“I have been expecting you, Princess,” the stranger said in a deep, melodic voice. Arya spun around to meet the eyes of an extremely tall individual wearing a brightly dyed-leather dress with intricate beadwork. “You and I have a journey to begin.” Each word was said with delicate grace and an accent she didn’t recognize. “Who are you?” Arya asked, hoping her voice displayed a confidence she didn’t feel. “You don’t have to be afraid, Princess. I am Tantoo Riel. I am a Métis Shaman and I am here to help you begin your journey to explore the gifts the Goddess has granted you.” “What about the God’s gifts?” She wondered aloud. Tantoo smiled, nodding gently. “Yes, you were doubly blessed. Part witch, part Nephilim. Rarer than nearly anything on this earth.” “One of a kind,” Arya muttered. Arya wondered if Tantoo was a man or a woman because they had long dark, nearly black hair. They had no facial hair while eyeliner and mascara outlined their deep, dark brown eyes. With skin a darkened copper, their beauty was compelling. Arya tore her eyes away after what felt like prolonged gazing. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to stare.” “Yes, I too am quite singular,” Tantoo replied, eyes twinkling. “I can see you wondering, Princess. I am what my people call of two-spirits.” “Two-spirits? Is that like trans or something?” Arya asked, hoping her voice was free of any judgement. “In a way. I believe your mortal young people call people like myself ‘nonbinary,’ eh?” Arya couldn’t help herself. She admired the honesty Tantoo displayed. It was refreshing to have someone be truthful. It hadn’t been overly common in her life lately. “So you prefer to be called they or them?” Arya asked. Latoya, her best friend in the world, considered herself to be asexual and had taught Arya all about the LGBTQ terminology and she was grateful for it during this conversation. “Yes, though I do not mind him or her either. It depends on my mood and I understand I am unique to behold.” “I think you’re wonderful,”someone said from Arya. Arya squealed in delight as she recognized the singsong voice of Madoc Weatherly, her brother’s mentor and one of their favorite teachers from the academy.