Let's get to know one another.

Freya met Mark and Isabella in his suite. “Mark, you asked for me?”

“Yeah, Isabella and I are going to go around and meet the others. I figure it would be helpful for her to be introduced to you as well. So, Isabella, this is Freya, my butler.”

“Ah, sí, she's the one you want to add to your harem.” Isabella had a rather serious expression on her face.

Mark and Freya both looked annoyed. Mark began, “Isabella, I do not want to add Freya to my Harem. Please don’t bring it up again. I want that idea to die completely.”

“I’m confused then. Because the information Cassandra gave me made it seem like you really do want that. Like there were several rather heated arguments about it.”

“Yes, Isabella there were several heated arguments about that. Of which I was in opposition to it each time.”

“Who besides you would be arguing that you should add someone to the Harem? Like that doesn’t make sense.” Isabella was really confused.

“You’d be surprised… Anyway we aren’t adding Freya to the harem. Let’s leave it at that. Actually, that gives me an idea, Freya could you remind me later to make, talking about adding you to the Harem against the rules.”

“Absolutely. Thank you Mark.”

“No problem, Freya. Now back to the introductions. As I was saying this is Freya, she is my butler. She has five sisters, all of whom are also on my staff. You already met Hilde. We’ll see if as part of the introductions we can meet the rest of them. I actually haven’t met Petra or Maja myself yet. Now Freya, beyond formal introductions, I also want to ask if you know what the others are up to and who would be free for us to go talk to besides Allie.”

“Let me check.” Freya pulled out her own phone. “Okay so… looks like Flora is just relaxing on a chair outside of her room, Ellen is planning for you date tomorrow night. Chloe and Merida are talking in the Sugar Garden. Actually, they just left to go to the Velvet Tower. Laura and Talia are currently making out in the Velvet Tower, Sam and Allie are currently talking in the Boudoir, Aubrey is currently having a drink in the tavern alone, and appears angry.”

“You can get all that information on them?” Isabella asked. “Isn’t that a huge invasion of privacy?”

“I can get all that info and more. As far as invasion of privacy, their activities and even this conversation is being live streamed throughout the multiverse. Mark I would recommend if you want to introduce Isabella to other people, that Slevia, Flora, and Aubrey be your first people to talk to. Petra and Maja are busy at the moment. Though you could still find them at their store Also I think that for Laura, Chloe, Merida, and Talia they may end up doing something together, so you might be able to join them.”

“Okay thank you, Freya. Also what are the four of them going to do?”

“I think it is likely that they end up going to the casino.”

Well, that could end poorly. I might want to go just to check on them. Hopefully they’ll be responsible. “So Isabella, who would you like to go talk with first?”

“How about Flora? Aubrey seemed rather angry earlier and if she’s drinking, well I don’t want my first time really getting to know her tainted by all that, and not get to know the real her. We can go talk with Slevia after. Then see where we’re at.”

“Sounds like a plan. Freya, you want to come along?”

“I will if you two would like me to, but otherwise I’m going to return to the library.”

“Library? Is it big? Mark, why didn’t you tell me there was a library? You know I like books, hombre.” Isabella looked at him quizzically.

Mark responded. “To answer the questions in order. Freya, good luck in the library, I know it’s important. Yes it’s huge Isabella, like bigger than the library of congress, huge. I didn’t mention it for a few reasons. One you can’t use it at the moment, and two well I didn’t want to explain what we are doing there while you were already distraught about being on the show.”

“Why can’t I use it? Also why would what you are doing in the library make me upset?” Isabella frowned.

Freya explained that for Mark, “Well, as far as use. The Library is technically Ellen’s. She has to give you permission to use it. She probably will, but she hasn’t yet. As for the other thing, it concerns helping my sister.”

Isabella was still confused, so Mark elaborated further. “I take it Cassandra didn’t include info about ASTRID in her info packet, then.”

“She did, I mean I know she’s one of Freya’s sisters, but why does she need help?”

Mark sighed, “That is a fairly heavy conversation. We can have it but I think it might be best to wait. I realize that Cassandra might have left it out on purpose, because you were already not handling things well.”

Freya added on, “I think that would be wise as well Isabella. Again we aren’t trying to hide the situation but maybe give it a little time, talk to the others first.”

“Okay… I’ll trust you two about this. Let’s go meet Flora then.”

