Hues and Feelings

She threw her yellow pieces carelessly across the board, giving no thought to her moves. Yet she played with such confidence and enthusiasm, you’d think she’d been playing Twilight Imperium from birth.

“She’s only five,” said Mom to Dad. “Plenty of time to pick up on the rules.”

“You have such beautiful skin,” I say. “I’m absolutely green—“

I catch myself. The witch raises an eyebrow. “Which is it? Green with envy? Green around the gills? Go on.”

“I’m… a greenhorn… when it comes to skincare. I’m hopeful you can give me some tips?”

Nailed it.

He was happy to come of age and adventure alone. His loved ones were supportive, though their stunted smiles betrayed their thoughts.

And they were right, he thought, tied to a post and watching as the fae lit the kindling around him. But few can say they’ve been a virgin sacrifice.

“So what’s your name, sweet pea?”

She smiled. “Take a guess.”

“Jessica?”

She laughed. “It’s not that common. How about I give you a clue? My mother named me after her favorite flower. She always kept blue ones around.”

“Hmm… Iris?”

“No.”

“Veronica?”

“Nope.”

“Poppy? Rose? Both can be blue.”

She shook her head.

“Glory? As in ‘morning glory’ or ‘glory-of-the-snow’?

“Cornelia? After cornflowers.

“Columbia, after the columbines?”

She just smiled wryly.

“Oh! Bluebell! That’d be beautiful, actually…”

“Sorry.”

“Just tell me.”

“Scabiosa.”

“…Seriously?”

“Yeah, people call me—”

“Please don’t say ‘Scab.’”

“Uhm…”

“I’m going to get myself another drink.”

Makena had entered her new dormitory at Laguna Bay Academy for Prospective Heroes, and she was already having an interesting encounter with her roommate.

“Can I help with that?” she asked. “I have super strength.”

Out of breath, Lara nodded. “You’re a lifesaver.”

Makena lifted the bed and hauled it out the door. “Is there a problem with this provided bed? I can help bring in a new one.”

“Nah. I don’t need it. My superpower is not sleeping. Beds take up valuable space.”

“Not sleeping? Is that really a superpower?”

Lara smiled. “Ask me that again during exam week.”

Last issue, I said I should be carrying enough forward momentum for us to chat again this week. Well, here we are! Thank you all for sticking around. If this week goes well, I’ll actually get ahead of schedule. Can you imagine? Me? Scheduling posts weeks into the future? I’m looking forward to it!