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“Hello, Elisabeth," he said softly. I stood dumb and silent. How did one respond to Der Erlkönig, Lord of Mischief, Ruler of the Underground? How did one address a legend? My mind spun, trying to reel in my emotions. The Goblin King stood before me, in flesh and not in memory. "Mein Herr," I said. "So polite." His voice was as dry as autumn leaves. "Ah, Elisabeth, we need not stand on formalities here. Have we not known each other your entire life?" "Liesl," I said. "Then call me Liesl." The Goblin King grinned. The tips of his pointed teeth gleamed. "I much prefer Elisabeth, thank you. Liesl is a girl's name. Elisabeth is the name of a woman." "And what do I call you?" I strove to keep my voice from shaking. Again that predator's smile. "Whatever you like," he murmured. "Whatever you like." I ignored the purr in his voice.” — S. Jae-Jones