---

Sam was sitting at a table in the Boudoir with a bowl of rice, and a set of chopsticks practicing how to use them while also listing off things that might cause the groups various TFs to trigger. “Allie and Isabella, are going to be aroused by any of us marrying Mark. Be careful about telling Merida, Mark’s clothing preferences. Talia… well that’s a huge mess. Let’s see…” There was a knock at the door causing her to crush the clump of rice between her chopsticks. Damnit. It’s fine. “One second.” Sam put down the chopsticks and went to the door, to find Allie. Well, I guess I can shift focus on what to improve. Sam smiled at Allie, “Hey Allie.” Then she leaned close to Allie and pulled her into a passionate kiss.

Allie was a little surprised but enjoyed it all the same. After a few seconds Sam broke the kiss. “Well, that is certainly some hello, Sam. Can I come in?”

“Of course Allie.” Sam moved out of the way, holding open the door and checking out Allie’s wagging tail as she moved in and went to sit down on the bed. “Not that I’m not happy to see you,” Sam sat down beside Allie, “but I sort of assume you would be helping Isabella acclimate.”

“Well, we were talking and I think she wants some space and is just overwhelmed at the moment. I actually came here though because she asked me too. She wanted me to talk to you.”

Sam looked curiously at Allie, “What about?”

“Well… Okay I know it was only a few days ago we became a couple… but I think we need to talk about us, as a couple.” That caused Sam to become concerned. “Wait Sam please. I’m not reconsidering dating you at all. I want to make that clear. I like you, but I want to talk to you about something. Specifically Isabella.”

Sam was still concerned. “What about her?”

“Well…” Allie was struggling with how to say this. “Isabella is my best friend, okay. I really like her as a person. So much so, I was planning to ask her to be in a throuple with Mark and me after the two of us got married. I guess, I’d like your permission to date Isabella too. I think it would be hard for either Isabella or I to be with Mark right now without including the other and I think I would have a hard time being intimate with Isabella and separating my feelings for her.”

“I’d like to clarify a few things, before giving you an answer, okay?” Allie nodded. “Alright, first, it sounded like even if I told you no, you would respect that and still continue dating me correct?”

“Yes, I’m not just going to end things with you because things have changed with Isabella. It isn’t like I’m compelled to be with her but you did promise me you would seriously reconsider our relationship dynamic if things changed, especially because of TF.”

“I am Allie, like I said I’m clarifying a few things. Next, what do you see the relationship looking like?”

“Well, I was thinking we could bring in Isabella as our third or fourth? I’m going with third and count Mark as something else, since he isn’t exclusive to us. Where we could both date Isabella. I asked her if that would be something she would be open to in case you wanted something like what Mark wanted where we were still exclusive amongst those involved.”

Sam got annoyed by that response but tried not to let it show, “Allie are you in love with Isabella?”

“I don’t think so. I mean I definitely love her, and find her really attractive. But I’m not sure I’m in love with her at least yet.”

“When you asked Isabella about being with me. How exactly did that go?”

“Ummm… let’s see. Well we talked about some things. Mark pointed out the bit about me asking her to be in a throuple in the TF. We talked about Mark turning into Mary. I mentioned that while I’d like a relationship with Isabella, I’d have to talk with you first. She said she’d also be interested in dating me if you were okay with it. Then I asked her if she would be okay dating you. Like if you wanted what Mark wanted where if I was with her you would want to be with her. If she would at least be open to it or if that was a deal breaker.”

“Okay that’s essentially the impression I got before I just wanted to make sure first. Allie, I think you need to apologize to Isabella.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Because there is almost no way she didn’t feel pressured to say yes to dating me, so she could be with you. That wasn’t okay, and you need to apologize to your friend. Second, Isabella and I don’t know each other, asking either of us to be with one another simply because you want to be with each of us is also not okay. Also as far as bringing Isabella in as our third, I’m not interested in that right now. I think it was presumptuous of you to even offer that, Allie.” Allie deflated at that. “First you didn’t consult me if I would even be interested in her first. I don’t mind that you talked with her about the two of you dating, but told her that you needed to talk with me before anything happened between you two. That is the thing that is actually keeping me from being very upset with you right now. Allie, did you consider that I might want to pick my own additional partner besides you, if you wanted to date Isabella?”

“I… I had not. I’m sorry.”

“Well, if that’s what I wanted? How would you feel?”

