Beware a pretty face.

Anyone can wear a mask to hide their true intentions or lack of substance.

It is what lies beneath the skin that matters most.

“And here we are!” Chuck said proudly, holding his arms out in a TA-DA fashion.

Wendell looked up, confused. At first, he wasn’t sure if the wizard was referring to the obviously intoxicated merchant perched precariously on the stool, or the funny looking shop called Leilani’s behind him.

The lopsided, two-story building exhibited a painting experiment gone awry. It looked like someone couldn’t decide what color to use, then stopped before it was half finished. Bright glowing splat marks drooled down one side, small fragments of shells still on the ground. Disconcerted, Wendell stared at the display window…full of female mannequins.

“Here?” he hesitated. Wendells chest was still hurting, though it had lessened noticeably. Because of that creepy old lady and her empty black eyes, he was worried that everyone could tell he was, in truth, a fraud…and not the real hero.

Who else knows things about me? It was a troubling thought and it took some effort to keep his imagination from taking over. Focus Wendell. You’re here. Be here. You can’t do anything about it now, so stop  thinking of the negatives. You may not be a hero right now, but you can learn. He glanced at the wizard and managed a weak smile, “It looks like girl stuff to me.”

Chuck held the door open for an old human couple, heavy laden with packages, leaving the shop. Oblivious to anything going on above his head, Dax shoved between them and pushed his way inside without so much as an excuse me.

Wendell watched Dax, disbelieving. What a jerk!

Though a bit surprised, the couple patiently moved, as anyone would, out of the way of a head strong child. Then, bowing respectfully to Chuck, they smiled at Wendell standing aside and left the shop.

Once inside, Wendell’s eyes hadn’t even fully adjusted to the change in the lighting before Dax was already growling at him.

“Make it quick, we ain’t trying to impress anyone,” he snapped. Sniffing the air, Dax scanned the surroundings. Pulling himself onto a tall stool near the door, he warned, “I don’t like this place. Something ain’t…right.”

The shop was cheerfully lit by globes suspended in silver webs and strategically placed at the best vantage points. Upon closer examination, Wendell saw that the blue light was emanating from a playful, caterpillar-shaped creature, flipping and twirling in the liquid. Thin curls of smoke escaped multiple incense burners throughout the shop, lightly caressing each guest in the scent of cedar, cinnamon and roses. Chuck and Wendell’s footsteps were muted in the vibrant rugs laid out over shiny wood floors.

They seemed to be the only people here.

Waiting, Wendell admired the lifelike mannequins on the display tables. Each modeled the clothing folded in neat piles at their bases, but he didn’t see anything he would be interested in wearing. Robes, dresses and long tunics that looked a little too close to miniskirts were all he could really see, which was disconcerting.

Ugh! What was I thinking, letting Chuck—the wizard who only has one outfit in his entire wardrobe and Dax—the underwear zealot, take me to get new clothes??! There is no way they’re making me wear a dress…even if they do call it a ‘robe’!

“May I help you?” came a soft and sultry voice from behind them.

“Yes,” said Chuck turning. “My young friend here, needs…” and his voice skidded to a halt.

Wow. Wendell gulped. He stared, blinking in disbelief and found it, once more, very difficult to breathe…his chest burned, the skin around the gem itching.

Her oiled skin was darker than a moonless night and it reflected the dancing lights within the room. Her green eyes smoldered under the silver-painted eyelashes as she patiently indulged in their admiration. She wore a light silver dress with a high neck and long sleeves. The soft material flowed over her buxom figure, gently accentuating her feminine curves, the lengths gradually becoming a delicate white lace as it brushed across her fingertips and toes.

“Good evening, gentlemen,” she curtsied ever so slightly. She glanced momentarily to include Dax, who was watching her suspiciously from the corner. She said, in the same sultry voice, “I am Leilani. How may I be of service?”

Wendell opened his mouth to respond, found it impossible to utter anything intelligent and clamped it shut again.

Walking between Wendell and the wizard, her fingers casually blazed a trail of fire up their arms, across their backs, to rest her palms between their shoulder blades. With the slightest pressure, she guided them deeper into the shop with a full lipped smile. “Which one of you is the ‘young friend?”

