The rest of the day passed in what seemed like no time at all as Ovglach and I outlined the basics of the various systems at work in a normal car. From the radio to the brake pads and rotors and everything in between we completely mapped out. I wasn’t much help for most of the time as the inside of a car is a mystery to my non-mechanic mind. Fortunately Ovglach was quick witted enough to connect the dots that I missed. When he pointed out a collection of shiny discs that I had stored in a container I was relieved.

My music collection survived his dismantling.

Over the course of our mechanical meandering, Kria had left for guard things and Petal had run off to play with her friends. Though before she left she did ask if she could take a small sapphire and opal which Ovglach quickly agreed to so he could return to recording notes. We then decided to take a break to grab some food from the market. Once the food was gone we decided to tinker with the CD player that I had taken out, along with the speakers. Once connected to a small, charged topaz we had music playing in the background as we worked. I even spied the dwarf tapping his foot to the music as he wrote down notes.

Billy Joel is music for the soul after all.

By the time the sun set we were sitting in two very finely made chairs with a cask of some form of ale he had brewed between us. It felt good to sit back and relax to good music with a mug of what he called Shaper’s Paradise. He was busy leafing through his notes that looked far thicker than most books I’ve read in between taking sips from his mug as we discussed various ideas on how to make Bartholomew greater than ever.

“We could replace the tires with large emeralds. Never have to worry about a flat tire again.” He suggested.

“True, but then it wouldn’t be possible to steer with the steering wheel. If emeralds only push the air in one direction, wouldn’t it go straight up?”

“Aye, true.”

“What if we put another emerald on the backside to give it some push. It’d be just like a vertical take-off and landing jet my people have back home. Though we’d need to design a joystick to use.” I made motions with my hands, simulating the idea of VTOL to the dwarf.

“We’d have to completely redesign the vehicle to do that sort of thing.” He grumbled, taking a deep draw from his mug. “Though the idea is something I’d really like to try.”

“Well I’ll be a devoted to the Thousand-Faced God, I never expected the two of you to have made up so quickly.” The voice of the temptress Velle cooed from behind. “and is that music playing?”

“Yep, this would be the very enjoyable tunes of Frank Sinatra.” I explained as Ovglach and I stood up to face the Matriarch. Once again she wore a very form-fitting dress but red with gold trim instead of black.

“Very enjoyable.” Her tail swayed to the beat of the song.

“Care to join us for a drink?” Ovglach offered. She gave a slight giggle as she approached us,

“You know I don’t drink alcohol Ovglach. Yet you never fail to offer one.”

“Dwarven hospitality Miss.”

“You’re missing out Velle.” I took a sip from my mug, “he brews great ale.”

“I’ll have to take your word for it.” She smiled, “I’ve got a present for you in my quarters little bird. Do you mind if I steal our guest for a little bit Master Shaper?”

“He’s all yours Matriarch.” That back-stabbing dwarf even had the audacity to snicker as he threw me to the lions. I trusted you Ovglach, we were almost friends and now you go and do something like this!

“Come along little bird. I have many things to show you.” She turned and sauntered towards the exit. I quickly chugged the rest of the ale in my mug before placing it atop the barrel.

“If I don’t make it back Ov, Bartholomew is yours. Treat him better than I ever did.”

“Quit bein’ a wee babe and go have a good time.” He waved me off as he began perusing my CD collection.

Velle waited quietly at the door staring at me as I approached. “Ready whenever.” I stated. She responded with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh are you now hmm?” I rolled my eyes, opened the door, and bowed.

“Ladies first.”

“My, how chivalrous.” She then grabbed hold of my left arm and linked together with her right. A questioning look was all it took to receive an explanation, “I don’t want my little bird to flutter away into the night.” She purred. With a shrug I led her out into the town darkened by nightfall.

I stared up towards the night sky and gasped. “Woah…” Keanu would be proud of me, two impersonations in one day.

In the sky thousands of lights twinkled unabated. The moon was in full view and you could see nebulae in the darkness of space. In all my years I had never seen such a sight. Velle stared up at the sky before turning her attention back to me.

“Does my little bird wish to fly off into the night?” I shook my head.

“There aren’t many places where I’m from where you can see the night sky so clearly. It’s breath-taking.”

“What about me, hmmm? Aren’t I breath-taking, little bird?” Velle pressed her chest against my arm. I laughed,

“You take my breath in different ways Velle.”

