6 A Visitor in the Veil (2/2)

”Yes. Who are you?” she asked.

The woman came up the steps and settled next to her, ”This world is very nice, Sorgia. The colors are so bright!”

”Thank you but who are you?” Isilla stared at the strange woman, confused. No one entered her courtyards unless they went to sleep next to her, touching her skin. As her new husband would. The thought sent a shock through her.

”Worried, Sorgia?” the woman asked throwing her legs over the edge, staring out over the maze of endless courtyards.

”No!” she nearly shouted, blushing deep, then softer, ”Yes. Why wouldn't I be?”

The woman patted her leg, her hand was hot through the thin fabric, ”Do not worry, little flower. He's only a man. He will do only what man do and then over. Quick, like a pinch.”

”Ow!” she said pulling away from the woman's hard fingers where she had illustrated her point. ”Who are you?” she asked moving a few inches away.

The woman smiled waving her hand in front of her, ”No one anymore. Just a shade. Just someone for you talk to. Sorgia is always so lonely!”

She eyed the woman, taking in her strange half realized form. I've imagined her into being. Like the butterflies and the birds, she thought, I've never made a person before but today has been strange.

”What did you come to talk to me about, shade?” she asked pushing back her hair.

”You are the Sorgia. I come to tell you off your role. Help. Guide. That is all,” the woman responded.

”Oh well tell me about tonight. Tell me about what will happen when my husband comes to my bed.”

”Little flower, you know what will happen,” her voice was gentle in its chastising, ”If he is good he will make you ready. If he is not well, it will be over quickly.”

”I suppose that's all anyone can tell me. I don't know how he will be,” she said sadly looking down at her hands in her lap. They began to flicker and fade, ”Oh, goodbye shade. It seems I am waking.”

The world and the woman faded as she rose back to consciences.