Soot: Have you ever hurt anyone that you didn’t mean to?

The small, white-blonde woman stiffened and swallowed a couple of times. Finally, she managed a response, nearly a whisper. ‘Considering how things have been going, with maybe having precipitated the death of one of my very best friends ever? And how much that’s hurt all her sisters and my fiancées….’ She sighs. ‘When don’t I, might be a better question.’

Bonfire: What’s one thing you lost that you want back?

‘That… people ask me things sort of like that… and all I can think is that, if things were different in a way that mattered… I wouldn’t be who I am now. And that means maybe not having what I have now.’ She sighs. ‘Though, in terms of things that maybe could change without such drastic side effects… it’s stupid, but I miss my scars, now that I don’t have them.’

I heard that you’re getting married. How are you feeling: excited, nervous?

‘We haven’t set the date yet, or arranged the ceremony – or maybe ceremonies. We may have to have more than one for reasons involving odd laws in different jurisdictions… but I digress. Nervous… I suppose. Maybe I’d say more… anxious. I’d feel better with it more planned. Then I’ll be excited.’ She giggles with a flash of her bright smile.