THE MAGIKAL SHOPPE
A SHINee Paranormal AU

*****

Good Morning, Sun-Shine
    THE NEXT MORNING, I more than usual, gratefully accept my blonde coffee with two pumps of liquid sugar. I'd slept fine, but I guess the thoughts of going to Reince Field today had haunted my subconscious. My grandmother taught me to never set expectations, to just take things as they come. If that's what I'm doing, then why do I feel so mentally drained? The first sip of coffee is too hot and I pitifully stick my tongue out.
    A blister is forming on the tip. Great, just what I need. Letting out a heavy sigh, I put the coffee on the counter. I need a pick me up that won't cause me pain. Just inside the work room, I unlock the middle left shelf. It holds a dark green stone mortar and pestle, a wide feather, a screw-top container of dried lavender stems, and a palm size bronze stand. I line them up in working order.
    I grind the lavender in the mortal and pestle, then wrinkle my nose. Usually, it's one of my favorite scents, but not this morning. I swallow against my upchuck reflex, then go back to the case. In the long bottom shelf I keep vials of my favorite scents in powdered form. I unlock it and get sandle-wood.
    It's my second favorite scent. It's sweet, but sallow. As long as you don't add too much, it goes perfectly with lavender. The rich airy finish kind of makes me want to eat it... but not really. I add half a pinch and grind until they're smooth, then sprinkle a bit on the stand.
Oddly, it's easier to create fire when I'm sleepy. Maybe, because I'm too tired to have raised whatever mental blocks float around in there. Either way, I don't use visualization. I just stare sleepily and smoke slowly begins to curl up. With the feather I move it in my direction and inhale.
    Mm, there's no better way to relax or wake up than by smelling something amazing. My eyes now feel happy glazed instead of heavy. The mix burns out quickly, which is why I've made extra. I repeat the little ritual two more times, then clean and put every thing up. After locking both cases I pocket the key and go behind the counter.
    My traitorous coffee is still sitting there and it hasn't been that long - so it'll stay there until it's cooled off. One blister on my tongue is enough for the year. Seriously, ouch. My tongue kind of feels numb, which I'm ok with. I'd choose numb over pain, any day.
    I wonder what there is to do this morning? Every things stocked, it's five-fourty-five AM, so we're not open yet. Which means no ones bought any thing I could take up even a little time restocking. Minho and Taemin haven't come in yet, and Key's taking a shower. Jonghyun's M.I.A. and already had a shower, so he hasn't snuck upstairs to bully his way in with him.
    I cringe - that's something I really don't want to think about. Yesterday morning, when I'd mentioned Key having not sound proofed the rooms, that was me wishing he'd come up with a way to do it - soon. Hearing them through the walls is, in short, horrifying. Don't get me wrong, guy-guy relationships don't bother me. I've dabbled in my own share.
    But hearing anyone, especially people I see every day being intimate, just... no. Not to mention, I've heard stories about Minho and Taemin's insatiable vampire libido. Like I said - do not want to know. I could've gone my whole life with out knowing that.
    Looking over, I see how empty the display window is. Every year a distributor delivers pumpkins to the shop, but they haven't done it yet. It's a little frustrating, seeing as it's October twenty-seventh. I've been so busy I haven't thought about it. Using my Intermission time to pick some up from another place would take away from the rest I so desperately need.
    The more I think about it the more I realize it's a good thing they're late. As long as they're delivered by the thirtieth it'll be fine. Pumpkin's wilt and start to smell if they're left too long. Having them fresh on the day before and on Halloween will be perfect. I still need to call them, though.
    Just in case they've forgotten. If they have a prolonged reason for the delay, then I'll know rather I need to make time to pick them up somewhere else.

*****

A Fae Will Save the Day
    AT SEVEN FOURTY-FIVE, Key comes downstairs and I stare. He's stunning. His blonde hair has turned a natural black, glitter subtly sparkles when light hits it, he's lined his lower lids in red, his natural defined lips are tinted with a translucent black gloss. His outfit is tasteful leather pants, a soft black blouse, and his blazer is a lighter shade of black. It comes to the middle of his waist, the fitted sleeves to just below his elbows, and the shoulders come out to a gentle point.
    His neck is adorned in a red wrap made of silk. I'm not sure if he's wearing a costume or if it's part of his old Fae ensemble. It looks new, so if is cultural he's recently had it designed that way. I look at my clothes: casual black slacks, a white dress shirt with an orange button up vest. I've put a logo sticker over my heart and I'm wearing a clear quartz necklace.
