The Bushel Basket turned out to be a two storey building - the upstairs looked like an apartment, while the downstairs was where the business was run. True to our expectations, there were all manner of things present as we walked in – everything from a bin of nails to jars of penny candy to bolts of cloth to make clothing from. The insides were warm – the wood was waxed and glowed in the summer sun like golden honey – and the lady running the place looked very friendly.

“Welcome, Sers!” She called out. “Welcome to the Bushel Basket. We have most anything you might need, save healing herbs and alchemical goods. You’ll need to seek out Hammond Moller if you want those goods. I’m Mabd Orienna. Who might you be?”

“I’m Jeffrey Fowler, and this is Rachel Wilson. She prefers to be addressed as Serra, if you may. My friend was interested in selling some spices.”

“Oh, my apologies, Serra. I wasn’t aware of your situation. Why don’t you bring up these spices, and I’ll see what I can do for you?” Mabd was in her late thirties, with long brown hair tied in a bun with a nice green ribbon. She was shorter than some ladies, but by far from the shortest, and she looked a bit matronly. Her voice was relaxed and kind, and she gestured Rachel over.

“Most folks who are Twin souled dress the way they wish to look – I just assumed you were a lad. My apologies.” She began.

“No offence was taken, Serra Orienna.” Rachel replied. “These were the only clothes I was able to wear when I left home to travel here. I’ll be picking up some new clothes soon, I think.”

“Wonderful! Most folks in town make their own clothes, buying the fabric and needles here – but if you’ve got coin for a fancy tailor, there’s a new shop across town. Kelhan Ilmaer runs the place – Oh my, he’s a handsome elven man! Now, he’s closer to my age than yours, but I hear he has fine clothes – far too fine for most in this town. If you need something fast, and lack the skills to make it yourself, I would seek him out. His shop is called ‘Threads.’”

“Thanks a lot, Mabd. I’ve got some salt, some pepper, some cloves, some dried juniper berries, and some turmeric.”

“Gods above! That sounds amazing. Are you a spice merchant then?”

“No… I just brought some from home to make sure I had money when I arrived here.” Rachel looked surprised at the reaction Mabd gave her. “Did I do something wrong, Serra?”

“No, no lass. It’s just that there’s no way I can possibly pay you for all of this. I could buy maybe a pound of pepper, and the turmeric and maybe a pound of salt – but the rest I’d have to take in trade for other goods. I just don’t have the coins it would take to buy them for cash.”

“Wow!” Rachel looked at me, and I nodded. “They’re really that expensive?”

“Yep.”

“Damn.” She turned back to Mabd. “I’m just looking for some money to have around town. I don’t know if I’ll need store trade yet, so could we hold off on that?”

“Of course, Serra.” Mabd took the spices she was interested in to weigh, looking askance at the cardboard tubes and plastic bottles the spices were stored in. “Would 100 silver crescents be acceptable, Serra, for one package of salt, one package of pepper, and the Turmeric?”

“It sounds right, based on my notes.” I whispered.

“That sounds great, Serra. Thank you.” Rachel replied to Mabd.

“What is this strange material the pepper and turmeric are contained in?”

“It’s called plastic. It’s waterproof, but flammable. It will keep them fresh for quite a while, but not as long as say a good glass jar with a rubber seal. It’s easier to transport that way because it weighs less, so you can carry more of it.”

“Interesting. Thank you very much!” Mabd opened a strongbox on the counter and pulled out a heavy purse of coins. “Here you go, Serra. Please count it, if you would, to make sure you got the proper amount.”

I quickly helped Rachel – unsurprisingly there were exactly 100 silver crescents – silver coins about the size of a half-dollar with a crescent moon stamped upon their face, and the face of a man on the other side, with some writing in tiny letters.

“Thank you very much, Serra Orienna.” Rachel replied, grinning. “May we look around?”

“Aye, go ahead. Thank you for your business.” Mabd returned to her till, and busied herself with putting the spices away, while we browsed the shop.

