Dust & Grim

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
—

“We're a funeral home for monsters,” Vivacia said

“Viv!” Dustin said, scandalized.

“Fine. The supernatural,” the woman corrected. To Molly, in a lower voice, she said: “Monster is a bit of no-no word. We prefer not to use it, and they certainly prefer us not to use it. But we need common ground here, and I hope it helps you to understand.”
“Monsters,” Molly said, repeating the no-no word.

“The supernatural,” Viv corrected again.

“The nonstandard citizens,” Dustin said sharply.

DUST & GRIM

“Mollllllly,” the forest whispered in return.

She shuddered. “That's weird. You should stop that!”

“Sorrrrry,” the forest answered.

Well, at least it's a polite menacing voice.

Neverwhere

Fred, the Vampire Accountant

DUST & GRIM

“What kind of poison?” Dustin asked.

Marsha chimed in: “Mucus-thorn and mire-berry.”

“Is that, like, some kind of alt-folk band?” Molly asked.

“Not as bad as that,” Ember said, grinning like, well, a fox. “But as poisons go? Pretty flappin' bad.”

Dust & Grim