    I clear my throat, feeling put to shame. "Key, why do you do this to me," I say.
    He's taken the usual seat behind the register and turns it to look at me. His expression says just what he thinks of my outfit. "Mm, yes," he says. "You do look rather frumpy, don't you? Last year you wore a costume. Why are you slacking?"
    By the end, his primness has become chastising and I feel the impulse to defend myself. He's right, though. I have slacked this year. I don't know why.
    "Perhaps, spending time in this shop is ruining your Halloween spirit," he says. "You need to get out more."
I think about it. As a kid I'd never had this problem. Did being an adult change how I react to a familiar atmosphere? "It's possible," I say, not wanting to believe it. But the lack of enthusiasm, which had made me unable to even consider planning a costume, says otherwise.
    "We can skip out for a few hours," he says. "Let the others run the shop while we go shopping?"
    I don't know if I trust them to run the shop. Minho is... well, he might not be so bad. Jonghyun's easily distracted and Taemin is clueless. Sure, he knows to help with stocking and he's good with customers, but he needs guidance on anything else.
    As if reading my mind, Key says, "You don't give them enough credit. They helped you when that werewolf had been skulking around, which isn't comparable to the measly domestic routine they've grown accustomed to."
    Two years ago, a werewolf had come in to the shop, then I'd glimpsed him a few times while outside or in town. I'd realized he'd been following me. It's around the time Taemin had started coming in to the shop. It's atmosphere had reminded him of home, so he'd visited often. Taemin had seemed like he kept his head in the clouds and he'd regularly done that clueless, rapid blinking thing he still does.
    Little did I know, he'd spotted the werewolf outside the shop, which had made him go in to protective mode - vampires are territorial and Taemin had been able to read me like a book, so he liked me. He'd figured out I could do magic when he'd met me - also something I hadn't known. He's a good actor. He and Minho had officially introduced themselves and offered their help. It's the first time I'd been face-to-face with vampires and I'm not going to lie, I'd been scared. Their help had been genuine, though.
    They have friends in dark places, and by that, I mean literal darkness: other vampires and nocturnal creatures who keep tabs on the city. A gang of werewolves and witches had been abducting magic-doers and using their blood to fuel their own. I'd helped as much as I could, but in the end, they along with some of those friends had put an end to it. In the way they'd handled it they'd only told me details I'd needed to know, and I hadn't asked for more. Plus, like I said, Taemin's too adorable not to like.
    Also, Minho's a cool guys, so it hadn't been long before we'd become friends. It'd been something like three months when Key had come in to the picture. We'd been out on the town, trying new things from food stands and he'd been walking by. He and Minho had met through intercultural dealings with the Fae and his Ex-Coven. It had seemed like Key had been the older one and Minho the underling, when in reality it's the other way around - minus Key being an underling.
    Fae culture is conformative and the only time they'd met had been in formal passing. Jonghyun had bounced in to the picture, lightening the atmosphere. He may be brash, but his enthusiasm makes him likeable. He and Minho had exchanged numbers and the rest is history. Somehow, Key and I had ended up close.
    I've heard we're alike and I guess I can kind of see it. We're outspoken. Yeah, that's all I got. If I had to explain it I'd say we click on some inexplicable level.
    I startle at a knock on the door. Jonghyun waves a paper bag and I realize just how hungry I am. After unlocking the door, I say, "Please tell me that's food."
    He comes in and hands me the bag. "It is," he says. "Breakfast Burritos. There's plenty of sauce packets. Even hot ones for Taemin and Minho."
The heat has seeped to my hands and I relish in it. After taking three burritos I go around the counter and eat.
    "You couldn't bring me mine," Key says.
    With a cheek bulging I look at him. Yes, I'm hungry enough to have eaten half of one in a single bite. I think: Minho, forgive me for judging you for slurping pizza while you were starving. I ignore him, swallow and take another bite.
    "One for the lady," Jonghyun says. He bows, then hands him three.
    Key snatches them and his angry expression becomes sulky. He's pretty, but hates being reminded of it.
    Grinning, Jonghyun plops the bag on the counter and takes his out. He practically inhales them, out eating both of us - while even using sauces. I'm fascinated at his ability to put large amounts of food in that tiny body. After my coma inducing food high passes so will the fascination, and I'll resend the mental apology to Minho. Disgusting food habits are still disgusting.
