Jacey K Dew

Sky’s The Limit In Mexico & In Devon

Posted on June 5, 2020July 11, 2020 by Jacey K Dew

Sky's The Limit In Devon: On Kindle Unlimited

Cover for combo Sky's The Limit In Mexico & In Devon. Paperback and ebook, everywhere else.

In Mexico

Skylar Bryson lives her life by her parents' will. Spending nearly every minute with them as she works in the family café and continues to live in their basement. Until, her best friend's unfortunate circumstances lands her in Mexico on the vacation of her lifetime.
As she gets a taste of freedom, Skylar meets some interesting new people, steps out of her comfort zone, and gains a new perspective.
Will Skylar find more than adventure in Mexico?

In Devon

Skylar Bryson has her world turned upside down after her return, and it's not just from a change of mindset.

Will's visit to her hometown doesn't go at all how Skylar would have wished. Nothing is going how Skylar would have wished.

Will Skylar find her support system in her new companion, or should well enough have been left alone in Mexico?

Amazon

Sky's The Limit

Sky’s The Limit In Mexico & In Devon

Posted on May 29, 2020July 11, 2020 by Jacey K Dew

Ebooks will be available June 5th. Paperback will be available in mid July.

Kindle Unlimited Cover for novella Sky's The Limit in Devon.

Cover for combo Sky's The Limit In Mexico & In Devon. Paperback and ebook, everywhere else.

In Mexico

In Devon

Skylar Bryson has her world turned upside down after her return, and it's not just from a change of mindset.

Will's visit to her hometown doesn't go at all how Skylar would have wished. Nothing is going how Skylar would have wished.

Will Skylar find her support system in her new companion, or should well enough have been left alone in Mexico?

Book Posts, Character, Three Souls Series

Rayleen Brenner

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Rayleen; red hair and blue eyes. She has freckles on her face.

Rayleen, the name, was picked by my sister Gwen. Rayleen, like my sister, is a foster child, but that isn't the only thing they share in common. My sister is a red head and has blue eyes. They both also have problems saying hospital, instead saying hospitable.

She is five, almost six, in Volume 1. She was born December 5th, 2006. Her only surviving family is Alexa Brenner, after her parents and grandparents died in an airplane crash.

We learn that Rayleen is a witch on her dad's side. She has control of the air element.

Book Posts, Character, Three Souls Series

Darius (Walter) Johnston

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Darius– Blonde Hair and Blue Eyes. German. Strong Build.

The first couple sentences used to describe Darius are in Alexa’s POV, and the very first sentences to start off the books.

Sick, full filling pleasure creeps into Darius’ features, making my boyfriend look devilish and somewhat evil. His blue eyes lock onto one of his favourite ‘toys’ and all his attention is on his next victim.

We are introduced to Darius as Alexa’s boyfriend, and see a glimpse of their toxic relationship. They’ve only known each other a couple months; after Alexa moved houses and schools.

Darius proves that he just gets his way; mostly with intimidation. (No, my vampires don’t naturally have the ability to make people do what they want. You just meet those people sometimes, who they just always seem to be able to get their way. Wildly charismatic people, and no matter what they do, they can talk their way out of anything.)

He was the co-captain and quarterback of the high school football team.

In Volume 2 it’s revealed that Darius was a human Nazi soldier in WWII. He was taken by a vampire called Sir; who ran a secret operation in many locations through Europe and Russia. Sir experimented on ‘Walter’ and turned him into a vampire. Darius was rescued when the Council’s army came to rescue the prisoners. Sir set the place on fire to hide his escape. Darius was the only being to survive the fire.

Suspiciously, as it should be to reader, Darius is the only person noted to have survived in the fire. Sir, of course, also survived the fire; he has never been found and his identity never figured out.

Now, I am not going to reveal who Sir is. That’s a reveal I’d love to leave for the books, but I will reveal some other information not going in the books.

As Walter, he had joined the Nazi party in fear of what would happen if he didn’t, and complaisant to those close to him. Aligning himself with the Nazi party to protect his image, reputation, life and family (with wife and infant son).