There was all manner of tools and craft supplies, seeds for crops, barrels of nuts and bushels of fresh fruit and produce. It was amazing the breadth of goods she carried – but then again, she was probably the only place in town to buy things other than fresh fruits and vegetables at a farmers market, meat at a butchers, or alchemical goods at this Hammy Mollers’ place. There were even little servings of homemade fudge wrapped in wax paper and tied with string, and little candies in jars waiting for hungry children or adults. We wasted a good hour there. I didn’t buy anything yet – but Rachel bought a little package of mints for later. She had the look of someone who would be back.

As we left the shop, I looked at Rachel. “Now what, Rache?”

“Well, either we go buy me some local girl clothes, or we look for Alyssa and Tika, and go see the priestess at the temple. I’m voting temple, because if she can change me, I won’t have to buy clothes twice and have some that don’t fit me.”

“I suppose that makes sense. We’ll have to ask around.”

“Yeah, but everyone so far has been pretty friendly.” Rachel replied.

“Okay. Maybe we’ll see some neat things wandering around too?”

“Yeah.” Rachel looked a bit wistful, and then down at her feet. “Let’s go.”

I paused, and nodded. If she didn’t want to talk about what might be bothering her, I’d give her space. “Sure!”

We walked down the road towards the covered bridge south of the inn, and crossed the river. Since we didn’t really know where we were headed, we wandered for a while, looking at the lovely houses and small shops as they came up. Ender’s Hollow was a small village of maybe 800 people – but apparently only about 600 lived in the town itself – the rest must have been scattered amongst local farms, and come into town on market days and church days.

We passed a smithy, called “The Sundered Anvil” if the sign was a hint, with a bearded dwarf in a leather apron and gloves hammering at an iron rod glowing cherry red. A large lad – well over 6ft labored at the bellows behind him. The dwarf’s beard was brown with flecks of white, so it seemed he might be middle aged, but it was hard to tell from just seeing his face. We moved on, and saw in the distance a water mill, with farmers bringing sacks of grain in small carts and wagons to it. It probably ground the grain into flour… That’s what mills do, after all.

As we wandered, we chatted about the day and the weather, and eventually came to a large wooden building with a bell tower on its roof. The ground floor was stone and mortar, but the upper levels were wood, plaster, and even some stained glass. The bell was a huge bronze thing, but we had yet to hear it ring. It totally reminded me of a church. There was a sign next to the entrance, showing a grey shepherd – so I assumed this was ‘The church of the grey shepherd.’

“It’s a little weird seeing most of the signs as pictograms, instead of writing, isn’t it?” I asked Rachel.

“Yeah, a little. It’s possible a fair number of people can’t read, though. That’s probably why.”

“Yeah… It’s just a bit of a shock seeing stuff like that. I can’t imagine what it would be like to not be able to read.”

“Yeah, and yet there are tens of thousands of people back home that can’t either. We’re just lucky.” Rachel reminded me.

“I guess so. Did you want to see what god or goddess the church is dedicated to?”

“Not yet. I’m more interested in the one that might be able to help me.”

“Okay. We can come back later, if we want to.”

I saw man in his early twenties, wearing leather armor and carrying a spear walking around – he looked a bit like a town guard. “Excuse me, Ser? Can you tell us the way to Alyssa’s Saranel’s home?”

The young man came over, and looked us up and down. “Aye, I could. My name is Baird Candlow. I’m a member of the city watch. Who might you be?”

“I’m Jeffrey Fowler, and this is Rachel Wilson. She’s my friend. We’re looking for Alyssa, so she can show us to the temple of the Familia.”

“Ah, right then. The Saranel house is about eight houses down this road on the left. New in town?” Baird asked.

“Yes. We just got in last night.” I replied.

“Oh! I think I saw you last night while relaxing with a pint. Rachel was wearing chainmail, right?”

“Yes, Ser. I didn’t take it off before dinner.” Rachel answered.

“Well, welcome to Ender’s Hollow. If you like I can walk you to the house. It’s not far.” Baird offered.

“Sure, thanks.”

