Where in the world is kitchenMage

A shadowy, cloaked and hooded figure clutching just-removed black boots enters the house. Glancing at the calendar, she moves furtively across the room, clearly hoping to escape notice. Entering the kitchen, her cloak catches on the cat sprawled across the threshold. "Ssouri, annoyed  at his interrupted slumber, stretches, yawns, and shatters the silence with an indignant 'Mrow!'

The woman looks up, her sudden movement making the hood slip to her shoulders, and mutters a minor curse at the cat for waking up the house.

Um, hi.

Yeah, I was out really late and I didn't even call to say I didn't get in a car wreck or anything.

I'm sorry!

I know I haven't been here much recently. Don't feel bad, I haven't been anywhere lately. (Miss me while I was gone? Or did you not even notice? sniff)

So where have I been hiding out? Well, you know how, when a friend gets into a new relationship you almost never see them for a while? This is sort of like that, but with a lot more heavy lifting.

Read the rest of the kitchenMage's Apprentice: on seeing another... at Gather.