Allie thought about it. “I guess… I wouldn’t be happy about that but also not opposed to it. I guess I wanted the same thing as Mark more than I realized.”

“Thank you for being honest with me. Allie, I don't want a completely open relationship. Like you said before, let's ignore Mark, since everyone has to be with him in some capacity. I’m not opposed to bringing in a third or for each of us to have a second partner. But I don’t know Isabella, at all. We aren’t bringing her in as a third. I’m okay with you dating her though.” That perked Allie up. “But there is something else that is bothering me with how you handled this situation. At no point have you brought up Ellen.” Which got rid of Allie’s excitement, and caused her to be embarrassed as her ears pressed flat against her head. “She was part of this relationship too, even if we didn’t exactly define it. There was an intention of her being included. Did you even think about whether she would be okay with this? Because you might remember while she said she would probably accept me as a second mistress, she didn’t want that from the whole harem. Ellen is essentially already our potential third and you seemed to have completely forgotten about her. That actually does really upset me. I know things are complicated, but you have to do better. I think that if you want to pursue Isabella you also need to talk with Ellen about it. Personally I think it would be best if you want to be with Isabella that you aren’t with Ellen.”

“You’re right… I completely forgot about her. Wow, am I shitty.”

“No, Allie you’re not. Things have been hectic and complicated. You were excited about the possibility of being with Isabella. Your emotions are probably all over the place right now. But I think the fact you had the state of mind to say no I need to talk to Sam, but not think I need to talk to Ellen, shows how you feel about Ellen. Did you even mention Ellen to Isabella? Would Isabella be okay with what you want to have with Ellen? I wasn’t sure if I’m okay with it. I’m still not sure actually. So I think you need to talk with Ellen too.”

“I didn’t mention Ellen to Isabella. I think that’s because I knew that she wouldn’t be okay with that. Crap. You’re right I think I need to tell Ellen that I can’t be her mistress.”

“Good, because I was serious about me being on the fence too. I’d rather not be the sole reason you have to tell her that in the future if I determined I was too uncomfortable about it. Now if you want my permission to date Isabella. You can have it on two conditions. First you clear up the situation with Ellen first. That is absolutely non-negotiable in any way, shape, or form. Second, I want your permission to be with another person of my choosing. Maybe that ends up being Isabella, maybe not, but it will be my choice. I will tell you if and when I make that choice but at least if it's amongst the people here as part of the show in some manner, that I can choose and you aren’t going to get upset about who that person is, that I want to be romantically involved with.”

“But, I’m telling you who I want to be involved with and asking for specific permission for her. Shouldn’t you do the same?”

“First I don’t know her, so she is essentially an unknown person to me. Second, I'm not asking for permission to simply date any single unknown person I want. I limited the options to people you actually do know with maybe a few exceptions. If you have a problem with any of them in particular you can tell me now, but I think I’m being more than reasonable here.”

“That’s fair, I guess.” Allie thought about the others. “I guess I don’t have a problem with any of them. Can I ask something though, if you don’t choose Isabella…” Allie was struggling with how to ask this.

“You want to know if whoever I pick wants you or Isabella as well if I would be okay with that?”

Allie nodded, “Sort of, I think that’s about right.”

“Let’s talk about that when we come to it. I’m not even sure I want a third romantic relationship right now. I just wanted to make sure you were willing to be fair to me about this. Also I expect you to make time just for me without Isabella.”

Allie hugged Sam, “Thank you, and of course I will make time for you. I guess I should message Ellen that I’d like to talk. Also… Sam, Isabella extended the offer that if you wanted to come up to the suite tonight with us you could. That way you two could get to know each other better.”

“Okay that sounds like fun. I’m in, but don’t get your hopes up for anything sexual, and we are talking to Ellen together first okay?”

“Absolutely.” Allie nodded excitedly.

---

Mark and Isabella found Flora basking in the sun topless on a lounge chair when they came to the cottage.

+2 VP Show Master your Breasts

Isabella spoke up, “Why are you topless, mija?” Isabella averted her gaze from Flora.

“Huh?” Flora opened one of her eyes, to look at the newcomers, “Oh I mean why not? I get that some women have an issue showing off their breasts but I figure what’s the big deal. Especially here, where the entire premise is sexual in nature.” Flora closed her eye to continue basking in the sun.