“You came at a good time. We’re not far from the Harvest Festival – it comes soon after the summer’s end – so there’s plenty to eat, and the weather is still nice enough to enjoy the next few months. It gets awfully damp and cold in the winter. Hey Giselle!” Baird called out… another town guard – a woman – was walking by.

“Baird! Who are your new friends?” She asked. Her voice sounded throaty, almost like a purr, and she checked out both Rachel and Jeff.

“This is Geoffrey, and this is Rachel.” He replied. “You watch out for her… She’s trouble!” He told us.

“Ha!” Giselle countered. “You’re the biggest trouble maker in town, and have been the last five years running!”

“I’m reformed.” Baird stated, as if he was hurt.

“Right…” She turned to us, and whispered conspiratorially “Keep your eyes on this one – he’s mischief incarnate.”

Baird simply stood there, looking bemused. “Really?”

“Aye!” Giselle replied. “I’ll leave you to your new friends. They’ll learn about you in time, either one way or another.” With that Giselle walked off to continue her rounds.

“She is a maligner of reputations, I swear.” Baird said to us, with a ‘butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth’ look I found amusing.

“Of course. You are as pure as the driven snow, am I right?” I asked.

“Exactly!” Baird laughed. “You have it!” He stopped us in front of a nicely sized log house. “The Saranels live here. Her friend Tika Calhoun lives about four doors down, on the other side of the street. I hope that helps!”

“It does a lot! Thanks! Isn’t Tika’s last name NikNak though?”

“I don’t know – her mom and dad are Lucinda and Jason Calhoun… They’re humans. Tika was adopted – left on their doorstep in a basket when she was a babe, actually. You’d have to ask her for the whole story.”

“Oh! Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. See you two around.” Baird waved, and walked off whistling.

“Tika is adopted?” Rachel asked.

“I guess so. We could ask her when we meet her, if you want to know more.”

“I guess we could. I don’t want to be rude, though.”

“Well, I bet Tika would give us some slack, seeing as how we don’t know all the local customs.”

“Probably. Let’s go knock on Alyssa’s door.” Rachel went up to the large-ish cabin and knocked. A few seconds later, a girl about 15 years of age, with flour on her hands and face and apron opened the door. She had brown hair, like Alyssa, except hers was cut short in a cute feminine style.

“Hello?” She asked.

“Um, Hi. Is Alyssa home? I’m Rachel. She was going to take me to the church of the Familia today.”

“Oh, yeah! Is that young man behind you Geoffrey?” She whispered. “She’s been talking about him non-stop – and you too of course. Are you really from another world, like King Colin’s wayward bride?”

“Um… Yeah, I guess we are – and yes, that is Jeffrey.”

“ALYSSA! YOUR BOYFRIEND IS HERE!” The girl called out, giggling.

“He’s not my boyfriend you little twit!” Alyssa called out, rushing from the kitchen in a frustrated tone of voice. “I’m sorry – we’re just finishing the bread. Can you give me five or ten minutes?”

“Alyssa! Watch your language! Carrie, stop baiting your sister!” A older woman’s voice called out.

“Yes mom.” Carrie said, still smirking. A corresponding ‘yes mom’ came from Alyssa as well. “We’ll be a few minutes. Do you want to wait on the porch?”

“Sure.” Rachel laughed, and motioned for me to approach. “Still think she isn’t smitten with you?” She whispered as Carrie returned to her chores.

“I guess she is. I don’t know why. I didn’t exactly encourage it.”

Rachel looked at me like I said something stupid. “Do you really not see why? Really?”

“Really see what?” I asked a bit defensively.

“Well, for one, you’re were cute for a guy – and since you spent those skill picks on your physical stats, well, whatever the token did to enhance you, you looked ripped. Not Chris Evans as Captain America without a shirt on ripped, but pretty damn close! You’re kind, and you listen when other people talk, instead of talking over them. You’re approachable, and you seem to make people want to follow you. You’re fun to be around. Oh my god, do you not know any of this?”

“I’m ripped? What? You think I’m handsome?”

“Yes! To both! After whatever the token did with the skill picks, you look like a stud.” She said, a little hesitantly.

