by Gavin Green
*
Kazimir calmly approached the sprite. He stopped a respectful distance away and gave a slight bow. "Lady," he said in his gritty voice, "I am appreciating your actions and words to diffuse hostilities, for that was not my intent in coming here, but please do not intrude on my combat again."
She bowed in return and folded back her hood, revealing amber eyes even larger and more vibrant than his. They were near equal in height, but his girth made her look puny in comparison - a rock and a feather. With a serene voice, Oriana said, "I have no place to intrude on two willing combatants, warrior. However, there was only one present - you. I know those humans well enough, sir, and while the man may have the look of a fighter, he will only defend, not attack."
"Man?" Kazimir replied incredulously. "He must be a troll."
Oriana smiled, small and sweet. "No, I am sure he is of the Verden."
"It was not you he struck in the face, with a fist like a boulder, lady sprite."
She noted his formality, reminiscent of Aldritch, but more forced and less eloquent. "I am Oriana. And you are... the morpher Kazimir, yes?"
"You know me, lady?'
Oriana gently shook her head. "Forgive me; my gift of sense is sometimes intrusive. Might you share your reasoning for your visit here?"
Kazimir looked to the cottage and then back to her. "I am on errand to deliver a message to the human Kate McCarthy. I'm told she already has knowledge of us, so my appearance will be no issue other than shock. As for the man, I will remember to fog him upon my departure."
"Ah, I see. I hope the message does not bring dour news; she has just recently found great happiness after years without any. Yes, she is aware of us, for she has a fae-sight of sorts. Fogging her will only cause her to relearn what was lost, and learn it she would."
"Truly? How?"
Oriana shrugged her delicate shoulders. "As for the man... Brody Lynch is his name, and this property is his. If you are able to cloud his memory, then I applaud you. My attempt failed, as have others'."
Kazimir rubbed his tusks absently. "Curious, but then it has been a morning of curiosities." He focused on her bright eyes. "And why might you be present, lady Oriana?"
"Quite simple reasons, really. First, my haven is very near here, and it offers a view."
He looked around in all directions. "Oh?"
"It has recently been glamoured from sight and memory unless I wish it," she explained. "For the debt owed from that service, I was asked once again to be here, on this morning, and to wait."
"Ah, from a seer, then," he presumed.
Oriana was about to give a vague reply when the two fae heard Kate's voice as she stated her displeasure. They looked in that direction as Brody issued his loud request and bold comments.