Darius survived because he was helping Sir. He came in as a prisoner, but after turning into a vampire Darius (age 19) managed to convince Sir that he would help him conduct his experiments. And, he did. Darius committed the same atrocities that Sir did, however he did so as a way to survive. In much the same reason he joined the Nazi party, he aligned himself with Sir.

However, he is also the reason the other supernatural being escaped. Darius allowed the prisoner to escape in hopes that the action would end the torture.

Sir escaped while Darius stayed to torch the place. They were to meet up immediately, but Darius allowed himself to be captured as a survivor.

Sadly, he had no wife and son to go back to; even if he was allowed to. They had perished while he was gone. He had also been labelled as MIA by the Nazi party, which in WWII was a lot like saying someone was dead but no body was found.

The council would not allow him to return to his homeland after they rescued him. He was a risk that they could not set free until properly conditioned and trained.

Book Posts, Character, Three Souls Series

Alexa Brenner

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Alexa is the first pov character.

Her name was something else originally. I don't remember exactly, most of the characters had other names (Miles was supposed to be a Peter). However, I have a friend who told me to pick more interesting names or she would never read my books. Soooo, I went back to the drawing board and accumulated a list of interesting names.

Died black hair. Natural red hair. 5”6’. Blue eyes.

She is artistic. She’s had practice within art classes in school. She works hard to create realism within her painting of Rayleen.

She uses make up to cover her face in a mask, and to cover up her freckles. Hair dye helps to cover up her natural hair colour. She uses both to hide from herself.

Alexa cuts herself. Has for a while. The need to cut comes and goes depending on her situation; as an emotional escape. Her thighs are one of the key areas she cuts, because they are an area easily covered by most types of clothing.

*** Sidebar - Alexa’s actions are not something I wish for people to emulate. They are in the books because it is a very real reaction and behaviour to emotional distress. Some of my dearest people have cut themselves or do cut themselves.

If you do cut yourself, or think you want to, please talk to someone about it. Please get help.

There are other ways to help you deal with whatever you are going through. If you don’t think you can trust anyone, there are always hotlines you can contact. Check your local numbers for Kid’s Help Phone or Suicide Hotlines, or any such hotlines of the sort : many of which are toll free.

***

Alexa and Rayleen have been in the foster system for four years. Since the death of each of their parents in a plane crash. Alexa’s older sister, Kathleen, is Rayleen’s mom. They had no other family that could take them in.

In the beginning of the school year they moved in with June and her husband, and their foster kids. Alexa spends her time checking up with Rayleen there and with Darius.

Darius and Alexa started dating soon after she arrived. He was attracted to her, and pursued her. The attraction quickly became possessive and intense.

The relationship was toxic and abusive even before the revolution. The physical abuse began in the farm house after Miles came to rescue Alexa. Darius slapped her, and blamed her for it. He apologized (not really) for slapping her, then to make up for it he gives her Rayleen as a gift (one he threatens time and time again that he can take back).

Alexa goes back and forth between thinking that Darius is the bad guy, and professing her love for him. She thinks he can protect her and Rayleen; thinks that he can make her stronger so she can protect Rayleen better.

Alexa moves on, in a sense, to be with Daniel, because he shows her he cares for her. He’s a rebound/holding place while she is away from Darius. She does begin to love him as time goes on.

But of course, Darius is always lurking in the shadows to get her back in his clutches.

Book Posts, Scene, Three Souls Series

Sandra’s Blood Memory Insight

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Sandra shows Alexa a memory of her attending the last council meeting prior to the revolution through blood magic.

The point of the meeting was to address the people on the recent uprising and talk of revolution It was supposed to show a united front of the council members to quell everyone, however two of the Council reps had other ideas.

They are in a grand hall with creamy white walls. Hordes of supernatural beings are packed into the hall. On a stage are four chairs; one for each of the council members.

Sandra meets up with Darius. Immediately, we are met with his disbelief that Miles could choose to go against the revolution, and against their friendship.

We are introduced to the four Council Representatives.

Seth – Nocturnal Council Representative - The same tall vampire Darius and Shane were speaking with at the football game. Deep blue black hair. Pointed features; including slightly pointed ears. Black angry looking tattoos all on his torso.

James McInnis – Magic Folk Council Representative - Salt and pepper haired.