I stared at her for a moment, and I realized I’d possibly misread maybe years of our relationship. Yeah, she wasn’t gay – cause she considered herself female. She’s probably been into guys for ages. How long has she been crushing on me? Months? Years? She didn’t go to prom – was she hoping I would ask her? Jesus! How the hell could I have been so blind?

I didn’t know what to say, so I just sat on the porch swing and said nothing.

“Um… Jeff. Is everything okay? I didn’t mean to be weird.” Rachel asked, after a few minutes.

“No… It’s fine Rachel. I’m fine. Just give me a minute, okay?”

“Okay.” Rachel looked to be on the edge of tears, and sat down next to me. “I didn’t mean anything by it.”

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

“I know, Rache. I know.” I leaned back and just tried to think. “Do you like me, romantically, Rachel? Please, you can tell me the truth.”

“I… I…” Rachel tried to get the words out, but nothing came. “I do. I’ve felt this way since we were in Grade 10, a year after we met. I… I wanted to be your friend – and then one day it just kind of changed to wanting to be more than your friend. I was scared to tell you – I mean, my folks told me how bad people hated faggots. I didn’t want to risk our friendship… so I stayed quiet. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to betray you.”

I reached out, and took Rachel’s hand in mine. “You didn’t betray me, dorkette. You betrayed yourself. You’d have always been my friend. I wouldn’t have cared – at least I don’t think I would have. I can’t honestly say whether I would have been able to return your affection at the time… I still can’t honestly say it. I never thought in my life you would betray me, and as far as I’m concerned, you haven’t. You’re still you – and I’m still your friend. Okay?”

“O…Okay.” She sniffed up a tear, and squeezed my hand, and we sat there for a few minutes, neither moving, or speaking. Just holding hands, and being.

A few minutes later, Alyssa came out the door – and stopped dead in her tracks, a look of concern on her face. “Is everything all right, Rachel? Why are you crying?”

“Just personal stuff. Sorry.” She replied.

“You don’t have to apologize!” Alyssa replied. “Is there anything I can do?”

Rachel let go of my hand, and wiped away some tears. “I’d still like to go to the temple.”

“Okay, if you’re sure.”

“You going to be okay, Rachel?” I asked.

“Yeah, I hope so. I don’t know.”

“Okay. Why don’t you show us the way, Alyssa.” I suggested.

“Sure. Did you two sleep well at the inn?” She asked, trying to change the subject.

“Yes. The beds were pretty comfortable.” I sighed. “The food is great too, but it’s going to be very expensive if we continue to stay there. Do you know if any cottages or homes are for sale?”

“No, I don’t Geoffrey, but I bet I know two people who do! You’d want to talk to Mayor Eanwald Rurin, or to Miera Candlow, the head of the women’s circle. They know pretty much everything going on in town, and unofficially run the town together.”

“Okay. I’ll look into it. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Geoffrey. Are you feeling a bit more in control now, Rachel?”

“Yes. Sorry – I was just overcome by sadness.”

“I think I understand. When I started taking the tea, I had weeks where I would start crying for no particular reason at all, and little things that normally didn’t bother me made me snap and get upset. It should quiet down in a few weeks, if that’s any help. It normally doesn’t strike this quickly, though.”

“Thanks, Alyssa. I’ll be fine soon.”

“Okay.”

We walked quietly for a while, enjoying the warm sun and the sound of the midsummer frogs making noises in the heat. There was a nice breeze, and few mosquitoes, and the walk was pleasant, and lasted maybe 15 minutes before we could see the Henge and the trio of buildings around the henge up ahead.

“Do you know anything about the gods of the Familia?” Alyssa asked quietly.

“No, not really.” Rachel replied. “You said there was a goddess and her children – presumably there’s a husband. Are there more?”