Chuck laughed and winked at Wendell, “Oh, I like her.”

Leilani placed a soft hand on Chucks chest, running her fingers over the worn fabric. “It looks like this poor robe has seen its fair share of wear.” The wizard swallowed nervously at her touch. She continued, “I have a magnificent sorcerers robe—high collar, sleeve compartments for vials and spell components.” She ran her index finger around the rim of Chucks hat, down his cheek, then twirled it in his beard. “I also have a small selection of distinct hats for discerning tastes.” She smiled, her perfect white teeth shining.

Pulling her fingers free of his beard, Chuck gently patted her hand. “No, thank you, my dear. We’re here for young Wendell.”

Leilani glanced at Wendell. “Are we now?” she whispered softly in his direction. While biting her lip, her gaze crawled up every inch of his body.

Wendell shuddered.

In the front of the store, Dax watched warily as a young lady approached him.

Blowing a loose strand of hair out of her flushed face, the young woman smiled politely. “Hello sir, can I help you find something?” She wore a nondescript cotton dress, her hair bound in a simple pony tail, her face worn, but friendly.

“No. I’m here with those two. Just waiting ’til they’re done.”

The girl glanced at Leilani talking to Wendell and Chuck in the back of the shop. “Oh…I see.”

Dax caught a fleeting look of concern in her expression before she forced a polite smile back on her face. “Alright sir. Just…let me know if you need any help and…have a good day.”

“Yeah,” Dax nodded. His attention went back to Leilani. He wasn’t sure what that was about, but he was definitely going to keep an eye on the shops proprietor.

From out of nowhere, a measuring tape appeared in Leilani’s hand. She stepped behind Wendell. “If you would…,” she whispered in his ear, “…just hold your arms out to the side. Thaaaat’s right. Just…like…that. Mmmmm.”

Butterflies beat against his stomach. She smelled of vanilla, her breath sweet. He winced at the fire in his chest. What’s wrong with me?

Reaching around him with both arms, Leilani snuggled up next to Wendell and measured the circumference of his chest. Her fingers lingered, then dropped to measure around his hips. Wendell tried to hold perfectly still, but, embarrassed, he twitched. Grabbing his wrist, she drew the tape up his arm and, inhaling deeply, she ran her face along the cloth of his tunic.

Wendell flinched. Did she just…smell me?

Tha-THUMP-thump!

Chuck took a deep breath and wiped the sweat from his brow. “I don’t recall shopping being this, uh,” he cleared his throat, “intense.”

Dropping to one knee, Leilani ran her hand along the inside seam of Wendell’s leg and he jumped forward, away from her.

“O—Okay,” he stammered nervously, “I think that’s good.”

Leilani rose effortlessly from the floor. Folding the measure tape into her hand, she leaned in, whispering at the back of his neck. “It certainly was.” Her eyes never leaving Wendell, “If you’ll follow me. I think you will find something to your liking right over here.”

“I think we can take it from here, my dear,” said Chuck, stepping between them. He tipped his hat politely and grinned wide.

“As you wish,” Leilani curtsied, taking the hint. “Please let me know if you require any assistance, gentlemen.” As she passed Wendell, she ran a single index finger up, over his shoulder and then winked. “Any assistance…at all.” She lingered, thoughtfully threaded a loose curl behind her ear—holding his attention as she did so, then walked away.

Wendell was dumbfounded as he watched her leave. He hadn’t noticed how the gentle curls of her hair were woven into a long, loose braid, accented with small white flowers. It hung between the shoulder blades of her entirely bare back. Wendell watched Leilani move across the floor…the sway of her hips, the glistening light off the curves of her cobalt skin. It was hypnotizing and…flawless. He shook his head, almost violently.

What’s the matter with you? Snap out of it, you dummy!

Wendell abruptly grabbed the wizard and shook him by the shoulders. “Please tell me you saw that!?”

He snorted, “Son, only a dead man would miss a woman like that.”

“No, no,” he stammered, “Tell me you saw her smell me!” Wendell bit both his lips in denial and then scratched his chest again. It was burning, like an giant bee sting. “Come on, even in this place that has to be weird, right?”

Wendell jumped at the sudden appearance of the troll at his side.

