,” Quilm replied with an unmistakably pleased smile. “I suppose that’s not too far from the mark. My own father was a well known artist. Not a Druid, but I share the same passion for art as him. I think it’s safe to say it runs in the family. Quiln is already showing great promise.”

“Dad… Do you have to…?” the boy replied, his cheeks an obvious pink in colour.

“No sense denying the truth, my boy.” With his spell having completed, he took a moment to ruffle Quiln’s head again. “Anyway, one companion ready and waiting to be ‘acquired’. No need to hold back with the compliments of his attractiveness either.”

The sight of the freshly summoned creature was obscured by the table Lucinda sat at, but before she could even think to adjust her position, another spurt of almost-laughter from Varmia reached her ears.

“What?” she asked the other woman suspiciously.

“Oh, nothing…” came the innocent reply.

“Mmm, sorry Nekky,” Quilm said towards his out-of-sight companion. “You’re right I should have checked you weren’t napping before summoning you. Lucinda just needs to pet you for a minute…” He glanced at Lucinda inquisitively, prompting a nod from her. “Then you’ll be free to nap all you like.” A silent reply seemed to follow the man’s words. “That does seem fair. Here we go then.”

As his words completed, the older man reached down to where his companion seemed to rest. A moment later, with some small effort, the animal was lifted upwards into the air and then deposited down on top of the table directly in front of Lucinda. Her eyes went wide as she saw the large pink mass presented to her, while Varmia seemed to erupt into laughter at the same instant.

“Really now, Varmia,” Quilm said. “What has Nekky done to deserve such a welcome?”

“Be mislabelled as beautiful?” Varmia replied, and then resumed laughing.

“Not everyone shares your belief, thank you. How about you, Lucinda?”

“Umm…” Lucinda managed to get out before words failed her.

The animal before her was about as far from beautiful in her mind as was possible for an animal to be. It was a moderately-sized four-legged beast, its height close to that of an averagely tall dog, yet far bulkier. The main problem she saw was the complete lack of fur or scales that it possessed. Instead, the creature had only brightly pink skin, that was wrinkled all over, and unpleasantly spotty. The idea of insulting another’s animal companion was almost unthinkable to her, yet she could think of no way to describe it other than repugnant.

“You’re asking a young woman what she finds beautiful. You think just maybe I’d have a better idea about that than you?” Varmia said.

“I think my career as an artist gives me a good insight into the minds of others where beauty is involved; regardless of age or gender. But, let us await her reply and see.”

“Umm…” Lucinda said again, nervously looking from Varmia to Quilm as she did. “He’s… Umm… Unique?”

To her great relief, both expectant watchers smiled at her words – though undoubtedly for different reasons.

“There, you see?” Quilm stated happily. “She understands at least. You need to keep an open mind about these things, Varmia. Fortunately, you’re young still.”

“Yeah…” Varmia said, while directing the ghost of a smile in Lucinda’s direction. “Go on then, Luci. Acquire that ‘unique’ shapeshift already.”

Lucinda couldn’t keep a look of consternation off her face as she met Varmia’s gaze.

This is awkward. I don’t think I actually want to acquire it… It’ll give me experience… Maybe even have a useful ability… But, it’s just so… Yuck!

Seeing that she didn’t appear to have much choice in the matter, she eventually reached out one hand to touch the head of the ugly creature. Suppressing a shudder as she made contact with its wrinkled skin was difficult, and continued to be as she waited for a notification to appear. An unpleasant stretch of waiting passed with Varmia smirking beside her, Quilm smiling patiently, and his son happily continuing his drawing.

Nothing…? Is it too high a level? It doesn’t look like it should be…

She waited a bit more just to be sure, but nothing appeared to be forthcoming. The relief she felt as she concluded she couldn’t acquire it after all was substantial; more than enough to reveal itself upon her face, or so she thought.

“Thanks, Quilm,” she said as she pulled her away at a restrained pace. “But, it looks like I can’t acquire his form.”

“Really? That’s a pity. Surprising too, if I’m honest. Does that happen often?”

“It depends on his base level. It must be too high.”

Or is it because I don’t want to acquire it? Is that possible?

“Hmm.” Quilm flashed a look of disappointment in her direction. “Nothing for it then, you’ll simply have to return when you’re a bit more levelled.”

“Sure…” Lucinda stammered. “That sounds… great.”

