jackets and were off a few minutes later. There was something liberating about getting out after the grouslies attack, and doing something as normal as going to a local hangout. There was something wonderful about not sitting and waiting around for someone else.
“Where are we going?” I hadn’t asked until we’d walked a couple of blocks because the truth was that I didn’t really care. Anywhere was good with me.
“It’s called the Watering Hole. It’s just down the way.”
I remembered walking past that place and hearing the hum of music and laughter leaking out, wondering who was having such a good time. My pace grew a little faster.
“It’s where most of the Middlings hang out. I wouldn’t care who came, but any time we’ve invited a Whimsy, they never showed, and the Braws all think they’re too good for us. That’s the thing about Middlings. We’re used to being thought of as lesser and better. Seeing things from both angles gives you a better perspective.”
“But I’m a Whimsy. Are you sure I’ll be welcome by everyone?”
He paused, hand on the door and a you’ve got to be kidding me look on his face. “Tippi, there isn’t anyone left in Xest who thinks you’re a Whimsy.”
He swung the door open before I could ask what they did think I was.
Any jangled nerves quieted as soon as I walked in and saw all the smiles. They might’ve been directed at Zab, but they spread to me right after.
Zab waved at the crowd in general. He might’ve had plans with only a few people, but the entire place appeared to be waiting for him.
I followed Zab to a table in the corner, where I was greeted by four more smiling faces.
“Tippi, this is Ab, Berita, Doug, and Nancy.”
“Tippi! We’ve been waiting to meet you,” one particularly jolly redhead said.
“Thanks! Me too.” I hadn’t heard about them until today, and not even then, but I didn’t want to be mean.
“Can’t wait to hear how you fought off the grouslies!” a brunette with great cheekbones said as she poured a pale liquid into a mug and handed it to me.
“Thanks, but I really didn’t. They just left.”
A dark-haired guy sitting in between the two girls said, “That’s even more interesting.”
“Yeah. Sit! Tell us about it,” another guy said, pulling out a chair for me.
They were all so excited about my attack and survival that it somehow wiped away a little of the lingering pain and fear. It felt a little more like it had been an adventure, especially as I sat down and regaled them with the finer details. Maybe one day, I’d think of it as another war story from my time in Xest. I might not have anyone to tell it to, but it would make a good book.
I wobbled to the left but righted myself before I hit the ground.
“I told you that ale was stronger than it tasted,” Zab said, closing in on my side, as if he didn’t trust my ability to remain upright.
“I’m telling you, I’m good. I can get back on my own. You don’t have to walk all the way to the office and back.”
It turned out that Zab had an apartment on the second floor of the building next door to the Watering Hole, which wasn’t altogether shocking after the reception he’d received. Clearly, he pretty much lived in both buildings. I wasn’t sure which had come first, the apartment or the Watering Hole, but it was a perfect pairing.
“Of course I’m going to walk you.” He pointed to an alley. “We’ll cut through here. It’s faster.”
“You should’ve warned me about those purple shots.” I might’ve been tipsy when I’d left the place, but the fifth wind was sobering me up fast.
“You mean pixie breath? I did warn you.”
I hiccupped, and a small puff of opalescent dust shot out of my mouth. It wouldn’t have been that bad, except it was beginning to coat the front of my jacket, and my wardrobe was already odd enough.
“When is this going to wear off?”
“That one looked pretty tame. I’m guessing the next will barely sparkle at all.”
I swatted at the front of my jacket, trying to determine if I’d made it better or spread the dust farther. I was going to have to leave this out for the cleaning crew. They’d know what to do.
“Tippi,” Zab whispered.
If he hadn’t sounded alarmed, I would’ve known something was wrong because he was grabbing my arm, tugging me behind him. Most