Part 5
Pending Rewrite
The rest of the winter passed slowly, but without incident, Sirene deciding to spend more time helping out Vaust with the running of the Inn, giving him more time to just lounge around and relax. Sirene seemed to enjoy surprising travellers who recognized her, shocked to find such a powerful mage bringing them their drinks. Some people started to say the atmosphere of the Inn was more lively with Sirene helping out The Innkeeper, and Vaust was able to play some subtle tricks as well, influencing luck here and there.
On the last day of winter, just after midnight, Eigengrau returned to the Inn. Sirene and Vaust had just finished cleaning up for the day and were relaxing at the lounge chairs by the fireplace. Spotting Eigengrau, Vaust waved her over.
“So it’s time then?” he asked. Eigengrau nodded.
“Sirene, are you sufficiently prepared?” Eigengrau asked Sirene, who was sitting deep in thought.
“Yes.” Sirene replied after a short silence.
“Vordea and myself spent most of the winter crafting this enchantment we’re going to place on you. Once it is cast on you, you will become me. You will have my personality, my appearance, and most importantly in order for this to work, my hoarfrost.” Eigengrau said, as she pulled a small blue orb from her robes.
“Lady Eigengrau, one last thing before we do this. How long will this take?”
“The Emperor’s Job? I was on it for nearly 6 years before my apotheosis happened. Now, hold still.”
“Six ye-” Sirene began, but was interrupted by the blinding flash of blue light from the orb. When she could see again, she found herself slightly taller, and looking at herself.
“Well, you certainly look the part!” her doppelganger said with a broad grin on her face. “But let’s hear you talk the part!”
“Talk the part?” Sirene asked, but her voice was different. It was slightly deeper, and completely monotone. “Well, I certainly sound the part.”
“Oh, that’s perfect! Yes I think we did it, Vaust.”
“It’s uncanny. She looks exactly like you Eigen, even down to the circle of hoarfrost at her bare feet. Sirene, do you feel okay?” Vaust asked, a look of concern on his face.
“I am well.” she monotoned. It was a strange feeling, she thought. She had so many emotions she was trying to impart on her words, but the even tone and speech of Lady Eigengrau was all that came out. “She needs to look older, though.” she said, gesturing at her doppelganger.
“Oh, right! You went with mid-20s. Let’s see...” she clapped her hands and in the blink of an eye, she aged several years. “Okay, does this look right?”
“Like a mirror. Fascinating.” Sirene replied. “It seems all that remains is for me to fill in as you.”
“Yes, now remember, it’s important you take breaks outside of time as needed. The enchantment can be temporarily suppressed if you focus hard enough. As well, I’m still going to be out there in the world anyway, or, rather the rest of me will be. So really you can just wander around if you want. If mortals talk to you, just give them a smile and let them talk. They never expect answers.” Eigengrau began to explain to Sirene what to do. “However, if you get the urge to tell them something, do it. The spell we crafted will make sure you tell them exactly what they needed to hear.”
“It seems you and Vordea spared no expense at making this foolproof.”
“I just don’t want to put you through the same pain I had to suffer, Sirene.” Eigengrau said with a sad smile on her face. “Take care of yourself, kid. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” with that, Eigengrau turned and walked out the front door of the Inn.
“Don’t sweat it Sirene, you’ll do great!” Vaust said, slapping her on the back.
“I certainly hope so.” Sirene monotoned. This will take some getting used to, she thought. Well, no time like the present she thought, and she walked out the front door as well, and headed north.
“Good luck you two.” Vaust said out loud. “It’ll be quieter without them around, I suppose.” Vaust sighed sadly and sat down on the lounge chair for a nap.