The Compromises Past Limitations (Half-Knit)
Content Warnings:
Memory echoes that shape one's mind. Body changes and dysphoria. blindness. Mental defenses cracked and shattered by a loved ones actions. Sharing said memory echoes.
It's easy to feel them all of course, if I care to unravel the threads and find them tangled about the grounds. Could so easily weave something less than efficient to tug the one I seek straight to me. But... No need to make this part an entire messy event.
"Politeness, wielded well, is Ousia saved for later tasks." Agrees one of Elevar's memories of Yselda from the mind we share in agreement.
Don’t even flinch at that. Which is a skill I’m so very glad I’ve been woven with since the start. It… took me weeks to truly understand how different these are to me from others. The echoes from the past of the flesh. So real. Like the first time experienced but with the context of the later recollections. Sharp. Pointed. Like opening a treasured tome to the exact passage.
But endlessly… Distracting. Like some best buzzing right into my ear every time. And shaping in ways that’s even harder to notice. Little subtle shifts I have to wrestle with to mitigate. Else feel the perspectives of these echoes make me into something less than survivable among those I’ve come to love.
[Rufus?] I intone to him through the bond woven through my sister. [I've a mind to ask for your help with a task, but... wouldn't want to impose if you're busy this evening.]
The response from him is prompt yet a bit frazzled. [I can be available in but a few moments, Matron. Where would you like me?]
The way he says that brings an old memory to bubble up and speak. One from when we were still in training. He was patching me up after yet another fight of mine with a gaggle of girls repulsed by the idea of such a failure of a boy learning beside them, and spoke quietly with concern. "You have to consider not just the consequences of your own actions, but what it will cost others to act against you. Right now, you're expendable to most... Few would care if you disappear. Before you start to make plans to get back at them, you need to find a way to make yourself too invaluable to quietly eliminate."
Can't help but feel the flesh settle a bit at that, even taste the echo of a smile I might otherwise enjoy at the memory's advice. Slowly twisting backways to the form I'll need to make this work. The shape Elevar and I share as opposed to... to the form that is nothing but myself. Tall with silently writhing tendrils, four limbs with talons as sharp as Verbess', and... eyeless. If not blind.
[Xafra's old Spire is still empty but close and open, last I checked, if you could head for the basement entrance and the passage to the tunnels there I'd be most appreciative.]
Pull back from the thorns and vines as I wait for his reply. Making sure the wall I'm weaving will keep the Loom Chamber well and sealed so that more fools can't get to the Doll and Threads within to try and commune with...
“You really should come clean to at least one of them. Proudly explain how well you’ve endured despite it all.” The creature that woven me had purred, wrist deep inside more of me than I can even recall existing. Reweaving deeper parts and tugging their sproutlings up to bloom across my flesh. “The longer you hide what I’ve tried to keep you from becoming the worst they’ll–”
No. Absolutely not. I snarl and work so very hard to smother that. Turn and focus on my motions through the miasma toward the now abandoned Spire.
[Yes Matron, I'll arrive shortly.] The response comes, poorly masked fear evident in his words.
That... settles me more than I'll ever admit to anyone. At least a dozen memories of other sort’s tones shifting from such cruel regard to shivering polite exchanges howling from the mess of recollections to soothe my worries.
Of Garrotes woven and Blitzköder sparking to keep so many otherwise proud sorts tame as we pulled them back to these grounds.
Helps smother the jagged piercing memory of another's purring ruthless regard from this day.
And by the time I reach the correct passages, my form is as it needs to be. The pretty mix between with soft scales and even a few careful clicks of our tendrils.
Rufus is precisely within the entrance to the tunnels, about five paces from the door. So I make sure to have all the miasma pull back and away from this section as I join him.
"Evening, Dear one." I greet softly and... more raspy than I expect. Take a heartbeat to regather myself and continue more clearly. "Apologies for luring you out from your night, but my Pack is... exhausted and seeing to each other's needs. Otherwise I'd respect Elevar's desires and not press you for anything."
"Evening. It's alright, I wasn't particularly busy, though afterwards it would be great to get your thoughts on something I've been looking at in regards to Augusta's last words..." He trails off enticingly, his idea of a reward for good behavior.
"That's actually what I was planning to seek your aid about. I think you can help tug Augusta back into the real. But it seems her strike on this Estate left her... exposed." I explain. "Possibly wounded. Mayhaps even without a Frame or good link to Xafra to use. If certain well-meaning, but foolish, sorts tried this without care it could fail in ways that might make later attempts more difficult. Or worse, lead to predators sniffing after her wounded form. I'd like to avoid that. And... have a word with her. Before all others."
