Stage Presence

Levity couldn't have pulled off incognito if she tried. But Canarian Evernhold had apparently thought of that. He arranged to meet in a quaint little café on the edge of the suburbs that was run by a family of geese. And he came equipped with a squirrel.

"Linden Woodacre," she murmured. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Spokesperson."

" Denny , if you don't mind." The freckled redhead added a final flourish to the sigil he was drawing on the table between them, then grinned. "Let's drop the formalities. This is supposed to be a friendly meeting."

Canarian quickly added, "And an initial meeting. My uncle can make time for you next week. If that will work …?"

Levity gave the only answer she could. "I'll hear him out. I'll hear you out. But I'm not used to being the last to know when it comes to big news."

"Ah. Yes. I'm afraid you and Divinity … well, you slipped between the cracks. You're not registered, at least not under your current names."

"True." She left it at that. Because this wasn't about her past. This was about her future.

Canarian took the hint and moved on. "We need strong voices."

"And my platform?"

Denny leaned forward. "We won't deny it. You're well-liked by a whole lot of people. They're used to thinking of you as people. If you can make sure that doesn't change when the disguises are gone, that'll be huge. But personally? I want you because you're … well, you're reassuring. Doon-wen Nightspangle has had my back for centuries. I'm used to relying on wolves." He took a pleading posture. "Will you at least take a look at our preparations?"

Canarian tagged back in. "Even if you choose not to step out of hiding, we're still giving the Perspective an exclusive."

She asked, "Will the two of you be … stepping out ?"

"I am a known person," said Canarian. "My uncle and I initiated this process by contacting the powers that be, first with letters, then through a long series of private meetings with five representatives who were willing to speak not only for their clans, but for all our people. Cat, dog, wolf, fox, and dragon."

"Why them?"

"Harmonious Starmark and Adoona-soh Elderbough are uncle's personal friends, and they've supported his cause from the outset. They have close ties with reavers. They like humans. They believe in this peace we're founding."

"Adoona-soh inspires awe. Harmonious wins friends. Hisoka stands for all that is good." Denny blandly added, "And if things had gone poorly, it never hurts to have a fox and a dragon on hand to cover your tracks."

"That's not why Nona and Lapis were selected." Canarian sighed. "Not the only reason."

Denny lifted a hand. "For a few reasons, I'm in the wait-and-see category."

Canarian was quick to defend. "Denny can do more for Amaranthines in America if he stays behind the scenes. But to cast the clans in the best possible light, I need key people in lead roles."

"Didn't you leave this rather late?"

"There are others, mostly community leaders. They are liked and trusted, but on a much smaller scale. We didn't know about you and Divinity. I wish I had, but … well, this has the feel of destiny to it. The right person at the right time taking the stage."

Behind the scenes.

Casting light.

Lead roles.

Maybe it was coincidence. Maybe it was meant for a sign. Levity tried for a casual tone. "You really like your theater idioms."

Canarian blinked. "Ah. I suppose they do slip in."

Denny cheerfully elbowed the feline. "He's making sacrifices in his own way. Playwright turned speech writer."

"I have a friend who's a real theater buff." Levity's smile was surrender. "His collection is impressive, and his favorite is an obscure playwright who's been gone two centuries, more or less. Do you know LeClerc?"

"How flattering." A smile warmed orange eyes, and Canarian cut a shallow bow in his seat. "I am he."

Denny looked between the two of them, then relaxed into a smile. "Sounds like we're getting a call-back. Next week. Downtown. First Street."

"I'll be there."