Book 9: Chapter 47: U

Book 9: Chapter 47: U

(I am releasing a chapter a day rather than one every 3-4 days. Make sure youre on the right one and you havent missed one! pirateaba)

Beach. Beach. Beaaaaaaaaach

At this point, it was growing concerning. Nanette and Mrsha came down with two new tools for their ongoing fun. Theyd madewith Kevins helptwo long wooden tubes they reckoned they could use to swim around underwater. Extra-long scuba tubes, Joseph had called them.

The sight of Erin Solstice lying face-down on the floor of her inn, muttering one word over and over in the pre-dawn darkness, wasnt scary. It was so not-scary, in fact, that the girls woke up Lyonette.

The [Princess], Ser Sest, and the girls stared at Erin.

Shes fine. I think shes just stressed out, you two. From cleaning the beach, the tiff with Garry yesterday, not murdering Lord Veltras, and him befriending Garry of all thingswhy dont you say good morning?

Why dont you, Miss Lyonette?

Nanette whispered back as Mrsha shook her head vigorously. Lyonette turned to Ser Sest.

Sest, take her a morning cup of coffee.

The [Knight] hesitated so long she raised her brows.

That is a [Princess] order, Ser Sest. Or are you invoking your right to refuse?

The [Knight] gave her a covert bow as he whispered.

With respect, Your Highness, all my honed instincts tell me this would be the moment when Miss Solstice sacrifices me to the beachor turns me into a watermelon. She is a [Witch]. I am a [Knight]. I rather feel that Im disadvantaged when it comes to this encounter. Which is why I vouchsafe Calanfers [Princess], who surely stands above an [Innkeeper] and [Witch].

Lyonette looked incredulous as he stepped back behind cover. She was so incredulous that she had to wake up Numbtongueand coincidentally, Lady Salkis. Mrsha gave them a long stare as the two crouched with the others.

Why are we scared of Erin, again?

Salkis hissed at them. Numbtongue peered at Erin, wearing only his trousers.

Because shes muttering scarily. And because shes very stressed?

Psh. This is a joke, right?

Numbtongue gave the Drake a skeptical look.

She turned into Sserys, remember? You go poke her. Ill watch.

The Drake almost did just that. Shed been nervous for no particular reason and avoiding people in The Wandering Innagain, for no particular reasonuntil recently. She almost stepped out there and then, but thought about it.

Whats the worst that could happen?

The rest of the people peeking at Erin conferred. Sest raised a hand.

Turned into a watermelon?

Lyonette eyed Erin.

Roundly insulted and humiliated like Jewel?

Erin opens a garden door into some horrific place where you fight for your life against whatever monsters are in there?

Nanette had the most reasonable take.

I dont know, but go ahead and touch her. Shes clearly waiting for someone to bother her. I rather think Miss Erins in a bad mood, and we need someone to suffer.

She and Mrsha pushed at Salkis, and the Drake suddenly decided she wasnt in the mood to go out there. This did feel like a trap. Especially because someone pointed something out.

Uh. Guys.

Ryoka Griffin. Everyone jumped and shushed her as the newest sacrifice came downstairs. But Ryoka just stood there, peering at Erin.

She knew stress. Shed had an embarrassing cry in front of Xitegen, Tyrion, and all their guards yesterday. If Ryoka had thatshe had seen Erins letter.

Her friend had to be feeling the same. This was her way of dealing with it. It was ratherSaliss-like, actually. Lyonette whispered urgently.

Ryoka! You go!

Nah. Nerry? Shaestrel?

The Spring Faerie and the lamb hadnt even come downstairs. They were both watching Ryoka with sinister amusement. Both knew how to avoid the death-radius of incoming fire.

Ryoka, keep your voice down!

More people were waking up, but they were clustered on the stairs, and Ryoka shook her head.

Whats the point? Shes clearly going to get one of us.

Right, so lets not make it me!

Everyone chorused, but Ryoka pointed out something theyd clearly forgotten. She glanced upstairs as more people noisily banged downstairs.

She knows were here, you know. Remember? She senses everything in the inn.

The group huddled by the stairwell paused. Then someone shouted.

Hey, sheep, outta the way! Im starving! Morning, everyone! Whats going on?

Relc Grasstongue came stomping downstairs in good humor. Everyone stared at him in horror and perked up. Perfect!

Oh, Relc, why dont you say hello to Erin?