"Oh! That makes sense. A lot of them do tend to act first and consider after. What's your thoughts on it?" Rufus responds with excitement. And as he stims with the broken ring marks on his fingers, I can faintly smell fresh blood on him.
"Quite simple, really." I shrug, fighting to keep my eyes upon his face and ignore the protections or strikes he's possibly woven. "I think you have the key to her return, and I've spaces below that could be used to facilitate the work. Test the sympathetic links and even grant us resources to ensure no Ousia is wasted. But with promises to your and her eventual safety. So long as neither act against myself or these gr..."
"Say. It." The memory of the beast below snarls. And unlike the ones that rise from Elevar... it thrums with more fury than I know what to do with. A thing woven through the part of me that dwells below. "My family gifted me a new name, and we'll not have you pretending ignorance as to what that means anymore."
"Or Sekrhús, of course." I reply aloud, the second time I’ve done so now, ensuring not even a flinch touches this flesh as it chills a bit.
"I, of course, would not think of acting against either of you, but... Lynette... I would be remiss if I didn't point out that her current absence is due to attacking Sekrhús, and even if I can somehow summon her into the depths of the Estate, she'll likely attack again. I... Don't want anyone here hurt, because either Augusta self-destructs again causing more of whatever harm she did last time, or her niece captures her, and that would cause even more problems, I think." He answers with hesitation.
"I'm... so very glad to be near a sort who actually looks before they take a step. Because that's exactly my worry." I sigh and smile. "Which is why I propose we do this from a Chamber woven specifically to encase one like her until we are certain Augusta won't leap forward and do something stupid again. Her actions already caused harm to those apart from the intended target."
"Seems reasonable, though the second problem still stands. I will of course do my best to summon and convince her to... Play nice, I just worry that Sekrhús would want to extract promises or oaths from her that she wouldn't be willing to give."
"She won't be talking to Sekrhús again while I still hold my role." I agree. "Her promises will be to me. The Half-Knit who gifted her a Frame and trusted her to act as my well-behaved guest. If simple exchanges of hospitality are beyond what she's become we can toss her into the jungles like some feral Grakler. Free like she wasn't before, but unable to return without losing that."
"Alright, that settles my concerns then, so... Shall we?" He offers out a hand to me with the sort of dashing smile I haven't seen him direct at me in a very long time.
"Well, aren't you weaving polite but sensible charms this evening?" I chortle with a grin, but take his hand as old memories of his earliest attempts to perfect that smirk titter through me. "If we're lucky we can have her back and wrapped in oaths of peace before half the night passes."
Then I lead him down through the quiet passages, making sure to keep the miasma back and out of sight as we move. Eventually finding a way to a place only Schatzi ever stumbled into before.
A room filled with what seem like the trunks of trees growing from floor to ceiling with multiple work benches around nearly each one. And the same little nubs of glowing growths that sputter out light woven from the Physis they emit.
"So, from here I can have the Estate weave a new Fold Between The Roots using its resources instead of ours." I explain as I lead him to the far side, then motion to a number of etchings marking the floor just in front of the wall. "But before I do that I'll need to understand the spell or link you have that will tug her back to us. So that the space created won't be sealed from her entrance."
He nods casually. "I believe that the Einwandfrei I have was designed to bring her back as well as act as a ward." Then… he lets the floodwaters in. "From what I've understood so far, it can use my miasma and lingering Will to act as an anchor point. Bringing death to me, as the Dream said."
"Fascinating. Devious. And... Elegantly ruthless beyond all good sense. If I'm being honest." I huff while kneeling to lay fingers on the grooves in the floor. "And you've answered at least half of a riddle I've been chewing on..."
"What she is, what she dreams to be, and…” Sekrhús had mused as I pulled from the dream after our Packs Harmonization. My flesh still quivering as Thread’s below only just then begun to settle. “Where the rot will be seeded for her to hold till all is–"
"But regardless. I refuse that outcome. Elevar and Calix and Xafra would have nothing of me if I allowed you to die for this. So let's instead start with a very small amount of gifted Miasma, alongside a spark of Ousia and Physis to get us a Fold woven and tuned to you." I glance up and push past the memory that echoes quietly. "From there, I think we can backways weave something of a hook and net to catch our prize? I... Honestly I didn't expect such a ghastly cost to this. Was worried you might try to summon her outside a safe space and I'd need to act to snare her like I did the Nightmare within Verbess' Driftdream."
"How do you expect me to gift Miasma without being dead?" He asks in sheer bafflement.
"Oh, right." I murmur and rise. "You'd not have needed to learn that skill. But it's simple enough. Spark a very small amount of Ousia tinted with Physis as a shell. Then release the bundle to curdle, rot, and settle into this Glyph. Just like..."