    Minho and Taemin arrive with ten minutes to spare. They're holding plastic twist top cups with handles and straws. Minho's drink of choice is dark brown with a tint of red. Probably soda mixed with blood. Not thinking about it isn't possible when it's staring me in the face. His hair is brown, so he hasn't drank any - yet.
    Taemin's drink is blue and so are lips. I know it's a Fanta, because we've shared one on a-many-ocassion - I need to buy some to keep in the refrigerator. His red hair's nearly returned to it's natural black, so he hasn't fed since yesterday morning. They can go a week without blood, but it makes them feel unnatural, so they don't.
    It'd be like me giving up chocolate milk and suddenly working in a fast food restaurant. Not going to happen.
Giving them food is like giving them a birthday present. They seem to glow as they eat. Minho rubs hot sauce on the top of his burritos and Taemin adds some after each bite.
    "Mm, the eggs and cheese is Vreitah," Taemin says - at least it's what it'd sounded like. Each creature in Reince Field speaks two default languages. One is the universal language that's used to communicate cross culture and the second is one only known to their individual cultures. Slang is also limited to individual cultures. Like here, it evolves like a Trend.
    Similar to: White is the new black. No, now pink is the new black. I'm not sure if Vreitah is cultural or universal, but I'm assuming it means Delicious.
    When Minho's done eating he leans over the counter and drops the wrappings in the trash can. Taemin does the same and they both sip from their glasses. With the light shining, I can see a faint red spread through Minho's hair. I hope they don't drink blood in public, because that will definitely draw attention.
    Three minutes later, we open for business.
    Taemin is playing Host, greeting potential customers outside the door. He's wearing a black dress shirt with large white-lined-with-silver stripes. Over it is a fitted black vest with themed stickers and pins all over it. His lime green skinny jeans make me think of slime. His nails are painted orange and he's wearing a tasteful top hot.
    I grin as I see him remove it and bow theatrically to a family of three. Cute, and effective, because they smile at him and come in to the shop. Jonghyun is dressed as a ninja - he would . He greets them inside, then plays tour-guide. They leave with a stuffed monkey for the daughter who looks about six.
    She's dressed in a pink tutu, black and white striped stockings, ballerina slippers and a white blouse. There's purple glitter on her face and her long brown hair reaches to her knees. "Wow," I think. I wonder how long it took to grow it out. The Father has chosen Book One of a new Dragon Series and the Mother, a porcelain crystal ball.
    As Key rings them up they tell him about the Halloween party their going to and how it's the perfect accessory to add to the decor. They don't look anything like people who'd participate in Halloween, but their enthusiasm says differently. I nod, approving of them as parents. Key gives them all a baggy of candy and they leave with a smile on their face.
    I love my life.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My
    I GRAB MY KEYS and head for the door. Adding the words Disaster and Frumpy, Key had explained my wardrobe dilemma, and it had been agreed upon that while we shopped, Minho would be in charge and man the register. Taemin would continue to greet customers, and Jonghyun would greet them inside, be the tour-guide and keep things stocked. By this point, Minho's hair has turned bright red and he's lined his purposeful dilated eyes in orange. His black tank top and loose black jeans make him look every bit the modern day vampire he is.
    He even has his fangs out. No one would guess they're real. I can't help but admire how cool he looks. It's the last thought I have before Key is practically dragging me out of the shop. After stealing my key's he bullies me in to the Passenger Seat and then takes the Drivers seat. I fear for pedestrian safety as he guns the engine. I mentally pray to the gods of mercy to protect them, me and my car.
    Why had I agreed to this again? I mean, my outfit isn't that bad.
    Key has startled the people who'd been near us, so they'd moved away. It'd made it easy for him to ease us out of the parking space. Parallel Parking is a must if you want to live here. I'd failed my drivers test twice until I'd mastered it. We cruise the high populated areas, but speed through open ones.
    He has a knack for knowing where things are, like dips in the road or construction cones - and passing people. I think it's a Fae thing. I know he isn't psychic, so I assume he's highly intuitive. Like the teenager from a few days ago. I mean, we can't lie to him, he can read a situation or us like an open book, so that has to be it.
    It doesn't mean he isn't still scaring the crap out of me. I'm not like Minho and Taemin. If I get in to a wreck, especially at this speed, I'll die. Probably from the impact. Knowing my luck, I'll get thrown out of the window.