“Yes. The Familia is led by Isundal and Askeline – the god of the sun and sky, and the goddess of the moon and healing. Their children are Feana and Hathor – the twins, and the gods of honorable combat, duty and valor. Their aunts are Askeline’s sisters – Adinor, the goddess of Grain and Nature, and Animals, and Erinor, the goddess of Beauty and the Sea. Their uncle is Isundal’s brother, Nathalor – the Lord of Song, the Crafter, the God of Artists and Storytellers. They are all gods united by their desire to see their children – us, the people of Mercia – flourish. The Gods of Fate sometimes ally with the Familia, and sometimes do not. They are the goddess Miyaga, the Lady of Luck, sometimes known as the Maid of Misfortune. She is a trickster, and although she is not evil in nature, sometimes her pranks and tricks can be exceedingly cruel. The other god of Fate is Morian, the God of History, Fate, and Destiny. His faith is rather dour – but it serves an important purpose. The churches of Morian and Miyaga are most at home in Madragoor, but many of their faith have spread to Ghaelorn, our country. The Familia is very popular in Valris, as it is in Ghaleorn – but the Sea People of the east – the Meru – worship Erinor almost exclusively. The Anorians of the southern desert follow the Familia, but consider Isundal to be the most powerful god, while Valris claims Askeline is the ruler of the pantheon. The people of Yaskar and Winterfell follow the Twins, and the Dwarves of Harad and Kharn tend to follow Adinor. Tika’s people, the reechi, also tend to follow Adinor as their patron.”

“And I take it no one speaks of the Dark three for good reasons?” I asked.

“Aye. To speak of them is to draw their attention – and their attention is better avoided.” Alyssa replied.

Alyssa turned, and waved her arm at the great henge. “Here is where the priests measure the seasons, and learn when to plant crops, and when to sow. When winter will come, and when Spring will come. It is a holy place, but not where those who follow the Familia worship… that would be the larger of the three buildings, over there. The smaller two buildings are Seoni’s home, and a small barn with some animals to provide her with milk and eggs. During worship services, there are armed guards with drawn weapons standing watch while the rest of the people pray – it’s an ancient tradition from long ago, when worshippers of the Familia would be hunted and killed by the Serpent men of Hserin when they were unawares. The guards were vigilant to their threats – and those warriors who dedicate themselves to the gods, to protect their people, have become known as Vigilants – holy warriors who protect the weak and innocent. They have magical powers they wield against creatures and followers of evil. Ender’s hollow is not a large village – I do not believe we have a Vigilant who lives here all the time, but occasionally some will pass through – and when they do, they often stay for Church day and protect the temple and the people within.”

“What do vigilants do?” I asked, more than a little curious, considering Rachel’s angelic revelation the night before.

“Well, they are warriors first and foremost. They learn the arts of battle, but they also learn the ways of honor. They learn techniques to fight dark magic and resist fear and the sway of evil. They right wrongs, and defend the innocent. Some have dominion over small demenses, while others travel about and seek out evil to confront and end. They are skilled warriors, but they are also priests, and although they don’t cast spells like sorcerers do – like me – they do have special talents and abilities that they can learn that give them great power – to heal, and to confront beings of evil might.”

“Wow… That sounds exactly like what we call a Paladin.” I replied.

“It totally does!” Rachel agreed. “How do they train? Is there a school?”

“I don’t know all the details, but most of the Vigilants I’ve met say they didn’t choose to become a Vigilant – they were chosen by the gods to become one, and either grew into the role, or turned from that path. Almost universally, the gods pick brave men and women, who have the capacity for fortitude in the face of adversity, strength of arms and will, discipline in the face of fear, and who hold virtue in their heart. I’m sorry… I just don’t know any more to tell.”

“Greetings, Alyssa!” A very attractive feminine voice called out. “I see the seeds of my lessons have found fertile ground in you.” A beautiful woman in her mid twenties emerged from behind one of the nearby trees. “I was milking my goats, and I heard you explaining so eloquently about the history of the Vigilants and the nature of the Gods. I’m impressed, Alyssa. You have learned well.”

“Thank you, Priestess Haines!” Alyssa said respectfully. “These are friends from far away. From another world. They wanted to learn about our faith – and especially about those who are Twin-Souled. This is Rachel – and she is Twin-souled like I am – but in her world the Twin souled are harmed and killed, and she seeks your aid. Her friend is Geoffrey, and his tale is his own to tell.”