“I saw it,” Dax looked to Chuck, his expression sober. “…and I don’t like it, I tell ya” he growled. He shot Wendell a blatant look of disgust and then rolled his eyes.

What NOW?!?

“Nice girl. Very…helpful.” Chuck rubbed his hands together, surveying the merchandise, “So! Maybe it’s wise that we move this along?” The wizard guided Wendell to a display mannequin wearing a puffy white shirt with cuffs and ruffles down the chest. “How about that? It’s…kind of nice,” he said with a cringing smile.

Dax smirked, “Yeah…and we could buy him some girly tights to go with ‘em.”

“No, way!” Wendell gulped, but the wizard was not deterred.

They looked through the neatly folded stacks of clothing around the tables and racks, moving slowly from one to another. It was the first time that Wendell truly felt he was on another world. Most of the garments looked like something he’d find from a fairy tale book or Pride and Prejudice movie. He whimpered, There HAS to be something here that I can wear.

Chuck held up a sleek black mägo robe with silver lightning embroidered up the sleeves.  “This is PERFECT!” he said with glee.

Wendell cringed and shook his head.

Chuck gave him a hurt look. “Wendell, you are destined to be the greatest magic user of this generation.”

Wendell rolled his eyes.

“Ok, ok,” Chuck admitted, “maybe not the greatest—but they’re going to record your name somewhere…” He held out the cloth, insistent. “At least try to look the part. Try it on.”

“No,” said Wendell firmly. I am not wearing a dress.

Chuck shook the robe at him, “Aww, come on, son—you’ll be way ahead of your time!” His expression seemed almost desperate and Wendell felt bad. But not bad enough.

“No thanks,” he said, trying to sound respectful.

“Seriously,” the wizard pleaded, “you’ll look cool…like me.”

Dax snorted.

“No THANK you,” Wendell emphatically refused.

Chuck frowned, disappointed, “Oh, alllllright. But just you wait,” he said, folding the robe tenderly and setting it back on the table, “someday you’ll prefer this to anything else.”

Yeah…I don’t think so.

“How about this?” asked Dax, holding up an orange and purple striped vest.

Wendell cringed, “Seriously? It says Here Comes The Clown.”

Dax grinned sarcastically, “I’m not seeing the problem.”

“Try this…” said Chuck, holding up a long, brown…something.

Wendell cocked his head to the side, “I can’t tell which side is…” he frowned, “I can’t even tell what it IS. Pass.”

After several arguments and declining many suggestions, Wendell reluctantly agreed to try on a heavy leather tunic and a pair of cotton breeches. After all, he resigned, I am on another planet. I guess it’s probably too much to expect to find a simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt. He stepped into the dressing stalls which were nothing more than four curtains on a light metal frame.

“This just doesn’t feel right,” he whimpered from behind the curtain.

“What do you mean?” argued the wizard, “That’ll look great…you’ll fit right in.”

Sliding the curtain aside, he stepped out into the light. “No, I look like a reject lumberjack. What about that other outfit I chose.”

Chuck frowned, “Not the leather jacket with spikes?”

“Well, yeah. I kinda like the biker look.”

“Trust me, kid—you don’t look like a biker,” mocked Dax, “—you look more like the biker chick on the back.”

Wendell sarcastically imitated Dax’s chuckle. “Funny, coming from the mutant underwear model.”

Dax looked at the wizard, “What’s wrong with my shorts?”

Chuck squinted, giving the troll an evil eye, “They’re clean?”

“Of course they’re clean!” bellowed Dax, affronted.

“Then there’s nothing wrong with them.”

Wendell yanked at the wooden buttons, trying to take off the tunic. “Are you guys always going to be this supportive? I know I’m new here and this is now my home, but I’d really like to find something I can feel comfortable in. Something that allows me to feel, I don’t know…”

The wizard smiled brightly, “Normal?”

“Exactly!”

The smile vanished, “Won’t happen.”

Wendell sighed.

“I’m starving!” snapped Dax, “Forget this. Just wear whatcha came in…and let’s go get some chow.”