A single, barely audible laugh from Varmia followed her words.

“I suppose you two are keen to be off? Feel free. I’ll take over here.”

“Before we do,” Varmia replied. “You should tell her what it is, in case she needs to go looking for one elsewhere.”

“Of course, absolutely right. He’s a naked mole-rat, naturally. I’m sure you can see where my younger self got his name from?”

“It’s a nice name,” Lucinda offered honestly. “Thanks again, Quilm.”

“Don’t mention it. Have fun now.”

“…Ah… but…” The young boy voiced hesitantly as Lucinda and Varmia moved to depart.

“What is it, Son? Speak up.”

“I’ve finished…”

“Ah, perfect timing. Just in time to show off the fruits of your labour. If you can spare a minute, girls?”

“I’d love to see it,” Lucinda replied readily.

“…Erm, it’s not perfect…” Quiln said as he meekly pushed his parchment into the centre of the table.

Moving closer, Lucinda’s eyes shot wide as she saw it. There was no mistaking the quality of the boy’s work, he had seemingly done things with the simple tools available that she had previously thought were impossible. The mix of colours, the carefully drawn lines, and especially the details it contained.

His father’s even better? Wow…

The depiction he’d portrayed was a pleasant scene. Riding atop a large beast, sat a slightly larger version of the boy himself. Clearly he had made an attempt at increasing his age, yet his features and appearance remained largely the same. The animal, however, was an incredibly well-drawn hippopotamus. Lucinda had never seen one in the flesh, but it matched her own mental image of one perfectly; right down to the staggering size of its gaping maw.

“Wow, Quiln,” Lucinda said. “It’s incredible!”

The boy ducked his head as a fierce blush spread across his cheeks. “…Thanks.”

“Tell her,” Varmia commanded vaguely.

“Ah… I want to be a Ranger…” the boy replied.

“I remember,” Lucinda encouraged. “Then, I guess that’s the animal you want?”

“…Yeah…”

Lucinda grinned at the young artist. It was a bold choice he’d made, for the large beast was a definite danger. There was no way of knowing if he’d ever manage to befriend one. Certainly not until he was a reasonably well-seasoned Ranger at least, but that didn’t mean it was impossible.

“It’s a great choice,” Lucinda said, while wondering to herself what level a regular hippo might actually be.

“You see, my boy?” Quiln’s father said. “You need to have more confidence in your work.” He ruffled the hair of his son once more. “In time it’ll be easier.” He turned to Lucinda with a pleased smile. “Thank you. It means almost as much to me to hear such a compliment. But, I’m sure we’ve kept you long enough. Go have fun, I mean it this time.”

“Thanks, we will.”

With a final wave, Lucinda headed off with Varmia at her side, and Marrow and Ingala following closely behind. They hadn’t made it far before the young Druid erupted into laughter.

“Come on, spill,” she said.

“What?” Lucinda asked.

“You know what.”

Lucinda struggled to suppress the smile that was demanding to be released in response to Varmia’s playful grin. She didn’t succeed for long.

“I don’t want to be cruel. It’s his animal companion… Hearing someone speak badly about Marrow would upset me quite a bit.”

“No one would say that, because you have taste. Just tell me and we’ll drop it. I promise to never say a word about it again to anyone.”

Knowing full well she wouldn’t hear the end of it until she did so, Lucinda released a weary sigh before deciding to admit the truth.

“Okay…” She glanced about quickly just to be sure no one was listening in. “Naked mole-rats might be the most hideous looking thing I’ve ever seen. Other than some bugs, I guess… Happy now?”

“Yep, I think so. Don’t get me wrong; I feel the same way about that kind of talk… But it kind of bothers me when he calls it beautiful.” Lucinda opened her mouth to reply, but Varmia continued before she could. “You’re probably going to say there’s nothing wrong with people having different views of beauty, or something like that, yeah? I get that. But… when it’s that different, it’s hard, you know?”

“…I guess I can understand that.” A grin slowly spread across Lucinda’s face as she considered her next words. “Fortunately, you’re young still,” she added in her best attempt at impersonating the artistic man they’d just left.

Varmia stopped in her tracks as a fit of giggling overtook her. “That sounded nothing like him!” she gasped out.

Lucinda held off her own laughter as she sought a fitting retort, but only a short span of seconds later, she too succumbed.