the medium

Closing her book, her eyes scanned the inn. This was also a place of comfort. She'd grown up in her mother's inn and she found herself coming here a lot lately. She stood, moving to the corner, she'd followed the girl and found herself standing in the doorway.

"Hi, this looks cosy," she smiled. "Something like that, is it that obvious?" she gave a slight laugh. Though she was sad. "I lost my brother recently. And yeah." She looked at her. "Is this for real? Do you really believe there's other realms? I do but I know some things... are not so genuine."

With a gentle nod, Kayla acknowledged Piper's comment about the cozy ambiance of the room. They understood the desire for comfort, for a space where one could find solace in the face of loss. As Piper shared the recent passing of her brother, Kayla's eyes filled with empathy, recognizing the pain that resided within her.

Kayla's voice carried a softness that mirrored her compassionate gaze. "I'm truly sorry for your loss Piper," they began, their words carrying a gentle cadence. "Grief can be an immense burden to bear, and seeking answers or finding solace in the presence of your loved ones can be a natural response."

They paused for a moment, allowing the weight of Piper's question to settle in the air. The room seemed to hold its breath, as if even the tapestries whispered in anticipation of the response that would bridge the realms of belief and doubt.

"In matters of the spiritual, Piper, it's understandable to have reservations," Kayla continued. "The existence of other realms is a deeply personal belief, one that varies from person to person. While there are indeed instances where authenticity can be questioned, there are also moments of profound connection and understanding that can bring solace and guidance."

Kayla's words carried the weight of their own experiences, the encounters with the ethereal that had shaped their understanding of the unseen. Their gaze met Piper's, offering a sense of validation and reassurance.

"In this space, I strive to honor the sacredness of each individual's journey," Kayla said, their voice gentle yet resolute. "While I cannot claim to have all the answers, I can offer a connection, a bridge between the realms, where we can explore the whispers of the unseen together. It is my hope that within this exploration, you may find the comfort and guidance you seek."

Yet, Cecilia had the habit of reentering old spaces. Like coming back to Holloway, once again seeking out the small traces of her kin. Or trying her luck today. Putting on a mask of collection, concealing the skepticism that radiated off of her. Cecilia found herself smiling, she gave a nod and sat in the armchair.

Glancing them over, addressing whatever threat there could be to her dignity, but finding none. Instead she was met with a sense of comfort and ease, this was no ploy. With a tight smile she nodded once more at the words of Kayla.

"And how do we go about approaching this? Do I tell you what troubles me, do you guess?" She had wanted to believe, prayed even. If she truly doubted those whose connection to a world she would never see, Cecilia would simply not try. But with a medium in town, a place she would be for the time being. Why not?

With a gentle smile, Kayla leaned forward slightly, their eyes radiating empathy. They could sense the weight of Cecilia's unspoken worries, the desire for validation and reassurance. Kayla's voice carried a soothing tone, seeking to create a safe space for vulnerability.

"I understand your hesitation, Cecilia," Kayla begun. "In this space, we can approach it in a way that feels more comfortable to you. You are welcome to share whatever troubles you, to speak of the questions that linger in your heart. Alternatively, if you prefer, I can attune myself to the energies surrounding us and offer insight based on the impressions I receive."

Kayla's words held no judgment, only an invitation to explore the possibilities that lay within the realms beyond. They respected that each individual's journey was unique and required tailored guidance.

"Remember," Kayla continued, their eyes meeting Cecilia's with gentle assurance, "this is a collaborative process. Your openness and trust will guide our connection. Together, we can navigate the intricacies of the spiritual realm and seek the clarity you seek."

Cassandra was just finishing off her glass of a vintage, buttery chardonnay when she felt a new person sit down in the chair two seats away from her. Cassandra looked up and offered a small smile, but didn't say anything yet.

But then she surprised herself when the bartender came to replenish her glass, she told the bartender the other's drink was on her.

"What can I say, I believe in good karma," she remarked to the other.

As the bartender approached, Kayla's attention shifted momentarily, expecting their own drink to be replenished. However they were taken aback when Cassandra spoke up, generously offering to cover their drink. A warm smile spread across Kayla's face, appreciative of the unexpected gesture.

"Thank you," Kayla replied, their voice carrying a gentle sincerity. "That's very kind of you. Good karma indeed."

Kayla's curiosity nudged them to engage further, they slid one seat closet, their eyes meeting Cassandra's with a soft sparkle.

"I'm Kayla," they introduced themselves, the timbre of their voice carrying a soothing warmth. "It's not often I get to encounter such generosity. What brings you here tonight? Seeking a moment of respite like me, perhaps?"

To say Deirdre's night had been long would be the understatement of the year. It had been a full moon and Deidre had run wild, apart from the pack in a rare occurrence. She usually stuck close to the pack, wanting to keep a watch over the others, but last night she had yearned for solitude and the chance to stretch her legs and hunt.

It had been a successful night. But transitioning back always left her feeling, well, a bit hungover. She woke up near the tree she had marked and retrieved her clothes from a low-hanging branch. She was just pulling her hoodie over her head when she heard a branch snap behind her.

Shit.

"Who's there?" Deirdre asked, turning on her heel.

Curiosity piqued, Kayla cautiously approached the scene, their eyes scanning the area. A sense of anticipation tingled through their being, a heightened awareness that something out of the ordinary awaited them. They noticed a woman, clad in a hoodie, her presence emanating a mix of vulnerability and caution.

As Deirdre's question pierced the silence, Kayla's gaze met hers, their own eyes filled with a mix of surprise and intrigue. They hadn't expected to encounter anyone in this secluded spot, especially someone who seemed taken aback by their sudden presence.

"Apologies if I startled you," Kayla responded, their voice gentle and laced with empathy. "I didn't mean to intrude. I was simply drawn to this place, guided by an inexplicable pull. My name is Kayla. I sensed something...unique here."

Kayla paused, sensing the lingering energy that clung to the air. It was different from what they were accustomed to, something otherworldly yet unfamiliar.