“So you’re just going to be topless the whole time now?” Isabella asked incredulously, Not that you aren’t hot. Damn her breasts are nice.

“Not really, but I’m also not going to fuss about showing off my breasts either. The sun feels really nice on my skin so I took off my shirt to just relax after everything today.”

Mark spoke up, “Flora, I’m a little concerned about how laid back you are right now. How much did your new TF affect you?”

Flora sat up, and seeing Isabella was uncomfortable, put on her shirt. “I mean I’m definitely not nearly as stressed as this morning. I’m still worried about the show, and making sure I do well. But I think I was wound up tight about some things that I shouldn’t have been so much.”

“Like being a lioness? Because I’ve noticed you seem to be embracing that rather quickly. You were fine with me effectively petting you, you rubbed your face against mine and now I find you basking in the sun just like a cat looking for warmth.”

“Well… I think I might have been over reacting because of something Laura said, and the feeling I got from the mirror after the sleepover. I think that letter from Shar also helped put things in perspective. I’m a lioness not a cat. I can enjoy the parts of being a lioness that I like and not end up as your pet.”

“Okay just wanted to make sure, you were alright. Now Isabella wants to get to know the rest of you at least a bit.”

“Oh? Sure. Makes sense, am I the first on the list then? Guess that makes sense since we will be rooming together most of the week. Also don’t worry, about me being a lion and you being a wolf. I haven’t had any issues with Allie about that so far. Have a seat, you two.” And they took a seat together on the lounge chair next to Flora. “Well, I guess I can go first.” Flora extended her hand to Isabella to shake. “I’m Flora Sparrow. I’m an acquaintance of Mark’s from college. Actually before I bore you, how much do you know about me?”

“Not a lot of details to be honest, Cassandra gave me all the introductions you did at the beginning of the show, what your TFs are, and any major developments that have happened so far. Like there was an incident with Ellen Aubrey and you that got Mark really upset.”

“Okay, so you have most of the basic info stuff down. I would say I’m pretty laid back normally. I know this last week I haven’t been but that is likely due to the situation being crazy. I really like the outdoors, specifically how I don’t have to be around a lot of people. It isn’t like I dislike other people on principle or anything, it's just that people are a lot of work to be around. I don’t really know what else to tell you to be honest. I’m an outdoors person.”

Isabella, seeing that Flora was finished, responded, “I know that the premise of the show is that everyone here is someone that Mark could have had a happy relationship with. I just don’t get how that would have worked with you, mija. I mean you being an introvert definitely fits. Mark is one too. Mark is most definitely not an outdoors person, though and I don’t see how with one of your main hobbies being rock climbing, how you two would have ended up together.”

“Why would me being into rock climbing be a problem? Ellen mentioned it was one of Mark’s hobbies.”

Isabella looked at Mark, “What? I mean I know you have a deathly fear of falling and going splat. How would you be okay with rock climbing?”

“Wait.” Flora looked really concerned. “Didn’t Laura take you skydiving… FROM SPACE!”

Isabella looked concerned too, “Wait what? Mark you had a panic attack from going zip lining and that was only like twenty feet in the air, mijo. I know you and Allie had to stop after two lines. You weren’t even falling. Are you okay?”

“I’m okay. Yes, Laura did take me skydiving from space. I did have a panic attack. Laura even lost points for causing it. Even though it really wasn’t her fault. After Laura opened the parachute I was able to calm down a bit. I probably would have enjoyed it more had I known I would be skydiving, but I also might not have gone skydiving. As far as rock climbing being one of my hobbies. I specifically mentioned to Ellen that it was indoor rock climbing. Where I would have someone on the belay to specifically prevent the falling and going splat problem. I was never comfortable doing anything else. As far as how Flora and I could have gotten together, well maybe my fear of falling wasn’t as bad. Maybe she would have helped me overcome the fear gradually. I mean if we went indoor rock climbing regularly, I think I could have been persuaded to try the other types of climbing there. Eventually maybe even outdoor climbing. I used to climb tall trees all the time as a kid. It wasn’t until I fell out of one that I started having issues with falling.”

Isabella nodded at that. “Well, I’m glad you’re okay. I do remember Allie said she took you to a rock climbing gym a couple of times. So mitigating the risk of falling helps with your fear?”

“Yeah, it does. I don’t have an issue with heights at all. So long as I feel safe that I’m not going to fall from that height.”

