You are most welcome, my daring cousin he said pulling another bottle of homebrew from his own stash and snapping his fingers, commanding two glasses to present themselves one to him the other to me; I watched as the glasses floated across the room and he grabbed his filling it with the brew. So secondary with him no effort at all I thought, hoping that my powers and skills will be like his one day. I smiled handing him my glass to fill it. I want to ask you something Malcom I said. Let me have it Ra’ra. Why do you call me “daring cousin?” You’re not the first one to ever leave home however, you are the first of this class Raven, where’s Cameo, or Starlet, what about Valcon, did any of them even get their driver’s license on their 18th birthday like you and me, like all of us that did so they’d be ready to leave home on their 21st birthday like us. That’s to name a few Raven, I tell you where they are he continued to say, they’re in the colony, locked away in their compounds afraid to leave, because of rumors floating around about our kind and mortals, all timid and do.
Therefore, you are my daring cousin! Down with the bench warmers up with the idealist, Malcom said raising his glass and handing me my glass back, filled; hear, hear, I proclaimed raising my glass, in agreement with everything he had said. I just assumed everyone branched out Malcom I said. Why would you assume otherwise, after all its been that way for moons, we get our barracks, our first money bank and driver’s license for when we drive with mortals, then, 21st birthday, time to branch out, see what we’ve learned he said looking around. Raven, I love how the station is in the center, you can see everything Malcom said changing the subject, and placing the bottle on the counter near the front door, all areas of the shop he added, front back; sideways’ I chimed in, we both laughed as I looked over the inventory that Malcom pulled in for me. My chamomile, and my Motherworts I said excited. You’ll find that the only things missing from your barrack’s at home are those prehistoric displays that Auntie passed down to you, he said laughing hysterically, everything else is here he said. Now Raven, we have to tap into your funds, you said you need them tomorrow let’s do that now he said walking towards the shops workstation. I agreed, following him to the workstation where we both took a seat. Malcom took a sip of his wine and placed his glass on the bars countertop, I did the same as we both laughed at each other. Why do I feel so naughty I said aloud? Because you’re on your own, and no one is going to stop you or ask you, if you’re casting a spell or if you got permission to cast the spell, no let me see your spell approval slip, Malcom said laughing at himself. I laughed with him, yeah you’re right, no one to stop me I said relieved; and no one will stop you, Malcom said handing me a piece of paper with the words, “Release my portion, for my life, for my fold,” which I read aloud. An old money bag that was worn but held its beauty appeared on the bars countertop, I looked at Malcom. That’s it! Just like that, I said. That’s all there is to it Ra’ra, girls always throw unnecessary play in the game, to many words, all out of breath and prolonged, why do girls always complicate or overdo it Ra’ra, I’m taking that you did not set a passcode Raven, or a passphrase for your provisions, that only you would know Malcom said all in one breath shaking his head. I just looked at him with a blank look on my face not sure what he was taking about. You’ve lived with your provisions Raven; they were only safe with you there guarding them he said, okay, I can tell by that look on your face that you have no idea what I’m talking about he said rubbing my cheek, I’m here, no worries. First thing first, he said raising both his hands in the air and drawing a complete circle with his fingers as he lowered his arms he said, protection to the house of new, with old and wise with wealth and youth. Raven Lynne Nivens is the house to protect, the code of her voice, the key is the net. All of a sudden the old Skelton key that mom had given me, to my shop and my barracks back home that I inherited on my 18th birthday, began to glow, and freed itself from the key ring that now held my shop and house keys as well. The key floated up to my face and became translucent, shrinking in size then floating down towards my neck. Be still Raven he whispered, do not move, he said firmly. I sat still looking at Malcom, the key pressed itself against my throat until my skin absorbed it, I coughed once, slightly, because it tickled. That’s not so bad Malcom said examining at my throat, now, your things back home are safe too, no one can get in, well, Auntie, Malcom said with me saying Mother at the same time. We both laughed so hard we didn’t see the bag on the bar moving around like it was going to start flying or something. THE BAG! Malcom screamed, popping near the bag then back over to me before I could bat my eyelids. That was a close call Raven! We only have so much time to take the portion inside of the bag then send the bag back, and we can only summon the bag on our given birthdays to collect monetarily. Happy birthday to you Raven! Your next day will be on your 25th birthday Malcom said falling on the floor covering himself with the money. WHAT! I said bewildered about what he’d just told me! I don’t even want to think about the possibility of having to explain to mother how I didn’t get the money out in time, I exhaled so hard I felt light headed, I’m glad you’re a boy Malcom I admitted. We both laughed and began to separate my funds. Raven, here’s the money for the space and loft, you still have over Three hundred thousand dollars left after the amount for this place he said. I’m not telling you what to do or anything Raven, but I will tell you what I did and it works out fine for me. Your money safe, in your barracks, bring it here whenever you need from it, send it back when you are done.