Lyonette whispered. Relc stared past Lyonettes right shoulder.

Hi, Erin?

Lyonette felt all the hairs on her neck standing up. Like a horror movie that Mrsha and Nanette had watchedthe two girls turned slowly, and Erin Solstice had gotten up. She threw up her arms and screamed as everyone shrieked in surprise.

Beach!

Erin Solstice was tired. She was glad she hadnt actually done something mean to her friends today.

Shed nearly unleashed something on thembut it was a surprise, and shed caught herself just in time. Why was she attacking her friends?

Well, if it made Chaldion or Laken or Lord Tyrion take things seriously, shed give them an object-lesson. But she thought they were serious, thanks to Ryoka in part.

Erin realized she might be stressed and said as much to Ulvama.

I think Im stressed.

The [Shaman] stopped in their morning dance routines and turned to face Erin. She was sweating in the koi-pond garden that the two had essentially turned into the dance-garden. Ulvama was one of the few people who were allowed in at all times, and she had even brought some of her supplies here.

The paints she liked to mix up, a pillow, booksErin sometimes caught her napping here when she didnt want to share space with anyone.

Yeah, Im worried. Do I look stressed to you?

The Hobgoblin eyed Erin.

Today, you lay on the floor muttering beach, then scared everyone. Yah. Sounds stressed to me. You need more dancing. Or restful, non-stress things. Or sex

She peered at Erin, then waved a hand.

Nah. Not for you. You need Erin-beach made for Erin. An [Innkeeper] for [Innkeepers].

That sounds sorta nice.

Erin thought Ulvama had a point. She raked a hand through her hair, and the Hobgoblin noticed Erins rather frazzled look.

You look bad.

I know. Its just that I was up all night working on the new configuration of the garden. Its training, plus I wanted to keep it going, and I am worried. Ryoka said she actually had a meltdown, so were both

Ulvama went over to her things and came back with a wooden comb.

No, you look bad. Hairs bad. Bleh.

Ulvama had dreadlocks when she cared to, or her own braids with beads or stones at other times. Erin felt at her hair.

Its not bad. Is it?

Ulvama, for reply, inserted the comb into Erins hair, then took her hand away. Erin didnt have long hair; she liked it shorter.

The comb stayed where it was without help. Dried sand and sweat, among other things, were calcifying Erins hair in place.

Okay, maybe thats bad. Ill wash it later.

You dont take care of your hair. Also, like the weird Courier-girl.

Ryoka.

Yes, her. You two dont take care of hair or skin like the [Princess]. Hold still. I have nice hair-gel here.

Erin protested.

Aw, Ulvama. Come on! I wash my hair!

Yesjust that. You need to do more.

Ryoka gets away with just the minimum, and shes pretty good!

Yeah. She also has bare feet. Some people like it. Some people, like Redfangs, can run around stupid and sweaty and look good. Not us.

Ulvama, surprisingly, lumped herself on Erins side of things, glowering at the imagined Ryokas of the world. Nothing would do but that she found some fresh, non-koi water, her homemade hair gel and soaps, and began washing Erins hair.

She had the oddest priorities. Erin squirmed and protested.

What are you, a [Barber]?

Nope. Just better than you. Hold still.

How long is this gonna take? Ive gotta

Ulvama swatted the back of Erins head when she tried to get away. Erin yelped and punched at Ulvama.

Ow.

Sorry! But dont do that! Ive gotta

Hair first.

Erin could either try to walk off or sit still. If she opened the door under her butt, she could fall into another place. But Ulvama had her fingers in her hair, and either the Goblin would break her fingers or rip out Erins hair by the roots.

She was oddlystubborn about Erins hair. Few people could bully Erin these days, and Ulvama, who was now in charge of Erins physical conditioning, was someone most people didnt even think about.

If they saw the lazy [Shaman], they hardly expected her and Erin to be talking every day. But Erins life was filled with the [Innkeeper] of chaos she presented to the world and quieter moments like this.

Erin supposed she was weird from the outside. Sothat was how she ended up sitting in a garden where no one but Apista could see them as a Goblin washed her hair.

She needed days like these. No, she needed routines like these.

If Erin was just the Erin who stomped around acting as a beach lifeguard, she would go insane. Or, if she was the one preparing for the Winter Solstice with wrath and fireshe would not be an [Innkeeper], but a [General].