Aalayah – Elemental Council Representative - Fire Elemental. “Deep red heels form the base of long flowing legs. A short black pencil skirt and blazer dress the body. Red accents all the edges on the suit. A ruby dangles from a black chain around her slender neck. Ruby lips form the serious look on her face. Eyes flash from red to orange and yellow matching the flame on her black hair.”

Niklas – Diurnal Council Representative - Amber eyes. Russian. Werewolf.

Aalayah and Seth officially kick off the revolution with their announcement on their positions.

Two days after this council meeting is Wednesday, November 14th 2012; the day the revolution starts.

Book Posts, Character, Three Souls Series

Miles McMillan

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Miles McMillan – Light forest, emerald green eyes. Red head. Slim build. Pointed features. Natural smile.

As an elf Miles has a limited mood effects on those he touches along with empathetic powers.

He has a smooth and quiet voice; a contrast to his loud and vocal girlfriend, Kelly.

While not a vegetarian, Miles abstains from meat that isn’t fresh and unprocessed.

He’s an artist. Described as having a painterly effect. Meaning brush strokes can be seen, but also that distinguishable colours can be picked out. Miles adds colours to his works that other people wouldn’t generally choose, or see within a picture, and yet the painting is still realistic.

Miles, as one of Darius’ best friends, knows him and sees the relationship between him and Alexa; like friends do. He looks out for Alexa the best he can, while also not stepping in on his friend’s relationship.

Their friendship comes to a head when Miles refuses to take sides with Darius in the revolution. Miles doesn’t agree with starting a war, nor the enslavement of humans.

As Alexa’s friend, he doesn’t agree with Darius essentially forcing her to choose his side, and give her no option but to change into a vampire. Miles is the one who kick started the plan to rescue Alexa and Rayleen.

Book Posts, Character, Three Souls Series

Kelly

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Kelly – Tall. Bleach blonde. Dyes black wisps through hair. Loud. Loves to gossip. Light blue eyes, almost silver when light is shining on them. Fashion followers and tries to be trendsetter. Loves real stone and precious metal jewelry.

“Insecurity and jealousy go hand in hand.”

This is a saying that goes very well with Kelly as a person, and her relationship. She’s a gossip, and loves to put people down. She has her own insecurities, and thus highlights everyone else’s.

She doesn’t understand the platonic relationship between Alexa and Miles, and views Alexa as a threat. After Miles puts himself in danger to rescue Alexa. He stands vigil over her as she heals from her ordeal at the farm. This causes arguments between Miles and Kelly, which Alexa and Rayleen walk in on.

Kelly was born at the tail end of the silent generation (born during WWII), and brought up in a time when single women can’t be just friends with a man. She sticks to this ideology.

She quit school in grade nine because there was no reason for her to continue. With a large family, a farm to look after, and comfort in that she would one day have a husband look after her, she quit school. This was sadly a relatively common and accepted thing back when she had been a child.

Kelly was engaged to be married when she ‘went missing’. Turned as she was checking on noises outside in the field. And kidnapped by the man that turned her. She spent many years learning from this man and in a Stockholm syndrome relationship with him. She underwent abuse.

It’s why she immediately recognizes why Alexa is hesitant to leave Darius at the farm.

Book Posts, Character, Three Souls Series

Shale

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Shale – A bit of a mystery.

We know he’s a vampire.

We know he chooses Darius’ side of the war. He’s a lackey type. Shale has a moral compass and integrity. He tries his best to keep Nikki and Rayleen safe from harm. He also hands over keys to Jaiden so she can help rescue the two girls.

But, I don’t have much of anything on him for a description of appearance in the book (unintentional). I do however, have a description for him in my spreadsheet.

We authors are always collecting names. We hear a name that we like and keep it for later. I have a list of names I like and I’ve collected over the years. Shale was one of them.

Shale was a name I overhead a mother call her teenage son as they were shopping at a place I worked. I had looked over at the named individual and created up a character, so….

Shale is Native American with shoulder length black hair regularly worn up in a man bun. Medium build. Jeans and t-shirt type style. Well put together. Hazel-brown eyes.

