A date with the dead

That evening, you settle down to eat, and you’re pleased to see Iris come in and sit at the table you have set up. You give her a smile. “I’m glad you decided to join me. I wanted to get to know you better, and I figured you might be more comfortable alone. The girls can be a bit much if you’re not used to them.”

She nods. “I appreciate your invitation. I want to get to know you better as well. You are…not what I expected.”

You chuckle. “I get that a lot. What did you expect?”

She shrugs, not making eye contact. “A warlord, with a harem of slaves. I expected someone using their power to get what they wanted. It’s why I arrived dressed like this, I expected to use this body to get the help I needed.”

You smile. “Well, you definitely got my attention, though you didn’t need to do that. And I’m guessing that you’re thinking differently now?”

She nods. “Obviously, you’re not any of those things. But more to the point, you seem kind, and devoted to your…family.”

You nod, looking at her seriously. “I am. I would happily give all this up if it made them safe and happy. But I also have an incredible power, and it’s important to use that to make things better. If I may change the subject a bit, though, I’ve noticed that you seem much more…let’s say energetic, than when you first arrived.”

She surprises you with a smile. “How much do you know about the undead?”

You shrug. “Very little, you’re the first I’ve met. Apparently undead are quite rare.”

She nods. “Well, to put it simply, different kinds of undead feed in different ways, and the more we feed, the more ‘alive’ we feel. Some are simple, such as ghouls feeding on flesh, and some more complicated, like a lich feeding on magic. For me as a banshee, I feed upon emotions.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Emotions? Seems like a easy thing to find, everyone feels various emotions.”

She nods. “Just so. But more than most, my…attitude, is shaped by the emotions around me. As I traveled here, the main emotions were fear and anger. On such a diet, I can survive, but I become rather cold, as you saw. Now, though…there is love, lust, and happiness. I haven’t felt like I do now in a very long time.”

You smile. “I’m glad we can help, even accidentally. Although I certainly won’t complain about your wardrobe either!”

Iris laughs, covering her mouth with her hand. “For someone with so many women, you are awfully flirtatious!”

You laugh. “Honestly, most of them encourage it, and the rest definitely approve. However, if I’m being too forward, I apologize.”

She shakes her head. “Not at all, I’m just surprised. You’re certainly not short of attractive women, and judging from the number of pregnant girls, it’s not like you hold back.”

You shrug. “I never expected to end up like this, but I can’t say I’m not happy, either. As you noted, there’s a lot of love here. As it turns out, you can give out love and end up with more than you started with.”

Iris gives you a coy smile, and reaches out to place her hand on yours. You’re a little surprised to find that her skin is warm against yours. She smiles. “As I said, the more we feed, the more we feel alive. And I feel very alive now.”

You smile. “You certainly do. I’m glad, and I’m happy to help.”

She leans forward a sparkle in her pale blue eyes. “I’d be happy to show you just how alive I feel…”

You chuckle. “Iris, are you trying to seduce me?”

Laughing, she winks. “Maybe I am. Is it working?”

You nod. “I was interested before, but now I’m eager. Would you like to move this conversation into the bedroom?”

With a throaty laugh, she grins. “I thought you’d never ask…”

The two of you stand, making your way out of the room.