Page 39 of Instinct for Disaster

“Body mods?”

“Yeah. Piercings, hair colour, tiaras, heavy weapons; they aren’t shy about preferences.”

“Oh. Do I have a say in it?”

“Sure, but they will try and convince you. I am thinking about getting a tattoo, but I have to run it past him. It might not even take.”

“He would let you?”

“Probably. It depends on what is considered formal wear.” She smiled. “I want to get a stylized earth and put it on my hip or maybe mid-back.”

Nessa blinked. “Why?”

“So he can remember where I am from, and so I can remember. I get the feeling that I am going to change a little.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, it just happens with Hmrain exposure. I met a human at the mine when she and her Hmrain were there for some minerals for a project they had going on. She was pierced to hell and back because that was her Hmrain’s thing, but he built her her own set of wings that are functional. Her skin is also bulletproof.”

“Geez.”

“I don’t think that is going to happen for me, but my body feels a little peculiar, so something is going on. Maybe I will end up with that fine fur all over me.”

“What does his skin feel like? I have wondered.”

“Velour.”

“Nice.”

They giggled.

An attendant came to get them. They showered, got fresh robes, and then ushered off for hair, nails, and makeup.

The stylists were cheerful and friendly until they asked, “So, are you here for the gathering at Yasku’s palace?”

Nessa paused. “Sort of.”

The crimson woman smiled at Nessa. “You are that new species, right? Urthers?”

“Yes.”

The hairstylist assigned to Cassandra pulled her hair back and paused. “Lady, are you comfortable?”

The other woman snorted. “Lady? She’s not here yet.”

Cassandra looked over. “Your friend just saw some of the marks Yasku left on me last night. I am definitely his consort. If someone else were in bed, I would have noticed.”

The stylists went quiet.

Cassandra shrugged. “Well, since they won’t talk to us now, Nessa, what happens during the party tonight?”

“Uh, starting at six, the ladies go to the quarter of the town that is not that of their species. There is food, music, and dancing, and after an hour, we move on to the next zone. The men stay, and the women move.”

“So, opposite to human speed dating.”

“Yes, but the guys have to show that they can be hosts and providers. They set up stalls and teach their traditional dances. The idea is that a spark will happen at one of these events. When the first hour is over, we move on and move on again. The last hour is ours to choose.”

The hairstylist working on Cassandra said, “Lady, a hair treatment was requested for you.”

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