Book Posts, Character, Three Souls Series

Daniel

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Daniel – Daniel isn’t given a description. He was never intended to be a main character; it's just one of those things that happened in the moment and I went with it. An update to his imagery was never really given.

He used to be Darius’ friend via football, but as the revolution plans ramped up Darius cut ties off with his human friends to show Seth his loyalty to the plan. Alexa was given an exception by love as he was planning to change her.

Daniel as a former friend knows what buttons to push when it comes to Darius. He got a volleyball to the head for pushing too far with Alexa.

On the day of the attack Daniel had decided to skip school and go to a strip mall in Edmonton with a couple friends from school.

Daniel and Alexa get together after drinking and video games, and are dating after that. Daniel tries to take on a father role with Rayleen, but doesn’t have the patience and know how of how to properly deal with a child.

Yet, Alexa remains dating him (he’s a breeze after dealing with Darius).

Book Posts, Character, Three Souls Series

Ram (Raamiz)

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Ram (Raamiz)

5000 years old

“Switching my gaze to the man, I look him over as well. His darker complexion has an almost red hue to it. The clean cut brand clothing and shoes, golden necklace and ring, and perfect posture speaks of a more privileged background.”

Northern Africa descent. Was sold as a labourer to build pyramids, monuments, buildings, work in the fields, home of noblemen/pharaoh. His parents (peasants) sold him as they couldn’t care for him. He ended up working in the home of the pharaoh. Crossing paths with Sandra a couple times.

Ram tells Alexa that his parents eventually came for him. While not exactly true, he smiles at the memory of being reunited with his parents for a short time, years later. Ultimately, he was the one who sought his family out. His mother and father, were ecstatic to see him and to know that he had survived. The period of time they gave him up was before the worst of it. He had an infant brother, who his parents had kept, that had passed when his mother’s milk ran dry from her starvation. They fared better when they moved and became citizens of Egypt and thus required to work on the pyramid. Given rations and shelter in exchange for work provided. Ram has three living siblings when he reunites with his parents.

While he is human, he can’t die. Both he and Sandra were bickering, and when a trickster saw this, it decided to meddle and stop time for them until they could truly appreciate one another. This has bound them together through all these years. Neither of them can die.

Book Posts, Character, Three Souls Series

Sandra (Sakhmet)

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Sandra (Sakhmet)

“The girl has red-brown hair that wisps down in front of her shoulders and flows slightly longer in the back. Getting closer to her I notice a tiny stud in her nose. Scanning up her face to her eyes I find her staring at me. She looks through me with almost all orange eyes; baby blue circling them. She looks my way belittling me with her gaze.”

Sandra is a priestess (magic folk) from Ancient Egypt.

She tells Rayleen and Alexa a bedtime story about a princess, which is actually a memory she recounts about her and Ram. She recounts their first meeting, and the night they survived an attack on their city.

There seems to be some discrepancies on what different experts believe Ancient Egyptians to look like. I gave Sandra the appearance I did based on my research at the time; which pegs Ancient Egyptians closely related to "of the Near East, particularly from the Levant. This is the Eastern Mediterranean which today includes the countries of Turkey, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon." Per article below.

An interesting read: http://bigthink.com/philip-perry/were-the-ancient-egyptians-black-or-white-scientists-now-know

Sandra (Sakhmet) is named after the Egyptian goddess of fire, war, fertility and healing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sekhmet

Sandra’s mental illness.

Sandra has bipolar disorder. A mental disorder marked by alternating periods of elation (manic) and depression. Check out http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/mental-health-bipolar-disorder#1 for more details on this mental disorder.

With modern medicine she is able to help control the manic/depression with the use of her “chill pill” as Ram calls it when she lashes out at him. With daily medicine she is able to manage her disorder. During episodes we would see Sandra engaging in dangerous behaviour. Her moods erratic and varied.

Exasperating the situation - Sandra has acquired souls for power and knowledge. Merely being alive for so long takes a toll on the body and the mind.

Soul stealing comes with its’ own repercussions on mental health. Think of it as acquiring another person inside of you; their own thoughts, memories, and behaviour that you have to sort out from your own. This can have Sandra acting not like herself in a number of ways.