Grumbling and frustrated, Wendell yanked harder at the buttons. Oh I get it, Leilani either charms you into buying something, or you try it on and get stuck. Ka-ching! Wendell wanted to scream. Spinning around with a grunt, he tripped over his own feet and sent himself tumbling forward. Unable to catch himself before the damage was done, he plunged through the side curtain of his stall and the one next to it…and the one next to that. Gratefully, the crashing stopped when something very large fell, to the accompaniment of a million buttons bouncing, sliding and rolling across the floor.

Crap, crap, CRAP! Pulling his arms and legs free from the dislodged curtain, Wendell scrambled to his hands and knees, frantically trying to snatch as many runaway buttons as possible. Why does this always happen? Why is it always me? Crashing and banging and being the center of the wrong kind of attention, I…and then saw it. 

The booth had fallen over, the main rod catching on a tarp-like sheet, pulling it free and revealing its prize. Hidden in the very back corner of the shop, underneath a heap of cloth and mismatched display supplies was a headless, wooden mannequin, sporting something Wendell thought he’d never see again.

“Chuck!” he shouted in excitement.

“Oh!” cried Leilani, rushing back with her assistant en route. “I’m so sorry!! I’ve been meaning to get rid of that.” She turned on the young girl, who flinched, “Clean that up! NOW!”

Leilani helped Wendell to his feet, while her assistant grabbed a blanket and quickly threw it up over the broken mannequin.

“Here, let me…help,” said Leilani. Grinning, her hands lingered as she brushed the dust off Wendell.

“No…wait,” Wendell reached out ignoring the shop owner, “Wait! Don’t cover that up!” Barely able to contain his excitement, he grinned at the wizard, “I want that, Chuck.” He pointed at the covered mannequin. “I want what’s on the mannequin under that blanket!”

“Well, there we go!” the wizard said cheerfully, “Let’s take a gander, shall we?”

“NO!” Leilani shouted out, followed by uncertainty, “Really?” Even her assistant looked shocked. “I mean, “ she corrected, gaining her composure, “Of course.” She remained silent while Wendell eagerly cleared the area out and exposed the mannequin in full.

“You’re serious,” said Chuck, pacing in front of the display, fingers combing his beard. “You want…that?”

Wendell smiled from ear to ear, “Yes, please.”

The wizard turned to Leilani. “Why’s it back here?”

“To preserve it,” she said confidently, eyeing Wendell’s reaction, “until it could be…appreciated.”

Dax laughed mockingly, “In the back of the shop?”

“To protect it.”

“Behind a partition?”

“To thwart unwanted handling.”

“With a sheet thrown over it?”

Leilani growled, “I didn’t know what to do with it!” Rubbing her temple, “It’s the most hideous thing I’ve ever sold.”

“But it hasn’t sold,” Dax grinned.

“Exactly!” Leilani snapped.

Wendell pet the jeans in near disbelief. Blue, stone washed and a black t-shirt to go with it. It’s perfect, he sighed to himself. Plastered in the center of the t-shirt was a bold, yellow smiley face, grinning from eye to eye.

Dax stepped closer to examine the outfit. “So what made you make it?”

“Make it?” Leilani scoffed, “Are you insane? I didn’t make that! An old man came in, years ago, offering the finest Mägoweave I’d ever seen.” There was a distant look in her expression as she remembered.  Her intensity vanished, voice softening. “He was a kind man. Offered the whole inventory at a price I couldn’t resist.”

“He…” she broke off, “…said these outfits were unique…ahead of their time. Unlike other Mägoweave, he said these were special.”

Chuck eyed her curiously. “Special how?” and he ran his fingers over the fabric, examining the fibers.

“I don’t know,” she continued, “he never really said.” She looked between them. “I was so excited to have some quality inventory, I just didn’t ask.” She looked at Chuck longingly, “Mägoweave, as you know,  is so rare and he was offering the finest of its kind for a handful of silver! Who would refuse such a bargain?”

Chuck studied her closely. “Why would a stranger…”

“I know!” Leilani cut him off. “Not that I complained…but I did wonder why someone would sell something so rare—and several times I questioned if it was true. He even included this mannequin…said it was charmed. Draws the right buyer to the outfit being displayed.” She looked back across her shop, admiring the abundance. “I built this business around the profits I made from that very inventory. I used the mannequin with dozens of outfits. Always the right buyer, always the right price. I have made a literal fortune because of that man.” Her expression quickly faded, “Except with this.”

