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“Now they all know.”

Maklr climbed down first. He waited as Nell descended the obstacle, his hand ready to catch her should she fall.

“You two put on quite a show,” Charlotte said.

“Well, it was going to come out, anyway.”

“I’m so proud of you.” Charlotte hugged her friend. “You’ve come so far.”

“It’s all because of you and Maklr.”

“Mostly me,” Maklr teased.

“You two wouldn’t be together if I didn’t force you both to go on vacation.” Charlotte tilted her head.

“Technically, it’s the resort’s fault for overbooking,” Nell said, a wide smile on her face.

“Semantics,” Charlotte said with a laugh.

They walked around assisting families, instructing them how to use the new obstacles before a majority of the group headed to the festival in downtown Dorbound.

Maklr walked to a stand and got a piece ofluklak.

“Yum! The chocolate covered bacon stuff,” Nell said. “I love this. It’s not a combination I’d ever have thought of, a flavor sensation, but it’s delicious.”

“If you say so.” Maklr’s watch beeped.

“You set an alarm.”

“I did. Let’s find Phil and whoever his date is.”

“If he got one.”

“It’s Phil. Do you think he’s without a female?”

“Hey Nell!” Jessie called.

“Jessie, right?” The other woman nodded. “I didn’t realize you were coming to Eoris. We could have taken the same shuttle back.”

“I live over here.”

“But not at the center.”

“No. I live in the palace. I work as a maid there.”

“What’s it like?” Nell asked.

“It’s nice. There’s about a dozen of us,” she said. “Are you here with anyone?”

“Maklr. What about you?”

“Philtan.”

“Is it getting serious?” Nell asked.

“No. He’s a fun time but I don’t think he really wants to settle down. And to be fair, I don’t.”

Nell shrugged. “I don’t think so, but you never know with him.”