2025

RACOLO: 

…. Es wants to eat just like everyone else.

TAHARIEL:
Aunt Lu told me. She's pretty sure it can't be done magically. 

RACOLO:
I know - her rune tattoos block outside magic from affecting her.

TAHARIEL:
Yes, you were a little too thorough when you 

magicked them onto her. 

RACOLO:

Do you think there’s another way?

TAHARIEL:
I have an idea that might get us on the right track.

RACOLO:

I’m listening,

TAHARIEL:
We have a half-vampire living right here who can 

eat anything he wants.

RACOLO:

Karanthir.

TAHARIEL:

Uh-huh. I’d like to find out how that is. I’ve heard he wasn’t 

brought over like other vampires. That could be a clue. 

Do you think he’ll cooperate if I asked him about it?

RACOLO:

As much as he annoys me, I think he’d do anything for Es.

TAHARIEL:
Great! I’ll get started on a list of questions. 

Just tell me when and where to meet with him.

Later in the kitchen …

LU:
… In a few days, I’ll be going to the Tower of Wellness to see your sister.

CAMMEO:
You’re visiting Herita?

LU:

I’m her guardian as well as yours, and I need 

to check on her progress.

CAMMEO:
Is she … better?

LU: 

I’ve received some promising reports. However, 

I prefer to remain cautious. She’s fooled us before. 

CAMMEO:
She’s always been a clever one.

LU: 

Syrrah’s coming with me to make her own assessment. 

I’m telling you this so you’re always informed.  

CAMMEO:
Thank you.

LU: 

Do you miss her?

CAMMEO:
Sometimes. Yes. I miss the way she was before she became a 

vampire. Don’t get me wrong, she was always snarky and all,

 but we had this closeness. She is my Twin.

LU: 

Do you ever feel her, in that way that twins sense each other?

CAMMEO:
Sometimes I think I do, but then I’m never certain. She’s so far away 

- living in the Elvin realm and all. But if it is her I’m sensing, 

it’s not bad. It’s just her before all the bad happened.

LU: 

Good.

CAMMEO:
If she’s better, I mean if you and Syrrah, and all the priestesses  

agree that she is - would you give her a letter for me?

LU: 

Of course. I’m hoping she is better and you’ll be able to visit her soon.

CAMMEO:
It would be lovely if that were true.