She sneered at the jeans and t-shirt, “I unpacked one of these outfits and tried to put it on myself. Get it to reveal its true form. It wouldn’t fit, which is odd. Magical cloth is usually one-size-fits-all., but not this,” she waved a hand at the mannequin. “Once I put it on the mannequin, it took shape. I saw what it looked like and I….” she looked at them pleadingly, “Well look at it! It’s ghastly!! No one ever asked about it, not in the years that I’ve been here. It just became an eye sore.”

Wendell shot Leilani an excited look. “Wait a minute—one of the outfits? As in…there’s more than one?”

“Three identical sets,” she folded her arms, huffing in frustration. Her eyes narrowed at Chuck, “I will only sell them as a complete set, by the way.”

“Of course.”

Wendell, however, was psyched. “This is awesome! I don’t suppose you sell sneakers to go with them?”

Leilani raised an eyebrow, confused. “Sneakers?”

Wendell pointed to his feet.

“He mean shoes, my dear,” clarified the wizard.

She shook her head. “No need. Mägoweave creates the accessories, such as footwear, belts and gloves. Always a perfect match,” she said matter-of-factly, “Another part of the appeal—especially for the ladies. Unequaled in durability, beauty, style and the life of a garment. It is the most remarkable cloth in existence and equally as rare.” She stared at the mannequin, “The least of these garments are fit for a king. I’ve always wondered where the man got so many outfits. A person would only need one set for the whole of their life.”

“And there are three,” Wendell almost giggled to himself.

“What enchantments do these pieces have on them?” asked Chuck, leaning down to gander at the smiley face.

Leilani shook her head, “I told you, I don’t know. I never asked. It could be anything at all. Though my guess would be at least the common enchantments.”

“And the cost is…?”

“Very expensive,” confirmed Leilani.

The wizard frowned, “Even if we’re doing you a favor by taking it off your hands?”

Leilani ignored the wizard and knelt down at the base of the display. Pulling a copper knob, she retrieved a small coffer that looked like a jewelry box. She handed it to Wendell. It was smooth, red wood with an arched lid and a pearl latch on the front.

“What’s this?” He asked, but Leilani only nodded to it. Lifting the latch, the lid lifted easily to reveal three square sections inlaid with silk, two of which contained a tiny patch of what looked to be black fabric. Is this what everyone’s talking about? These can’t be clothes. These aren’t much bigger than a band aid! Wendell’s brows furrowed as he looked up, “Are these…my clothes?”

Leilani’s assistant nodded at him.

This doesn’t make sense. Wendell peered closer at the cloth cubes and then started to laugh. “How the heck am I supposed to put this on? Glue?”

Reaching over, Leilani pinched a corner of one of the squares. She paused and…

Is she…sniffing me, again?!?

She grinned at Wendell as she lifted the fabric from the box, shaking it lightly at her fingertips. The square unfolded once, then again…and it kept growing and gaining mass until Leilani held a glistening black robe in her hand. The flowing, dark fabric looked wet,  almost like rubber, yet swaying with the slightest movement of air.

Wendell’s mouth dropped open. It’s a shiny black…robe? Well that sucks. “But,” Wendell started, “it doesn’t look anything like…I mean,…that’s not jeans and a t-shirt.”

“It doesn’t take effect until it’s on the wearer. If you take off your tunic and try it on, you’ll see the true shape.” Leilani stepped closer, reaching for his tunic buttons, “Here, I can help you.”

Unexpectedly, Dax slid between her and Wendell. A low rumbling broke through Dax’s lips. “Don’t touch the kid,” he growled.

Eyes wide, Wendell instinctively took a step back.

Shockingly, a feral snarl ripped from Leilani’s own lips, her nostrils flaring. But just as suddenly as her expression turned vicious as a mountain cat, it vanished. She looked up at Wendell with a tender smile as if nothing had happened.

“Here,” and she held out the robe, completely ignoring Dax. “They look plain at first,” she explained in a saccharine tone. “Try it on,” she urged. With a nod, she added, “Just your tunic.”

