Prologue
The velvet fog rolled across the grounds, glowing from the light of the sun, seeming to grow steadily as it covered. It pulled at her, begging for her notice, pleading for her touch. She walked slowly, deep in her own thoughts, not giving attention to the reactions of the elements around her. With her continued indifference, the thickening fog was joined by a brisk wind. The wind caught up the fog, swirling in ever-changing patterns. Tendrils pulled at her long skirts, her soft golden hair, and finally her hands. She looked down; at last acknowledging the insistent intent.
“Hush now… it is not yet time.” She whispered softly, her smile warm despite the fog’s chill. “It has not even begun.”
She waved her hand within the swirls of wind and fog, almost stroking them, humming a simple tune that was at once unfamiliar and as ancient as the wind itself.
“Hush…” she repeated.
The winds calmed… and the fog rolled away.