“Good to know. Anyway we came here so I could get to know the others better and vice versa. So Flora, I’m Isabella Amador. Please actually call me Isabella, not Isabell, Isa or Bella, and definitely not Izzy por favor. I’m a professional dancer. I was trying out for what I had hoped to be a big break for me right before I was brought here.” Isabella looked a little sad at that. “I guess I’m going to miss that appointment in a week.”

“You actually might not.” Mark said. “What was the date and time of your tryout?”

“May 9th 7:30pm. Why?”

“So, let’s see. That's about nine hours from when I was ****.”

“A bit more for me.” Flora said. “It was May 8th by my recollection, but maybe Cassandra kidnapped us first and held us in stasis or something. But if it’s been 9 hours since Mark was ****, well that means one day here is a little less than one hour back on Earth. Assuming the time difference is always consistent. So we would be looking at five or six months here before you would miss your call back. Though that actually raises another point. Give me a second” Flora got out her phone.

Flora: Cassandra, are people going to be concerned about us going missing soon?

~Pop~

“Dear Flora, that makes you fourth.”

“Huh? Fourth, what?”

“My fourth favorite, it goes, Isabella, Chloe, Merida, You.”

“Why because I sent you a message? Are you really that lonely?”

“I’m not lonely. You just actually respect me enough to message or call me instead of just shouting out my name.”

Isabella looked confused. “How would shouting out your name get you to show up. Also will I be getting my own phone? Or is that another thing I don’t get because I’m attached to Allie.”

“Well, darn. I forgot all about that.” Cassandra materialized a phone for Isabella and gave it to her. “Really sorry about that.”

“Since Cassandra doesn’t want to answer your other questions Isabella.” Mark began. “Cassandra is monitoring us like all the time. Especially me, but everyone.”

“Yes, I am. Some people used to call out my name repeatedly until I dropped whatever else I was doing to show up instead of just texting me or calling me.” Cassandra was glaring daggers at Mark.

Isabella noticed her stare. “Well you can hardly expect Mark to actually pick up the phone, he has terrible phone anxiety. It really isn’t fair to be mad at him for something he can’t control.”

“Okay, Isabella you’ve moved down to number two.” Cassandra sassed her.

“Cassandra is really touchy about it for some reason.” Mark said. “I’ve agreed not to just call out her name to get her attention though.”

“Anyway Flora, about people noticing you’re missing. It shouldn’t be a problem. That text message you sent to your colleague never made it to him. You weren’t expected to report in for another couple days either. Anyone who tries calling you is just going to assume you have bad reception, you are in the middle of the woods after all.”

“What about everyone else?” Mark asked.

“Well, it seems you caught covid and have to quarantine for a few days. As far as making excuses for your immediate absences from wherever you were that varies but no ill effects will come of it. For instance Javier received a call from his mother asking if he could come over and help her as her cat got out of the house. So he sent you a message Isabella saying he couldn’t go celebrate and I replied on your behalf that you understood and he should go help his mom. So no one will notice you are missing, and you will be able to resume your lives normally. Well, maybe not normally. But you being missing won’t be the reason that you can’t. Is that all you needed me for?”

“I think so.” Flora said, “Thanks for coming to answer us.”

“No problem.”

“I actually have a question. If that’s alright Cassandra” Isabella said raising her hand.

“By all means.”

“Well two actually. One, why do you like me so much?”

“Well, what grandmother doesn’t like their grandchildren. A shitty one, and I’m not a shitty grandma.”

Mark was as surprised by the response as Isabella. “If you are the grandma in this scenario, who’s the Big Bad Wolf? Because I don’t think there is any good choice for the wolf there. Also you don’t actually think of her as your grandchild right? Like the transformation isn’t actually affecting you is it?”

“No, the transformation isn’t actually affecting me same with Chloe’s. But both Isabella here and Chloe can expect to see me at various points for the rest of their lives. Those TFs don’t end at the end of the show. Chloe will be able to call on my help and I will be sending Isabella gifts. As far as the wolf, well… I know plenty of wolf men. It isn’t like it has to be someone you know.”

“Fair enough I just sort of expected that I was going to end up as the Big Bad Wolf in a future TF. Which I’m not sure I like the implication of. Actually, did you legitimately mess with Isabella and Allie’s family history?”