What was that? Wendell hesitated, unable to look away from her. The reaction had been instantaneous and vicious…not to mention unsettling. The lines on Leilani’s face smoothed out once more, but Wendell didn’t believe what he saw. There was something more behind that cobalt skin and ravishing smile. His chest continued to burn intensely to the point he had to grit his teeth. His hands were also shaking. That was some freaky crap!

Chuck quickly stepped up, sliding between the woman and Wendell, taking the robe from her. “Excuse me my dear, he’s a good, modest boy. You can see how nervous he is, can’t you? Not something I want tainted, if you know what I mean.”

Leilani smirked, nodding gracefully as she backed away.

Chuck handed the outfit to Wendell, then leaned closer, “Good thinking, son,” he whispered, stalling to make sure she didn’t see the Ithari. Quickly now, do you remember the words of the spell I taught you?”

Wendell had been caught up in the cat woman explosion so much he'd completely forgotten about the gem. Taking off his tunic could have exposed not only the Ithari, but himself as the hero! He gulped. Gotta be more careful! Wendell blinked and then nodded, “I-I think so.”

Chuck grinned, “Go on, then. Quickly.”

Turning his back, Wendell opened his tunic wide and placed his trembling palm over the center of his chest. You can do this, Wendell. Just remember those crazy words and…he let his emotions take over. The fear inside him mixed with images of being discovered and taken away from Chuck and Dax. People or creatures wanting him dead and out of the way. Suddenly his only desire was to protect the gem and himself from being discovered. …those crazy words…With a quick intake of air, he clenched his eyes tight and whispered, “Silmä inakmään.” The words, surprisingly, appeared in his mind and flowed effortlessly to his lips in a single breath.

A soothing, tingling sensation washed across his chest.

“Awww, modesty. That’s so cute,” Leilani purred. “It’s alright Wendell, I’ve seen a bare chest before.”

Understanding with new clarity, Wendell wasn’t going to be fooled by her. Not like this one, lady. All he heard were her mocking tones.

“Why don’t you…” the wizard started to say, but when he glanced at Wendell’s chest, he grinned wide. “Well done, young man,” he whispered, “you’re first successful spell!” Pulling the tunic from Wendell’s shoulders, he said loudly, “…dressing stall, so you don’t make a mess.”

“Oh, he’s perfectly alright,” Leilani sighed hungrily, eyeing Wendell’s bare back and licking her lips, “I don’t mind.”

Dax growled deeply again.

“It’s okay, I can change right here.” Wendell slid an arm through the sleeve of the black cloth, which felt unlike anything he’d ever experienced before. It was smooth, like warm oil massaged over his skin. There was absolutely no friction. Hey, that’s kinda nice! He slid his other arm in and wrapped the cloth around his torso. “This is the most comfortable thing I’ve ever…”

It immediately constricted, hugging his flesh.

“Uh,…” Wendell stammered, his hands releasing his hold on the cloth. “Chuck?” he looked nervously at the wizard. “Is it supposed to do this? It’s…squeezing me.”

“Well why wouldn’t it?” Leilani giggled.

The robe rippled and shifted across Wendell’s skin, like dozens of fingers pulling and adjusting. The cloth separated at his hips, forming two pieces, each part sliding dow to each leg. Without stopping, the robe wrapped around each thigh, rolling down his legs. The sensation was odd enough, but it also forced the cotton trousers Wendell was wearing down to his ankles!

“WooOAAAHH!” Wendell blurted, his arms now shooting out to his sides, eyes wide as saucers. “Guys? It’s unDRESSING me!” With a blunt ‘chink’, the small pouch of coins jingled and hit the floor. Wendell flailed, trying to cover himself.

“You alright there, son?” asked the wizard, stifling a laugh as Wendell fumbled about.

“Oh for goodness,” Dax grunted annoyed, “You’re not exposed kid, just relax and let the mägoweave do it’s work!”

“But it feels like I’m naked!” Wendell hissed.

“That’s the brilliance of the magical cloth, son,” Chuck smirked. He gave his own hips a rotation in his dingy grey robes, “Light as a feather, strong as steel..yet let’s you feel free.”

Wendell frowned, “Ew, Chuck.”

“What?”