So? Whats the beach look like today?

After a few minutes of fussing around, Ulvama got Erin to lay back so she could dunk her hair in a bowl of water. She began massaging Erins scalp, and the [Innkeeper], tired after the morning dances, lay there and tried not to be uncomfortable.

Shed been to barbers, and it was a surprisingly analogous experience. Even comfortable, but Erin didnt like having people attend to her.

I can wash my hair with your stuff, Ulvama. I wont run off

Hah. Shut up. Why is it so hard to let someone take care of you if you take care of everyone? Whats the beach like?

The [Shaman] blithely ignored Erins comment, and the [Innkeeper] gave up. She lay there, staring up at the blue sky of the gardens dome.

Welltheres a huge frickin cliff.

You made a cliff?

Yup. It must be, like, forty feet high. You climb up it and go diving into this big pool. But the pools actually more like a whirlpool.

Wat.

Ulvama gave Erin an incredulous look. The [Innkeeper] tried to explain.

Im saying it wrong. Okay, so imagine this huge pillar in the center of the garden. It goes to the top of the garden.

I didnt know it was that big.

Eh, each gardens like a hundred feet at least. Probably more. Mine has the smaller hill and then the one with mists on it, remember? So you start there, and if you climb upits got a ramp on one endyou can jump into this big, beautiful pool in the center. Theres also a whirlpool sloooowly draining into this hole in the center.

Okay. Where does the hole go?

Erin beamed happily.

Down! To the water below. Ysee, this entire pillar and the beach is actually a plateau on four huge pillars of water. And everything below it is water, moving about. Tons of swimming water. Its got to be twenty feet deep.

At this point, Ulvama gave Erin such a look of skepticism that Erin had to open the door, and Ulvama heard screams.

Mrsha, dont you dare! Dont youMrshaaaaa!

She and Erin saw a plummeting little Gnoll go diving down off a cliff into a swirling vortex of water. A horrified [Princess] stopped at the top of the too-high cliff, and Nanette pushed her. She went screaming, head-over-heels, and Erin hesitated.

Maybe I should make it shorter. And add protective cushions so you cant die. No, wait, a diving board. And guardrails everywhere else.

She twiddled her fingers, and the sandstone rock began morphing as Lyonette and Mrsha appeared in the pooland began getting sucked down to the water-level below.

You made that?

Ulvama stared at Erin. No wonder Erin was tired. The [Innkeeper] gave her an exhausted smile.

I wanted a more action-packed beach today. Plusit was an experiment in figuring out how to make structures and get the water to do weird stuff.

You worked hard. Good job.

Ulvama continued washing Erins hair, and the [Innkeeper] peered at the garden, already filling with people.

I should go greet people

Lie there. Your hair screams for mercy.

Nothing would do but for Erin to lie back, and the door vanished. Apista buzzed down and landed on Erins stomach.

Hey, Apista, whatchu doing?

The bee waggled her repaired wings at Erin, and Ulvama swatted at her.

Shoo, shoo.

Dont bully Apista!

Erin protested, and Ulvama snorted as Apista buzzed around her angrily.

Silly bee. She eats nectar all day and doesnt give any honey. I checked.

Shes one bee, Ulvama.

I am one Goblin, and I poo and eat. Give honey and Ill be nicer. Otherwise, what good is a silly bee?

Apista smugly perched on a nearby tree branch and rubbed her legs together. Oh, if only you knew, you stupid [Shaman]. My honeys too strong for you. You could not handle my honey.

She gave Ulvama an innocent antenna-wave as the Goblin glared suspiciously at her. Ulvama had a sweet tooth, and shed followed Apista around an entire day one time, hoping to come across a honey store.

Ulvama, do you have fun in my inn?

Erin, observing the interaction, felt the [Shaman]s clawed fingers halt a second in massaging her hair and scalp.

Me? Do you have fun?

Aha. See, youre doing the thing I do. You eat and sleep and stuff, but you were a bigshot [Shaman] in your old tribe. Is Rags actually refusing to work with you or would you go if she asked?

Ulvama sat there a long moment, then began to scrub Erins hair more vigorously. Erin winced, but the [Shaman] did speak after a few moments.

Rags is silly, prideful, smartand I was mad. But she was also right and wrong. I was the Mountain City tribes [Shaman]. I was themand their ways. Now, Rags is building a new tribe, and I do not fit.

