“The gazebo!” Writer Lady calls out. “And that bakery place across the road from it.” She looks at TP. “I need some help. I have one more thing I’ve always wanted to do.”
TP and various ogres are busy passing around mugs of Magimoo Beer, a sweet chocolate milk concoction that has a layer of foam at the top reminiscent of root beer. Coming out of the gazebo TP flies across the road to the place Writer Lady pointed out to find its doors open to the road and all of the residents of Faerie who are standing in it. Visiting, laughing, and celebrating Writer Lady and Captain Ozar’s soldiers’ unexpected win against a wild ogre attack.
The sign over the door doesn’t read bakery at all, it’s called Cookie Bar. A smaller sign has been stuck in front of it that reads Santa Monica Boulevard changing the name of the establishment to Santa Monica Boulevard Cookie Bar. Bars in Faerie are nothing like any bar any human has ever seen before. TP flies inside just as Pixie Too and her band, The Pixettes are playing the next tune. A well known Earth song Pixie Too picked up during her visits to Earth and all that is human.
This ain’t no disco. This ain’t country club either. This is L.A.
A sign with a panoramic view of the village hangs on the wall behind Pixie Too. The words Little Ambling on the scroll that reads “Welcome to Little Ambling” lights up when Pixie says “L.A.”
TP waves and calls out to Whiskie, the proprietor of the cookie bar, before flying over to greet him.
“Many thanks to your for introducing Pixie Too and her band to me. She’s really bringing in the customers. It’s great for business.”
The pair exchange a complicated wave, shooting faerie dust at each other among other things. Writer Lady does a double take at the faerie butt bump she will never unsee as she walks up to the counter to help the next customer.
Pixie Too can be heard singing, All I wanna do is have some fun… as Writer Lady asks, “Hey there baby what’ll ya have?” She’s wearing a colorful frilly blouse with a battle corset over it in a complimentary reddish purple hue that has been paired with a steampunk styled skirt with a front that falls just above the knee. Tall heeled boots complete the ensemble. “I have Peanut Butter bars, Seven-Layer bars, Lemon bars and everything else you see in front of you.”
The faerie points to an item in the display.
“Millionaire’s Shortbread,” she says.
He makes a face.
“It’s an Earth delicacy. How ‘bout a sample?” The customer nods and Writer Lady cuts him a generous piece. She continues talking as he chews, “Gooey, sweet and rich. It’s good stuff!” She watches as the faerie nods in agreement. “How many?”
He gestures towards the tray.
“Half a tray? I can do that.”
Whiskie rings up the sale while Writer Lady packages the cookies.
“Here you go Baby. Next time you stop by try the brownies.”
The customer pales.
“No baby no, you won’t be eating your cousin, this is a different kind of brownie entirely.”
After the customer leaves Writer Lady looks at Whiskie and TP. “We need to call the brownies something other than brownies. Everyone’s afraid to eat them.”
As the afternoon continues, Writer Lady shares Earth recipes and baking techniques. It’s not long before the Closed For A Private Event sign goes up and she and TP take trays of bar cookies and other Earth treats to tables both at the gazebo and lining the road in front of the cookie bar which is now packed full of ogres, pixies, faeries, and the occasional dragon along with several other creatures of Faerie.
Pixie Too and the Pixettes move outside and continue cranking out the Earth tunes. “All I Wanna Do,” by Sheryl Crow being requested over and over. The citizens of Little Ambling are convinced she’s singing about their home. Where else would anyone want to sing about other than a colorful village in Faerie? Where else would anyone find what Earth people call fun? Humans have been wandering over and getting lost in Faerie for centuries. Faerie is absolutely the best place to be. There’s no doubt about it.
Hours after night has fallen, long after Writer Lady’s dancing boots have screamed, “uncle” she looks at TP and mouths the words, “It’s time to go.” TP nods. As Writer Lady thanks Whiskie, the owner of The Cookie Bar, Captain Ozar, the ogres who came to her aid when she needed a hand. She waves to the tiny owl, mountain lion, bear, and unicorn who ventured into the village with her. TP points in the direction from which they came. Writer Lady walks out of the village with TP flying near her shoulder. Both disappear into a late night fog.
Writer Lady is still wearing her steampunk outfit when she and TP reach the carport door and walk inside. Dylan runs into the bonus room to greet them. He smiles at TP, looks at Writer Lady and her outfit, and mouths the word “Wow” before running into the kitchen and calling out “She’s back. She’s back. Writer Lady is back!”
She notices her purse, tote, and mug sitting on the table next to the door. Putting the tote bag away, she carries her purse and go cup into the kitchen with her.
“Perfect timing.” Aunt Purdy says, “Dinner is nearly ready.” She stops cooking long enough to study Writer Lady’s outfit. “Nice dress.”
“Thanks.” Writer Lady responds as she sits down. She’s trying to decide whether to take off the boots now or later when Tinkletoes’ form fills the doorway.
“So...you’re back.”
“I am.”
“Feeling better?”
“I am.”
“Any new insights on the job front?”
She thinks for a few beats before responding. “I learned how to knock a wild ogre on his butt.”
“That’s no necessarily a transferable skill.”
“Not yet.”
“Did ya learn anything else?”
“Not really but I do think fun is going to be a little more easy to define in the future.”
“That’s something.”
“It is.” Writer Lady agrees.
Tinkletoes enters the kitchen and sits down across from her. “You wanna talk about it?”
“No, it’s not really necessary.”
Tinkletoes pauses a couple of minutes and says, “Dobby and others were kinda wondering what all happened.”
“It was just a little bit of fun.” A smile crosses her lips. “Faerie style.”
“Oh.” Tinkletoes says with a disappointed look. The self-proclaimed mercenary doesn’t move.
Loud chatter can be heard coming from the living room. Then shuffling sounds. She looks up to find Carp standing in the doorway. Tinkletoes turns around.
“She’s not going to tell you anything, there’s no point in you sitting there waiting for info.”
Dylan squeezes past Carp and says, “TP has pictures!”
“He does! Well isn’t that interesting.” Tinkletoes says. “I guess what happens in Faerie doesn’t always stay in Faerie.” He remarks with a grin. Rising from his seat Tinkletoes heads for the living room. “Excalibur? She kicked ogre ass with Excalibur? But she’s a girl!”
“There’s more.” TP giggles.
Writer Lady rolls her eyes at Aunt Purdy who covers her mouth as a laugh escapes. Bringing a cup of tea to Writer Lady she pats her on the arm.
“All I wanna do is have some fun…” can be heard coming from the living room.
Writer Lady stands up and calls. “I thought TP only had pictures.”
“Some of them are moving.” Tinkletoes responds.
“This is the best part.” TP calls.
You can’t touch this.
“Whoa...Dude.”
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