Siobhan made her way back up to her apartment. As she unlocked the door and stepped inside, she let out a deep sigh. She had done fairly well in her earnings today, but the weather wasn’t good to go out and play violin. Everyone would be hurrying to the next place and not paying attention to her.

Maybe she just needed to stop being so stubborn and ask Evie’s family for help. After Sinead’s “death,” Bubbe (Evie’s grandmother) had smothered her in so much love that Siobhan had felt suffocated. She had jumped on the opportunity to escape that by moving out, and agreeing to be Raymond’s roommate (they had been introduced by a mutual friend). Bubbe and Leah (Evie’s mom) meant well. Their love was like a warm comfortable blanket, but too long in that blanket would leave to overheating and sickness. But it was still comfortable.

Siobhan put the cheese and kimchi into the icebox, which was powered by a magic crystal. She looked out the little window over the sink, hearing raindrops hitting the glass pane again. It would be a good day to sit and read through the rest of Sinead’s research. But first…

She pulled a small, smooth, shimmering stone from the basket by the sink, and held it until it was warm from her hand, then spoke. “Savannah, dinner our place at Vespers? Is tonight good? Please respond.”

Opening the window let in a breeze and a smattering of raindrops. Most people would have trouble getting a Sylph to deliver a message on a day like this, as Sylphs were known for dancing in storm clouds and ignoring the world below. Siobhan, however, was not most people. Within seconds, five Sylphs were crowded outside the small window, all jostling for attention. Their translucent bodies were different sizes, ranging from fairy height to full human height. Their long hair floated around them as they moved, obscuring much of their faces.

Siobhan waved the stone back and forth to get their attention. “This needs to go to Savannah, eastern edge of Goblindown. A reply is expected.”

The Sylphs all burst into “Me!” “I’ve gone there before!” “You know I’m fast!” “I’m faster!” “I’ve delivered the most for you!”

Considering the weather, Siobhan held the stone out to the one she considered the most reliable, who snatched it up with a gleeful cackle and shot off. The other Sylphs pouted, then flew back up to the clouds. Siobhan closed the window and spent a few minutes putting away the clean dishes. A tapping on the window alerted her to the return of the Sylph, waving the glowing stone.

Siobhan opened the window again, and accepted the stone. “Thank you.” In her free hand, she concentrated very hard. A ball of electricity slowly gathered there, flickering and shining, made of Siobhan’s magic. The Sylph reached out and took the ball, the light shining through her translucent hand. She smiled and swallowed it with much relish. The electrical sparks were visible as faint glowing lines that went down her throat and then dispersed through her body.

“Your magic is always the most delicious,” the Sylph said, her voice barely audible. “Thanks for the meal.”

“Thanks for the deliveries. Have fun out there.” The Sylph zipped off, and Siobhan closed the window. She concentrated on the stone, and heard Savannah’s voice reply, “I’ll be there with Yeye’s egg custards. Make sure Raymond is awake.”

Siobhan grinned. Raymond’s friendly rivalry with Savannah’s paternal grandfather was a running joke. Yeye had been depressed after the death of his beloved wife, and someone teasingly picking a fight had helped him recover. Raymond swore that someday he would beat Yeye in chess and egg custard-making.

Depositing the message stone back into the basket, Siobhan let out a small sigh and headed back to her room and the research there.