And she was alight with a vast swirl of emotion. She squeezed my hand ever-so-slightly and released it.

"A thousand thanks, sir--" she tilted her head, "I feel embarrassed, I don't actually know your name."

I stood from our worn table and took her hand once more. Bringing it up to my lips, I kissed it ever-so-slightly and curtsied. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss. They call me the Pied Piper--the most colorful flautist this side of Phadia's mountains!"

For drama, I pulled out my pipe and played a riff before sitting back down. Madeleine was smiling as she leaned in.

"That can't be your given name, can it?"

"I'm actually Hamlin of Truthen, Pied Piper is merely my stage name...from back when I had a stage."

She smiled once more then turned toward the window. The sun had begun to set, casting an orange glow across her face and hair. In that moment, she looked timeless, like a bale of hay in flames, like Eona, goddess of heat. Rising, she met my eyes fiercely.

"Come Pied Piper, we must plan."

I followed her out of that tavern and shivered as the sparks inside me twitched, waiting to burn.