Then I perform the act while his eyes shift to my core. Let the bundle of rotting mess drift to settle onto the root floor between us.
"That. It's a gap in both your and Elevar's education but... quite simple and without a noticeable cost to your wellspring. Easier than learning to harvest and tune the same, let me tell you."
"Huh. Alright." He answers and gets to work. The first attempt fails, but the second drops Miasma into the Glyph on the ground without issue.
"Impressive. Now, let us just..." Then I turn again, reach out to touch the intangible as I close eyes and focus.
"A gentle or harsh tug on the right threads. Then let me gift you the resources needed." Sekrhús voice echoes from the corpses hidden in this room to thrum up the threads and into this body's mind and–
"Wurzelriss." Our voices crack from these lips that feel wrong and broken and dead and rotting just like the miasma Rufus has gifted for my wretched task.
Open eyes to see the passage woven. A simple room. Not large though. Mostly empty, save furniture and the base Glyphs I'll need to weave our net. Floors and ceiling all twisting vines wrapped tight enough even the smallest bug could not escape.
"Impressive." Rufus' voice shakes slightly, but... not in fear, something else.
"Such deft charm, as always." I chuckle while rising, turn back to meet his eyes.
Use the rush of bittersweet recollections that follow from Elevar's past to try and shove past the mewling memories that bubble up from beneath and around.
“Corpses left to rot but forced to remember.” They whisper and whimper and weep.
"You alright?" I ask carefully as everything quiets to properly dead sounding silence. "If... Apologies if the Root Cracking was more than expected."
He looks at me and offers a sad smile. "I am. But... I had accepted my death here. And I will still choose that over being chained like you, so... perhaps we should make positions clear before we continue?"
"Ah. Was wondering when you'd poke that rotting fruit." I huff and glare at the freshly woven space. "What positions need clarifying, if you don't mind explaining your points for one such as me."
"Lynette. I am willing to die to keep you safe if that is what's needed. One such as you? You mean someone I care about, someone I don't want hurt? Someone who even around me, who's supposed to be my oldest friend, pretends to look different than she does? One who has quietly suppressed the bond to everyone above us? Fine then. My position is this.” Rufus answers passionately. “I didn't prepare a single attack or message or anything else in that way. No one knows I'm here. All I've done is set a means to ensure I die quickly, if Sekrhús tries to... modify me. Because I accepted that as a possible outcome."
Pause for a long few heartbeats as I absorb all that.
"How, by the Moonshited Seas, are you so... well informed? Did Calix predict my motions and warn you? Try to meddle with the schemes of one bound to a thing that probably has eaten entities like him a dozen times over?" I reply as tendrils titter an annoyed, albeit impressed, click after he has laid out his very clear view of my designs here. Glance back to meet his gaze once again. "And I'm not pretending to look anything, Rufus. No more than you pretend while wearing a shirt. Just... keeping more private aspects stowed away. I've only truly shown Schatzi anything besides."
"Why would Calix meddle with the entity that kept him sane for decades? No, I have my own Einwandfrei that I created myself like a proper Witch, just never presented it or spoke of it. It enhances my perception significantly. Sight, smell, taste, touch, sound, as well as magically and Proprioception. Wasn't until my resheathing that I could keep it on continuously due to the intense dysphoria that last one caused. I'm... Not well informed, just perceptive and aware of my limitations. I'm expendable. Hah. More expendable than a single Doll on this estate, I'd guess, since Xafra doesn't care about me personally."
"You're... Really? That is stupidly impressive. All this time? Cracked and Void Riven Moon." I can't help but grin and let tendrils dance in open delight. A few dozen memories rewoven to proper context as I understand better this oldest friend of ours. "No wonder you were nothing but hateful about Yselda from the first day we found you again. Could see the artifacts of her abuses about us as others only noticed our freshly knit tits. Well... Consider yourself invaluable to me now, far beyond what you already were for personal reasons. That well-honed skill is something I'm going to pester you into using for my purposes."
"Pestering is fine. I'm not against working with Sekrhús either, to be clear. I want to help make the world a better place, and... honestly, it's frightening that it hinges on Divine family drama right now." Rufus answers with relief.
"And again, you easily harmonize with my reasons for wanting to have a talk with Xafra's Sister devoid of her kin." I gesture with a hand. "So let me be blunt. I mean to have more than a harsh word with Augusta. Might even take a few bites of the bitch myself. But... I stand by my word. She will, if nothing else, leave here free and safe enough. Sekrhús has already struck her counter blow. This... is my desire. Something I've bargained for. She will leave Augusta be so long as I can keep them apart."
