LITMIR.BIZ

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was out of earshot. “Is she insane?”

      Danai hesitated before replying. “Perhaps, though I doubt she means us any harm. Her…exile may have affected her mental state.” Pity filled her eyes.

      She’s all alone , thought Britea. She felt guilty for fearing the exiled writer she had always idolized from afar and remembered to smile when Erina returned with a thick book.

      Both she and Danai were soon enthralled when they discovered it contained descriptions of countless books. To Britea’s relief, from then on Erina talked only about the books and said nothing more of her exile or of gods. Eventually, the two wielders picked up a total of four books between them, but when it came time for payment, Erina tried to waive the payment.

      Danai put her foot down and paid for all the books.

      “Okay, but next time is free for you two.” Erina insisted.

      Britea looked at her gravely and walked over to her, arms wide open. Erina didn’t hesitate to give her a hug, and the writer’s eyes looked suspiciously wet after Danai hugged her too.

      “Please, come again,” said Erina when she had gained enough composure to speak. Both girls promised they would as they left. The two wielders remained silent for a long moment as they strode down the lavender-paved streets.

      “I don’t think she’s dangerous,” said Danai thoughtfully.

      Britea nodded, relieved. “I’d like to visit her again. I’ll definitely need more books.”

      “Uh huh,” agreed Danai.

      “You didn’t have to pay for my books, you know.”

      “Consider it a sisterly gift,” said Danai with a smile.

      Britea knew better than to argue. “So, where to next?”

      “There’s a small shop at the end of the street, not too expensive, and they have some decent clothes. I also want to pick up a few gifts for my parents.”

      Britea wished she could do the same, but she suspected she wouldn’t have enough money to get gifts and pay for delivery to far away Weldaros. Soon enough they reached a small shop aptly entitled, Lara’s Attire for the Frugal Wallet.

      “I like the name already,” whispered Britea to a smiling Danai. The shop’s baby-blue walls and watermelon canopy made it feel cheery and welcoming.

      Two crimson-clad guards noted Britea’s wielder uniform. To her surprise, they treated her with respect and regarded Danai warily. This didn’t faze the older wielder. She just greeted them cheerfully. “Morning, Boren and Kliev.”

      “Morning, milady,” chorused the guards hesitantly as the two girls walked into the shop. Britea made a note to ask Danai about their odd behavior later. A bell hanging over the polished white door musically announced their presence.

      “Good morning! Good morning!”

      Britea was caught off guard at the overly cheery greeting of a striking, rugged young woman in a close-fitting, canary-yellow gown. Her dyed pastel-blue hair seemed to defy gravity with its wavy vertical flow that seemed determined to reach the ceiling.

      “Morning, Lara,” said Danai with an easy smile. Lara squealed and ran forward to hug the young Weltonian. Britea’s eyes widened when the shopkeeper lifted Danai off the floor.

      “Put me down,” said Danai with a laugh. Lara obliged.

      “How’s my favorite troublemaker? Did Boren and Kliev give you any trouble this time?”

      “No, no. They definitely remembered me.” Danai turned to Britea. “I brought a friend. Britea D’Tranell, meet Lara Firbright.” The shop owner focused her eagle-eyed gaze on her new target.

      “Well, hello there. I don’t recall seeing you before.”

      “I’m from Weldaros. I’m a late wielder, so I just enrolled at the college a few weeks ago.” Then it clicked. Britea stared again at the gravity-defying waterfall of blue hair and said, “You’re also a wielder.”

      Lara shared a smile with Danai. “Oh, she’s a smart one. Yes, sweetie, that is what I am. Although I’m not as talented as our Danai here. I’m just a lowly tier-two air wielder.” She studied Britea. “Your face has a question written all over it.”

      Britea blinked. “Why are you…I mean, I know it’s none of my business, but…but don’t all wielders serve in the royal court, the military, or the government?”

      Lara laughed softly. “Danai hasn’t told you yet of what really awaits low-level wielders who manage to graduate?”

      Britea glanced at her roommate, who shifted uncomfortably.

      “Well, let me enlighten you. Surviving college as a low-ranking wielder is one thing, but making the necessary connections to further your career after you leave is another. I learned that early enough. Once I’d realized I had neither the necessary family connections to make it to court nor the wish to kiss someone’s—”

      Danai coughed in warning.

      Lara didn’t blink as she modified her words “…behind to nab a cozy, high-paying job in government, I started saving my monthly college allowance money. Then, when I graduated two years ago and began my Year of Discovery, I invested my money and opened this shop once I’d completed my service to the state.”

      Britea had no idea what to say, so she took a moment before settling on. “You…you seem quite happy.”

      Lara smiled brightly. “I really like you. So ladies, what can I do for your today? Do remember that for wielders, everything is thirty-five percent off.”

      Danai gasped. “Lara, you’re robbing yourself.”

      “That’s just for today, darling. Give me a little credit. It’s my shop after all.” Thus began a shopping whirlwind. Britea almost fainted at the price tags but then began to breathe easier when she saw a rack of discounted clothes. She soon found an emerald-green dress that caught her eye. The outline of a peacock was embroidered near each hem. It was so much more beautiful and softer than anything she currently owned—or had ever owned.

      “Good choice,” said Lara when Britea asked if she could try it one. “Use the room at the back.” As Britea walked away, she heard Lara ask Dana about Navos, Lexia, and Shran.

      It took a while for Britea to make up her mind. The fit and color made the dress perfect, but even when she took thirty-five percent off, it still cost forty-five silvers. That was more than anything that she had ever owned. She felt guilty spending that much, but she really wanted to have just one pretty dress. All her other clothes had been passed down from Carlina.

      “Are you happy with it?” asked Lara. Danai had already picked out a leather cap and two brightly colored scarves.

      “Yes, I really like it.” Lara nodded, took the dress, and examined it closely.

      “So, with thirty-five percent off, that would make it twenty-nine silvers and twenty-five cente.” Britea winced at the price, but Lara wasn’t done. “Oh, imagine that. This fashion is so last week, I believe that makes the cost twenty-five silvers.”

      Britea blinked. “But…but it’s twenty-nine silvers and twenty-five cente?”

      Lara’s smile widened. “And now it’s twenty silvers.”

      Britea shook her head in shock. Why was Lara driving the price down?

      “Just pay the twenty silvers, sister,” said Danai with a weary groan. Britea shut her mouth and did as she was told.

      “Thank you kindly,” said Lara as she gently wrapped the dress and put it in a velvet bag. “So, you’re off to the docks after this?”

      “Yes,” replied Danai. “I wish we could spend more time gossiping, though, because boy do I have tales for you.”

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