Isran had seen the richer folk’s clothes, the neighborhood they lived in was expensive. From the way, their neighbors dressed to the servants that followed them around. It was a strange thing to see. She never saw it in the poorer areas of the city. The entertainment district, Phaedra had called it.

  No one followed others around, carrying their things. It rubbed her the wrong way, but she kept that to herself.

  Elysi had taken her to the entertainment district shortly after the short man had left. Crystal, he had said his name was. They visited a tailor, a very skinny elf. His bright yellow hair seemed to glow in his dark shop. He seemed less than happy to see Elysi, a frown on his face when they entered his store.

  “Rush orders cost money.”

  “We have money Finn.”

  Finn lifted an eyebrow but said nothing else. He pulled out a notebook and an unmarked long strip of fabric. It reminded Isran of something, but she couldn’t remember its name. When he was done he shooed them out of his shop and locked the door behind them.

  “A friend?”

  Elysi smiled and shook her head. “A hard-headed acquaintance.”

  It was a fairly lengthy walk back, and most of it was spent in silence.

  About halfway back Elysi asked. “Are you worried?”

  Isran blinked slowly and looked up at the moon. “Are you worried?” She asked back.

  Elysi smiled. “Yes. The governor is not some rich merchant. They are the representative of the council.” Her smile faded lightly. “I would ask what you did but we are together almost all the time. I would know if you had done something.”

  Isran’s smile was strained as she looked down at her girlfriend. “I’m sure… its not bad…” Isran was more confused than concerned if she was being honest. She didn’t even know that Kestin had a governor. She wasn’t familiar with the way politics and government worked in Neos.

  Why would the governor want to see her? And how did they even know her name?

  “Have you ever seen the governor before?” Isran wondered out loud.

  Elysi shook her head. “The current one has been here for half a cycle. The previous governor was always walking around… probably why he got fired.”

  Isran ughed a bit at that. Elysi tightened her grip on Isran’s hand.

  “I don’t like that I can’t be there. What if you’re in trouble?”

  Isran brushed her thumb against the back of Elysi’s hand. “I’ll take care of myself… I promise.”

  Isran was lying. She was scared about going on her own. She was a stranger to Neos. She wouldn’t want to insult any important people by mistake, or commit a crime by accident… what if they had the wrong Isran? Then she would have wasted her time and worried for nothing.

  What if her possible namesake was a criminal, and they had them mixed up? Isran shook her head gently. There was no point in stressing about that. She was still scared. She still thought all those things were possible. But she didn’t want Elysi more worried than she already was.

  ==

  The next day they got her suit. Isran liked it. It wasn’t very fshy and was more of an overcoat than a suit. Kestin was getting more cool than hot but dressing in a stuffy suit like she had seen other’s wear was not something she was very eager to do.

  It was dull brown and paired nicely with her boots. She wore bck trousers and a white shirt under the coat.

  Calliope had tied her hair with a white ribbon at her nape. She had been thinking about cutting it but thought against it. She liked the length, she thought she looked good with longer hair.

  Phaedra had said a silent prayer and left much earlier in the day. She was going to the bookstore and temple. Calliope had decided she would stay in the apartment and Elysi anxiously fussed over Isran’s clothes.

  Marcus was more than happy to drive them to the Governor’s manor. He had rattled on about how much money he was going to make, riding in the richer parts of Kestin and how he was a genius to befriend Elysi.

  Isran appreciated his enthusiasm and praises, they made Elysi smile.

  The Governor’s manor was huge. It was an hour away from their apartment, guards strolled around, stopping carriages and searching people.

  The manor was the same color as the stones of the road, the difference was it wasn’t marred with dirt. What Isran could see behind the open gates was a rge field of grass and towering forms.

  Marcus brought his carriage to a stop a little far from the gates. “Well, this is the pce dies.”

  After thanking and paying him they made their way towards the gates, Elysi stopping before they got too close to the guards. “Please… be safe.”

  Isran felt like she was being sent out to war. “I will.” She kissed Elysi briefly and walked up to the guards.

  “Name?”

  “Uh—Isran.”

  The guard nodded. “Please stand still.”

  After staring at her head for a short while the guard stood out of her way. “Please give your name to the escorts and you will be led to your appointment.”

  And with that Isran walked through the gates.