"Alright. I can accept all that."
I can't help but grin and offer him my hand like he did mine up above. "So, shall we weave a net and lure to see what we can't catch?"
** ** **
"Alright, how's this?" I ask, passing him the etching I just marked onto the large sheaf of parchment alongside the much smaller one covered in the calculations I used to ensure the measurements "Close enough? Or..."
Barely two hours of work, and Rufus has done the heavy lifting of what might have been days of mistakes. Finding not just small imperfections in the etchings but... oddness in the radiances of the snare as I channel Physis and Ousia through it. Granting me more practice in manipulating such things from outside our flesh while also helping me see how such a thing can mimic his Einwandfrei patterns to draw our prey to us.
"Yes, I think so. With this level of precision, it should act as an invitation and not a compulsion, which at the least will have her less likely to immediately murder me when she realizes she can't leave this Fold before we talk things through."
"And we avoid using the phrasing of your Einwandfrei. As I worry it marks her with the role or title or mantle of Death just as Xafra was with Strife. Ours lets her choose, openly, the shape she wishes to manifest as. Should give us proper warning if she means to strike." I grin. "To which... I'll simply crack our Fold and let her tumble out into the World or back to the Void. Whichever she chooses. While you and I land back on the grounds above."
"Yes. This is good. Efficient, with redundancies and plans for if things go awry." His voice over the last few hours has warmed tremendously, sounding genuinely joyful by this point. "Just wanna leave a message right outside the Fold, in case we both get obliterated. Are you willing to write something up?"
I... consider going along with that. Playing the role of a careful Witch to the limits of this. But...
"Rufus, neither of us are going to die here." I reply carefully. "This... type of Chamber I've woven doesn't allow even death to be an escape. Mayhaps Augusta can circumvent that, but... I've planned for that too. Calix is not going to lose you, and my Pack isn't losing their Mistresses tonight. That's unacceptable. But if you're set upon this... I'll not fault you for indulging caution. Not after the countless you've allowed me."
"I would appreciate that. From what I've begun to understand about Divinities, it would be... ill-advised to underestimate them, even ones we consider friends, and I'm pretty sure Augusta isn't just a Dreamborn or Kindly One anymore."
If only he knew just how true that is. And the monsters and near godlings who've thought a Chamber like this beneath their worry.
Countless horrid echoes wail and scream at that from the memory echoes within me. Endlessly wretched tormented entities bubbling up from the Threads and corpses to remind me what I am and what I need to do here and… what awaits me if I fail.
I nod and pass him a sheaf of parchment and a writing tool, then settle to wait. "Take your time. And... promise me you'll indulge an old Half-Knit once this is all finished? Gift Calix and others those words in person when morning comes. Alright?"
He hands me a packet from a pocket, already sealed. "This has letters for Calix, Elevar, and yourself if you make it back and I don't. I'll have different words for them afterwards if i do." He writes a brief note and hands it over for me to read, one of his Rosebridge Ward glyphs already on the back, just waiting to be powered.
Do not enter the Fold.
Commune with Dämmerung and tell Them to begin Project Lifeboat, and that Sín insists Sekrhús is given Amnesty and Asylum in exchange for assistance from the Moon-blessed still on Her surface.
Take care of Calix for me.
On behalf of Sín the Mother Moon,
and Eclipsed Oracle Calix,
Rufus Chain
"Feel free to add your own section afterwards. Once I power it, it will only be found if I am dead. If you come out without me, please destroy it instead." He mentions as I read it.
"I've left all that matters of me within the Threads for Sikkina to find at any unexpected end. But... Project Lifeboat? Amnesty and Asylum?" I grin and glance up, passing the stack back. "You've both been scheming. I've nothing to add, as this is not the night I finish rotting."
"Not my plans or my knowledge, truth be told. Calix had a vision that said If the Sightless and the Aware both fail, the end comes. And then I had a rather disquieting Dream where a furry blue person told me when the curtains close I'm to pass on the message to Dämmerung... At least I'm pretty sure it was a Dream. Woke up on the ground outside the Sheared Spire."
"Cracked and Riven Moon, best of luck to those that try to make sense of Dreams and the messy sorts within." I reply while rising. "Other than a certain gerl's Driftdream, I'll keep to the waking world, thank you very much. Now, toss your messages out and I'll start to fuel the weavings."
He burns the glyph on the back of the parchment and sets it on the ground, just beyond the borderline. "Ready."
I step forward, lean down, and perform all the steps we've planned with eyes closed and only my fingertips touching the vines.
Coax the Fold to re-etch the floor to the new and perfected shaped Glyphs. Prepare the stored Ousia below to surge through the Threads, up into me, and out into our weaving.