“I want to take more than just your breath.” She whispered in my ear accompanied by a provocative giggle that sent lightning-like shivers down my spine. I decided not to respond and lightly pulled her arm. “My, eager aren’t we?” There truly was no way to win against her.

Together we walked in silence, arm in arm through the streets of Shimmer Creek. Taking a glance towards the lake the town was built next to I learned how it obtained its name. The star and moonlight lit up the water in a beautiful, shimmering glow. As I admired the lake I felt a weight against my left shoulder. Casting a glance towards Velle I found her head resting upon my shoulder. Her purrs drifted into the night sky as we walked towards her home.

“I’ve always dreamed of this.” She murmured dreamily.

“Hmm?”

“Walking arm in arm at night in the town that I love with one worthy of me.” She sounded very tired. “Every few days suitors come to me from other towns looking to increase their status. I’m so tired Mark. I’m tired of all the political games, tired of organization and laws and everything.” Her last words came out as a whisper, “So tired…”

It was quite the change from her regular demeanor. But I fully understood where she was coming from. At the hospital I worked sometimes interns working towards becoming a doctor would crack under the pressure. I’ve seen men and women in their scrubs, sometimes even full on doctors and nurses, go into a utility closet or some other secluded space to gather their wits. When lives are on the line there is no greater stress than knowing that your choices can lead to life…or death.

“It must be tough, managing a town such as this.”

“I barely have any free time to myself.” She nuzzled against me, “I don’t want this to end.”

Unfortunately for her in time our moment together did end. As we faced Velle’s home and town hall she untangled herself from my arm and shoulder and took a deep breath. “Follow me, I have something for you.” She strode forth emanating an aura of command. I followed, not having much choice. Before long we stood in the same bedroom that I had escaped her from this morning.

Upon the straw bed were clothes. Four shirts, just as many pairs of pants and a few undergarments were lain out together. I looked to Velle who motioned me forward, “They’re yours. I’m sure you wouldn’t enjoy wearing a single set of clothes for the remainder of your stay in our world.” I picked up a green shirt and was amazed at the texture, it was silk! A touch confirmed that the rest of the shirts and the underwear were made of silk as well. As for the pants, they were made of leather that wasn’t quite leather. It was far more flexible than normal leather.

“Try a set on.” Velle suggested with a beaming smile. I nodded and took off my shirt and jeans, feeling her predatory stare at my back the whole time. I then changed into a dark blue silk shirt and put on a pair of trousers that were almost black but still slightly visibly brown. They fit perfectly.

“How did…” I began but was quickly cut off.

“When you were unconscious I had a tailor take…measurements and paid for the work in advance. The Shren are so wonderful at crafting clothing, are they not?”

“Color me impressed.” I bowed to her, “Thank you very much for this gift.” She turned her head away and her tail fidgeted.

“Think nothing of it little bird. As Matriarch of this town I take care of my pack.”

I placed my new bundle of cloths atop a small dresser within the room and turned back to Velle.

“Now, how about I give you a present?” I spoke with a mischievous smile.

“Oh? What can my little bird give me?”

“I’ll need you to take off that dress and lay on your stomach on the bed.” I don’t know if Mikthar can blush, but the look on her face was mighty bashful at my words. I laughed at her discomfort, “It’s nothing like that you cougar. Let me ask, have you ever had a massage before?” her ears perked up,

“What is this…massage?”

Moments later I was pressing against Velle’s back and arms, kneading out the stiff joints and muscles underneath her fur and skin. Most of her knotted muscles were very tight and needed a large amount of pressure to work out. The whole while I rubbed and pressed her tail whipped about frenzied as she purred almost as loud as a lawnmower.

“By The Thousand, this is paradise.” She murmured sleepily with a yawn. After working out the kinks in her arms and back I moved down to her waist and legs. The waist was the most dangerous part, as her tail kept whipping me. By the time I had begun to massage her feet she was fast asleep. I chuckled and placed the cloth blanket over her slumbering body.

I picked up my clothes and quietly stepped out of the room and headed to the exit of the town hall. The night sky was calling me and I aimed to oblige. Moments later I sat upon a bench at the front of the building and stared at the night sky. It was beautiful, no doubt about that, but there was something missing.

I couldn’t find any of the constellations I had learned as a child. No Big Dipper, Little Dipper or Orion’s Belt…I found nothing. I yawned, it was very late. I closed my eyes wondering if I’d ever be able to go back home.