You can’t have any more added to the kitty until you’re twenty-five, and trust me the interest that a mortal fund holder can offer, is nothing compared to our inheritance Ra’ra, I don’t trust mortal banks, they seem to tie your money up and you need an excuse to get it out once they take it, but, you can do what you want he said. Right, I’d rather be in control of my own money I agreed, but, how do I get my safe here Malcom? Think about your safe Raven, see it, and summon it! Malcom demanded. Come! I said firmly, seeing the safe at my barracks then, seeing the safe on the bar of my shop, I opened my eyes and there it was! Hot Totties Malcom said clapping his hands, she can be taught’ he said bowing and saying, welcome, you are welcome, smiling and blowing kisses at me. I laughed, putting the left over money in my safe. Twenty-three thousand for a van and twenty-five thousand for you should be enough to get you through the year Ra’ra, you have everything that you need here, and you can add to it, the profits from your business will help allot Malcom suggested. I agree with that Malcom I said. I took the money for my property, van, myself, and put the remainder in the safe then said. “In your place,” seeing my safe back in my barracks under my bed. Good girl, now, you have a pretty case just there by the door that Shilla, I’m assuming, purchased for you, Malcom said pointing to the table in the center of the station. I walked over and saw the case for the first time. How did you see that Malcom? There’s so much to take in he replied, I only noticed it just then myself he confessed. I took the case from behind the station and filled the case with the money for the closing. What a coincidence the perfect size, I would say Malcom said. I laughed, that’s about right for Shilla, she knew I didn’t have anything to put the money in and that I would have cash on hand to close, she’s all about business, I’ll give her that I said. Is she now, Malcom said? She is, and I trust her, I’m hoping that she and I will become friends Malcom, but speaking of friends, why don’t you have anyone yet Malcom?
Are we going to talk about my love life now, or are we going to set these displays and get this shop in order for opening? I can see that your mind needs an answer though he said, yes, Raven, I’m single, but that’s all I am willing to say about that for now he said walking over to one of the displays and looking over the inventory. Right, let’s get our shop in order I proclaimed seeing that the subject was off limits. Ra’ra, you said, “OUR Shop,” thank you Malcom said smiling and lining the products against the wall by description. I think this will be better, candle-to-candle, herb to herb, soap to soap, Malcom said shrugging his shoulder
s. I nodded my head in agreement, sounds perfect, that way we can place according to product I said agreeing with his suggestions. We unpacked, placing and arranging the shop and didn’t stop until every display was filled and every item placed. We both stepped back to behold our work, looking at one another and smiling with approval; looks like you’ve been in business for ever Miss Nivens. Why thank you Mr. Mantis, I get by with a little help from my friend, I said smiling from ear to ear, grateful that Malcom will visit with me a while. Looks good if I say so myself he said looking around. Thank you Malcom, I couldn’t have done this without you I chimed, I have to tell you about the rules of engagement though Malcom, let’s do this over dinner I suggested. A Slumber party! sounds fun Ra’ra, let’s get cleaned up, put on our pajamas and plan our strategic plans to own this area Malcom said. I agreed, looking up at my loft, what a long day I said looking at Malcom as he disappeared, then reappeared so quickly it was like he’d never moved, but I knew he had. Here Ra’ra, I don’t want to walk back around this building Malcom said laughing, handing me my transportation disk not that I’m lazy mind you he added. THANK YOU! I said laughing and placing the disk under my feet, the disk glowed then floated me to the top of the balcony where Malcom was waiting 2, and 3, three seconds, not to bad Malcom said, but allot can happen in three seconds you know, your transportation time gets better the more you use the disk he reminded me. Yeah, so I’ve heard, I’ll make sure I practice more often I assured him. Okay, I guess the room off yours belongs to me Malcom said looking at me for confirmation, I nodded my head, we both prepared for our slumber party.
