Page 31 of Beginning at the End
Delia grinned as herfriend left the space and headed for the change room.She looked at the dark elf with strangely pointed ears and a navy tinge to his skin.“So, you are fixed on her?”
He looked at her and jolted when he saw the understanding in her gaze.“You are...”
“Skilled.We will go with skilled.Just as Eudora is.”
“What is your skill?”
“Emotion.I am very good at working with emotion.”
He frowned.
“Hope.I can find it anywhere.It’s not a particularly useful thing unless you need it.”
“Has Eudora needed it?”
“She did, and that is how Likon entered her life.”
“What?”
Delia turned and tossed their cups.“Well, she had to wait for you, and time wasn’t cooperating.She needed hope, and hope used Likon.No, she doesn’t know, but it got her where she was safe and tangled the legal situation enough for you to be required.You two seeing each other had done the rest.”She giggled.
He was looking stunned.“So, you...”
“Gave hope, and hope took shape.So, what is your brother like?”
He blinked slowly and grinned, telling her about Den.While they talked, his skin dried off and his suit took its place.When Eudora came out, hair damp and skin flushed, it had just been ten minutes.
Eudora looked at Sern.“He did that elfie thing?”
“He did.”
He blinked.“Elfie thing?”
“Change your clothing without anyone noticing.”Delia smiled.“You guys do it a lot.”
His finely chiselled features looked slightly embarrassed.“We didn’t know anyone could see us.”
Eudora smiled.“Well, I am ready to leave.See you soon, Delia.”
“Yes, this time you might actually be cheerful about it.Did you want bidding money?”
“No.Not until I have a place of my own.I have heard that art has come into her own.I am hoping she offers a few pieces.”
Delia paused.“I will ask Carlos.She’s his daughter.”
Eudora nodded.“Nice.If so, I will see how much of my car money I have left.”
Sern leaned in and whispered in her ear.She blushed and nodded.“Or I can use his account; it will just add another date to the tally.”
Delia saw the way she scrunched up her shoulders and shivered, and Delia smiled.“If you find something you like, go for it.”She looked at Sern.“I was talking to Eudora when I said that.Not you.”
He grinned.“Yes, ma’am.”
She staggered with a hand to her chest.“An eight-hundred-and fifty-year-old elf calling me ma’am.What have I become?”
Eudora put a hand on his.“She’s joking.She knows she has ma’am energy.”
Delia cackled and hugged her friend.“Have a nice dinner.Talk on Sunday.”
