17 Chapter 17 - Talks Behind the Scenes (2/2)

”Our biggest problem will be Becca herself. She has 'made up her mind' to not go after Katye,” Alice replied.

”Ha, that's fresh. When has Becca been that closed off?” Terri laughed.

”Well, for some reason she doesn't think anyone can resist Gustavo's charms for long... thanks to a certain pair,” Alice said, side-eyeing the two cuddled up on the other sofa.

Sophia blushed lightly and turned her head away while Lesedi laughed and said, ”I never said I was gay.”

”That aside,” Sophia said, her face still red as she faced the group again, ”we can solve it by telling Gustavo to stay away from her.”

”Seeing how that is what started their fight yesterday, even that lovable blockhead will have enough sense to keep away from her. No, our problem is Becca herself,” Alice said.

”Couldn't we just get them drunk and slip her some Baruen,” Lesedi suggested with an evil chuckle.

The other three girls gave an annoyed sigh while Sophia went a step farther and flicked Lesedi's ear.

”We want them to become a couple, not for Becca to break her,” Sophia said in an exasperated tone.

”Heh, heh, it was a fun night,” Lesedi snickered with a smile.

”Any less crazy plans?” Alice asked.

”Actually, I might have an idea. Becca practically impossible to get out of the house except when we are going to Powell's Books store. The whole place is over an acre large and as long as we can get those two off together, the 'magic' should fly,” Terri said then laughed at her own joke.

”It wouldn't be too hard to arrange, but we need to talk...” Sophia was cut off by a whistling sound coming from something on Alice's desk.

”Sorry, give me a few minutes while you three keep talking,” Alice said, standing up and walking over to her desk.

A black, metal pyramid decorated with runes that had lit up was the source of the sound. Alice pulled out a special, animal hide scroll from one of the drawers and spread it out then she placed the pyramid over it, about an inch above the actual skin. The runes began to flash in a unique pattern once it was in place and words began to appear under it as it hovered across the scroll. Few people could read the dead language appearing on the page, but Alice, of course, knew it since it was from the 'Old Days'. The pyramid was a magical device that she used to measure the 'Great Ward' and predict when she could open a portal into the 'Rift'.

”Well, as I was saying,” Sophia said once the whistling stopped. ”We should talk to the others, just to make sure Becca doesn't have anyone else to slip off with. Gustavo and Ella probably won't come at all. Kiara, Melissa, and Yue will likely group up and want to go to the medical section, so Becca shouldn't be too interested in going with them. I guess that means you are stuck with us, Terri.”

”Meh,” Terri said as she shrugged. ”I'm not expecting any new books anyways.”

”Going to a bookstore for a date? Boring!” Lesedi complained.

”Do you have a better idea?” Sophia asked.

”I still like my drinking idea!”

Terri laughed, shaking her head, as Sophia sighed again and covered Lesedi's mouth with her hand. Alice walked back over and sat back down in her spot.

”So?” Terri asked.

”Tomorrow night, the Shaconage Mountains for a week,” Alice replied.

”Damn, well, I guess that means this is on hold until we get back,” Terri said.

”We can always plan it for the day after we get back. It's always nice to go back to the 'real' world after spending a long time in the 'Rift'. Plus, since it will be Katye's first time in the 'Rift', it won't be hard to force those two together since Becca is still the only one who can touch Katye when she isn't actively suppressing her bloodline. We can't let our newest member be in danger,” Sophia said mischievously.

”It's a little early for Katye to go, but her magic is developing at an incredible rate. I guess it wouldn't be too bad to send her along if the whole group goes. The Shaconage Mountains are known for their herbs and mineral deposits, so this could be a very valuable trip,” Alice said. ”Alright, you girls go about your day while I try to figure out what you might 'see' while you are there.”

”See you later, Alice,” Sophia and Lesedi said as they stood up.

Terri gave Alice a small peck on the cheek before she stood up as well and followed the pair out of the room. Alice watched them leave before she got up as well and went over to her desk, pulling out the various tools she would need to 'see' into the 'Rift'.