"It has been a while since I have been out to see them," Lila told me as I peered out of the carriage window, watching the busy city streets creep by.

"Will they be expecting us? Should we have sent a calling card over there beforehand?"

"Oh, darling, they always have members of the community who do not say they're coming by. We usually do not have to be so very formal. And there are a few shops I wanted to take you to beforehand," Lila said with a mischievous grin.

As if on cue the carriage slowed to a stop in front of a brick building with a variety of clothing on display in the front windows We emerged from the carriage and I followed Lila in through the open double doors.

A few customers browsed the store looking at different fabrics, laces, and other items on display.

Lila walked to the counter and rang the little silver service bell. Moments later a portly woman with a ruddy face emerged from the back. She smiled instantly when she saw Lila and I could see her eyes cut in my direction before addressing us.

"Why, Lila! I haven't seen you since the dinner party; I was beginning to think you had forgotten us here."

Lila laughed squeezing the older woman's hands.

"Oh, Ms. Rebecca, I could never forget my favorite shopkeep." Lila turned halfway between us. "Ms. Rebecca I would like for you to meet Nova; my dearest friend who is new to our city. Nova, this is Mrs. Rebecca. She owns this lovely shop, and she can create anything you can imagine. She made the green gown you wore last night."

I gaped at the woman, then quickly covered it with my best smile taking her outstretched hand. "It is so very nice to make your acquaintance; your work is extraordinarily beautiful. Lila so graciously allowed me to wear one of your creations to a dinner engagement I had this last eve."

"Oh, it is lovely to meet you too dear. I am so happy to hear that the green number worked for your evening with Mr. Dermaniask," She clapped her hands making me jump. "So what can I do for you today Lila dear?"

How, did she know all of that? I glanced at Lila, who was smiling at Mrs. Rebecca but she didn't miss the private gossip she so obviously heard about me.

Lila drummed her fingers on the countertop giving me a good once over. "Well, Nova needs an all-new wardrobe. We want to get a few things to take today and then have some things made, coming back another day when we have more time to dedicate to this endeavor."

"Oh, you ladies have come at the perfect time. I have just gotten in some brand new items; premade, but absolutely stunning."

Rebecca disappeared into the back of her shop and Lila shot me an encouraging smile.

It was finally time to reinvent my look; To finally create my very own style.

Rebecca assured us, as we left her store, that my new items would be promptly delivered to the house, by the time we returned home. She was a kind and cheerful woman, and Lila was right. The dresses that she had were gorgeous. As well as her more casual items.

I sat in the carriage once again, staring down at the new black breeches and soft black leather boots I wore.

None of the women back in my old town would dare wear breeches, even in the comfort of their own homes. I, however, didn't feel manly at all. The cream linen top and black corseted vest made me feel curvy and feminine, and the dark fitted wool coat I wore finished off the ensemble perfectly.

Lila of course loved it. I did notice a couple of the women in the shop give me strange looks as I walked out of the fitting room, but as soon as I saw it all together I fell in love. I wondered what Berith would think of it, I smiled; blushing at the thought.

"Thinking of Berith?" Lila questioned seeing the smile plastered on my face.

"Thank you, Lila; so much, for all of this."

Her cheeks tinged pink for a moment as she dipped her head. "No need to thank me. You are finally free to be who you truly are. I am just happy that you have that opportunity now, and that you have found your way back here."

We were moving past the outskirts of the city the cobblestone streets have given way to worn dirt roads and I could see in the distance what looked like a wooden fence, from the road disappearing into the tree line.

"We are almost there, Nova," Lila said, craning her neck to peer out of the window.

Arriving in front of our destination I saw that the fence was surrounding a small village; two gas laps stood on either side of the entryway, the great wooden doors standing open. What looked like a guard shack connected to the left side of the tall perimeter. My mouth gaped open at the sight of this community. I could see people moving about through the open gateway as far back as my sight allowed from this view.

"Come," Lila said, opening the carriage door, "we have to leave the carriage from here and walk in on foot."

Lila spoke with her driver briefly as I stood there studying what I could see of the village.

"What is this place, Lila?" I questioned.

