Quoted By:
"What?! You know... Erika. Her name was Erika. Erika Jarnafeldt. You knew her?!" Realizing you are speaking in front of two strangers and on a hot microphone causes you to dial back your enthusiasm, your face burning red. "I had... I barely remember her."
The tree swayed upon the wind, as if leaning back in a fireside armchair and recalling fond memories. "<span class="mu-g"><span class="mu-i"><span class="mu-s">Yes. Her name was Erika. And, it was her name that my colleague had mentioned in our correspondence some time ago. Yes - Methuselah delivered stellar praise on your behalf, mentioning that you were her son. Aamu had mentioned an Oscar, but that name had never arisen in conversation. I simply remember the name Jarnafeldt.</span></span></span>"
"<span class="mu-g"><span class="mu-i"><span class="mu-s">To speak the truth, I received correspondence of a recommendation upon at spring's breaking of winter by Methuselah. He mentioned your father by reference as the one who came to him, but Methuselah specified that Erika's daughter was looking to earn her place in the world. And I knew that the world could use more women like her. And so, with a glowing smile, I forwarded the letter of recommendation to the Stormwatch with my signature appended onto his.</span></span></span>" The voice let a small chuckle. "<span class="mu-g"><span class="mu-i"><span class="mu-s">Waste not your breath on thanking me; do as I know is in your heart of hearts, and I will consider this repaid.</span></span></span>"
The warm and calming voice was pleasant, but to know he helped you get your position at the Stormwatch... you swell with gratitude. But there's still more you wanted to ask. "How did you know her?"
"<span class="mu-g"><span class="mu-i"><span class="mu-s">Well, your mother was something of a diplomat. She had been sent many places to try and sort things out between people. She always strove towards peace and harmony... and a mission that my peers had suggested had need of just that.</span></span></span>" After a pause, a sigh came from the boughs. "<span class="mu-g"><span class="mu-i"><span class="mu-s">I need you to bear with me, a moment. But Fiona. And Kai, too. Be still. Listen. Do you hear that? Do you </span></span><span class="mu-s">feel <span class="mu-i">that?</span></span></span>"
The winds break upon the still leaf-clad branches of the forest. The grass waves in unison as the slightest gales push them down. The sky is a dim, vaguely orange blue as the late autumn noon hangs low overhead. Somewhere, a creature walks upon the ghillie suit of a huntsman seeking a more malicious prey.
And all together, you breathe in.
And out.
