The Taming

Talking with Shadows

"And you?" Elsabet didn't deny it.

Calisto shrugged. "About the same. My conceptions of time are slightly skewed now that I'm trapped outside of it."

Elsabet's confusion was written across her face.

"Would you tell him something for me when you see him?"

"Who?" Elsabet cocked her head.

Calisto gave her a look that clearly indicated she thought it quite clear.

"I prefer not to talk to him."

"If you didn't enjoy him so much, you wouldn't try so hard to dodge him. He simply wouldn't matter..." Calisto countered.

"He's insufferable."

"Definitely. But magnetic just the same. With a raw animal appeal that's nearly irresistible."

"You say that with admiration. Why? How can you stand him? He's crass, always making innuendos."

Calisto's purple-blue eyes widened. "Is he? Usually, its women speaking such to him. I've never heard Bast do so. Are you saying he flirts with you?" There was nearly envy in her tone.

"He taunts me."

"Mercilessly." Bast emerged from the shadows at the other end of the corridor. His body slashed in darkness but his face clear. Turquoise eyes flaring with interest. "Who are you talking to Valkyrie?"

Trying to charm someone new into saving you? Or a secret form of communication? Bast wondered.

Elsabet gave him a startled look.

"I presume you're talking about me."

"Not everything is about you." Elsabet's lip curled in a disdainful way that told him she most certainly was.

***

Calisto, whom Bast couldn't see, cut in to say. "Tell him Raese is staying in a mansion for a ball. Somewhere green where trees have pods that just now turn yellow."

Elsabet gave her a confused look.

"Who do you speak with?" Sebastian's head moved to assess her. Curious beyond belief.

She gave him a quick look. Before turning her head to stare at something he couldn't discern, near the banister. Though he heard nothing it seemed as if someone was talking to her.

Elsabet was listening to Calisto.

"He's the only one still looking for my Raese, when everyone else has given up. I've no choice but to love him for that." Already Calisto's image faded, beginning to quake.

"Where are you going?" Elsabet asked.

"Your energy has changed." Calisto sobbed. "You're no longer at ease." She reached for Elsabet but there was a sound like broken glass and her agonized scream. And she was gone.

"Who are you talking to, Little Harpie?" Bast's tone turned dangerous.

"A woman."

"There are no women in my castle, save you, Elsabet."

And Elengard.

The elf that tended WaterRose when Bast was away. But she only traversed from the hut in the bailey. She doesn't live in here.

"There's another...Calisto."

Startled, Sebastian grabbed Elsabet's shoulders. "You saw her? What did she say?"

"Are you so interested?" Elsabet lifted a haughty brow.

He felt her quiver slightly. Her body stiff.

Bast calmed, gently releasing her. "What'd she say, Little Harpie?"