“No, I did not. That would have made it an unfavorable TF. But Isabella, I like you because you are a treat. Not only has your appearance boosted ratings a lot, but you are passionate, smart, sexy, and you are actually interested in being with Mark, not resisting that. I’m also generally nice to contestants that respect me and the Master. While you did say some hurtful things to me earlier I am very forgiving about anything that happens right as I bring a contestant on.”

“Enough to make me your favorite though?”

“Yes, really. Though I will say it isn’t like it is by much. I don’t actually dislike any of you now. Now you have a second question?”

"Yes, mi pregunta es: is there a way besides rerolling Allie's TF for me to be my own contestant? Or at least get my own transformation paths and maybe BP, por favor?"

“Yes, quite a few, but don’t be too hasty about that, really consider it. There are real benefits to being paired with Allie. If you do decide to do it this round you will be going last in the date nights, and I’ll tack on an extra night before the challenge.”

“Could you tell me what those benefits are? Because Mark and I were having trouble thinking of them.”

“Yes, I heard. Now Mark is right, you have more freedom to develop a more normal relationship with Mark. That is probably the biggest one. But my understanding is that you also want to be with Allie, correct?”

“Sí, that’s right.”

“Well normally you wouldn’t be rooming with her very often. This way you are always rooming with her. You also never have to directly compete against her. Which let me tell you has absolutely ruined relationships in the past, or has resulted in one of the two placing really poorly because they took a fall for the other. Also if you do decide to do stuff with Mark you will be helping Allie out as well. If you break off from her she won’t have a way to negate those penalties or get first time bonuses. But yes there are ways you, Allie, and Mark could alter things, so you would get your own date night or transformation paths, even BP. They all have different costs and benefits so just consider them, before rushing the purchase. Now Mark, to save Freya some time, I’ll give you an update about the others. As Freya said before please let Petra and Maja be they are working on something. They should be free tomorrow. Slevia is free to talk to though if you’d like. Aubrey has left the tavern and went to the rage room to blow off some steam. Sam and Allie are talking with Ellen. I wouldn’t disturb them. The others are making their way to the Casino. If you want to join them, I can direct you to the spot. Also the BP shop would be on your way so you could stop there first if you wanted.”

Flora perked up at that, “Casino? That sounds interesting.” Then Flora deflated and frowned. “Why didn’t they invite me? I get, not asking Ellen. She's prepping for her date tomorrow.”

Cassandra tried to cheer up Flora, “Normally I wouldn’t divulge info like this, but they didn’t do it to exclude you Flora. They just thought that you and Ellen might be arguing over you dousing her area in an aphrodisiac during the challenge. They didn’t want to intrude.”

“Oh.” Flora perked back up. “But she said she forgave me already, she even repeated that on the way back to the room here. I guess they weren’t sure though. Mark you mind if I tag along if you go?”

“Not at all. I don’t know if we are going or not Isabella?”

“Well, it isn’t like we have to gamble just because they are. We can just go and talk. So sure why not. But let’s go see Slevia first, anda.”

“Alright you three have fun. Mark I’ve sent you directions. Give Slevia my love.” Cassandra said and vanished.

~Pop~

“Let’s go then.” Mark said standing up. Flora stood up and grabbed Mark’s hand and rubbed her face against his arm affectionately. Isabella looked on oddly. Isabella decided to hold Mark’s other hand though. As they went to go see Slevia.

---

Mark, Flora and Isabella entered the BP store to find Slevia behind the counter, reading a book.

Slevia put down the book, and turned to greet them, “Hello, Mark.” She gave a curt nod of acknowledgement.

“Hi Slevia. Sorry I haven’t really stopped by, to really meet you before.” Slevia just shrugged, not seeming to mind it. “Well Isabella wanted to meet everyone, as she just got here. So we were going around talking to people.”

“Hi, Isabella.” Slevia also gave Isabella a nod.

“Uh… Slevia. Are we bothering you?” Mark inquired.

“No.” Slevia just stared at Mark with her head tilted to one side curious about his question.

“You don’t talk much do you Slevia?” Flora inquired.

“Correct.” Slevia nodded.

Isabella went over to the counter, “Well, could you tell me a bit about yourself anyway. If you don’t mind?” Mark could see Isabella liked Slevia’s tall muscular frame.

