THE MOMENT
"Well, it looks magical enough...," Jenny mumbled to herself as she stepped out of the portal. She stood in a dim forest with faint sunlight glistening through the trees. The path forward was bathed in ethereal golden light and the fireflies glowing on and off had an almost wisp-like quality. She started forward satisfied that the enchanted ambiance was enough to start looking for a lake.
Rumors of a water elemental brought Jenny to the forest. She was hopeful; but, she didn't put much stock in gossip. All the talk she heard also mentioned it was evil. Regardless, she felt confident in her power and came alone rather than bother any of the friends she could ask. She enjoyed her trek through the lovely forest for about 15 minutes before it opened up. She smiled to herself as she saw the last bit of sunlight reflecting off a watery surface in the distance.
"Lake, check. C'mon water elemental...," she continued with renewed purpose until she was startled. Jenny felt a firm hand grasp her shoulder from behind. She pulled free and spun around to see who it was.
"You don't want to deal with her," a short woman said. She wore a crisp black suit that matched her short hair and a red tie. Jenny recognized her instantly.
"Mrs. Sharp? Hi, why not? Who is she?" Jenny asked.
"Hello, Jenny, please call me Melody," she said. She gestured toward the lake. "Majicka is up ahead. You've heard the name, right?" Melody asked.
"Uhuh...," Jenny replied. "Majicka from the Void Court?" she asked to be sure and Melody nodded. "Wow... thank you," she said.
"Why are you here?" Melody asked.
"I'm looking for a Unique water elemental to help me with something," Jenny said.
"What, exactly?"
"I have some hydro-cloth I want to do something with," Jenny shrugged. "I don't know what, but I need someone to shape it and maybe help with ideas too."
"Oh, I see," Melody nodded. She waved for Jenny to follow her and turned away from the lake to head back into the forest. She continued speaking when Jenny followed. "You're not limited to water elementals for that, I have a suggestion. Find Meredith from the Chrome Court. She'll be glad to help and she won't try to eat you."
"Thanks for the tip!" Jenny said. "But.. how'd you know I was about to be in trouble?" she asked.
"The tabs Sharp Development keeps on you got a little too close to the tabs we keep on Majicka and the others," Melody said. It shouldn't have been as much of a surprise as it was.
"You're keeping track of me?"
"You're important to Ms. Sharp," Melody nodded.
"I am?" Jenny asked. She had to admit it felt kind of nice actually hearing that she was important to someone as amazing as Ms. Sharp.
"Of course," Melody smiled. A black portal opened behind her and she stepped backward into it. "Your name is already part of the ad campaign for the Pineapple Cup. It would be a bad look if we needed to find a substitute."