A vistor

“You scared me half to death,” Ian said to his visitor, clutching at his chest in an exaggerated gesture.

“Sorry. I forget what our appearance does to humans. Is Marty about?”

“Marty, your zombie friend is here. You had best come in, my neighbours already think I’m weird,” Ian said, waiting as the zombie picked up an arm that had inadvertently fallen off.

“My what? Oh, Stephen. Hi how’s it going, I haven’t seen you since the shopping mall, did the lamps work out okay?”

“They were great. Sorry about calling unannounced like this, rumour round the fairy realms is you were staying with Ian for a while and it is urgent.”

“Please sit down, can I get you anything?”

“No, I’m fine, and I had better stay standing, these legs seem to be developing a mind of their own lately,” Stephen said, reattaching his arm. "I heard rumours that Reshag pulled you out of the mall before we descended on it the first time round, is that true?”

“It’s a bit of a blur, I recall he summoned us and said about putting us back, but I also recall meeting you and finding out you weren’t so bad after all. Like life it has grown confusing of late,” Marty said, hoping his friend wasn’t offended.

“Haven’t they just.” Stephen agreed

“Not to be rude, Stephen, but you said it was urgent,” Ian said.

“It is. I just can’t...Oh yes that was it. Obsidian has called a meeting, all hallows eve, he needs you both there. Something about gnomes.”

“Why couldn’t he come himself?”

“Jet black unicorns tend to stand out in the mortal world., but at this time of year who notices one more zombie walking down the road? Besides, I wanted to catch up. So, how are you…”




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(word count 300)