Catalyst: Interlude part 1

 This is the new online edition 'Catalyst', first published on G+ a couple of years ago. A new piece of the story will be published to the site every couple of days. To read from the start of the story, GO HERE.

Copyright Dark Aelf, 2021


I am Shalaye. Maybe you know me already, eh? Perhaps another name, another time, another form. 

I see you thinking now. Asking yourself whether it could be her. How she has followed you here. What role does she play here? Where are the others?

But this is my story as well. After all, I am interested in all those who meddle with time.

But, before they tilt the board and hit restart before the pieces start to fly in every direction, take a moment to sit with me. Enjoy the quiet in the center of the storm.

Perhaps drink some tea with me.

I see you are looking at my cat. Do not be afraid of him. He is called Wind. In the old language, we know him as Bavole. He is a good hunter. He brings rabbits for me.

While you are here, let me trace your heart line. Such a warm hand. But wait, you do not like the future I see, eh. How to change it? How to make it better? 

Perhaps you know someone who wishes for a second chance. A chance to make things right. Maybe a word here, or a caress there, would have made a difference. Perhaps trust would not have been forfeit. Or does that crease in their palm means that trust was always going to fail? A knife is no help. Watch me cut the crease away. Even as the blood dries on the ground below, the crease reappears.

Do you not like the tea? Something stronger?

But wait! Watch the crowd gather to play with time again. Not content with the troubles they unleashed last time. Confident they can control the energies they will release. Shall I name those about to declare war, famine, and death upon the world? They think that they are going to improve the world. Beneficial change for all. But change is best wrought in more subtle means. So I act with the slightest breath, one sweet kiss, a single drop of blood – and I have worked for ages to build what you see. Do you think I will stand by and watch this unravel?


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