Preparation is Essential

 "For the Dolls Had Eyes" instantly became a sensation with those haunts crowding for my attention the moment the last words were typed out. Dawn, well, shy as she is, stepped back into those shadows she is most comfortable in. All the other haunts demanded another of the same and I was game. They were screaming for her to speak up, tell us some detail, something she remembered in that strange life she led. No, she would not respond, locking herself tight in her hovel and hearing none of it.

There was one who was hearing it; Jonathon Kearns. When it became obvious she had nothing more to say, his lanky form shoved its way to the fore and demanded all be quiet. When the ruckus of insults hurled died down, he declared... he always declared, never just said... that he would be willing to share such a story of her which he remembered well. It was of a night shortly before that one which saw his flock migrate through the mountain to his fortress in the wilderness. It was the night in which he made the "Necessary Arrangements" needed for his exodus.

"Necessary Arrangements" followed fast "For the Dolls Had Eyes" becoming the second story finished for December and the month was yet halfway through. Being that this was my third story past my goal was an added bonus. I was on a roll and this story came out as if the Patriarch were speaking as I typed. This Tale did flesh the old bastard out some... and yes, that is a dinner joke well unrelated. It was my first actual foray in this character I initially thought I was going to have serious trouble dealing with direct. It turns out, I'm gonna be having some fun in the future.

I also got a good look at the Patchwork Witch, something that is sure to amuse. In fact, just go to HellBound Books and pick up a copy of Shopping List 4. I'm the first story in there which is kind of neat 'cause it's the first story anyone is most likely to read just picking the book up. Besides, it will come in handy. You're gonna want to trust me on this.

"Necessary Arrangements" was born of a line tossed in amongst that mix of hinted history throughout "For the Dolls Had Eyes". The idea for such a night and an abandonment of the moon just when I needed it came together for an evening's entertainment of 4,503 words of escalating uncertainty (mainly because I'm uncertain how much more I should say). I will say that the dynamic established between these two, the Patriarch and the Patchwork Witch, is one I like. That they are what they are, including consideration of the changes life brings about, makes it all the more interesting to look deeper into some of those rumors I've heard mention of since "Necessary Arrangements" was written.