The reflection

part 8

When Lyra and Aria returned to Llallimakeoverima, Sophia and Cynthia had already saved them a room and were busy massaging strange liquids into their faces. Hey, said Cynthia cautiously You guys took a while. Is everything alright? Lyra gave Aria a look that clearly said They will never find out about this. Or else. Yeah, everythings fineAria lied We were just admiring the view. Cynthia nodded, and gestured for Aria to sit down on a large blue armchair in front of a mirror. An assortment of colourful glass bottles filled the cubed storage units underneath the mirrors. A sparkly green bottle caught Arias eye, and she picked it up. Enhancing moluscino she read What does this do? Sophia gasped and grabbed the bottle from her. Omg, you found it! she exclaimed Ive been looking for that for ages. Its fantastical. You put some on your face or hair, and it draws fairies attention to you. Want to try some?

Uh, sure, agreed Aria, though she didnt exactly feel like being noticed was a good Idea when you were pretending to be someone else. Sophia passed her the bottle, and Aria rubbed a bit of the thick liquid onto her skin, then paused. How do I put this on my hair? she asked Just rub it in? Sophia shook her head, an expression of mock horror on her face. Hell naw, she said Chuckers, Aria. Aria tossed her the bottle. After mixing some of the iridescent green goo with water, Sophia poured it into a spray bottle. You can probably guess what to do now, she said, and mimed spraying it on her hair. Wait- wheres Cynthia? Lyra asked, looking around. She was here a minute ago

The off white door creaked open, and Um, hi. Said Cynthia, clearly not happy they noticed she was gone. Where were you? asked Lyra, in a stern tone. Cynthia rubbed her neck, hiding something behind her back. People with coming up shouldnt ask questions she said uncertainly. Lyra clearly wasnt putting up with any of that, and, grasping Cynthia by the shoulders, she spun her around to grab the bag her adopted daughter had been hiding. Um, its for elvenities, Cynthia said, as Lyra pulled out a small bag of iridescent white powder. Well why does it look like flying dust, then? asked Lyra You know thats only allowed if its used by elders or with permission from them. Why do you have it?

Cynthia looked down at the tiled floor. I dont want to be a vates anymore, she said, seeming to be on the brink of crying Theres too much pressure on me, to make some magic prophecy or something. I dont want to be one of the three triplets of power or anything, I just want to be normal. I want to be something common, like a flyer. So last week I went to the elders and asked if they could make me one. I can still see the future, but only when I want to. And I have to take flying dust once a week to become a permanent flyer. Please dont argue with this, Lyra. Its my decision.

Lyra shook her head But Cynthia- If you have two powers, then youre not normal. Im not objecting, just pointing that out. I know, argued Cynthia But being able to fly will maybe make me forget, just for one day, that Im a vates and everyone is depending on me. And if I have to take flying dust once a week, I dont care. Its worth it.