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“Is she okay?” Ruby asks

“Yes, she’s starting to receive the things she needs to know in order to do the job We do the ritual the day before to keep all the unpleasant side-effects that ht occur in private”

It’s like being plunged into icy water I lose touch withat the entrance of a forest with Alida waiting

A long, white gown brushes the tips of ertips “Hi”

“Hi” She hugs me

“You feel solid,” I marvel “And I can hear you”

She nods her head “I hoped I would be the one to greet you”

“Why is this possible?”

“Because we’re not on your plane or er apply I want to show you so For when the time comes” She holds out her hand

Taking it, I allow her to guide ularly cast circles “I know this place”

“Yes, but not where I’ to take you”

We h the thicker, dense forested area I feel the pine needles under my bare feet A bird caws

“That’s a raven,” I whisper, recognizing the sound

“Have you figured out why that bird is special to you?” Alida asks

“It’s one of Cristobal’s forms”