The Magic Lamp in the Treehouse cast a warm glow.
Annan had just climbed back inside when he turned toward the noise outside. The Skeleton King had landed there. "What brings you here?"
"A great many people were watching you just now." The Skeleton King turned and swept his gaze over the onlookers, making them look away. "You gave the envoys a measure of satisfaction."
"So I've made myself a familiar face to them?" That was an unexpected bonus.
"Your name was already known to everyone."
"But I've been here two days and even walked around outside, yet no one's come to visit." Annan sounded as though he were complaining, though he did not seem particularly bothered.
There were still four days until the festivities began. Business could wait until then.
Annan chatted with the Skeleton King for a while. After he left, Annan began to meditate.
Early the next morning, Eliana appeared outside Annan's door before he had blown on the leaf.
The Treehouse was plain, without even a spare chair. Annan brought one over for her.
"Your people didn't give you a hard time, did they?"
"They want me to persuade you to stop," Eliana said.
"You know that's impossible." Annan shook his head, cutting off what she was about to say with unexpected firmness. "I have to make my voice heard."
"Why?"
Annan was about to explain, but changed his mind. He took out the Eternal Magic Stone and activated it. "You'll understand once you've watched this."
Eliana had never seen a Magic Film. For anyone who did not reject new things, the first one was bound to be shocking and novel.
She sat in the chair for two hours.
Judging by Eliana's reactions, she was not as cold inside as she appeared.
Annan borrowed a line