"Well," Lila said, turning towards me a smile blossoming on her face as she spoke, "this is our village. There are shops and such along both sides here," she said pointing to the left and right, "The families have cottages in the back; along with our gardens and such. This," she pointed to the large building that looked like an Inn and Pub in the front with a thatched roof and a porched that looked as if it wrapped around the entirety of the building, "is the ­­­main building. It has a Pub and an Inn, as well as our community dining hall; A few rooms for guests and visitors. Meeting rooms, ballroom, and a few other rooms along with the kitchen."

I gaped at her. Did she just say "our" village?

A few of the villagers had stopped their activities to watch us as we walked towards the main building, curious looks flitted across their faces. I could hear laughter coming from inside the Inn; more laughter floated through the air from further back; children playing, no doubt.

"Come; let us go and have a drink." Lila turned and started up the wide stairs that led to the wraparound porch, disappearing through the dimly lit double-door entryway.

All I could do was follow her.

Lila stopped to glance back motioning me to follow her to the gleaming dark wood bar set to the right of the side of the main room. It looked more like an enormous sitting area, rather than a typical pub. I stood there staring at the Tavern; my head swiveling to glance back out at the exit. There was no way this was the same building. Yes, it looked large from the outside, but it seemed to expand as you entered.

How was that even possible?

"Magic," a voice whispered making me jump. Lila had come back to stand next to me as I viewed the enormous space.

"What?" I choked out.

She laughed, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the bar side of the room. We walked past a few booths and tables that looked like cubbies built into the walls, with heavy curtains on either side to close if privacy was needed. The space was beautiful.

I heard a pop and crackle from the fireplace located opposite the large bar.

I turned to look at the large fireplace that covered the entire left wall. Made from large stones, its hearth is easily over a foot taller than either of us. I could have walked into it arms raised with plenty of room to spare. Large logs made the blazing flames within as they danced around the space that housed them.

"Come on, let's go sit while we wait," Lila said, a bottle in one hand and two glasses in the other.

She lead me to one of the seating areas positioned around the fireplace. She sat on an oversized plush couch, The large table in front of us squat and low to the ground.

I accepted the glass she offered, running my hand along the soft fabric that covered the cushions; a deep brown, with what looked like light brown woven threads throughout.

I finished the glasses' contents in one fiery gulp.

"Why did you bring me here?" I questioned motioning for her to refill my glass.

"I suspect she brought ya hear to learn about where she comes from. Your home and hers." A voice spoke from behind making us both turn.

"Oh, Draya, I am so glad to see you!" Lila cried out, standing and walking to greet the older woman's embrace.

Darya laughed as she hugged Lila, "Where else would I be?" She looked past Lila, her gaze settling on me, "And who do we have here, Lila?"

Lila glanced at me and then bowed her head before the woman. "Please Draya, if we may have a private audience with you in your study—"

Draya held up a wrinkled hand, cutting off Lila, midsentence, "I will grant you and you alone what you ask. You may speak your peace and then I will decide about young Nova, here." Draya spoke her voice soft and gravelly.

My eyes widened. How did she know my name? What was this place that she called my home?

Lila lifted her head glancing at me, an apologetic look flitted across her face for a moment before she turned back to the older woman before her.

"Nova, it was lovely to meet you, and I mean no disrespect, but you must understand my reason. The reasoning of this community is to keep certain things private for now." Draya's eyes were soft, her smile crinkling at their corners as I looked up at her.

I stared unabashedly in awe of the power I could feel radiating from her. "I feel no disrespect, ma'am," I began, smiling at her, "It was an honor to meet you. Thank you for having me as a guest in your lovely community."

Draya's mouth quirked, her eyes sparkling, "You are very welcome, my dear. Please make yourself at home. You are no guest here, Nova. Lila and I will both return to you as soon as we have finished."

I nodded my head to her as Lila had and watched as they made their way through the large room disappearing behind a dark red curtained doorway. As soon as they were gone, I stood, grabbed the bottle and my glass, turned on my heels, and headed out of the front door. Every patron in the grande room had their eyes on me as I exited the magnificent building.