The Favor

A ball of light hovered, the warmth of the illumination reminiscent of a meadow in spring.

“I need a favor.” The voice was as warm as the light, golden in the twilight of my office. I arched a brow from behind my coffee mug - #1 DAD!, it proclaimed. I wasn’t a dad, or possessed of the equipment to become one, but I loved the mug regardless. It had been a gift from the players in my last D&D campaign, and I used it daily.

“What do you need, Wyn?” I had a pretty good idea, but it wouldn’t do to assume. In response, a book flew across the room, slamming into the wall and hitting the floor with a thud.

“Cliffhangers, Siobhan! I can’t abide them! You have to help me!”

I laughed and retrieved the book, glancing at the cover. “I told you you’d like this series, Wyn. But if you break my window slinging things around, we’re going to have words.” I replaced the book on my dusty bookshelf, scolding myself again for not being a better housekeeper. It was the maid’s year off.

“Ok, one sequel coming up. Need anything else while I’m out?” The light dimmed, thoughtful, then brightened. “Doesn’t that Heard guy have something new out?”

“Hearne,” I corrected. “Kevin. Yes, I ordered it. I’ll see if it’s in.”

There was a sudden gleam on the corner of my desk where a pile of gold coins hadn’t been a moment ago. I scooped them into my pocket with a smile. Being friends with a bibliophile fae that couldn’t manifest in our world paid well enough that I didn’t need a day job.

“Back soon,” I said as I headed out the door. “Don’t scare the mailman if he comes, he’s bringing us more books.”