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J ulep discreetly sniffed at Zac’s wake.

He whipped around and gave her an outraged stare. “I washed!”

“Yes, you did. I appreciate it...especially since we have company coming over.” After all, he was a teenager and his washing wasn't a foregone conclusion.

She had some delicate words with Artur to address the unpleasant smells.

She didn't want to just barge in and assert authority, but sharing meals with Zac in all of his unwashed glory was difficult.

Artur took care of it. His private conversation with Zac bore fruit and greatly reduced household stench, but Zac bore a slight grudge. Like many young males, he felt soap and water was a waste of time.

Slightly modified, Zac glowered at her. “It's no one important. Just a couple of friends. You can stop worrying.”

Julep fidgeted. “But it's the first time you’ve brought friends over! I can't help being a little nervous.” She wanted to be a good hostess.

He shook his head, clearly thinking she was overreacting. “If a couple of school kids can make you nervous, how are you going to handle a house party?”

“We're not hosting a party. We're going to a formal party at someone else's house, which means I won't be in charge.” She was looking forward to the dinner Artur was taking her to next week.

They've been practicing dancing in the evenings, and she'd thoroughly enjoyed herself.

There would be dinner and dancing and In'shi would be there.

She wasn't sure where they would be going, exactly.

Artur was being mysterious about that, which was part of the fun.

Zac frowned at her. “You need to get out more.”

Since he wasn't a social butterfly, it was a somewhat surprising statement. Knowing him, it was strategic.

“Maybe you should go with me to school one day as an observer. The tutor encourages us to bring our family to talk about their jobs. It might be interesting to hear you talk about poison.” He looked thoughtful. “I bet I could get extra credit.”

She blinked. Zac had always been rather cool towards her. This invitation was surprisingly friendly, and therefore suspicious.

He knew she'd like to have a warmer relationship, although she'd always given him his space. Inviting her to accompany him was just the kind of thing he would use to scheme. But what was his goal?

Since she couldn't ask that, she said dubiously, “They like having parents show up at your school?”

“Of course! How else will the tutor show off? I can ask him to work it into the lessons this week. It only takes five minutes to reach the general's house when we cut through the mountain, especially if we take the Under Bridge.”

“The Under Bridge?” She wasn't sure about this plan, but she didn't object.

She didn't mind being supportive of his schooling, and it would foster family camaraderie.

Who knew, maybe he really was interested in poison?

It seemed like the sort of thing that would fascinate an adolescent.

She knew he was trained in combat and weapons. It made sense.

“It's a bridge in the Starry Market. The mountain formed it a while ago. It bridges a freshwater stream that supplies the market.”

She pictured the large market and wondered, “Does anyone live under the mountain? Deeper in the cave system, I mean.”

He shrugged. “Some do. But things goblins like to eat grow in the light. In the tunnels it's all mushrooms, crawling things and monsters. Except for the Mushroom Mansion, there's no agriculture.”

“But about the school. You've already been to the general's house. It was a barbecue, right? You probably met Tashi there.”

“No, actually. He wasn't there, or I didn't see him, anyway.”

Zac frowned. “Anyway, Tashi will back me up. The general might even sit in on the lesson.” His eyes lit. Clearly, it was an exciting prospect.

Julep's eyes widened. No pressure. Just a huge, scary general listening to what she had to say about poisoning people.

How did she get into this? Was it too late to back out?

The general's son, Tashi Yal, was one of the teens coming over to play a strategy game. Gal was also bringing a new acquaintance, Lily Frog, to battle the boys. They would set up the game in the parlor, have lunch and then snack and play all afternoon.

Simple, low key...and yet Julep was nervous. She wasn't even sure why. It's not as if they would require supervision like small children.

The knocker rapped. Julep braced herself...

Tashi Yal was a calm young man with short black hair, gray skin and direct orange eyes. His mechanical chair hummed as it rolled forward. His hulking bodyguard followed close behind, his bulging eyes watchful.

Gal arrived with Lily Frog shortly after.

The girl was Goblin pretty, with delicately bulging yellow eyes, gracefully rounded ears and large features.

Her hair was glossy brown and done in a simple braid.

She wore a pretty green sweater and a dark brown skirt with cream wool embroidery at the hem.

It was folksy and charming and Julep was enchanted.

“Did you make your skirt? I love the embroidery!”

Lily smiled. “I did, thank you. The neighbor lady has been teaching me.”

“Lily is very artistic,” Gal said proudly. “She can cook, too. She even brought snacks!”

Lily blushed. “I wanted to be polite.”

“They’re stick pretzels,” Gal said enthusiastically. We each had one on the way over. You're supposed to dip them in honey mustard sauce but they were hot, and they smelled so good...”

“It's okay, I made plenty,” Lily said earnestly. “You can try one, if you like.”

The pretzels were delicious. Julep wondered if Gog could make some; maybe Lily could teach him. They were also an excellent ice breaker, and she found herself relaxing with the teenage guests as they enjoyed a hearty lunch.

Julep wasn't interested in the game, so she occupied herself with other things as the kids enjoyed themselves.

...

“It's your turn,” Zac informed Lily.

Lily set down her sketchbook and moved her game piece.

Gal glanced at the portrait of Julep. “That's coming along nicely! It looks just like her.” She had seen Lily drawing in the park and hired her to draw Julep as a birthday gift for her uncle.

“It's going to take a lot of work, still. She's so pretty! I don't know if I can capture it all on paper,” Lily worried. “She's like one of those old fashioned masterpieces that only belong in museums.”

“You're pretty, too,” Tashi observed, amused. “You must be used to it.”

She sent him an indignant look. “Have you seen those freckles? No one can compare to that! It's going to be a challenge to draw.”

She neatly ducked the compliment, but nobody called her on it. Lily was like that.

Zac gave Tashi the side eye.

Tashi grimaced. Lily didn't know how to flirt. It made her uncomfortable, so he'd change his approach. “I really enjoyed those pretzels. Do you make them often?”

“Thanks. This is only the second time.”

“What else can you cook?”

“Oh, bread, stew...” Her voice trailed off as she focused on her work.

Gal smirked and moved her game piece.

Tashi gave her a meaningful look. Help!

She rolled her eyes, but said out loud, “No need to worry about getting the drawing done all in one sitting. We can do this again next week.”

Lily looked up, hopeful. “Really? That would be really helpful.” She visibly relaxed.

Tashi smiled. “Good idea. I'm really enjoying this game. Same time next week?”

“That would be great!” Lily said enthusiastically.

Gal smirked at her brother. “Yeah, I think that would be fun.”