The Glasscoaster continued to be a viable mode of transportation for almost half a century despite the considerable advances in technology.
— Forsin dea Casin, The Legacy of the Glass Vehicle Company
Linsan didn't realize how much losing the Glasscoaster had stressed her. Being in the leather seat felt like a comfortable bed and the heat filtering through the windshield made it hard to keep her eyes open. Underneath her, the rumble of the engine and the thump of pistons were a lullaby.
She yawned and turned to the side.
Next to her, Brook was on her second glass of tea. She looked more relax than Linsan, with a smile on her lips and an almost mediative look on her face as she scanned the road ahead. Her hand constantly shifted from the gears, to her cup, to her lap, and then back again. It was graceful how she moved.
Linsan regarded her friend. Even though their intimacy had risked their relationship, she felt their friendship was even stronger. She just wasn't sure what would happen now that Miska was with them. Glancing back at the blonde, she wondered if the rhythm and strength that Miska had demonstrated could be used to fight. Til had his two companions, so she knew it was possible.
Miska's eyes opened.
Linsan's heart skipped a beat for a moment.
Then Miska looked at her and smiled.
Linsan did a double take.
With a yawn, Miska sat up and leaned into the gap between the two seats. Her eyes scanned the road and then she pointed forward. “You need to get stop at that village in about three leagues.”
Brook jumped. “Mother damned!”
The buggy swayed violently for a moment before she got it under control.
“What is wrong with you?” snapped Brook.
Miska didn't seem perturbed. “You are burning off your water. I figured you have about five to ten leagues before you're out. The village up there is a cistern and a place for me to patch up the boiler. I thought that joint looked weak.”
Brook peered at one of the gauges. “It says I'm good.”
“Well, I say you are leaking water, Princess. So do you trust that I installed that thing properly or the fact I can hear your water tank running low?”
Brook's lips tightened.
They continued down the road, not slowing at all. The Glasscoaster bounced off a rut and Brook smoothly brought it back into line.
Miska shrugged and then leaned back. “Your choice, Princess.”
“Stop calling me that!”
“Well, stop dressing up like some doll and acting like you have a stick rammed up that ass of yours and maybe I will.” Miska clicked her tongue as she sat back heavily.
Brook's face purpled. “You have some nerve.”
“And you should be a lot more grateful I'm trying to keep you on the winter-blown road!”
“It isn't even winter!”
Miska said nothing.
Linsan groaned and wondered if she had made a mistake. Miska was up only for seconds before they were fighting.
A league raced by then Miska groaned loudly. “Damn, I should have packed some supplies. Damn it, I hate bargaining with Bram.”
Linsan leaned into the space between the seats. “I wasn't sure, so I found some of your clothes and put them into the trunk. I also threw in some of your pieces of metal.”
“And my hammer?”
“Um… no. I never saw you use one. But I did put some pliers and other tools into the back.”
Miska chuckled. “Good girl. I guess I won't have to go buff after all.”
Brook's noise wrinkled. “That's disgusting.”
“Eat my ass, Princess, and maybe I'll return the favor.”
Brook started to say something, but her mouth remained open as her eyes widened. A blush colored her cheeks. Her hand stopped moving for a moment as she balled her hand into a fist against her thigh.
Seeing a possibility, Linsan sat back with a smile.
Brook glared at her.
Up ahead, Linsan spotted a sign for the village. “Are you going to stop?”
Brook made an annoyed noise in the back of her throat. Her hands tightened on the steering wheel. The Coaster began to accelerate, pushing Linsan back into her seat.
“Brook?”
“Fine!” Brook snapped before pulling her foot off the accelerator.