Eden paused and said, “I don’t have the funds for that.”
Xida smiled.“Then ask for investment.Some of these ladies need a mate-free day now and then.They would toss in some funds.You have elves and mages here.Spoiled for choice.”
Vine smiled.“I can throw in half a million, and I can find enchantments and assistance on keeping it upright once you get it built.”
Xida grinned.“See?There are people with funds in the islands.Use them.Now, once the shop is built, Vine would have a place to sit and relax, possibly while watching the octopus in the harbour.Meeda could learn to breathe again, Eden could think about starting her own family this time, and Faline could look at the water and calculate where she was fished out.Elves and mages, and so much to think about.Plus, with Mia working on the swimwear and new activewear line, stress testing suits is definitely a way to spend time.”
Meeda cleared her throat, but Vine beat her to the question.“What are you?”
“Inspiration.That’s all.”Xida smiled.
Vine stared.“Oh, holy fuck.”
“Yes, I know, Ivy is luck, but this is different.This is internal and not external factors.It is also why I don’t get upset when folks grab me and use me to fulfill a need.No, not sex.But things like today’s race.The inspiration is an aura.I can’t focus it or rein it in.”
Vine nodded.“Right.Shit.I think of a problem in a spell I have been having, and it suddenly unravels and makes sense.”
Meeda was about to speak when her phone went off.It was the search-and-rescue desk.“Hello?”
“We have a stranded visitor on a rented boat.Can you run location?”
“Sure.I am in town.Have my suit ready.Be there in three minutes.”Meeda smiled.“Gotta go.I have to disappoint another tourist.”
Xida nodded.“I am staying at the hotel, so I will be around.”
Eden paused.“What do you see for a teahouse?”
Xida moved to sit next to her, and Moira provided a tablet while they went over menus, designs, and minimum and maximum requirements.Getting a deck with a storm rating that was accessible was difficult but manageable.
Meeda grinned, nodded to everyone, and left.
* * * *
Wearing a sports suitthat had been specially designed by Mia, Meeda flew in the direction of the distress call.It was, surprisingly, a male, and he had been floating for a few days before he managed to get a distress call out.
Meeda had locators and beacons on her waist, and she used altitude to see the speck on the horizon that was her target.
She picked up speed and had her emergency kit handy.
When she got closer, she could see definite damage caused by something with teeth.The motor was trashed.She called out, “Ahoy, the boat!”
A figure moved from belowdecks, and he looked at her.“Fuck me, a pixie.”
“Couldn’t you teleport somewhere safe?”
“Nope.Not in my skill set.”
She landed and said, “Can I offer you water, a sports drink, or some food?”
“Yes, to all three.”
She handed him the pack and smiled as he grabbed for the water.
She spoke into her com.“I am on the ship; it isn’t mobile.We need a tow.”
Skaay Daring spoke.“Activate a beacon, and we are on the way.”
She took a beacon off her belt and slammed it to the hull.Then she repeated it.“Beacons up.”