“Amazing,” Leilani clapped her hands together, “it’s actually taking to him!” Walking around Wendell slowly, “Just relax. It’s an unusual experience the first time, I know, but it’s perfectly safe.”

“It’s changing!” Wendell clamored as the cloth shifted, pinched, twisted and moved over his skin.

“No,” Leilani shook her head, “it’s learning.”

“Learning?”

“About you. About your shape, how you move, where you’re strong and where you’re not. The mägoweave will test the temperature of your skin and adjust the size of the gaps between the fibers to make sure you remain comfortable.”

The sleeves shrank back from his wrists, up his arms and stopped over his biceps. The warm sensation tickled between his toes, molding around his feet and hardening into shoes.

“Most importantly,” she continued, watching the cloth morph, “the true magic of mägoweave is its ability to know what you want to look like…and obey.”

In minutes the robe had transformed into an identical set of jeans and the black t-shirt worn by the mannequin.

“Wow!” Wendell exclaimed. “This feels…great! They look just like my clothes back home.” He did a few deep knee bends and twists, then pulled on the shirt to look at the smiley. He even had a cool pair of black and white sneakers in double wide, with arch support. “AWESOME!” He looked up at Leilani, “I’ll take it!”

She grinned, triumphant, “Excellent choice.” Pulling the outfit from the mannequin, Leilani neatly folded it, pushing and squishing it until the cloth fit once more into the tiny box. Smiling at Wendell, she fluttered her eyes. “By the way, you look very handsome.”

“Woah!” startled Dax, jumping back from Wendell. Whipping his hand up, he jabbed a thick finger in the direction of the smiley face. “Did you see that?”

“See what?” asked Wendell.

“Your shirt—it moved!” Dax shot a warning glance at Chuck before looking more closely at Wendell.

Wendell looked down. Sure enough, the eyes had gone starry and its tongue was hanging out, drooling. It was focused on Leilani.

“Well, I’ll be,” whispered Chuck, “It’s an emoticon.” Poking Wendell’s shirt he warned, “You lucky dog, only seen a few of those in the whole of my life! Usually magic put into paintings to make them look alive, but it’s the same principle. Hmmm. Better be careful, son. That little guy could give away your secrets if you’re not careful.”

Wendell frowned and the smiley frowned with him. “What do you mean?”

The wizard tugged on the yellow portion of the cloth—the smiley making a mock attempt to bit his fingers. “I mean that everything you actually feel will be displayed by this thing on your shirt. See? You frown, it frowns. The trouble is, no matter what you look like on the outside, this emoticon will show the truth of what you’re feeling on the inside.”

Wendell looked over at Dax and the smiley immediately turned red and scowled.

“Great!” Dax grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Shuffling his feet, Wendell spun around and quickly folded his arms across his chest. All the sudden, his face felt really hot.

“Nuh-uh,” Dax was shaking his head. “This is a bad idea. I don’t like it. Take it off—we’ll find something else for you to wear.”

“No way!” complained Wendell, “You brought me here, you said I got to pick, and this is what I want.”

“We’ll take the set,” Chuck announced firmly. Snatching the coin purse from the floor, he pulled both Wendell and Dax to the front counter.

Getting out a ledger, Leilani recorded the sale and leaned forward over the desk to accentuate her voluptuous bosom. She said, “That’ll be 60 gold.” She puckered her lips at Wendell as she said gold.

Wendell immediately averted his eyes, coughing uncomfortably. The smiley face blushed bright red.

“See?!” snapped Dax, nearly swallowing his cigar. “Wait…60 GOLD?! As in COINS?? That’s robbery woman! We wanna set of clothes, not an entire herd of pixy-dust-sucking sheep to start our own ENTERPRISE!! ” But Wendell was already pulling out coins from the pouch and setting them on the counter.

“One…two…three…” he counted.

Leilani looked at Dax impatiently, “Let me remind you—that you are purchasing three sets! That’s only 20 gold an outfit…and that’s substantially lower than any other inventory!!”

“She’s right, monkey.” Chuck ran a finger over the red wood of the small box. “Back in the day, the going rate for the robes I’m wearing now would be a 500 gold or more.”

Dax coughed, “We are talking actual COINS here, right? Who in their right mind would…,” but he gave the wizard a single glance and shook his head. “Never mind.”

