Rabbit Hole Carnival: Parlor Trick

“Thanks for doing this.” Renee replied. “I really do appreciate it.”

“Renee, dear really, this is what we do.” Cel’s mother replied.

“Especially for an old friend.” Cel said while giving Renee a hug. “We take good care of her. Nick.”

“I still wish to bring her one these days, but not this year it seems” Nick said. 

“Stupid paperwork, and a whole lot of red tape.” Renee said. “Funny I thought I was supposed to be getting cut this year.”

“Well let me show you your bedroom.” Cel said. “It’s on the first floor. And close to the bathroom, so you shouldn’t have to watch for Paul’s toy.”

“Oh yeah. How is your… cousin…” Renee replied as she giggled. “Same as he was last year?”

“Worse ever since he heard you were staying too.” Cel said. “He’s convinced this means he doesn’t get to go to the zoo with me somehow.”

“I loved to go to the zoo!” Renee said. “Why couldn’t the 3 of us just go together?”

“Because… he.. Is..” Cel said between breaths as she tried to push the door open. “Being a brat! And won’t listen  to reason!”

“Cel, Cel,” Renee replied. “That's no way to talk to your 3 year old cousin. Moved over.”

“You’re quite certain Renee will be okay?” Cel’s dad replied.

“Oh it’s nothing Renee can’t handle.” Nick said. “Would’ve just brought to the conference full the old these worse were not for the damn politics of it.  Just let her do what she needs to.”

“If you’re certain—” Cel’s dad said. “Nevermind.”

Renee raised her left leg, and kicked the door open. “Paul? Where are you sweetheart?”

“Paul?! Get out here!” Cel said, before Renee grabbed her shoulder.

“Hmm… Not around? Too bad. I want to show a neat magic trick I’d be working on for drinks.” Renee said. “Well, do you wanna see it instead?”

“What is it?” Cel replied. 

“Well it’s supposed to be a fancier way to serve certain drinks, but some flavored water or something will do too.” Renee said. “Guess we’ll go to my room first.”

“Oh yeah sure.” Cel replied, and led Renee to the room. “Inky! Was hoping you’d bring him.”

“Well I'm not leaving him on his own again that’s for sure.” Renee said. “Be nice to him at least would you, Paul?”

“Whaaaat?” Paul replied. “How did you do that?”

“Paul, didn’t I tell you?” Cel replied, turning around. “You do know Renee is an alchemist, right?”

“No!” Paul replied. “So really can do magic?”

“Of course.” Renee said, walking over. “Only with certain liquids, but I am only in training. Did you wanna see that magic trick now?”

“Yeah!” Paul replied, as both girls chuckled.

“Mom! Do we have flavored water still?!”  Cel asked.

 “So some of this in.. pour some tonic water…” Renee coughed. “Now let's see here… how did it go again.” She flipped through an empty notebook like she was looking up something. “Oh yes, of course.”

“Now, Paul.” Cel said, as she lifted her cousin up to see. “Once she does this I better not hear any more complaining about her out of you.”

“Add some ice and,” Renee flips a quarter. “For realms of Shodimist I call upon the winds. Make the air dry for its fog. I. wish.” Renee cuaght the coin, and slaps on her other hand before dropping into the glass. It bubbles for a bit and then sure enough the got liquid foggy as something steam up from it.”

“Cooooolll” Pual said.

“I’ll be sure be some more alchemy next time I visit the same as you.” Renee said.