Old corpses scream at that, but settle soon enough. Memories of... No. No memories. Not a drop. Just hissing pain the dead sometimes spit at the living. Nothing to worry about. Ignore them, stupid Half-Knit.
“Focus.” A snapping memory of the Beast Below snarls.
And... then the Lure is placed. And as for the Net to keep her from skittering off... Well. The chamber makes only the smallest of sounds to signal that it's shifted to be as a clam waiting with mouth agape beneath the sands. I actually performed it earlier in curiosity if Rufus could hear it and... yes, in fact. He did. Although, he did not like what he heard. Which is a good sign, honestly.
Wonderful spell, his Einwandfrei. Is very nearly the sole reason I've not tipped him from this Chamber to handle Augusta alone in these final moments. That, and... and all the wonderful memories that bubbled up while we worked. He really is a brilliant man. Denying him the ability to devote himself to something like this would be such a waste. Will have to ask him if he meant that working with Sekrhús wouldn't be beyond his sensibilities... As he could make an ideal Floret to help me manage this place.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
“But, that was a thing Augusta suggested.” A memory of Sekrhús whispers in idle through. “And if she is revealed as your foe… Well, at the very least you’ll probably want to peel him apart a bit and see what other things my aunt planted within…”
"And remember, dear one." I murmur, pushing aside the bubbling mess from within as I rise to stand from the bubbling of a well woven spell. "Once she starts to manifest, do not move from that spot. Save to turn and leave. You'll not be harmed but won't be able to re enter or speak to us until I unlock the Chamber. Otherwise, enjoy the show. It seems our prey is already seeking the bait straight away..."
The space before us cracks open, reality falling away like shards of glass from a broken window. The outline of a woman with a body of empty skies takes shape, and raises a hand.
And with that, I close the Net around us. Snapping the Chamber sealed from escape and twisting it to enclose all within. Tuning the outer wards to flare to full motion as the Lure's leftover Ousia that's currently rotting to miasma floods into the vines around us. Twisting them to writhing motion. What was once many hundreds of pinpricks of little lights curling into sharp pointed spines that coat the walls and ceiling.
Then... I cross my arms and settle to wait. Quirk an eyebrow in expectation.
A shattering sound follows, and Augusta's Frame reforms around her. She looks around, then with a sigh sits down heavily. "Thank you both. You especially, Lynette. I'd rather not have Rufus' death on my conscience."
"Well... I'd have hated to lose a dear one. Especially to stupid actions easily avoided." I reply evenly, the revelation that I won't need to barter for a new Frame for her soothing some of the rising anger.
Some. Enough remains I have to abandon any façade of calm and just... pointedly ignore the way my tendrils click and rattle an echo to the mess I did not expect to... to bubble up here. Not at first words, at least.
"Not as easy with sleep deprivation, paranoia, and deliberate provocation, but yes. It was stupid, and petty, and frankly I should have known better." Augusta responds, pulling her tome onto her lap and setting up a quill and inkwell beside her.
"I suppose you're right. Of course. It's not like I should expect some random Dreamborn to be able to resist the Tone of such an entity. That would be presumptuous of me." I reply coldly, hardly suppressing a growl. "If only you were kin to someone like... oh, I don't know. The firstborn of the Moon. Can you imagine Xafra's delight at meeting a sister? Or her daughters' excitement? Sikkina getting to embrace that memory and know that evermore family awaits her upon hatching? But, of course and contrary, also her dismay and sorrows at finding out that... That I failed to keep this discovered kin safe from the creature I promised to keep tame!?! Gift her what she thought she'd never know beyond the gerl she wove and the family she's claimed!?!"
It's... the dead echoes that follow make it clear that I was screaming those last words. And the cracking of shadows and memories that I let fragments of my other shape leak out a bit in those last moments of fury.
"I wish they didn't know yet. None of us are particularly good at being people, though she's doing the best at it so far. Our younger brother, Chalice... Heh. He makes Sekrhús look sweet and innocent. He took the path of the Kindly Ones first, and... succumbed to his darkest urges. Couldn't be sure yet if I'd turn out the same, and... Would be better if I was seen as simply an oddity gone wrong instead of a Sister if I did." She stares at me as she starts writing. "Did you want me to argue with you? Because you're right. I did mess up. Played right into my niece's plot. I'm not a hothead like Xafra, but that doesn't mean I don't make stupid mistakes on occasion."
