Fans are an inevitable part of any prominent artist’s life. And an artist can try to manage when there is contact and interaction, but if someone is hell bent on reaching the artist, they stand a decent chance of succeeding.

In the vast majority of cases – in almost all cases – llhaesa was patient with those who loved her music – and truth be told, those who loved her politics. What she did not care for were those who simply viewed her as someone with potential clout and name recognition. She was very easy to make friends with – if one was sincere, if one reciprocated in sharing a bit of themselves with llhaesa – not material things, but the stories of their lives: what interested them, what they were concerned about, what they loved, strived to achieve, about their families, their own work, where they lived.

With politics, llhaesa was looking for allies, people who recognised the problems and the need, setting out to achieve the goals needed to solve the problems and need. She wished to work with them as peers, not as someone with name recognition. Maybe this was at the root of her reluctance to aim for a place at the top of government.

With music, llhaesa was more appreciative of people finding enjoyment in her performances and original recording, though she still tried very hard not to be seen as someone above others, only as someone who happened to make a profession of bringing others something they could enjoy. To that end she disliked media that promoted her as some sort of celebrity.

The Old City area was really nice; people were used to artists living in the area, and generally did not create a fuss at their mere presence. Llhaesa liked to get out into the park and relax, and she would gladly chat with anyone – anyone who viewed her as just another person in the park. And for the most part, that is exactly what happened.

On a day when llhaesa and Jahrae had a meeting scheduled with members of EREGS, they left early and would not return until mid-afternoon. Since llhaesa and Jahrae used public transportation, they returned anticipating entry into the building via its front door. As they turned the corner onto Park Boulevard, they stopped short.

Ahead and in front of their building, at least 100 people were gathered around carrying signs that said “we will follow you” “no one else compares,” and most annoyingly of all “llhaesa is a goddess!”

Jahrae took one look at her partner to know she was not flattered and most certainly not amused. For her part, Jahrae was annoyed because of all the effort she and M’traliel had put into convincing llhaesa she had a role to play as change came to be. With this sorry display, their efforts might suffer a significant setback.

Llhaesa was in a bind; she could not share how she felt inside, not wishing to have people think she was someone with a serious attitude. Instead, she chose a strategy of working with them, with a goal of taking them in a new direction. What she did not anticipate was why the group had gathered.

As both she and Jahrae begin mingling with the crowd, one of the participants mentioned they were paid to stand outside the building. That remark caught llhaesa’s attention, and she quickly moved to the side of the fan who made the statement.

Llhaesa attempted to lead the fan to explain. “You said you were paid to do this?”

“Yes” the fan answered, and sensing llhaesa might be upset at this information, decided it was best for her to come clean. Some guy approached us in the park early this morning. He said that you were away, and when you returned, he wanted to surprise you with a bunch of fans waiting. We thought it was kind of goofy – don’t get me wrong, all of us love your music and what you stand for, and we never would have bothered you – it’s just that he offered to pay us more for 6 hours of hanging out here than most of us earn in a week.”

Llhaesa was aghast. “By any chance, did he give you a name?” she genuinely wished to know.

The young woman nodded affirmatively. “Yes, he did. I have his name recorded in my mobile; I made a note of it after he had paid us. Sk’vra. Sk’vra Kjurha.”

At the sound of the name of the student who worked to subvert her throughout college, llhaesa cringed. He was no longer a school bully or nuisance. Now Sk’vra was moving into harassment, and that was a dangerous escalation in conduct.

Llhaesa could not know in that moment that his conduct would get a whole lot worse. In fact, Sk’vra would ultimately play a prominent role in her demise.

She thanked the paid fan, asked the crowd to quiet so she might speak, the fans quickly quieting to hear her words.

“Thank you all for your support. I have been told you have been paid to be here, and that you were paid to be here for another hour. I will see to it that all of you receive a second payment matching the first, and would ask you to consider that payment to resume your other plans for this day. Before you go, would any of you like to see our flat?” llhaesa was going to leave this group happy, as she managed to do with most everyone.