    I mentally repeat the mantra - Think about something else - as we barrel pass a shopping district. I'm assuming he has a particular place in mind, because we aren't slowing. "Oh, Gods," I whisper.
    I'm going to die, my mind screams. I'm going to die. I'm going to die. I'm going to- We abruptly stop and the seat-belt slams me back against the seat. My reflexive thought is - Yay, I didn't go out the window.
    My heart is beating fast and I'm not sure I can walk yet. With a shaky hand I undo the seat-belt. It shoots up. I'm too traumatize to react to the fact that it had nearly hit me in the face.
    I hate my life.
    I hear Key's voice, but can't process it.
    It isn't until my door opens that I snap out of it. He's standing there, looking disapproving. I say, "Why are we friends again?"
    "What are you talking about," he says. "I'm an excellent driver. Now, get out. We're here. Mrs. Whisper's Sew and Design."
    "I always go to her. She's the one who fulfilled my own design of this outfit. Didn't even complain. Most people complain when you give them your own design. I guess they feel put out, because they don't get to show off their creativity."
    "Bunch of show offs. As if they could beat me. And I'll be damned if they take the liberty of adding their artiste's flavor to my designs." I've been staring at him, thinking: How can he be talking about clothes at a time like this? I'd nearly died.
    He steps back and I feel compelled to step out. I don't have it in me to care as I say, "Are you casting on me?"
    After closing the door, he says, "No, it's the shop. Pulls people right in. It doesn't take advantage of you. If you have a budget or need to Christmas shop, or what ever, you can always leave. Mrs. Whisper is a gifted Spell-Weaver."
    I follow him up the side-walk.
    He stops at the door and says, "You know, you could learn a thing or two from her. I'll ask her for you."
    My eyes widen and I say, "Are you crazy? I don't even know her."
    "But I do," he says in offense. "Do you not trust me?"
    How dare he. My face displays my feelings and he doesn't budge. "I'm not doing it. Don't say anything. I have to meet her before my mind can even go near the idea of it."
    "What are you worried about?"
    "Well, let's see. I've nearly been abducted by a werewolf who wanted to kill me and drain my blood to fuel his own magic. And my grandmother taught me not to rush in to things. I need time, damn it."
    He spread his arms and said, "Fine fine. I get it." I didn't understand a thing after that, because he started ranting in a language I've heard enough to recognize. It's Fae and limited to his royal family.
    Yeah, he's royalty. Not a prince or anything, but biologically related to them. His station had been intercultural relations, which like I'd said, is how he'd met Minho. He'd over-seen many transactions between them and his people - like the sale and purchase of land, he'd also helped settle disputes and more.
    He opens the door and holds it for me to take as he enters. When I touch it my arm thrums. I recognize magic when I feel it. Illusions are usually simple spells. They're such low level magic that they fall under the Charms category. Usually, people use it to either bless or curse objects.
    This isn't that. It's powerful and, like the one on my apartment, is a multi-level spell that's been weaved to conceal it's true appearance. There's something else. It most likely has a set perimeter - a dimension pocket. Magic doers use them to avoid continuity errors. If you conceal a place and only give it the illusion of looking like something else, when you reach for - lets say a lamp - your hand will pass through it, like trying to touch a ghost.
    Or, if something else is there, when your hand passes through it you'll feel something else instead. Imagine expecting to feel the smooth glass of a lamp base and instead feeling the scratchy material of an old book cover - with out seeing it. It, most likely, especially for a mortal, will freak them out. They may run screaming and even expose the magic doer. It's illegal to burn us at the stake anymore, but we prefer to keep on the down low.
    People can get nasty when they realize what you're capable of. I don't have to keep so on the down low, because I run a shop that caters to the New Age revolution. Most people buy stuff because they're going through a phase, or because it looks cool. I don't mind. I know magic is real.
    I enjoy meeting new people, making them happy, and occasionally meeting real magic doers. Like I've said, I don't want to be any where else, doing any thing else. Well, at the moment I think I might, because I'm not at my shop. I'm here, with Key being Key and me being me. We're both stubborn and may as well, literally, be butting heads.
    In spite of his tri-lingual self, I go in muttering in Korean. I may be second generation Korean American, but my Grandmother taught me well. She'd periodically refused to use English and I'd had no choice but to study. I hadn't liked not being able to communicate with her, so I'd studied hard.