“I run the shop. Good with numbers. Good with money. Not good with people. Not good at talking. Smart, strong, but no magic. Love my sisters. Thank you Mark. For caring about Astrid.” Mark couldn’t place Slevia’s thick accent as it was different from her sisters. It sounded similar to how Merida described Maja’s though, not quite Russian.

“Is there anything I can do to help make you feel more comfortable, Slevia?” Mark asked.

Slevia considered for a minute. “Library. Ask Ellen. I like books. Simpler than people.”

“Sure, I’ll make sure to ask Ellen. If I could give you permission I would.”

“Thanks.”

Flora sidled up to the counter, “Not to be indelicate, Slevia, but is your speech just you or is it a transformation you received?”

Slevia looked down at Flora, not seeming to mind the question. “No bother. TF yes. Also just me. Never one for words. No magic. People preferred me quiet. Not afraid to show it. Learned to be quiet. Easier to be quiet.”

Both Isabella and Flora blinked in surprise at that. Isabella spoke up first though, “¡Qué horrible! Just because you’re different isn’t a reason to tell you to be quiet, mija.”

Slevia shrugged. “Way society is. Magic everything. I don’t have it. Maja and Astrid protect me. Probable ****, if not for them.”

“That is beyond messed up Slevia.” Flora said, “If anyone tries to treat you like that ever again tell the rest of us. We won’t stand for it.”

“Maja say, same thing. Made example of jerk. He beat me. Maja made him statue. Not treated poorly again. Well until show. Master was awful.”

“Wait Maja just turn someone into a statue?” Isabella looked concerned.

“Yes. His family pay for him. Large amount of money. Undid statue TF. Maja spared him. Astrid wanted life.”

“Wow your, society sounds really fucked up.” Flora said.

“Seen other societies. They have problems too. Read about yours. Yours has similar problems. Just not open about them. Hide behind veneer of equality. But not real equality.”

“What are you talking about?” Flora asked.

“You aren’t wrong about that.” Isabella said, which got a strange look from Flora. “Flora you can’t honestly tell me you haven’t ever been treated worse because you’re a woman can you?”

“Not that I can recall no. Nothing stands out.”

“Well, either you are incredibly fortunate to have never experienced that or your view of normal is skewed. I can tell you that Slevia is right. I’ve experience discrimination I wouldn’t say literally daily but very often. Sometimes horrible discrimination from people I respected. They pretended to treat me fairly but showed their real colors when they thought they could get away with it. Honestly it sounds to me like magic is just Slevia’s world’s wealth power and status.”

To which Slevia nodded, “Wealth, power, status. Those matter too. Why Maja and Astrid could protect me. Family had all. But Magic most important. Petra, Hilde have little magic. But still have magic. They looked down on. But not despised. No magic, very rare. Considered unlucky.”

“Well don’t worry Slevia.” Flora said putting a hand on her arm across the counter. “We don’t have magic in our world, so no one will treat you weirdly because of it.”

“Not true. Magic exists. Rare but exists.”

“What?!” All three of them exclaimed.

“Magic real, in your world. Where myths, legends originate. Life and magic. Rare to have life and no magic. Not impossible. But rare. Because of souls.”

“Well that’s a bombshell to drop on us.” Flora said. “Guess it does explain some stuff, though. If magic is real, and is behind some of the myths and legends then.”

“You really here to just talk? Not buy? Want to see Slevia? Thank you. Usually just people buying. Then they leave. Bad at people. Not dislike people.”

“Yeah, we really just came to talk, Slevia.” Mark said. “If you want, whenever we have breakfast at the cottage you are welcome to join.”

“Maybe. Large groups, hard. Might join with Freya or Hilde. One day. Not now though. Mark before you leave. Thought of another thing. Make me happy.”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Cassandra. Please be nicer.”

“Slevia, you know why that’s difficult for any of us right?”

“Yes. But, Cassandra, good person. I hated her. Don’t anymore. Just didn’t understand her. Do now. Love her now. Please be nicer to her. She is nice. Kind. Good. Slow to anger. Real anger. Quick to be annoyed though. Please don’t annoy her.”

Mark took a deep breath in and exhaled it in a sigh. “I’ll try Slevia okay. But I can’t promise that. Especially when she is clearly messing with people I care about.”

“I understand. Thank you. Have a good day. If you need advice. About money. I’m your person.”

“Thanks Slevia.” Mark could see that Slevia wasn’t used to talking so much and took the cue to leave. “Okay ladies let's go meet the others at the casino.”