Malcom yelled from his room, “Meet you in the kitchen Ra’ra.” “Okay Malcom” I agreed. Now, in my master bedroom closet, having unpacked my few sets of clothing, and one set of pajamas which consisted of a one pair of boy shorts, olive green, and a tank top faded, were black, now grey; I notice again the three black clothing bags hanging. I unzipped one of the bags screaming out Shilla’s name with excitement, I had noticed the bags earlier when I took my tour with Shilla, and again when I toured alone, but, I was busy creating an escape portal in the closet, never know when I may have to make a mad dash, I thought the bags were props and didn’t give that much attention to them. I opened one bag to look upon the most beautiful garments I’d ever seen, I quickly opened the other bags, they too were filled with clothing, dresses, skirts, pants, wraps, blouses, I spun around with excitement hugging the bag, a note fell to the floor.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you Raven, I took liberties, sizing you up today, I’m willing to place stakes that everything will be to your liking and fit. I have attached a card for the boutique in which the garments came from, you have but to call, and Sam will send out someone to create whatever you desire in fashion. Nonetheless, this should be a good start to get you going.
Oh’ and look just to the right Raven when entering the closet, that black box on the floor in the back corner holds about eight pairs of shoes with a card to get more. Give Charles a call for shoes, and the drawers surrounding the closet, all filled with this season’s undergarments, and accessories.
Good luck with next season, you’re on your own with next season.
Enjoy, and cheers.
Your Agent: Shilla.
Something for every occasion, I opened a few of the drawers excited about the selections, I had no complaints, I gladly put away my old tank top, and boy shorts, pulled out a pair of black satin pajamas with a pull over matching black V-neck top and matching indoor slippers and beautiful full length white silk kimono robe with a Black Raven bird on the back of it, the feeling that I had was indescribable. I take my selection to my beautiful bathroom; I opened one of the cabinets and pulled what seemed to be a hidden wooden box that held body sprays, perfumes, and lotions. The next level down, held makeup, hair products, and personals forever. I am so pleased with everything that Shilla purchased for me I felt so pretty, I’ve never felt pretty before; another note from Shilla lay under one of the bars of soap that read;
Raven, to make your life a little sweeter, remember to keep your enemies close to you. If you need more of these items, see the card underneath the powder puff beside the soap. I picked the card up from underneath the powder puff flipping it over to read it. Regina, peace, love and joy can be yours. I looked at everything that Shilla had purchased from Regina’s shop; I picked up the soap and took a deep breath smelling the bar of soap, it smelled like almonds and honey, and the color was translucent. I popped in the shower and lathered up with the soap from Regina’s shop. This can’t be, what kind of quality does she have, or should I say whose quality did she stumbled upon. This soap is amazing I have to admit, all of the products from Regina’s shop are. I finish my bath thinking how hard this will be to destroy Regina with products like this, no way is she a witch, I would have been able to tell and didn’t sense anything of the craft about her. I need to find out how she’s creating this type of product being a mortal! After drying my hair which only took a hot minute, thanks to my hair stylist back home insisting that long hair gets in the way and getting her way with passing a law that, on everyone’s 18th birthday, a pixie haircut was part of the package given out to girls and shaved heads to the boys; I kept mine all these years, I like it though, wash, blow, and go. Now taking one last glance around at all my beautiful things, I head into the living area where I find Malcom with food, wine, herbs, big pillows, throw blankets and instrumental music playing, compliments of Shilla. Ra’ra I may never