Sandra practices ancient magic, not conforming to modern laws for magic folk. Blood Magic is demonstrated when Sandra uses it to impress a memory onto Alexa or when she can link herself to Taylor's eye and ear. To be able to use blood magic, without killing the person, you need expert balanced control of all four elements. In modern times it is rare to find a magical being able to perform blood magic (forbidden magic).

With Sandra being around 5000 years old, she is one of the few that have control of all four elements.

Book Posts, Boros Castle, Lore, Three Souls Series

Fekete Vér

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Fekete Vér - The box is decorated in a set of lines and curves in an alternate of red and black. The label on the side reads Fekete Vér in an old, gothic style of writing.

Hungarian for black blood.

Fekete Vér is a human blood product disguised as a darkly bottled alcoholic beverage. The drink is only available through supernatural owned and operated retailers. Identification is required at the time of purchase.

Alexa and Jaiden are both exposed to this product in Volume 1, but Nikki doesn't come across it until Volume 3.

Fun Fact: As a little variation between the different POVs, Alexa doesn’t include the accent above the e while Jaiden does. This type of language variation is natural as some people don’t recognize the accents as English doesn’t tend to have any unless the word was stolen from another language. Alexa doesn’t recognize accents and hasn’t ever taken a course to learn another language. Jaiden, however, has taken French as a second language and has knowledge of a few different languages.

Another Fun Fact: Fekete Vér is owned by the Boros family we will meet in Boros Castle.

Book Posts, Scene, Three Souls Series

Scarf Colours

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

In DV1, Alexa and co. find themselves in army protection at a school. The army sorts them at the entrance into scarf colours, and into rooms. I've attached the cheat sheet I made for the colours.

In some cases the colours were given through colour theory, and typical societal use of the colours. Red usually means danger and stop. White is used for innocence.

The one that is missing from here is the army scarf they give to some to make them honourary military members. This scarf allows for special privileges to those the army thinks could be an asset, or use to get intel from.

Book Posts, Lore

Vampire Lore

Posted on March 27, 2018April 25, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Becoming a vampire is more like living with a virus than the undead reborn. Human blood acts as medicine, or a treatment to the virus to keep it under control. The virus itself has regenerative side effects, like a human body working at peak efficiency and capacity. Strength and speed increases.

Life is prolonged. They are not completely immortal, a vampire will eventually grow old and die. A process that would take a thousand years for a blood moderated vampire turned in their early twenties. The body petrifies, but the mind still goes on, until that too shuts down.

Being close to death can allow the virus to take hold more quickly, and help the virus to heal a body otherwise that should have died, however dead is dead. Once a host body dies the vampirism virus cannot live.

A vampire can die a number of ways that regular humans can.

Poison is not generally effective (alcohol included – it’s more difficult for a vampire to get drunk let alone stay drunk). The body heals too well and fast for poison to be effective.

A stab to the heart will kill. Vampiric healing doesn’t work fast enough to heal a wounded heart. A shot to the head and brain...

Not going to go through every way a vampire can or cannot die. But the idea of it is that if it is a sudden and instant kill, then it could kill a vampire. If it takes a prolonged time than a vampire can heal from it. Exceptions, as there always are, include medical intervention and blood intake. Example: Staunching a wound could potentially buy enough time for vampire blood to heal a wound enough to prevent it from being fatal.

Excessive blood intake accelerates healing and may allow a vampire to heal from a death blow. Will also allow a vampire to live longer.

In general, they can feel warm or cold to the touch. Not enough human blood and they run cold like death. Too much blood and they run hot like a fever. Just enough blood and they sustain a normal human temperature.

A vampire that abuses human blood consumption is overtaken by the virus. The more they drink, the more they need. It’s addictive. Withdrawal symptoms like rage, and fluctuating temperature occur.

Too little blood, and the virus starts eating away at their body, until death.

Must be “human” blood, there is no substitution for health reasons. Some blood can be toxic to vampires. Other blood doesn’t contain what a vampire needs to survive.

Vampires can taste differences in blood; blood type, alcohol consumption, fatty, sugars, medicines, etc. As different flavours. Different vampires favour different blood.

They can speak higher than the average adult human can hear. A late teen might hear ringing, or a young child might be able to distinguish a word.

