Shadow

I did, don’t worry. I even promised to bring her extra sweets the next time we have a tea party.

You should tell him. And I can tell Joris. But I hope it’s just us being scared kids…

…She didn’t like that very much. She thought I was pulling a mean prank, then told me the eyes are the same, and to be careful.

I think teleporting in proximity to them is how I ended up sent to that cathedral and found by the twins. But it could’ve been so much worse.

Hold on. I’m going to show her the picture I drew of the creatures. I won’t tell her what they’re supposed to be, and see if she still recognizes them.

In the meantime, can you promise me something? If you encounter those things, don’t try to teleport away.

Thanks. None of my dreams involved people I know, or anyone else for that matter, but I still can’t help but worry.

Miriam? No, I don’t think so. I didn’t even tell her about them, or the way they looked…I only told her about the dreams. She brought up the pink glowing eyes on her own. It makes me really nervous.

I asked Metal about it again. He isn’t sure what to make of it anymore. I think he just doesn’t want to believe in something so unscientific.

She said she never got a clear picture of anything, but everything I described matched the feelings she would get perfectly, and she called them nightmares. One thing she did remember was that distant, upside-down feeling, and something bright and glowing pink, like eyes. Lots of them.

I don’t know why I feel I need to tell you this, but please be careful…

@auguryhowl.bsky.social I told Miriam about those weird dreams I’ve been having about the upsidedown city. She said she’s been having some like that too. Even though she doesn’t use her oracle ability anymore, she looked really disturbed, and couldn’t be sure anymore if they were just normal dreams.

I think my sister from a long time ago would have had a lot of fun watching this, or playing pretend about it. In a way, it’s like I’m doing something for both of us.

Missions are one thing, but this is very different from my usual. It’s exciting, but I’m getting nervous...

I did…!

We’re going to try to coordinate our outfits together. She insists on it, since before, she never got to wear a costume and would just wear her usual dress, so even they didn’t match very well. If I joined now, we would ALL look out of place.

I only found out today, so I haven’t gotten the chance to ask anyone else yet. But I hope so…!

They told me I won’t need a costume since I already look so unique, but I think I’ll dress up a little. The catacombs of Paris don’t seem like a place to wear a dress, obviously…so maybe adventuring gear.

Oh! D is offering front row seats in the observation booth with him and David and the announcer, so I was going to ask if you wanted to come see it live, but I guess that won’t be necessary…!

It must be very big if it’s bringing them both temporarily out of retirement.

No no, one of the twins who helped nurse me back to health when I fell through one of those portals. I guess he has a rival from his old, um…occupation, so with the announcement of an upcoming tournament involving everyone, he got all riled up, and his sister invited me to join their team for it.

I’ve never seen my friend so fired up before. Usually he’s so tranquil, like an old man sitting on a porch rocking chair reminiscing about times gone by…

I get to take part in a tournament…!

The period is a little hard to think about, but the place itself is okay, so it’ll be alright no matter what.

Oh! I can’t do tomorrow. I’m going somewhere with a friend. But I can do Sunday.

I think so. I don’t really go back there that much, myself, so I don’t think I would’ve had a reason to bring you. It’s not that it’s a bad place or anything, it’s just…from a different point of time in my life.

Okay, good. You might actually need those where we’ll be going anyway. Sharlayan is usually cold enough for it to snow. Not that we’ll be outside for long, but just in case you wanted to look around while we’re there. It’s very pretty.

I talked to him about it. He says he’ll be able to make time for us this weekend. Are you able to wait that long? If not, that’s okay. I can get you the item in advance, and then we can meet him without feeling rushed by that.

Oh, not at all. In that case, I’d be happy to introduce you. He’s actually part of a group of kind people I met very early on in this life, but he ended up moving to a place called Sharlayan. I myself got a lot of help from him back then as well, so you can trust him. His name is Cuyosa.

I don’t think it is. The person I mentioned actually GAVE himself those features with his magic. So if there’s anyone who would understand, it’s him. If you prefer, I can pick up the item used for it from him and bring it to you myself, no explanation necessary.

Hmm… Oh! I know somebody who specializes in glamours. His primary work is a little different, but he knows how to do the regular kind, too. So, it won’t get /rid/ of those features, but it will hide them until we’re able to find a more permanent solution. Would that be okay?

Oh… Huhm. I don’t know, but I can help you look for an answer. Although I’m not even sure where we would start… We’ll figure it out. In the meantime, have you tried calling out to the Ninetales? Maybe it will teach you how to…use them?

Yes, what’s wrong?

Lots of people I wouldn’t expect have been referring to me with feminine pronouns lately… It makes me happy.