**Author's Note: I'm really happy that you are all enjoying my story. As long as I get at least two reviews per chapter I will continue to write. And I hope you do keep reading and reviewing my story because I am enjoying writing it.

Chapter Five: A Diamond in the Rough

I followed Chlorine out of the tent. Still self-conscious I was unsure of what Nimby's reaction would be. But I followed her anyway. Nimby was in Man-form and he nodded. My confidence grew a little. "Now," Chlorine looked at Nimby and then at me. "Yes, definitely. Now we are ready to go into the Village. But do not tell anyone of your talent. Not yet." Nimby nodded so I knew not to question it. I was quickly learning to rely on both my talent and the knowledge of the silent Nimby. So together the three of us walked through the gate of the North Village. I immediately felt as if everyone was staring at how horrendous I looked. But Nimby shook his head so I knew they weren't staring. But then he nodded. I was confused.

'So they are staring?' I thought to him. Nimby nodded. 'But why did you shake your head no?' He just stared blankly. 'OK, only yes and no.' He nodded. 'Well I was thinking that they were staring...' He nodded. 'And that it was because I looked strange...' He shook his head. 'I don't look strange?' He shook his head. 'Well then why are they staring?' I knew he couldn't answer but I tried anyway. Chlorine, however, took that time to mention that exact topic.

"Look at them staring. They are awed by your looks."

"Most likely YOURS, Chlorine." Nimby didn't nod or shake his head. I looked at him and smiled. "Both of us?" He nodded. "Well what about you?" He stood there for awhile and then nodded. Chlorine and I giggled. "So where exactly are we going?"

"To our Cottage Cheese. Nimby and I are usually traveling but when we settle it's here. We are going to send you on a Quest. You must go to the Good Magician Humphrey. He knows the answer to every question. But he charges a year's service for the answer. It's a good way to get used to Xanth and everyone has a question they want answered. In order to get to see the Good Magician you have to get through three challenges. And, of course, you have to get there. We are hear to find you a companion. Someone to lead you through and get you acquainted with Xanth. This is where your talent and Nimby's knowledge it will be easy to find a perfect man."

"Man?" I was interested now.

"Well, yes, Men protect women...that's how it works in Xanth. Is it different in Mundania? Yes, it must be because your mother bossed around Edsel and Kim bossed around Dug. So it must be the opposite way." I laughed.

"Yes Chlorine, you are right. That is how it is." I was looking forward to the prospect of having a guy around. Preferably a cute one. Nimby nodded. 'Shutup Nimby.' But I smiled in spite of myself. "We are doing this tomorrow?" I was hopeful.

"Yes." Chlorine smiled. She may not have the power to read minds like Nimby did but she was a woman and she had the innate ability that all women did. We will make the announcement in a little while. After we eat and you get situated. There is a town meeting in an hour." And that's what we did. We ate and then I got situated as best I could considering I didn't have any belongings. And then we went to the town meeting. There were many people there. Nimby nodded.

'The whole town?' he nodded. 'Huh' The Elder's gave some announcements that were pretty boring. Then a lady got up to talk about her lost horsefly. That was weird, why would someone have a horsefly? Then Chlorine and Nimby led me up onto the stage. And Chlorine began to talk.

"I am Chlorine. This is my husband Nimby and our daughter Averia. My daughter, who has just turned sixteen, is very naive and was living in Mundania until very recently. She is going to see the Good Magician and needs an escort. Any male interested in applying for this position should come here at 9 am tomorrow. Thank you." She started to leave and I followed with Nimby bringing up the rear. We received a huge round of applause which was fun. I was looking forward to the next day.