The flight over to France was relatively smooth. Lexia had already become accustomed to flying in airplanes after her trip to Mieni Atoll. Miles was a bit more concerned about being able to return to Lyre in time for Halloween. He doubted the trip was going to last that long, but sometimes unexpected things happened. He didn't think France celebrated Halloween the same as America. Though Halloween was getting more international recognition, it was still mainly an American holiday.
Miles was a little worried when Eloise was the one who showed up to pick them up at the airport. The last time he had been here, the rabbit Animalian got a little too close for comfort. Miles had to explain that a jackrabbit was a kind of hare, and not closely related enough to rabbits. But Eloise was more reserved this time, maybe it was because Lexia was there. And Eloise turned out to be a much better driver than Miles expected.
"I didn't think you girls knew how to drive," said Miles.
"Miss Juliet provided for driving lessons," said Eloise, "Of course, there are some like Josephine and Olympe are simply too big to drive most cars in France."
"I can see you mostly prefer compacts," said Miles, looking at the car they were in. Lexia had to sit in the back so she'd have room for wings.
"In our cities, you want to take as less parking space as you can," said Eloise.
“Well, I kinda hope it’ll be a short trip,” said Miles.
“Do not like it here?” asked Eloise, sounding a little upset.
“No, no, it’s not that,” said Miles, “It’s just that I don’t want to miss out on Halloween back home.”
“Ah, of course,” said Eloise, “You don’t have to worry about that here.”
“France celebrates Halloween?” asked Miles.
“Only relatively recently, in the 1990’s,” said Eloise, “But it’s growing in popularity. Miss Juliet is going to throw a grand masquerade ball.”
“Uh, you mean the old-fashioned kind with big ballgowns and big white wigs?” asked Miles.
“It would fit the theme of our little colony, ne serait-ce pas?” asked Eloise.
“Uh, we don’t have costumes,” said Lexia.
“Not to worry. Miss Juliet has had many spares made. It would be easy to have you fitted,” said Eloise.
“Ok, I just hope all that powder won’t make me sneeze,” said Miles.
“There won’t be much makeup,” said Eloise, “Now, what have you been doing?”
“Miles did an exclusive at the Bara House,” said Lexia.
“The Bara House?” asked Eloise.
“Er, it’s an apartment complex where a lot of guys moved into after converting,” said Miles.
“Most of them into bears,” said Lexia.
“And, uh, other predators,” said Miles.
“Oh my, that must have been unnerving,” said Eloise.
“He did pretty well,” said Lexia.
“Then I’ll have to see this exclusive,” said Eloise.
“Uh, sure, I can show you it later,” said Miles.