    That acquired dedication had also fueled my magic studies. Now, research and I are best friends.
I step in and look around. It's a boutique with up to date fashionable items: Clothes, shoes, purses, accessories. There's a bin with boxed jewelry for gifts. It's well lit and nicer than I'd expected. There's no display window, so attracting customers isn't the goal here.
Most of the ones who do come in are probably attracted by the spell I'd felt.
    I hear the door behind me close. That's when the shift happens. My body thrums. I'm blink, and then I'm standing in a massive room. To my left are super tall book shelves made of glossed dark wood. In front and to my right is a space that appears to be for reading, and practicing magic.
    There are large books on the long tall table, and different shape and size cauldrons. Multi-story windows on the right side, along with a massive chandelier light the place. I look up to absorb just how high the ceiling is. There are beams that run along it and the part of me feels the urge to cross them. "No," I mentally scream at it.
    I don't mind heights, but that distance is insane.
    Key's voice snaps me to attention. "This is just the beginning," he says. He looks the usual smug and the twinkle in his eyes makes me curious. What or who could make him that excited about some thing? It also makes me think of Jonghyun.
    It's rare not see them together and even though it had been Key's idea to bring me here, I still feel a little guilty. I woman comes around the first book case and goes in to the second one. Key takes my wrist and leads me forward. There's a lavish counter with a woman behind it at the front. She's mid-aged with up styled hair and she's talking on a cordless phone.
    I'm led passed to the left and I see an even longer table near the front book case. Books and what appears to be work books are evenly lined along it. By each are small cauldrons and different craft tools. "Are magic classes given here," I say.
    "Yeah. Ms. Whisper and a few professors give different classes. Different days for each. Potions, spells, the like. I told you she could teach you a thing or two."
    I roll my eyes and allow him to keep pulling me along. In the distance are shorter full book cases, and glass cases like the one I keep my person ingredients locked in. My eyes widen as he turns us right. I make a face. A small area, reminding me of the boutique store is there.
    It's much smaller and only has facing mannequins. Some are clothed and some aren't. Behind them are wide shelves of normal height, and I'm guess they hold sewing stuff. It's so out of place I don't even know what to say. I give Key a raised eyebrow in half judgement and half questioning.
    He gives and awkward smile and says, "Ms. Whisper, she's a bit of an exhibitionist. She allows people to watch her design and sew, and she teaches. There are people who'd kill to take her classes."
    "An exhibitionist," I say. "I hope making clothes and teaching magic classes is as far as it goes."
    "Of course it is." He scoffs and looks away. "It's not like she's going to run in the streets..."
    I look at him, curious why he'd stopped talking. His eyes were pointed over my left shoulder. I turned and freeze. A woman no taller than my stomach is coming our way. She's dressed in a high fashion silver suit and white pointed toe heels, reminding me of a modern day cliched version of an elf - without the pointed ears. Also, she's riding on a translucent pink electronic scooter.
    It's fitted to her size and I press my lips together, bouncing between wanting to either laugh or pet her, because of her adorableness. When she gets closer I see she has smile lines around and on her forehead, and little crinkles at the corners of her eyes. Her skin is flawless fair, though, so it's hard to tell her age. Since she's a magic doer, even if I guess, I'll probably be wrong. The most startling thing about her is that lime green lashes sweep to the sides from her top lids.
    I force myself not to blink rapidly, like Taemin, and smile.
    "No no no," Key says. "This simply won't do."
    Little woman tilts her head and says, "You disapprove of my outfit, you little pipsqueak. I aught to-"
    "No," he says. "I mean your lips. They're empty. Here." I watch in amazement as he pulls the translucent black lip gloss he's wearing out of his pocket.
    She puffs her lips and I have to press my own together not to laugh. He applies it in two smooth applications. She brings her lips together a few times, making popping sounds. By this point my face has to be red from holding my laughter. It's so awkward, so cute, so...
    I shake my head and look at the floor. I have no idea how to finish the thought. I feel like I've fallen in to an alternate universe where she's queen and Key's her loyal advisor - with other worldly fashion sense. The word fierce pops in my head and I cringe. This is what I get for allowing Key to force me to watch those stupid fashion reality shows.
    Never again.

Tiny Miss
    IF YOU HAVEN'T figured it out yet, little woman is Ms. Whisper. Key's between us, but a little to the left. I'm following behind her and her little scooter. I can tell by it's speed that she'll be able to keep up with people, no matter their height. It wouldn't surprise me if she sometimes speeds through here.
