Read Part 2.
Read Part 3.
Read Part 4.
Read Part 5.
"Forest, was it?" Winter repeated as if memorizing it. I nodded, and they poured some water from the service on the table for themself and Miette. "I'm sure you must be familiar with Whimsy?"
"Oh yes. She's infamous of course. All the heads of the families are."
"What not many know is that along with her status as a pillar of this city, Whimsy also happens to be one of those rare creatures known as, I mentioned before, a magician of ghosts," Miette said.
My heart sank.
"Damn," I replied good-naturedly. She nodded, sipping her water thoughtfully.
"Few last long in this city to achieve mastery over their gift. Her aide was sought out by Evony and offered as part of the terms of Evony joining the Goldmoon family."
"I didn't mean to upset them, really," I protested. "It's a little confusing not having a proper rest. I forgot myself, drifting about the house as if I were still alive. I was going about my life quite as if I usually would and by the time I realized I was dead, I had quite unsettled the poor researcher."
"But why did you come here in the first place?” Winter asked, leaning forward slightly.
"I was already here, I believe. In any case, I've never left this building as far as I can tell."
A fire burned in Miette's eyes suddenly and the two exchanged a glance.
"Your story," she breathed. "Would you tell it to me?"
"As much of it as I can remember," I replied, watching as the room was emptied, groups being led to and ushered out the door at Whimsy's nod of approval. " Especially if you’d be kind enough to counsel that I be allowed to stay, rather than marched out of the city or whatever it is that you do with unwanted spirits."
"I imagine a role could be found for you," Miette replied, watching Whimsy thoughtfully. "As it stands, I've yet to see any head of the Families waste resources. After all.. they do have an unpredictable city to keep a hold on. Now then.... your story, if you please?"
*** END ***