“I see. Thank you, Alyssa. If it’s alright with the two of you, I’d like to speak with you alone. Would it be alright if I took your friends for a private chat, Alyssa?”

“As long as they have no objections, I don’t mind, Priestess.”

“I don’t mind. If you want, we can catch up later?” I said.

Rachel nodded. “It’s fine. We’ll see you later, Alyssa – and thank you.”

“It was my pleasure, Rachel. I hope you find the answers you seek.” Alyssa gave us both a friendly smile, and left us alone with Serra Seoni Haines.

“Alyssa!” Seoni called. “If you would, don’t go too far. I would speak with you later about this coming Harvest Festival and your big day.”

“Wonderful!” Alyssa’s face was excited. “I’ll wait nearby for you to finish.”

“Good… Ser, Serra, will you come with me?” Seoni motioned to the temple building, and Rachel and I followed.

As we did, Serra Haines let her hands brush against some of the tall grasses to either side of her, and led us to the temple. She was distracting, not only for her great beauty, but for the sheer serenity she projected. She literally exuded a feeling I could only call Zen, not having another frame of reference for it. She seemed very calm and centered, and at the same time wise despite her relative youth.

We were led inside, and taken to an office or lounge, and sat down in a comfortable couch together, while Serra Haines sat in a comfortable armchair across from us. I smiled at the set up – it seemed like it was out of a marriage counselor’s set up, or that of a psychologist who did talk therapy with her clients – and for all I knew, they were both one of her roles too.

“Could you tell me a little bit about who you are, and how you came here?” Seoni began. “I am a priestess of the Familia, and my name is Seoni Haines. What are you called?”

“I’m Rachel Wilson, although it’s a name I chose, not the name I was born with. My parents called me David.”

“And my name is Jeffrey Fowler. We came here through a magical portal hidden in the mountains to the west. My Grandmother knew the way and travelled here from our world about forty or fifty years ago. I think she might be known in this area as Prince Colin’s Wayward Bride. Her name was Janet Fowler. She recently passed away, and left me two tokens we wear as necklaces, that showed us the way to get here. I gave one to Rachel.”

“So you abandoned the world on the far side of the portal to come here? Why?” It was a simple question, but did not lead to a simple answer.

“For me, I wanted to prove my Grandmother wasn’t crazy, and her stories of a magical world were real… And I wanted to see some of that magic for myself. I also wanted to see if I could have an adventure, like she did.”

“For me, I was hoping to learn some magic – I have a talent for something Alyssa calls Forces, I think – but also because I was hoping I might find magic to help me become a woman on the outside, like I already am on the inside. I also wanted to find a place my parents could never find me, or hurt me again.”

“It sounds like you both have many reasons to explore, and I indeed have heard of the tale of Prince Colin’s Wayward Bride. If the King is your grandfather, young Geoffrey, you would do him a service to hie yourself to Callenden and tell him who you are, and of your Grandmothers fate. He deserves that at least, before the gods take him to their care. I understand he is ill, and his time might be fast approaching. As for you, Serra Wilson, I think you and I have much to talk about. Serra Wilson, would you like Geoffrey to stay? What I ask you will be very personal, but it is necessary if you intend to seek my blessing and receive the gift of Askeline.”

“Jeff can stay if he wants to. He knows most of it. He’s my best friend, and has been really supportive.”

“If you want me to stay, I will, Rache.”

“Please.” She replied. I stayed put.

“How long have you felt that you were Twin-Souled?” Seoni asked.

“Since I was fairly young – about the age of six. It was near that time my magical talents started to manifest. A few years later, around the age of 13, I knew I wanted to be a girl – and my mom and dad thought I was a freak and a monster for it, and sent me to a torture camp where people hurt you until you recant and say you don’t want to be twin souled anymore. They also did it to boys who liked boys and girls who liked girls – Gays and Lesbians. It was called conversion therapy, but it was really just torture.”