    Vroooom.
    She stops and I windmill to keep from falling over her. Now, I know why Key had been walking beside and not behind her. To him, she says, "I'm flattered you're bringing me business." She looked over her shoulder at me. "And I never expected... this."
    Her eyes scan me up and down. My eyes widen and my cheeks heat. It's so awkward, because it's like an older aunt hitting on me. I feel the urge to run, but don't. Instead, I look at my shoes.
    I hear Key say, "Oh, Tiny Miss, leave him alone. He's a gentle soul. You're scaring him." I take offense to most of that, but it'd be counter productive to voice it. I keep looking at my shoes.
    A lingering silence makes me look up. She's looking at him and I can't tell if she's offended, angry or contemplative. I wait. Her scooter turns to face him, but she looks at me. "Did I scare you, gentle soul?"
    Her expression is a mix of serious and false sympathy. She's teasing me. I make a noise and fight a smile. I say, "N-Not really." My cheeks are still warm, but I find myself drawn to her unexpected humor. I tip my head towards Key and say, "He has such a low opinion of me."
    Key scoffs and crosses his arms. He glares at me and starts to speak. Ms. Whisper starts laughing and he pauses. His arms drop and he looks at her. He looks at me and I give him a smug smile.
    I hear her scooters vroom and immediately follow her.

Appreciation
    AFTER BEING POKED, prodded and told to quit whining, I'm set free. I rub my sides as she says, "You're costume will be ready for October thirty-first, don't you worry."
    "Uh... thanks," is all I can say. I watch her get on her scooter, go to the shelves right behind her, retrieve a box, drive back, then get off it. It's funny, I don't want to admit it. Rubbing my sides again, I leave. The boutique solidifies around me and I turn.
Key materializes, looking amused. I shake my head at him and go to the car. He heads for the drivers seat and I grab the keys.
    Looking surprised, he says, "Hey."
    I point at him and say, "No way am I letting you drive me back. Especially not after that experience. First you torture me, then she tortures me. Not happening."
    "Third time is not a charm. At least... not this time."
    Sulking, he gets in the passengers seat and following the speed limit, I take us to the shop. I get out and Taemin, whose dutifully still greeting customers, waves in his flurried greeting. Smiling, I raise an arm. Key still looks put out as we make our way to the door.
    "How was it," Taemin says.
    I hold up a hand and close my eyes. "I don't even want to talk about it."
    His eyes widen, he looks down, back at me, pinches his lip, then says, "That bad, huh?"
    "It was... interesting. I'll tell you about it later."
    He nods and looks at Key. Instead of having stormed in like I figured he would, he's holding the door for me. I give Taemin a smile and tell him he can come inside, take a little break. Surprised, he follows me. There's nothing broken, no fires, a few customers are looking around.
    Minho, in all his vampire glory, is wiping surface cleaner off the counter. I can't help but grin at the sight. Taemin goes to him and as soon as he sees him he smiles. I sense it before they do it. They lean towards each other and I clear my throat. They freeze.
    Taemin turns and his shoulders are drawn in. He says, "I know I know. No kissing in front of customers."
    I feel bad, but PDA is unprofessional. I nod and give a small smile. "I'll make it up to you guys later," I say.
    Taemin scratches his head, turns to look at Minho. His eyes have widened. "No no," he says. "We get it. There's no need to do anything."
    I wave a hand. "Don't worry about it. You're my friends. We'll go do something fun."
    "Like what," Taemin says. I can sense the excitement in his words.
    I grin. "I don't know, but we'll figure out something." Movement beside me makes me look over. Key is headed for his place behind the register. I stop him.
    "Thank you," I say. "I know I complain a lot. Most of the time I'm just playing, though. I had an... interesting experience. How did you possibly meet her?"
    Something softens in him and he gives a small smile. "The spell that pulled you in? I felt it and was curious. I ended up in her work shop and met her. Having a Fae in her place made her curious, to."
    "It's uncommon for our kind to leave the society."
    I nod, proud to have him as a friend. "Admit it, you like turning heads every where you go."
    He let out a mix of a pleased laugh and a cackle. With a laugh like that, no one but a powerful magic doer will ever suspect he isn't a witch.

Ms. Whisper just came to me.  Who do you think I based her off of?  Also, the Poll is still below if you haven't voted yet:  Whose your favorite character?