Emi . . .
O.J. introduces Emi to his wife, Bonnie.
“So you’re the one that taught an old mage a new trick. Pleasure to meet you dear!”
O.J. turns the sand beneath him a pale pink. “Your words were enough to help me find a way, Miss Amun. This is the color of the Utopian beach sand, as far as I remember. I cannot create teal sand with this method, but it is a start.
“If Utopia is where you want to go, Brandt can arrange a trip. However, my wife would like to give you a parting gift… or just a gift, if you decide to stay.”
Bonnie holds up a familiar hourglass. She turns to Naja.
“You are a curious creature. My husband witnessed your transformation. Perhaps you saw mine earlier—I was among the cheerleader squad this morning. However, I have been thinking about whether I truly want to spend my days accompanying those silly-hearts when I should be at my husband’s side.
“If I am to give this away, perhaps this hourglass would do you some good Naja. For eighteen hours a day, you can appear as a past form. Whatever you had become with the aid of the scrolls, you can have the appearance again.
“Would you want this ability?”