The underground world of Burt’s people reminded me a lot of the nourishment retrieval center in La Sveg As. Very clinical, with small rooms. Those rooms were where humans would go, donate blood, and rest up to recoup.
The only thing missing was windows.
I was assigned a small room a short hallway walk from what they called the main recreation room. Voices carried from the room, laughter. My room barely had enough space for the single thin bed, however, I had no intention of staying long. I needed to get used to my human body, used to the way things were, and then I’d leave.
Not that the folks in Hopeland weren’t nice. They actually were very nice.
While I had not met many of them, I did discover that most did not speak with the twang and drawl that Burt did. They dressed in comfortable clothing, and a man who called himself Joshua walked with me, giving me a tour of each area of the complex, then asked me if I had any useful skills.
This took some time.
Being beautiful wasn’t just a useless skill, it was one I didn’t have anymore.
“I can create garments,” I replied with some embarrassment. It was a craft I liked to do, but one no Ancient Princess dare perform.
“You make garments. You mean a seamstress?”
“Yes, but I wouldn’t call myself a seamstress, I did not work in the field, only practiced on the side. I am quite good, but please do not tell a soul. I know it is not a favorable profession.”
“Are you kidding?” He smiled. “We really need someone who can make and fix clothing around here. You’ll be a goddess when people find out. “
“That is a title I strive to achieve.”
He laughed as if I were making a joke. I wasn’t.
He left me at the eating station, where many gathered to eat. There was a line and Burt was in it. He waved my way.
“Madge!” He left his position in line and walked over to me. “Come on, grab some food.”
I had avoided the breakfast Burt brought for me, and I was still unsure if my new body would handle the food. I wasn’t even sure how to eat it.
“I’m not hungry.”
“Sure you are. I know you are. You have to eat. Gotta keep that cute figure of yours in shape.” He gave me a friendly nudge.
“My figure? You like my figure?”
“Heck yeah, it’s hot.”
I laid my hand to my chest. My skin did feel warm. “It is.”
“You’re funny, Madge.”
I bobbed my head proudly. “I do have witty moments.”
“Funny and attractive. My type of gal.”
“Oh, Burt.” I waved out my hand. “You flatter me.”
“And you flatter me by hanging around me.” He took hold of my arm. “Come on, let’s go get some food. We’ll eat together.”
I felt proud being escorted by such a noble human as Burt. He’d probably lost the tooth in a battle. I could see he was at one time a human warrior. He had that look to him.
My meal portion was meager because I was apprehensive. If it set well, I’d have more. Burt introduced me to a woman named Claudette. He told me she and I would end up being friends.
She was friendly and attractive too, and had a power about her that I liked.
“We’re all hanging out tonight,” Claudette said. “Do you drink?”
“Don’t we all?”
Claudette laughed.
Burt laughed.
I was funny. I was spreading happiness. It made me feel good.
“It’s game night,” Claudette said.
I adore games,” I replied. “May I join in?”
“Absolutely,” Claudette nodded.
“We usually play card games,” Burt added. “About six of us. We’re the night owls.”
The term night owl wasn’t one I was familiar with, I assumed it was their group name, like an organization. I was trying to grasp the lingo. If I was going to be human, I needed to truly take on the role, not just physically. So hoping I didn’t sound unintelligent, I said. “May I be part of the Night Owls, drink, and play card games?” I left out the part where I didn’t quite understand card games.
“Sure,” Burt said. “Tonight we’re playing Skip-Bo.”
“Skip Bo?”
“And we made Old Maid into a drinking game,” Claudette informed me
Skip Bo was easy to deduct. I knew what skipping was, so obviously it was a physical competition. But the other game... “Old Maid?” I questioned. “I never played Old Maid. Do we dress up like elders and seek companionship that we’re too old to find?”
Again both Claudette and Burt laughed.
Their laughter made me feel good, and I had realized another talent I had— the ability to fill people with joy. Claudette and Burt were wonderful beings.
The bread was delicious too. No wonder humans enjoyed eating.
I looked around the eating station at all the happy faces. These humans were different than the ones at the Straits. I liked them. I made a decision, right there and then, that when I regained my Ancient abilities and sought out the final destruction of the free will of man, that unless something drastic and horrible happened, the people of Hopeland would forever be in my good graces.