The Phantoms
Holding my breath, I reach for the hanging bell rope and give it a tug to announce my presence.
Ruth
(I guess it's stiff from lack of use...)
Ruth
(I'll pull a little harder.)
I give the rope another tug, this time more forceful.
There's a terrible cracking sound, and tha bell crashes down from above, striking me on the forehead.
It falls to the ground beside me, splintering the wooden floorboards.
Rubbing my head, I look up to find the door of the altar has opened.
An extraordinary looking, young woman is standing inside, peering out.
Ruth
(I'm pretty sure I don't know this lassy, but there's something really familiar about her.)
Ruth
I'm sorry. I think I just broke the bell.
Ruth
Are you the caretaker here?
Suddenly, a hand lands on my shoulder from behind, causing me to jolt.
Taken totally by surprise, I let out a scream.
The hand lifts away, and I turn to find another woman standing beside me, not even bothering to conceal her laughter.
She tilts her head playfully towards me, eyes glittering with amusement.
Playful Stranger
Oh dear, I'd forgotten how skittish mortals can be...
Striking Stranger
Always playing your little games, Jordan.
Jordan
II have to keep myself entertained 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒘, don't I?
Jordan
Or would you rather I do so at your expense, Moriah?
Moriah doesn't even bother to roll her eyes, but Jordan just smiles and faces me again.
Jordan
Don't let our anti-social goddess drive you away.
Jordan
We can't all be as humourless as she is
Ruth
Um, excuse me ....Are you the caretakers here?
Jordan
In a manner of speaking.
Jordan
Though if you think that means either of us will clean up after you, you're sadly mistaken.
Her tone is still playful,but it has an edge to it, now that sends a shiver through me.
Ruth
Nevertheless, I'm sorry I intruded, but I really need to be going now...
Moriah
Jordan won't let you leave without my say-so.
Moriah
And I'm not inclined to give it. You've damaged our home, human.
Moriah
How do you intend to repay your debt?
Trembling, head to foot I drop into the deepest bow I can manage.
Ruth
I'm... I'm terribly sorry I broke your bell-
She doesn't even let me finish.
Moriah
An apology won't repair the damage.
Moriah
If you don't find a way to make amends, there will be consequences.
She lets out a sigh of great exasperation.
Moriah
What did you expect? Your kind are always so quick to ask for blessings...
Moriah
...And so slow to offer due recompense.
Moriah
Unless, ofcourse, you'd rather face punishment.
Jordan gives me a cold, beautiful smile.
Jordan
Believe me, the curse of a 𝒌𝒂𝒎𝒊, is no picnic.
Before I can wrap my head around this statement, another voice splits the quiet.
？？？
What are you guys doing?
I jerk around to see a third woman watching us, with her head cocked.
Ruth
(Where did she come from?)
Ruth
(I should've heard her approach?!)
Jordan
Look, Rhoda, we have a visiter.
Rhoda
Yeah and you're freaking her out!
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