The question had slipped out. But the name had sounded so strange here in the dark streets …

“I mean, it is nice to meet you, Neferen.” she amended hastily.

“Too much smalltalk these days. Standard conversations following a pattern, you see?”

She blinked and felt her guard lower a bit.

“Yes, I do, my apologies. My name is Jasali. I am the …”

She didn’t know what brought her up short, other than the sense deep down that this stranger was not someone impressed by titles and ranks. She felt suddenly foolish.

“Do you have a name?”

Talk about an introduction, she thought to herself.

“Nice to … meet you?” Her demeanor was somewhat uncertain. She was used to demigods, she had yet to meet the others and she had a feeling this person had never been a mere mortal. Then she had a sudden thought.

“Is this meeting by accident?”

I have a recurring dream that I am on the beach, with walls crumbling beneath me as I run to safety

She raised her eyebrows and couldn't contain a small laugh that rose up inside her. "Trust me, I was never anywhere near your father." Most people, she pondered, believed this was the being she was consorting with all the time. He looked not entirely put out by that idea ...

I hope there are new live wallpapers on the horizon ...

She had to work hard not to roll her eyes.

"That is certainly an original one. Does it ever work?"

She was a bit jarred. Talk of the devil was everywhere. Had someone guessed ... ?

She turned and looked right at quite a handsome man. Not that she was about to reveal anything ...

"With who would I have the honour then?" She said smiling.