But she didnt like you. I know youre powerful, and if

Ulvama flicked some sudds to the side.

No, you arent listening. I dontfit. A [Shaman] and [Chieftain] are like you and Lyonette. They have to be right. Even if I try and she trieswe are different. You understand?

Did youget along with Tremborag?

Erin had heard tales of the Great Chieftain, and she had never brought it up with Ulvama. By any metric, Tremborag had not been a good person. But Ulvama just shrugged, face blank.

Sure. Not like Rags and Taganchiel. They havewhats the word? Mutual respect. Psh. Tremborag was different. He was worried about having power. I kept trying to steal it. His lieutenants tried to steal it. He grabbed it back, lost ityou mess up, you get punished or killed. I understood that.

So youwere a better fit for him?

Erin was troubled and wished she could see more than Ulvamas stomach as the Hobgoblin kept working. Ulvamas voice was level.

Oh, sure, sure. Taganchiel was never a good [Shaman] in Tremborags tribe. Like Rags couldnt be. Me? I know Tremborags. We had sex. I made his lieutenants like me. He couldnt get rid of them. But I also helped him. Liketwo people holding knives at each others throats while stabbing a third person together.

That sounded terrible. Erin stared upwards.

Did you like him?

Me? Not really. He was strong, and the tribe was rich. Why?

You said you had sex with?

Ulvama waved that off as she poured more shampoo-stuff into the bowl.

Oh, that. Mountain City tribe isnt likewasnt likeRedfangs. Some tribes are like that. Garen was a strange [Chieftain]. So is Rags. They have different roots.

I dont get it.

Ulvama tapped her chest with a sigh.

My tribe was morepurerthan Rags. Or Garens. Or even Pyrites. You know Molten Stone tribe?

Rags said theres a [Witch] in it.

Yep. All of those tribes are different because Garen was an adventurer. Pyrite learned from an old, stupid Goblin who never talked to me or Tremborag. Rags talked to you. The Goblins from Molten Stone come from further off. Respectable Goblins. Mine was always justGoblins. Hungry Goblins. Dying Goblins. No one ever gave us blue fruits and spaghetti. We were hunted, not hunters. Thats how I grew up. Like that.

She didnt look happy when she said it, but there was a kind of pride in her tone. Erin looked up bleakly.

How hard was it?

Ulvama paused and seemed to weigh her words. She stopped, then poured something into Erins hair-washing bowl and spoke.

Almost done. Few last washes. I need more water. Open door to water?

Erin had a store of water in big kegs now, as well as the well. Ulvama drew more water and began washing Erins hair to clean it out before she spoke.

Before the Mountain City tribe was strongTremborag was not always the one Goblin. Before, it was factions. They killed us after Velan died, we rebuilt. I am older than Velan, like Tremborag. Not six. I am twenty-nine years old! One of the oldest except Tremborag!

She puffed out her chest. Erin gave her a surprised look.

You look as young as Numbtongue!

Ulvama splashed her with some water.

Goblins dont age like you silly people. You focused on the wrong thing. Twenty-nine! Twenty-nine! Few Goblins, even before Velan, got that old.

Oh. Congrats?

Ulvama looked incredibly disappointed and added more of her tonic into Erins final washes.

Yeah. Thanks. Mountain City Goblins have always beennasty. To women they capture. To men. You know what they did.

Erin stared up at Ulvama.

I know. Im glad that tribes gone. Even if I dont think they should have been slaughtered. Do you feel bad?

For a reply, Ulvama just sighed.

Badbad? I didnt think of it until Rags and Pyrite complained and screamed and rebelled. You say good and bad. I say it was how it always was. We did these things to Humans and everyone else. Tell me, Erin. What do you think they did to Goblins who got captured that they didnt kill right away?

Erin stared up at Ulvama as something ran through her, cold and unpleasant.

They didnt do that to Goblins?

The crimson light in Ulvamas eyes was harsh and, suddenly, intense. But her claws were very gentle.

She was going to show Rags how great she was. The [Great Chieftain] was giving her a suspicious look, and Ulvama waved as she kept whispering to Erin.

Onieva likes hot guys. So does Mirn.

Erin twisted her Ring of Silence hurriedly as they observed the two Drakes.

Both of them? But I thought they were Turnscale. Mirn makes sense, butthen whats Onieva? Guys and girls? Maybe shes just a good person?

