Tails (Transformations: Book 1)

16

Aria didn't have any luck finding Idun over the next several days, partially because she wasn't even sure where to look. It occurred to her to check any place that had trees, but that didn't do much good. She remembered that dryads could turn into trees and considered walking up to random ones and asking if they were nymphs, but she feared people would think she was crazy. Eventually, she gave up searching and just hoped Idun would come to her. She decided that, at least, she would see the dryad at the next party and she could talk to her there. She didn't like the delay, but there wasn't much to be done about it.

She turned her focus to the city council meeting, where she was going to have to speak before an audience. She practiced what she was going to say again and again, wanting to make sure she wouldn't forget anything.

"I don't know what you're so stressed about." Freya commented as she watched Aria pace around their living room the night before the meeting. "You've got your speech down and your delivery is perfect."

"It's fine in front of you and the boys, but how am I supposed to do it in front of a room full of strangers?" Aria had done her best to remain calm, but it was so close, she couldn't even think of relaxing. "What if the whole case is ruined because I start babbling or mumbling...or something?"

"Picture the audience in their underwear?" Freya suggested.

"Not helpful." Aria informed her, continuing to pace. She couldn't believe she had agreed to this. She was sure something would go horribly wrong if she spoke at the meeting.

Freya stood and walked over to the girl, firmly grabbing her arms. "Aria, look at me." When she obeyed, Freya offered her a smile. "You are going to be brilliant. There is nothing to worry about. I will be in the audience, supporting you. Just focus on that thought, when you speak. Imagine you are doing the speech for me and no one else is in the room."

Aria sighed and gave her a skeptical look. "I'm not sure if I can do that."

"I'm sure." Freya told her. "I'm much older and wiser than you are, so trust me. You have nothing to worry about."

Aria held her gaze a moment longer, then nodded. "If you say so."

"I do say so." Freya smiled as she released her. "Now, get some sleep. You've got a big day ahead of you, tomorrow. You are going to save an entire species of birds and, potentially, the future of green energy."

"But no pressure." Aria raised her eyebrows and smiled.

"None, at all." Freya assured her with a grin. "Now, get to bed. It won't do to have bags under your eyes when presenting tomorrow."

"Supportive, as ever." Aria replied as she headed to her room. "Good night, Freya." She closed her door and lay down on the bed, doing her best not to think about the case as she drifted off.

Aria showed up at the courthouse the next day, wearing a dark blue business suit that Freya had gotten her. Her hair was done up in a bun with a braid on each side, making her look very professional. When she got to the building, she found the scientists outside. Eric was wearing a brown suit, the same one they had seen him in, before. Adam was wearing a simple, black business suit with a tie. Dr. Grey looked like he had actually brushed his hair and he was wearing a grey suit, although he seemed uncomfortable in it.

Aria smiled as she walked up to them. "Well, dressed like this, who wouldn't listen to us?"

Freya smiled, as well, and looked at the doctor. "You clean up, nicely."

"Thank you." He adjusted his tie and cleared his throat. "Hopefully, today will be the end of this whole mess."

"Hopefully." Freya walked over to him and straightened his tie. "I'm not sure where you learned to tie this, but you could use some lessons." She smiled at him as she finished. "There. Now, you boys are ready to save the world."