Impatiently, he grabbed the pouch from Wendell’s hands and started shaking it upside down.

But nothing came out.

Dax shook the pouch harder. “What the…??” He pulled the string open and looked into the bag. It looked full and jingled when he rattled it from side to side, but nothing came out when he tipped it over. Shoving his fingers into the sack, Dax couldn’t feel anything but the cloth of the bag. “What the crap is going on!??”

Leilani looked at him casually. “Is there a problem, gentlemen?”

“Only with your prices,” he grumbled and shoved the bag back into Wendell’s hands.

Smiling, Wendell casually tipped the tiny bag over and poured a pile of coins onto the counter—much more than the container should have been able to carry.

Leilani’s greedy eyes lit up, her smile unbecoming.

Dax scowled and shook his head in disgust. “Wizards.” Well, that and something about the wiles of women and the damnable practices of sales people…but no one payed any attention. When the last coin was counted out loud, Dax looked at Leilani bitterly. “Take it, witch.”

Grabbing Wendell by the seat of his pants, he shoved the teen out the door, the wizard in tow.

As soon as they were across the walkway, Wendell pulled himself free. “What is wrong with you?!” he snapped. “What have I done to you, Dax? I’ve listened to your rules, I’m minding my own business and doing what I’m told—so why do you keep shoving me around like I’m some punk!?!”

Dax yanked on the t-shirt and pulled Wendell’s face down to his own.

Struggle as he did, Dax’s strength kept him in place.

A gentle hand rested on Dax’s shoulder. “Force will never work,” Chuck whispered. “Not with this one, Monkey.”

The sudden release of his shirt send Wendell stumbling backwards.

“Fine. Fine!” Rubbing his temple with broad fingers, Dax took several deep breaths. “I’m sorry kid. I…I ain’t a babysitter, but I keep forgettin’ you got stuck as much as I did.”

Wendell stood upright, brushing himself off.

“Truth is, you ain’t done nuthin’ to me, and…”

“Go on,” Chuck nudged him.

“You’ve been doin’ good on the rules, kid. Takes practice anyway and we’re gonna be together a hell of a…”

“Language.”

Dax glared at the wizard. “You want the apology or the grammar? Cause ya don’t get both.”

Chuck raised both hands.

“We’re gonna me together a long time, kid. That means learnin’ ta trust each other, an I can’t expect ya to trust if I’m pushin’ you around.” waving a hand, “So I’m sorry, okay?”

Wendell just stared blankly.

“Okay?” Dax repeated.

Again, nothing.

“Fine. Whatever. You be pissed at me, but I’m gonna do my job! First lesson—NEVER flirt with a female in the Black Market, unless you are sure what she is.” Dax sneered back at Leilani through the shop window. The woman was counting her coins, sparing an occasional glance in their direction.

“Are your shorts in a bunch?” asked the wizard, “Because you do get ornery when…”

“She’s Tioshian, Chuck. That’s why I’m on edge. Figured it out when the servant girl was lookin’ so worried ‘bout the kid. She played ya both—heavy incense, picking the right one, snarlin’ at me, sniffin’ him like he was dinner?” He glared at the wizard intensely, “She felt him up, too…seeing how much meat’s on him!”

“What are you TALKING about?” gasped Wendell, his stomach suddenly knotting up. The conversation had turned from odd to downright disturbing.

Dax walked up and poked Wendell’s shirt, “Crazy cult of broads batting their eyes at chumps like you. They find the rich ones, marry ‘em, rob ‘em and then gut ‘em for a BBQ!”

“What?” Wendell’s stomach lurched, the smiley had suddenly turned putrid green. “You couldn’t just let me believe she liked me?”

“Sure she liked ya…for dinner. She’s a cannibal, Wendell. A sexy one, sure…but a killer to the core.”

C..c..c…cannibal!?? Wendell looked back through the front window. Leilani had pulled out a small mirror and was examining her hair and face. She looped strands of hair behind an ear, then pouted her lips.

Wendell stared as she blinked her eyelashes and finally gave the mirror a full smile for the first time.

As if on cue, she looked up, made eye contact…and licked her rows of pointed teeth.