Ulvama decided not to get into it right now. She rubbed at her forehead, then spoke.

You want to make this beach nice for her?

Oh, of course.

Okay. Good! Then dont make this beach so lame.

Erin stared off at Onieva and Mirn for a good ten seconds before her head slowly turned.

Excuse me? My beach is amazing. Do you not see the whirlpool diving board over the sea?

She pointed in outrage at her entire beach, and Ulvama patted Erin on the head patronizingly. Much like she had once done to Rags.

Oh, it is a very fun beach, Erin. Such fun for kiddies. Almost as if a child designed it. But this beach bans kisses? Where are the spots for Onieva and Mirn to have fun? For Lady Bethalwell, she makes her own fun.

Erin turned red.

Thats not fun you need to see! We dont need nuditow!

This time, Ulvama actually smacked her on the head, and her scowl was bigger than Erins.

Not everything is just sex, stupid! Where is the spot for people to have a moment together? To smile? Look!

She pointed at Jelaqua and Maughin, who were socializing somewhat awkwardly with some Dullahans and people they knew. Jelaqua seemed to be the odd-one-out, and Erin remembered her saying that a Selphid marrying a Dullahan wasnt the most accepted thing by the Pallassian-Dullahan communities.

Oh. Jelaqua?

She and the small War Walker are here. Talking. Sitting. Playing volleyball.

Ulvama made a retching sound and stuck a finger towards her mouth to show Erin what she thought of that. Then she poked Erin a few times.

Where. Is. Their. Happy. Moment? You can make it for Mrsha, but not for them? Is it because youre a bad [Innkeeper], so youre only Level 40 or something? Larracel is better. Even other [Innkeepers] are better. Give them a happy moment, especially for those two.

She pointed to Mirn and Onieva. Erin turned red as she tried to slap Ulvamas hands down. She was getting madbecause Ulvama had hit a nerve.

Im notyou dont needhow would you even do it, anyways? Without making a kissing beach or something?

She folded her arms, displaying an obstinate lack of imagination. Ulvama sighed. The things she had to do here. She whispered in Erins ear as the [Innkeeper] frowned.

Wait, justuh huh. And just that?

This time, Ulvama gave Erin a look almost as surprised as Mirn and Onieva. Because even she

Have you never enjoyed something like that? Even a hug?

Erin hesitated and turned red, and Ulvama stared at her a long moment before patting her arm.

Oh.

Im notIve had

The [Shaman] patted her more, since people were around, even with the [Silence] spell.

Nevermind. Lets talk later of it. But trust me. Okay?

Erin took a deep breathand then thought of Larracel. She closed her eyes, folded her arms, then stared atJelaqua and Maughin. Erins eyes swung to Onieva, to Rufelt and Lasica, and she exhaled.

Aw, heck. I guess I could try something new. Alright

She clapped her hands together, and half the plateau collapsed. Ulvama and Erin turned as people playing volleyball screamed and the entire third of the beach collapsed into the sea below. Erin hesitated as everyone stared at her.

That was a mistake. Everybody out! I need an hour!

The worlds greatest beach was not a theme-park. Oh, elements of it should be.

There should be tremendous waves, at times. Places to surf, even, yes, a whirlpool. But Erin had to confess that she might have been a bit overambitious and missed the forest for the trees.

After all, her latest design had made it so the beach was just this plateau you could fall off into the sea below.

She had separated the two when part of what made a beach the beach was walking in the surf.

She brought it back. Her grumbling guests didnt see Erin terraforming the garden. They sat, shivering in the cold inn where Ishkr had to stoke the fireplace to warm it back up. She had told them an hour, and it was closer to an hour and a half as she worked fast.

The only two people allowed in the garden were Ulvama and Apista. The [Shaman] paced around, giving Erin advice, critiquing her placement of objects, and Apista buzzed about happily as the entire place shifted.

It truly was a powerful room, even if the original owner had left it blank. Most gardens didnt have this ability to manipulate elements. This timeErin took advantage of it in ways she hadnt thought of before.

Is thisgood?

She was sweating by the time she got the sky looking right. Ulvama clapped her hands together, and then she did hug Erin, much to the [Innkeeper]s embarrassment. She ran up and down the beach.

Yes, yes! You do get it! But do more!

Oh, is this all it is? I just thought itd be nice for everyone to do. Not just two people.