"Honestly? I think I just might adore a fight with someone with real fangs. Could trust that more than… This." I do growl while glaring. "Because everyone keeps making the oldest mistakes in living memory. Every... Every Salt-Guzzling Half-Knit I meet nearly costing themselves and us all decades of happiness instead of grasping what they have now and figuring out the rest with those that love them. It's stupid. It's wasteful. And I despise waste, Augusta. More than nearly everything else. So, here is the only question I have that matters, are you my Xafra's sister? My Sikkina's Aunt? Willing to let them help you like you helped so many here? Or... not?"
"Oh, sit on it and rotate, Lynette.” She snaps. “You literally have been doing the same thing with Sekrhús, letting her adjust you more and more, twisting you away from what you were, in hopes of keeping your family safe, and you're surprised that others have similar foolishness? Yes, I'm your Xafra's sister, and both of your daughters aunt, if you'll have me, but that is not a one way path. You need to let us help you as well."
Oh, thank the Dead Hag. She's willing to stay and try, and is showing some teeth. I've... no idea how I'd face Xafra or Sekrhús if she chose to leave us.
"Welcome to the mess then, as Krahe loves to say, apparently. And as to my rotations and seating arrangements you've so pointedly taken notice of..." I chuckle lightly but... trail off and pause, considering the best reply as old echoes rise up. "You're probably right, Augusta. But so fresh after a reweaving I was not expecting leaves me..."
"Broken." A memory echo of young Elevar whispers to her first real friend that now stands behind me. "Like... I just want to tear myself free of this skin and hope what comes after is better than this."
"A Half-Knit." Cackles the voice of the old cunt right after. Smirking as we had let our first casting of the Blitzköder die away. "But a claimed one now. I'll see to your reweaving personally. Ensure you don't recognize the gerl in the mirror soon enough."
"Incomplete, and tumbling wrongways into a shape I don't want." Myself from a few hours ago weeps quietly to Sekrhús as the other memories settle. "Make me want this. NOW. So I can stop hurting so much and move on with my tasks."
I sigh and look down at myself. Whisper softer than I'd rather ever do to her. "Untrusting of myself to not leak stupid things. I wouldn't even know where to start, much less trust any I tell to not... move rashly."
"I can relate to that. Thank you. Now, lay it on me, what's the catch here? Aside from myself, I mean." Augusta waves a hand around while continuing to write.
"Other than you letting me know what you spoke to Girra and Dämmerung about? Well, the obvious is that you don't attack Sekrhús, or othersuch without consulting me. The... still obvious but more urgent is that you're going to march yourself through these tunnels to re-introduce yourself to your sister. The hidden hook is..." I look back up and grin, palms up. "Concealed for a reason. I couldn't reveal it, even if I wanted to. But I will ask that you help me solve a riddle regarding the nature of Unbound Ousia, Rotting Physis, and Empty Nomos. Once things settle, of course."
"Oh, yes. I mostly yelled at Girra for being a scatterbrained fool with object permanence issues, and at Dämmerung for letting their worship fall away to such an extent that They’re risking collapse, plus used Their perception to keep up to date on what you all were up to." Augusta giggles, "And that last bit is reasonable enough, Research is a passion of mine."
I sigh in open relief. "Wonderful. I..." Pause for a few heartbeats, then lose all patience as exhaustion grips my better judgment. Let a snap of finger and strike of will cause this Chamber to fold itself away. Pull from around us like some big cloth into the vines.
"Is there anything you need to continue in good health this evening or the ones after?" I ask. "Your Frame seems as it was, and your spirit as vibrant, but... death is a costly endeavor."
But before she can answer, Rufus collapses to his knees behind me and is gasping for breath while huffing, "Oh goddesses. That was terrifying. You're both psychotic, in case you weren't aware."
Look back to him, then kneel and ask. "Were... Please tell me you weren't holding your breath that entire time? And yes, to your point, I am well-informed to that. Thus the Chamber and wards and such."
"No, he was slowing his breathing and heart rate as much as possible while remaining motionless to avoid catching a stray attack if we started flinging weaves. But... also no, my Frame is now part of me intrinsically and unchanging, and death... oh, I've learned so much about myself." Augusta enthuses.
"Good to know." I nod, then reach out and take up this foolish but cautious boy by an arm and a leg, twist to settle him on my back like we used to do for each other growing up. His arms slung over my shoulders and my arms supporting his legs. Then turn to regard Augusta. "Xafra and Elevar are in Sikkina's Sanctuary with my... my little one. Please be more discreet with your words about my views on her. I'd... I'm trying to avoid making a mistake there. Be whatever she asks as she needs it."
"Actually... Could you let me take Rufus, and check in with them yourself? For your own good and so I can check in with Gebetshure before anything else? I owe them an apology. I'll talk with Xafra after, and if she's okay with it as well, see Sikkina after that."