leave, I love it here, it’s so peaceful, that bathroom and those products, if I didn’t know any better I’d swear they came from the compound he said. I had just sat down and taken a sip of my wine, I swallowed so hard that I think he heard it and if he hadn’t heard it, the widening of my eyes, was sure to raise his concern. I cleared my throat, right, I thought the same thing I said with a puzzled look on my face. What is it Raven he asked as he lit his pipe; I grabbed my pipe too, and then grabbed my drink cuddling on the overstuffed couch with my big pillow and blanket. Malcom sat waiting for me to gather my story because I had peek his concern. Everything that I want or need is here; I’ve but to add on if I desire I said looking around the room. Malcom nodded in agreement. Shilla attached a business cards from the shops that she thought would do business with me Malcom, and Regina’s card is one of those cards, but look at the note that she left with the items from Regina’s shop I said handing him the card. Keep your enemies close to you, wise, Malcom said handing me the card back. This has you puzzled Raven, why? Malcom asked. Remember I told you earlier that I had a spill landing today. I remember you saying that you would tell me more yes, Malcom said taking a sip of his drink. Regina is the shop owner that gave me the business, when I landed, I knocked over a display outside of her shop, she was so upset with me that she told me to stay away from her and her shop; I revealed everything to him, even how I met Shilla. Malcom looked at me, slowly bringing his glass down from his lips clearing his throat, and you want to level the one that made these products, he said raising one eyebrow and shaking his head. Yeah! now you see my concern, I have to find out what kind of mortal she is to produce such a product I confessed. You sure do girl, or “who” helped her, tell me everything Raven he said adjusting himself, as if he was getting ready to watch a good movie. There’s not much to tell you Malcom, Regina is a female with ego problems, But I would have been able to sense her powers right or at least what company of craft she’s with, I got nothing I admitted to him, but too, she told me to stay away from her and her shop like I told you Malcom. And another thing, she never would look me in my eyes, the whole time she was ranting, also, she kept smelling me, as if I stunk or something, it was weird honestly I confessed; Shilla used her as a vendor to provide items for me, very good items I may add but, no way will I get any more from her, we need to know how she’s making these products Malcom. On top of that, I have to have two meet and greet I reminded him.
Oh right, two meet and greets, tell me more he said not bothered by what Id
revealed to him, still sounds fun Ra’ra I have to tell you, we’ll deal with her if and when we need too he said taking a sip of wine and smiling with that melting smile that has stumped even the hardest of hearts. Regina wasn’t so much a concern anymore I allowed the subject change; I have to have a meet and greet for the owners, to introduce myself, I have to extend invitations to everyone, even Mr. Tibbs, the zoning and permits person. Then, I have to have another meet and greet for the public, my grand opening if you will. I’m not concerned about the grand opening so much; I am concerned about the get to know me with the other owners I revealed. Namely, Regina Malcom commented. Namely Regina, I confirmed. I’ll help you with the invitations and with both openings Raven, and, as far as Regina goes, she had better mind her shop and her line; I don’t care who or what she’s using to produce her “half and half” Malcom said sitting back on the overstuffed couch with his wine glass. Regina wasn’t an issue anymore and I was so happy to have someone on my side; Thank you, Malcom I think we will do fine to keep it simple, I don’t want to offend I said. Offend! Raven, really, who cares, show off your guns! There’s a new shop in town and Midnight Dust upon everyone! Malcom proclaimed laughing and raising his glass in cheers!
Magic and Mayhem: And Then There's Me (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 4