Seoni didn’t say anything, but I couldn’t help but notice her blue eyes flashed dangerously upon hearing that, and her nostrils flared. “Do you still wish to be a woman? Even knowing you will have moon days that leave you crampy and bleeding, even knowing that you could become with child – and die in the bearing of that child. Even knowing that you might be assaulted, raped and even murdered by evil men who do not respect you. Would you take the bad, with the good?”

Rachel looked pale, but nodded. “Yes. To all of it. I want to be a woman – the good and the bad.”

“Are you aware that the life of a woman is very different from that of a man… Different things are expected of them, and different behaviors too. Not all aspects of life will be open to you as a woman – some parts of this world restrict what a woman can do and what she can become. Are you still willing, even considering this?”

“Is there the chance for a woman of strong will to rise above her circumstances, and excel at whatever art or craft she might choose, and gain renown for it?” Rachel asked.

“Aye, always.” Seoni replied.

“Then, yes. Women are treated differently than men back in my world too. I don’t care. It’s what I need to be whole. I feel like a part of me is missing. I feel disgust every time I look in the mirror, and think why did god make me wrong? I feel like I’ve always been an outside, and that I’ve always hidden my true self – that I’m an impostor. I’m a liar, and my friends and family have only seen a mask. I want to be able to take the mask off and throw it away forever. I want to look in a mirror and see the real me. I want other people to see the real me – the me inside my head. The me I see in my dreams.”

“I can do that… By the power of Askeline’s blessing, I could change you. Is that what you would wish for?”

“Yes!” Rachel replied anxiously. “Please. Help me.”

“Normally, Serra, the twin souled come to us well before their fifteenth birthday – often as young as ten years old. It is safer, and better for them to undergo the ritual well before their fifteenth birthday – often as early as their tenth birthday, to best avoid trauma and grief. Alyssa is unusual – she came to realize what she was later than most, and didn’t come to me here until her fourteenth birthday, last year. Now she is almost finished her year and a day trial and will soon be ready for the final spell.”

“Wait! Alyssa is FOURTEEN?” I asked.

“No, she’s just over fifteen. What is the concern I hear in your voice? At fifteen she is fully adult and come of age.”

“Jeff!” Rachel hissed. “Aren’t the years longer here? That would make her closer to 18 of our years.”

“Oh, whew! Duh… Sorry, Serra Haines. The world from which we come has 365 days to a year, so our years are shorter than yours – so we are used to thinking young people come of age at eighteen, not fifteen.”

“No offence is taken, Ser Fowler.” Seoni smiled. “She is almost as old as you seem to be.”

“Thank you.” I replied.

Seoni nodded, and turned back to Rachel. “What that leaves for us, Serra Wilson, is a bit of a mess. You are obviously well past your fifteenth birthday by at least a year. I can only imagine the stress and grief you must have suffered. May I presume to assume that waiting a full year to receive the blessing of Askeline would feel like torture to you?”

“Yes, definitely. Is there anything that can be done to receive her blessing faster, or with less of a waiting period?”

“Aye. In the interest of reducing the pain and trauma you are suffering, and have suffered, I could be convinced to transform you at the same time as Alyssa, at the start of the Harvest Festival, exactly 55 days from now. During that time, you would be expected to dress like a woman, attend church once a week, and see either myself or Miera Candlow once, or perhaps twice a week for lessons in what it means to be a woman here in Mercia. Sometimes these are gossip sessions where you learn how to interact with other women your age, and sometimes they are actual lessons you are intended to learn and will be graded upon. Is this something you could commit to doing?”

“Hell Yes! …I mean, definitely, Serra Haines. Our world doesn’t have access to magic, so the chance this blessing offers me is a literal miracle made real. I would gladly do all that, and more.”

“Good. There are a few other things you must promise to. If you change your mind, you must swear to tell me before I complete the spell on Harvest day. You must also refrain from intimate relations with others of either gender for the trial period. If you break either of these rules, the Goddess will deny you this blessing.”

“I can agree to those conditions, Serra Haines.” Rachel said, eagerly.