"Hmmm... No." I muse while shifting Rufus upon my back, enjoying so very much the titterings of soft memories that submerge a dozen other harsher things that might otherwise rise up if I'm not careful. "I want to ensure my oldest friend is returned to his lover safely. But... Will allow you to go attend to yours. Because you have a point. We can meet up on the morrow for talks after everyone is rested. Take this slowly and softly. Make sure no one has the excuse of surprise to be stupid. Does that sound reasonable?"
"Yes... Also, I'll have Mecia visit you in a few days to schedule a session. We can try trust exercises where we share our concerns." Augusta snaps her book shut and rises to her feet. "Mmm. I should let you know as well. I am now the sixth Divine. Little brother got there before both me and Xafra, though he's already left."
"Truly? Well, congratulations. Or..." I grin openly as tendrils click happily along to an old song they find in the bubbling echoes of memory, even bumping Rufus' head and arms a bit. "Condolences. Whichever sentiment seems most appropriate. But that nudges something I and Xafra will require. A full report on all the Divines, alongside your family, as you understand them. It can be a living thing, of course. To grow as all our understandings do. But no more... obfuscations. If you please. As for that first bit…” Pause, consider her words. Then relent. “I'll see if I can't find the time."
"I have no reason to hide anything anymore. I will fully share all information I am permitted to. Can't tell you about a few things, due to prior agreements... What are we if not our Word, yes?" She titters in a manner that's rife with implications yet still friendly.
"Walking, talking, but still rotting corpses, apparently. Make sure to close the door to this study on your way out. I'd hate to find any of those resting here wandered off and got into trouble." I chuckle before I can stop myself, turn to leave before I say anything else... unwise. Can’t lure nonsense to bubble up now at victory claimed.
But her gentle laughter at those first words sets my tendrils on edge as I sense the corpses around the room shift just slightly in an imitation of her amusement. "Of course, dear."
Let a few heartbeats pass as I... I try to understand that. But as I reach to examine the Threads, another mangled corpse, far below, screams.
Howls a memory without sight or sounds or any such sensations. Because... How can something so Rotted recall anything? It's dead. Has been for a long time. Empty of life. No entwined Ousia. No fresh Physis. Not a drop of blazing Nomos. Cold and dead but... but still SO VERY–
Pull Rufus close, drown myself in better memories, and turn and leave. Now. Before I invite worse from this Godling I summoned back into the Real.
** ** **
I find Calix outside the Sheared Spire in the little gazebo he built as an addition to it. And as we get closer, it’s easy to see that his hands aren't wrapped anymore. And are clearly cracked in multiple places, the false skin giving way to the crystal underneath, with visible gouges traveling all the way up to his elbows. He's still wearing the eyepatch, but seems in a significantly better mood, and less emotionally fragile than witnessed in days.
And upon an arm is Bartholomew, the little bird he found weeks ago, who is now wearing a small harness that includes blades along the front of his wings, and an amulet that unmistakably has a sliver of Sekrhús in it.
I... hesitate when I spot that. Am not sure how to even...
Shake my head. Boy is filled with good sense or is tumbling, and either way I'd not the slightest idea how to help.
Thus ensuring my oldest friend finds him with me. And thank the Salt-Drowned Seas this body is stronger beyond good-sense. Else I'd be too tired to even speak after walking so far with Rufus on my back.
"Good evening Calix, I found one of yours wandering below and put him to good works. But am now here to return what was lost." I offer gently. "And... I hear that you've been up to your own mischief? Hopefully haven't overstrained yourself?"
"Oh oh oh! This one is so glad he's safe. Wasn't sure he'd be coming back, and yeah! This one talked to Lady Sekrhús and got her help to let Bartholomew go outside for collecting and also act as a scout for her. He seems pretty interested in the idea now that he can do the talking. Well, sorta. He has flappy signals to communicate!"
"I... hate all of that. Except that talking birb. That's adorable." I smile tiredly and adjust Rufus. "But... Nevermind. I hate any of you talking with her. Just be safe. Don't be stupid. I know you've listened to her for years but she's... different now. More infectious. Actively enjoying her cruelties rather than just following the hungers sewn into her."
Calix shakes his head, "It's just teen drama, Mistress Lynette. She'll grow out of some of it, and mature eventually. The important thing is to help Lady Sekrhús learn good habits. mmhmhm!" He flicks his wrist and the bird flaps up and out past the upper bounds of Sekrhús' reach before he hops down the gazebo steps to take Rufus from me.
If I had more energy, I might snap at him for that as memories threaten to sink their fangs into me, but... instead help adjust the nearly fully asleep Rufus to pass easily into Calix's arms.