Book Posts, Character, Three Souls Series

What is going on with Sandra?

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Sandra, in addition to the trickster’s curse (immortality until her and Ram can learn to appreciate one another), has absorbed souls for extra power, knowledge, and life. The later, not as important as the other two. Soul absorption comes with varying consequences; which I will get into with a later post. Some of those consequences effect the mind.

Blood magic takes a lot of magic. This can trigger something in Sandra’s head to react out of normal composure.

-“Sandra,” his voice is quiet at first, “Sandra.” He says her name louder and louder. “Sandra, we need you to calm down now. You are having an episode, and you’re hurting Alexa.”

My neck is snapped to the side. Wet pressure sends my eye lids closed in disgust as she licks me. “She enjoys it. I should do away with this whore, then I’ll have my king; my love. His human fixation. I’m human and I was his before she ever came into his life.” She inhales into my hair. I open my eyes, pleading to Ram to do something. “Maybe it’s your smell. Idea. Smell, of course smell. I’ve decided to save you keep you alive. Vampires like blood and smell. I’ll use your blood to smell like you. He won’t help himself then. What do you say Ram?”

“Yes, Sandra. That sounds like an excellent idea.” He moves closer slowly, and calmly. “We can move her to the bathtub; we can use your knife, and cut her. You can rub the blood all over you. Use it for perfume.” She loosens her grip on my head as he comes closer. Cool liquid hits my shoulder and runs down the front and back of my shirt. The hand disappears from my hair. She hasn’t grabbed onto any other part of me. Launching myself off the bed, I run past Ram.

“I’m sorry Alexa, I’m sorry!” A hysterical cry is screeched behind me. -

Sandra is also in love with Darius. She wants him to love her back, but he’s infatuated with Alexa. In an episode, she goes from comradery to threatening to rub Alexa’s blood all over herself to smell better for Darius; after sharing her memory with Alexa.

Ram helps her snap out of it and gives her a herbal tea elixir; medicine.

Book Posts, Scene, Three Souls Series

Cutting Miles

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

The scene where Darius gets Alexa to cut Miles is important and significant to Darius.

In his mind, this is Alexa proving her loyalty and love to Darius. His test to see if she can make it in the new world, and go against everyone; even friends. Furthermore, to prove herself to the people he is leading.

Darius is prepared to kill Alexa at this point, if she is not able to prove herself to him. He thinks nothing of killing Rayleen (who he’s had since the beginning of the attacks but kept them separated) if Alexa isn’t able to do it.

It’s all a part of his manipulation of Alexa. Praising her after she cuts Miles. Giving her Rayleen because she made him proud.

Book Posts, Character, Three Souls Series

Sandra and Ram Meeting/Origins

Posted on March 27, 2018May 23, 2018 by Jacey K Dew

Ram (Raamiz) was sold to the pharaoh by his parents in a financial crisis. He was to be a labourer. In the arrival, a papyrus ball is tossed into a hallway and Sandra goes to retrieve it. She runs into Raamiz and introduces herself. He tells her his name, but she misunderstands it.

Ram had a hard time adjusting to his new life. He got himself into trouble, and punished by his superiors.

Their second meeting is about one and a half years later on the night of the fires. The city is attacked and set ablaze. Most are killed that night. Sandra lost her whole family.

Ram is wounded but managed to escape alive from an initial attack. He ran into the palace for a place to hide. This is where he meets up with Sandra and helps her escape. The go up the Nile to the next city.

"We walked for a really long time. At about mid-day we finally reached the city. It was scorched just like ours had been. We found a couple of survivors, and they helped us. We spent the next couple years basically just trying to survive. We went to the next few cities until we were able to find some place that didn’t want to use us as slaves. And we both learned each other’s languages. Eventually I figured out his name wasn’t Ramses. It took a while” She pauses. “It only took about fifty years before he finally told me. Anyway, I’m sure you have at least a couple questions for me. Oh, like how I’m not dead yet. Well, that’s actually more simple then not. We ended up getting into a fight in the middle of the night in a forest and a trickster decided that it needed to meddle. Pretty much it stopped time for us; we won’t age until we learn to appreciate each other. Apparently, we haven’t done that yet.”