I smiled, because for the first time in a long time, I could see hope in her eyes, instead of desperation or despair. “Go for it, Rachel.” I whispered, and she gave me the thumbs up sign in response.

“Then consider yourself bound to them. I expect you to find appropriate clothing by the end of the day if you have the means, and by the end of the week if you have not. I expect you to seek out Miera Candlow, and accompany Alyssa to her next appointment for lessons. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Serra Haines.” Rachel said quietly, sensing the steel in Seoni’s voice.

“Good. Now all that aside, is there anything else I can help you with?” She asked.

“Yes… I have a breathing disorder we call Asthma – it prevents me from drawing breath when I’m exposed to dust or very cold air, and I feel as if I’m suffocating until I take what you might call an alchemical preparation to soothe my lungs. If it is possible to be cured of this ailment, I’d really appreciate it.”

Seoni smiled kindly at us both. “Then come to church this weekend, and let me show you the power of the gods. I will heal you then, if you come willingly. It strengthens our faith to see the miracles of the gods performed where all can see. It shows us they are real, and that they care for us, both at the same time.”

“That would be amazing! Do I have to convert to your faith?” Rachel asked.

“No… But we ask you keep an open mind and an open heart, in case the spirit moves you to wish to learn more. Our doors are always open to those who question in good faith, or seek enlightenment – but those that seek to tear down, or mock us, are not welcome.”

“That’s good to know.”

“Can I ask you a question, Serra Haines?” I asked.

“Of course, Geoffrey.”

“How do you know you’ve been visited by an angel?”

“That is a rather odd question – and oddly specific. Do you believe you were visited by an angel?”

“I think it’s what we would call a definite ‘maybe’. I don’t know for sure.”

“Well the two most common signs I can recall is an intense fear, followed by a strong feeling – often of terror, but sometimes remorse, failure, or even determination. The other most common sign, is seeming dazed, as if in a trance, and looking distracted as if you can see something no one else can see.”

“Oh crap.”

“I take it you have felt one of these things?”

“Yes… Some voices talked to me – they knew my name! They asked if I was ready to follow my destiny, and they asked me if I wanted to learn to fight something more powerful than greed, I think. I was scared – and I didn’t know how to answer them. Eventually they left, and I felt frightened, and like I failed some kind of test that was really important.” I shivered just in the remembering the feeling.

“I think that perhaps you may have encountered an Angel, Geoffrey. Perhaps if you speak with it, it will reveal its purpose to you?”

“How… How do I speak with it? It was invisible… and it just left!”

Seoni smiled, as if she was schooling a young child. Although it could have seemed condescending, it didn’t even a little. “The same way you talk to the gods, Geoffrey. Through prayer. Ask them for guidance, and ask why they sought you out. At worst, you will learn nothing. At best, they may choose to explain themselves. Angels and other spirits often speak in riddles… What they say may not be what they mean on the surface. I find it helps to write down any visions and dream sendings to look back upon later, as the dream messages often fade from our memory as we embrace the waking day.”

“Thank you, Serra Haines. I’ll consider your advice.”

“You’re very welcome.”

By now, Rachel looked talked out – and I was a bit overwhelmed at how much we had learned, how quickly things had moved, and how screwed up my life was becoming.

“Perhaps we should end our talk, and meet again another day? Serra Wilson, I think you should spend part of this afternoon finding appropriate attire.”

“Yes, definitely. Thank you, Serra.” Rachel replied.

“Go then. And send Alyssa in if she’s still waiting outside. I will see you on church day – six days from now.”

“Thank you, Serra.” She said, and rose from her chair. We said our goodbyes, and made our way outside.

Rachel was bubbling with excitement and happiness – and I… I was feeling overwhelmed. Were those voices really angels? I felt even worse now than when I felt I failed their test. Was I a bad person? Why didn’t I measure up? What did I do wrong? I wasn’t sure prayer was the answer, but then again, I wasn’t sure it wasn’t either.

The two of us left to find Alyssa. She would be looking forward to what Serra Haines had to say I’m sure.