Daily Short Story: Eve 11

ACT 963161069-26889.24.(M1.D09)(8697 B.C. Sun’s Dawn (February) Half Moon( Second Week) Dirdon(Tuesday) )-Eve-Smith-Silver Prime

Eve stared at the eleven applicant forms that had passed most of the filtration process. For an organization the size of the Faceless, the need for accurate recordkeeping had become paramount. The last month after dealing with the Drowned God had been spent carefully searching for those who met the criteria.

Eleven families had found themselves ten gold dragons richer.

Eve’s eyes shimmered as she looked around the lobby of the Silver Bank. The desk she occupied was that of a managerial clerk who had suddenly taken ill earlier in the day. Rich wood soaked in magic was merely the tip of the bank’s luxury. Every chair was enchanted to provide a sinful level of comfort. The lobby had several coffee table islands surrounded by a sea of sofas. Servants swarmed the wealthy providing everything from heated drinks to patisserie confections. It isn’t enough to be a rich institution. You need to have a class that crushes competition as well.

“What do you think?” Eve said to the junior assistant hovering at her elbow. Number Three was in charge of the bank not because she was the Third but because her ability in the magic of numbers was obscene.

“Is this truly necessary?” Number Three replied.

Eve paused, letting her gaze rise to look ahead at the bustling crowd of wealthy moving on the bank floor below her. The enchanted glass provided a one-way view of the entire premise. The glass was incredibly cheap when you controlled the only method of production. “More than necessary. There must always be a way forward, even if I am not here to provide it.”

“I understand.” Number Three said, her crisp suit ruffling as she bowed slightly at the waist.

“Good,” Eve said, her eyes flickering back to the eleven forms. “Bring them all in. I’ll interview them personally.” I can’t leave the things I built to crumble the moment I’m not around. I learned my lesson in Charlotte’s world. This time, I’ll build to last.

Placing her nail on the desk, she sketched a small magic circle for Summoning. Moments later, a plethora of tiny vials arrived from Kudzu’s workshop. “Summoning magic is such utter…” Eve grumbled as she categorized the vials at a glance.

Before she could arrange the distribution of the vials, a frantic knock sounded on the office’s door. Number Three opened it unhurriedly before taking the file presented after exchanging whispered comments.

“Something urgent? Eve said as the vials re-arranged themselves with a glance of effort.

“A report from the cell we placed in the Andal population.” Number Three said.

Eve’s eyes flashed before she said, “How many?”

“Two.” Number Three said, handing over the file.

Eve looked down at two supernaturally beautiful men drawn with unique artistic embellishments. “So, R’hllor was correct. We have new visitors.”

“Should we give them a gift, Strange Lady?” Number Three said, her eyes troubled.

“No, these are just frontrunners. R’hllor claimed there would be more.” Eve said as her eyes began to glow silver. “We’ll let all the little fish arrive before we snap the net closed.”

“The Fae Accords?” Number Three said, her gaze brightening.

Eve nodded, “The Fae only care that the world isn’t shattered. We are a known principle and stable factor. New players on the board, who advocate for war, none will miss such things being wiped from the game.”

“To make you a borrowed knife.” Number Three said, her gloved hands tightening in anger.

Eve’s eyes glinted pure silver as a grin flashed on her face, “As long as I agree, it isn’t an issue. All of us will get something from this. Remember the bank’s motto.”

“Buy low, sell high.” Number Three said, confused.

“Even better when others think they are getting the bargain,” Eve said with a giggle.