Page 23 of Flying Blind







Chapter Five

Alita finished tyingup her corset, and Zara inhaled sharply, giving her space to yank it in again. “Does it have to be so tight?”

“Your body warms it up, and it flexes a little. Also, your body compresses, so I will have to tighten it up in a few hours.” Alita chuckled wickedly. “Now, get the girls into the appropriate position, and we can be on our way.”

“I beg your pardon. When they are this size, they are ladies.” Zara reached into the bodice; she fluffed her breasts up to rest just inside the edge so the nipples weren’t on display.

“Well, your ladies look great. Rayd’s tongue is going to be hanging out.”

“I am more interested in hearing what our second sounds like.” She smiled toward Alita. “I already know what Rayd’s tongue can do.”

Alita laughed, and they went downstairs. Boots and wench outfits of silk and boning wrapped them, and Alita had helped with her hair. It was up off her face with some bone spikes that Alita had produced. Her three braids were not needed today, so her hair got a day of freedom.

The grey smoke that she identified as Rayd came to her and touched her, clearing into the black, grey, and white of the view her senses afforded. “You look lovely, Zara.”

“I will take your word for it.” She touched his sleeve and smiled. “Leather?”

He chuckled. “It is sturdy and comfortable. It also matches your corset and the belt and pouch that Alita put on you.”

“Oh, nice, so if I get lost, I can point to the corset and ask them to find a man dressed like it?”

“You are not going to get lost. I am going to be with you the whole time.”

“If you say so.” As they walked, they approached a vehicle that would drive them the twenty minutes to the faire.

Alita had the tickets, and when their hands were stamped and a cuff was wrapped around their wrists, Zara was led into the faire, where the sounds and smells created a very specific picture for her.

Rayd took her to different vendors, fed her snacks, and got her samples of lemonade. Finally, he sighed. “He should be busy right now. Let’s go see him. So to speak.”

She chuckled. “Fine. And don’t forget I am supposed to have a sister around here somewhere.”

“Which do you want first? Mate or sister?”

“Mate, I suppose.”

He laughed. “Thank you for your enthusiasm.”

She chuckled.

They walked through the crowds, and a rhythmic sound began getting louder. When she smelled heat, coals, and wood, she blinked. “Wait. Is he a blacksmith?”

“Armourer. So, yes.” Rayd chuckled.

She snorted. “Why all the secrecy?”