kate

[undread]

Comments

[undread]

Yes. When I first made him, he was just a little doll, and I'd talk to him in my head for company. But eventually, I developed the power to bring him to life. But he's feeling a bit shy today, it seems. So back to speaking for him.

[sootprints]

... It sounds like you must have been lonely.

[undread]

...Yes. Very much so. And Pâté was an important friend to me during that time.

[she moves the rat so it gently pats her arm.]

Laudna made me so she'd have someone to talk to!

[sootprints]

I see... I'm glad he was able to offer some comfort to you.

[ softly. ]

This power of yours... How did you acquire it?

[undread]

Well. I was born with it, to some degree. And some of it I learned from a very powerful woman I know. She helped me concentrate my power, learn how to control it.

[sootprints]

The power to animate the dead? Is that what it is?

[ she sounds genuinely curious. ]

[undread]

No, no. Well, perhaps one dead. Me! But generally, my abilities lie elsewhere. Pâté was a special little exception.

[sootprints]

... I'm sorry?

Did you say that you're dead?

[undread]

Oh, yes! I died years and years ago, but just kept going.

[sootprints]

Kept going, as in... your consciousness did? Because of your power?

[undread]

Yes. I died and then I woke up. Still dead, but awake. I've never really known exactly why.

[sootprints]

Why you died? Or why you woke up?

[undread]

Why I woke up. [she laughs a little, a bit darkly.] I know why I died perfectly well.

[sootprints]

Ah... I see. I imagine it was a terrible experience...

[undread]

...It all happened such a long time ago. Who can really say.