Ulvama gave Erin a pained look.

If its fun for everyone, it can be fun for two people, right? Thats all it is.

Erin wavered a long while as water began to run downhill.

But theres not something more to romance? To love? What abouta special connection? What about the rest?

Thats just liking someone a lot. Sometimes because you want to have sex. Hm. Make water warmer. Make ocean stupid and stormy more over there, okay?

Apista listened to Ulvamas wise words on relationships as Erin, sighing, adjusted her garden. Then she was done. She threw the door back open and shouted.

Okay, everyone! Sorry! Beach 3.5 is ready to go! I had to do it. Come back inand well change our menus a bit.

Lyonette stomped through the door first, glowering and shivering from being wet in the cold winter air.

Honestly, Erin. You neednt have changed it after half a day! What could possibly be better aboh. That is better.

The other guests came into the beach fast, ready to be unimpressed. But rather to their surprisethis new beach wasnt as dramatic as the last one. In fact, Mrsha began to complain, loudly, until she stopped and stared twice.

The ideal beach should have a shore. It should have the wild parts, the ten-foot waves, the surfing, but the beach was more than just a day swimming around.

What was a beach? Erin remembered playing on Michigans lakes as a girl. But she forgotsome people lived on beaches. And what about rivers?

An estuary was where a river meets a sea. It was a fast current sweeping down the long beachfront on a gradient. It was so strong that when Nanette jumped in, she was halfway down the beach, and it was a struggle to even fight the brisk current and resist being swept to the ocean below.

The waters warmer! Did you do that, Miss Erin?

It was warmer, and the sun was less harsh. In facttoday, everyone turned, and Bethal gasped.

Oh my, its beautiful.

Erin did smile at that. The blue skies had changed. The illusion of light in the garden had become an evening sunset, red and orange and even purple and hints of green lit up the fading sky. Shed even fixed a fake sun in the back, as if it were setting against the sky.

Completely different in mood. The air still felt like salt, but there was a brisk wind moving around, and most crucially of allthe guests did a double-take as they saw what Ulvama had insisted on.

Erin, what is that?

A bar.

Rufelt and Lasica had set up a kind of primitive bar in the garden, but now there was an actual one with beach-chairs set up in the shade. And more than thatthere were a bunch of sand walls dividing parts of the beach up. Erin pointed to a wall that was essentially a privacy screen on one half of the river.

Okay, heres how it is. The bar area is where people get to eat and socialize. But thats the private relaxation area. In fact, if you want to put down a hut, go ahead.

Say what?

Erin waved her hands as Bethals head snapped around.

A hut. Like a resort. I didnt have enough time, but people can spend the night on the beach if they want. Ill call it Liscor Beaching!

Thats copying my thing!

Menolit roared, but in delight. Erins eyes twinkled.

Oh yeah? Well, I offer beachside walks, and Ill let people rent a villa. Though again, theyll have to make it first. I made that one.

She pointed at a sandcastle villa that was basically just a house made out of sand, minus furnishings. But it was catching peoples attention, and Bethal walked over fast.

Miss Solstice, do you mean that if I had, say, a very lovely tent, I could set it up and pay you to sleep here overnight? I assure you, Thomast and I would be the best of guests.

Plus, the tent has silence spells.

Pryde muttered, and Lyonette clapped her hands over her mouth. Bethal shot Pryde a warning look of dont mess this up for me, and she gave Erin a huge smile.

We would assuredly keep to your beach rules, Miss Solstice! I swear on House Walchas name!

Bethal lied like she breathed. But Erin just heaved a huge sigh and, after glancing at Ulvama, spoke loudly.

That wont be necessary, Lady Bethal. I am not saying its open season, especially if people dont wanna be kissed, but Ive been told that banning kisses is stupid.

Gasp. Lyonette almost fell over in shock. Had someone replaced Erin? The [Innkeeper] spoke quickly.

Im just easing the restriction! Thats why were having the living area there. Then well have sports here, and maybe even a spa or massages here. Wishdrinks staff says some of them know how to do it. The actual swimming part is nice over hereand over there is the whirlpool and storms and ten-foot high waves.

She grew visibly happier when she pointed to the chaotic part of the beach, where, yes, shed kept the diving board. But this

This was a beach that combined the elements of the last beaches and improved them. In fact, it was even more profitable, because Bethal immediately put down a deposit for a spot, and people began asking Erin if they could haul in lumber and how much for a night. In factWailant looked at his ship, which had been taking longer to build than he thought, and at Erin and came to a quick decision.

