Dear readers, tonight with me is a half-fae, exiled from the lands of Faerie when her father died. Surprised by the changes in the human world, she takes a job on an airship.

She’s here to tell us about faeries, pirates, and traveling players as she tries to cope with feelings long forgotten and a past that still pursues her.

Tell us a little about where you grew up. What was it like there?

When I was really young, my mother was murdered, so my father took me to live with him in Faerie. As a place, it’s very pleasant. There’s no separation between nature and the inhabitants. For instance, plants and animals are part of your household; they grow and go where they please.

I really loved it there when I first arrived. I got to spend a lot of time with Papa, and Liam and I became great friends. However after Papa married Helena, she destroyed my life bit by bit. The only thing she ever gave me was my little brother, Pika. He is my light in the pit that Faerie is to me now.

Did you have any favourite toys as a child? Any cherished memories?

Most of my cherished memories as a young child where from spending time with my parents and Liam. My parents loved each other so deeply, and I always wanted that for myself one day. I had hope for a while, but it turned sour when Liam betrayed me. After Papa married Helena, I couldn’t afford to cherish anything. If she found out, she’d destroy it.

What do you do now?

I recently got a job as rigger on a merchant airship in the human realm. It’s my job to climb around the envelope of the airship and check it for leaks.

What can you tell us about your latest adventure?

Adventure makes it sound so glorious. It’s really quite miserable. I’m living on the run in a realm I’m no longer familiar with. This annoyingly cheerful cook, Reilley, keeps pestering me, and I can’t trust anyone in case they really work for Helena. Papa died and I can’t be with Pika anymore. I am rather enjoying touring the world with the crew of the airship, though. I’ve already seen some wonderful places. And, I do find some of the people intriguing; one deckhand in particular has an air about him.

What did you first think when you arrived in the human realm after being exiled?

I couldn’t believe how much it had changed. It seems I’ve been gone for a few centuries. I mean they have flying ships and devices that move on their own!  People in my time couldn’t even imagine such wonders.

What was the scariest thing in your adventures?

Nothing scary has happened so far, but I was rather alarmed when Charlie took Reilley and me to that shop, which doubles as a Fae refugee safehouse. Since Helena stripped me of my magic, I can’t see through a glamour, so I don’t know who is a Fae and who is human. I think it was all right in the end. But for all I know, Philippe could be one of Helena’s spies.

What is the worst thing about being on the airship?

I’m really tempted to say Reilley, but that isn’t true. He’s irritating, but he isn’t the worst. I’d have to say Willie is the worst part of being on the airship. Something about him really rubs me the wrong way.

What is the best thing about it?

Getting to see all of the different cities we moor in is the best part. Also, being on the move all the time gives me a little relief. Maybe Helena won’t be able to find me if I just keep moving.

Tell us a little about your friends.

I wouldn’t really call them friends, but I can tell you about the other crew members.

Reilley is a cook. I told you he is annoyingly cheerful. A lot of bad stuff has happened to him in his life, and he’s still so optimistic and naïve. It’s really irritating. He clings to me like a sticky bandage.

Charlie is the airship’s carpenter. She’s a Fae refugee from the human sympathizer persecutions. She came to the human realm after her brother killed the human she was in love with.

Nick is a troublemaker. Apparently, he likes to play practical jokes on everyone. I’m going to have to watch out for him. Indulal is a deckhand. He’s very serene, and I feel like he has wisdom beyond his years. Sasha…well, let’s just say Sasha and I didn’t get off on the right foot, but…I’m starting to see another side to him. Mac is the boatswain. He’s a strong leader, and I would follow his lead in a crisis.

Any romantic involvement?

Romantic involvement? That sounds an awful lot like attachment. I’ve had lovers, certainly. But, I haven’t felt romantic toward anyone since Liam betrayed me ten years ago. I can’t imagine I’d make the mistake of falling in love with someone again, but I am a little curious about what a human lover would be like.

Whom (or what) do you really hate?

Helena. I hate her more than words can say. She’s destroyed my life and taken everything I’ve ever loved. I asked her once why she hated me so much. She just smiled and said I wasn’t even worth such a strong emotion. I highly doubt that’s true after what she did to Duncan.

What’s your favourite drink, colour, and relaxing pastime?

What’s relaxing? Finding a strong, attractive man to spend the season with. Nothing relaxes me more than a sexual release.

What does the future hold for you?

I’m just trying to stay on the move and make sure that Helena doesn’t find me. Now that I’m in the human realm, she could easily kill me without repercussions.

Can you share a secret with us, which you’ve never told anyone else?

I don’t really want to admit this, but I still dream about Liam sometimes. I don’t love him anymore. I wouldn’t be with him now even if he begged me, but I can’t forget what it felt like to be in love with him.

D. Lieber writes stories she wants to read. Her love of the worlds of fiction led her to earn a Bachelor’s in English from Wright State University. When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s probably hiking, crafting, watching anime, Korean television, Bollywood, or old movies. She may also be getting her geek on while planning her next steampunk cosplay with friends. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband (John), retired guide dog (Samwise), and cat (Yin).

You can find Ember on the pages of The Exiled Otherkin.

Join us next week to meet a crime solving duo from the empire that never collapsed. Please follow the site by (bottom-right) to be notified when the next interview is posted.