When we left off a few weeks ago, Kelley and Theodora had arrived in Freedom and were appalled at the filth they witnessed. In fact, while making their way to the City Hall, Kelley narrowly missed being doused with the contents of a chamber pot as it was emptied from the third floor window of a building they were passing. Thankfully Theodora, being quick witted and even quicker moving, was able to push Kelley out of the way and so a great tragedy was avoided. Because quite frankly, being soaked with urine and other things that we simply shall not discuss would be something that would have likely sent Kelley into a panicked rage, resulting in a terrible display of her growing powers. And well, any chance of opening a shop after such a tirade… you can see where that would have led.
But I digress. Kelley and Theodora walked into City Hall and up to the long wooden table that stretched from one side of the room to the other. Behind this desk sat a middle-aged woman with a very dour expression on her face.
"What do ye want?" the woman growled angrily.
Kelley took a step back. Perhaps this wasn't going to go as well as she had hoped. Her heart began to flutter wildly in her chest and she clasped her hands together in an attempt to stop them from trembling.
The woman stared in angry silence at the two girls for a few moments and then barked, "I said, WHAT DO YE WANT?"
Theodora stepped forward, smiling sweetly, and said, "we would like to rent a storefront on the main street, madam."
The woman scowled and began to shake her head. "There are none such buildings available. Now be off. I have no time to be fiddling with the likes of two silly girls like yerselves."
The woman and Theodora argued for a few moments, but it was obvious that the woman was not going to assist in any way.
Kelley felt her eyes fill with tears and she bit back a frustrated sob. But before the tears could fall, Theodora winked at her and then addressed the woman again, this time in a warbling, sing-song fashion. "I am certain there is a small shop that we would be able to use. You should open your books now and begin the paperwork immediately."
With a blank stare, the woman quietly mumbled, "I'm sure there is a small shop you can use. I'll look into the books and get the paperwork started immediately." She arose from the table and after a few minutes, returned with a large book and paperwork.
Theodora smiled at her. "Thank you, madam. Have a wonderful day. And smile more often - it's very becoming to you."
The woman stared for a moment and then her mouth lifted in a smile. One could nearly hear the creaking as the never-used muscles fought to do their job. "Have a wonderful day, girls. It's been a pleasure doing business with ye."
A few short minutes later, Kelley and Theodora left the office, lease agreement in hand, and began to make their way to their new shop. As they dodged the detritus littering the streets, Kelley turned to Theodora, her mind buzzing with questions. Theodora just laughed and then simply stated, "I can be very persuasive, Princess."