Erin!

She jumped as he strode over, arms spread wide. Wailant pointed.

Sell me three spots. Heres the deal: you let me set up an inninside your inn. Something plush. Blankets, pillowsweve got loads of the older stuff in the farm. Dead gods, well throw in the guest bed!

And why do you get three spots, Wailant? Viceria, you, and Garia all get a house? What about the others?

The [Pirate] looked askance at Erin.

What, I only need one! But then I rent out all three each night. You getone-fifth of the profits? Im doing all the labor.

Erin folded her arms, impressed at how fast hed come to his new business model. Timeshares? Someone should stop this man from bringing them into the world, but in truth, Wailant was more like a resort owner.

Dont you have a farm to run?

Bah, its all snowy, and its just animals. In fact, Ill sell you my spitting sour melons! Theres no wildlife herelets have a few animals roaming around! Fish in the water? I reckon there has to be some bastards for fishing. Imagine it.

He took her by the shoulder and held his arm out, envisioning the gold pouring in. Erin had to laugh.

Oh, alright. But just make it a nice place for people to stay. Okay? Somewhere to get away from it all.

She was eying Jelaqua and Maughin, who were looking at the very polite Dullahans and others and eying Erin. The [Innkeeper] had, in fact, set up that part of the garden like a maze, and you could walk along that section of beach without being seen.

Privacy, Ulvama had claimed. Not romantic petals floating in dubious bathwater or candlelight dinners like Erin pictured. You could have that, but what she really meant wasa beautiful sunset. Warm, pleasant air, and the ability to do what you wanted in peace.

Erin could get behind that. Wailant was getting nervous because more people, Menolit included, were pushing forwards and trying to copy his idea.

How about it, Erin? Lets shake on it. Onefourth?

Erin held out her hand, and he grabbed for itonly for her to raise it.

Gotcha! Lyonette, Yelroan! Youre in charge of dealmaking.

The [Pirate]s face fell. Erin backed away, beaming, and then turned just in time to see someone celebrating the raising of her kiss-ban.

Yay! We dont have to not-kiss? It was a stupid rule, anyways!

Visma hugged Mrsha, and Mrsha kissed her on the forehead. Even the kids had been mocking Erin. The [Innkeeper] shook a fist at them as they laughed and pointed at her.

I did it for you! For publicaw, nevermind. Enjoy.

It was like Erin had opened a dam, because now they saw the private area, there were a lot of people suddenly asking if there was room for a group and keen to introduce themselves to members of the opposite sex.

That was only the visible flirting. Liska stared about and decided she had to build a nice spotand then make some introductions when there were fewer listeners. Onieva was laughing as she waved at Erin in thanksand Visma, who was also laughing, planted a kiss on Ekirras cheek.

The Gnoll boy went scarlet under his fur, then ran into the surf, shouting. Mrsha laughed at him until she saw Vismas smug smile and frowned, confused.

Oh, what have I done?

Erin rubbed at her forehead, but Ulvama just patted her on the shoulder.

Good things. See? Look how they smile.

Erin turnedand Jewel and Normen were in line to buy a spot, laughing. Her face softened, and Erin remembered why shed made this damn beach to begin with.

Shed lost sight of it along the way of trying to perfect her beach-making Skills, fishing underwear out of the water, kicking jerks and people trying to buy tickets out of the beach, and enduring Lord Tyrions presence.

Oh. That is nice.

She kicked at the sand again, and this time no cat poo emerged. So Erin turned to Ulvama and whispered, a bit embarrassed.

I didnt mean to ban kissing as inpeople having fun. I justit wasnt just for the kids. Mrsha doesnt care. I guess I just thought it was weird for us to see.

People kissing?

Yeah. I mean, its awkward. I guess it was stupid to ban it explicitly, huh?

Yep.

Butyouve never seen how some of them kiss!

Erin turned redder, and Ulvama sort of wanted to ask what kind of professional-grade kisses Erin had seen. But she hmmed, because it made more sense. Erin never looked more lost than when someone confronted her with romance. And few people even thought to do that, these days.

Poor [Innkeeper]. She was just like Tremborag, though Ulvama would never tell her that. Hed had lots of sex, but he had pretended he had no actual heart. At least in Erins case, she was trying to change. After a while, Erin glanced about.

Whatchu gonna do, Ulvama? Are you going to findfun people?

Erin scowled a bit at the thought, but the [Shaman] just patted her on the head.

Nah. Something more fun.

Like whoh no.

Erin got pulled over and almost resisted, but the [Shaman] was grinning.

This time, you choose your hair. I can even do only tips or striped-patternsyou want rainbows? I can do that. Mrsha! Come over and we dye your fur crazy! You want a black skull on your back?

Mrsha came racing overand so did Lyonette to demand Ulvama not do that. But Ulvama just waved a claw at her.

You dont speak. You can barely dye your hair another color when youre hiding. I am a professional. I do amazing hair. Ill do yours.

Me? Well

Lyonette eyed Erins rather impressive dye-job in, what, less than an hour? If Ulvama could do that

I suppose I could patronize your work, Ulvama. If you and I go through the available colors. Im not opposed to new looks.

The Goblin snorted as she put out her dyes.

Yeah, sure. Bring money.

M-money?

Lyonettes face fell again, and Ulvama grinned.

Sure. I do hair and neck-spines and fur.

Even the Drakes looked around as the Hobgoblin rubbed her claws together. And she had a rare thing too. Erin Solstice lay down on the beach and stared at the sunset, a clone of the ones shed seen before.

It is nice. Alright, Ulvama. I guess I could do my old hairbut with, like, some cool strands of color. Can you give me green and blue? So it sorta looks magical, like Garias hair but a bit more pronounced?

Mhm. You want white?

That sounds cool. Is that too many colors?

Ulvama rolled her eyes, but she grinned as Mrsha held up her imagea crudely drawn skull on her back with flames coming out the mouth. Nanette wanted golden highlights, and there was already a line.

But the real magic was Erin lying there and relaxing. She murmured, counting down the days.

Weve still got plenty of time. But not enough. If only it could last.

Day after dayUlvama patted her on the forehead as someone came down to lie next to Erin.

Rags had no interest in canoodling, but she pointed at her hair.

Give me something good, [Shaman].

You got money, random [Chieftain]?

Rags threw some gold coins at Ulvama, and the [Shaman] prepared their dyes, sketching with a claw on a bit of paper as she decided to enlist a curious Nanette, Visma, and Kenva, much to Watch Captain Venims horror, as helpers. Erin smiled at Rags, and for once

Relaxed.

The surf rose and fell, and Onieva looked back at Erin as she leaned on the new bar that Rufelt was already demanding upgrades for, and Antinium were clattering around with boards and nails and furniture.

This beach would get even better, and she had a feeling this one might be here to stay.

Well, well, well. Do you think it was the [Shaman] or Erin? They cant have done this for us, right?

Mirn just eyed the private villas and thought about all his friends who would definitely come here because it was a popular beach. So all the male Drakes could kiss all the female Drakes just like the Ancestors intended, and definitely not anything else in the private villas. Nosiree.

He smiled.

I thinkwe could rely on her a bit more, Onieva. Ill go and spread the word. You have fun.

She smiled and winked at someone who was watching her across the bar and got a blush.

Oh, I think I will.

[Witch of Second Chances Level 20!]

[Skill Spell School: Color Magic Proficiency obtained!]

[Skill Drain Color obtained!]

[Skill Infuse Color obtained!]

[Skill Basic Painting obtained!]

Authors Note:

Another beach chapter. Again, I havent heard any revolts. What would you even do to overthrow me? Quit posting on Reddit for two days?

We are moving at a chapter-a-day pace. Its fun, though I am feeling major blasting from last week in terms of mental energy.

I also realized I had miscalculated and was getting 7 hours of sleep per day, rather than aiming for 9, which is something I actually tend to need when writing. So Im behind on multiple fronts!

However! I will take it easy if I must! I just hate not writing on a day if I havent announced it in advance. Well, and wellI also just like typing. Shocking, I know, but Im back at it, and I did take off Sunday and Saturdayishfor other work.

Editing typos for 4 hours on the e-book/audiobook of Book 11. Whew, thats not restful. But you know what is restful? Finishing this authors note, which I just did. See you on the next one.

Jewel and Embraim by Lanrae!

Erek, Potions, HiddenTrees, and more by /brack

Twitter: /Brack_Giraffe

Ook by onionlittle!