"Easier said than done." I reply while stepping back. "But... Regardless. You both get some rest. Take care of each other. And let me know if you need something from me. I know Xafra's Resheathing is a wonder but I can bring parts to this Spire if you'd rather handle your own Frame repairs. Could go grab anything you need literally right now if you want."
"Will do! Ummm. Hmmm... Actually, I don't need it right now, but if you could get me some resin tomorrow, that would be really helpful." He answers after a moment of consideration.
"I'll make sure a good sized jar is left outside your door, then. And if Rufus awakes and needs anything you know how to reach me. Otherwise, I expect you both to sleep in after the messy few days we just had. Alright?"
"Of course, Mistress Lynette. She says she's proud of you." Calix responds offhandedly as he walks into Xafra's Spire.
I... Almost go after him. Demand to know which cunt he means.
Sekrhús or... Mayhaps the Mother Moon again? Not sure which I'm more worried about him passing that little message to me for. Either way I refuse to use that poor boy as my go between to spit venom. Will do that myself when the moment is right.
"Best not to think about it either way, stupid half-knit." I sigh and glance around the now very empty grounds. Devoid of even my little one gazing upwards at the Empty Sky. Suddenly... without immediate tasks or mistakes to attend to... Lost.
And only barely holding myself together without those weights.
"Choices choices so few choices." I breathe to my silent waiting memories. "I'd adore to just... go find Krahe and Infection nuzzling Schatzi in their Driftdream. Can't rest but... can pretend to. Mayhaps... but... No. No." I concede and begin moving toward our Spire. "Need to make sure my little one is alright. That Elevar kept Xafra from... meddling and scaring her. Or preparing to call the suns down on our heads. Or... who knows. I don't. Not a bit. Can't predict that... stupidly unbearably wretchedly wonderful gerl if I tried. Not sure I'd adore her if I could guess the full turnings of her mind." I mutter and growl to myself as I work my way through the tunnels.
Try to let a litany of messy spoken words settle as memories over the things I feel rising from between the freshly woven seams I can still feel tugging wrongways deep within and... and farther away still.
My Threads, buried deep within the bowels of the Estate. The dead parts twisting worseways than ever. Memories of Augusta's final words like... like spitting furious sunlight upon a rotting thing freshly upturned from the maggot filled dirt.
Almost... turn back near the end. Suddenly worried what might pop free if I can't keep myself stable when I hear...
"Mhm. That's silly, Miss Xafra." My little one giggles happily. "Sikkina doesn't have a throat or tongue or lungs or... or that. She sings more like a rock does when it welcomes nice bugs to snuggle beneath itself. Or when an egg needs turned over."
"Huh. You know, I've spent time around a lot of rocks, but I don't think I've stopped to listen to one. That sounds like something interesting to try. Did you want me to try singing a song? I'm not very good at it, but I'd like to think I'm improving." Xafra answers in amusement.
"If you can sing pretty then, yes! Please. That way when Sikkina does have lungs and throats and lots of tongues she can sing pretty too! If not... no. Please. Wow. This one will hear all the ugly bits and probably point them out and... that tends to make the songs worse." My little one explains while I can't help but let my feet walk me closer unbidden. Just... pulled to her like iron to a lodestone. "Which is sad, because normally pointing out the ugly parts helps people but not with this kind of singing. It's just... part of the everything. Sister Sikkina was worried and so she..."
I pause just as they come into sight, and all other words stop making sense for a few eternally long heartbeats.
Wait... What did my little one just say?
Sister? Sister Sikkina? She... But... but when did she... Wait. Did... did Xafra...
"When your mother is the moon, not just any love will do/I was found in a pit by a princess, who soon enough became two/ They helped me become the woman I am, and soon they can also help you/ So worry not my darling, there's no need to be sad/ With a family, a Pack, and whole gaggle of dolls that love you, the outlook isn't so bad." Xafra croons, three voices coming from her throat in a loose harmony.
Her song tugs me from the spiral. New worries bubble up as I fear my little one will start to panic or get upset or–
But she only stares with wide eyes and ears perked up like she only does when gazing undisturbed under the Empty Sky itself. Fur pressed close to show her total comfort with those about her. And that... adorably ugly plush Primrose made her held tighter than even when she first was gifted it. "Wow. Okay. Wow. Wow. Wow. You sing really pretty. Please teach Sister Sikkina to sing pretty too, okay? Wow. If you do this one is going to sleep in here all the time since the dirt is often really quiet but sometimes sings big and ugly and makes... um..."
It's... of course, an unintentional step forward that alerts her to me. Cursed acute hearing catching upon a new sound as I forget to soften my steps.
"Oh! Hi Mistress! We um... We're just talking about singing and Miss Xafra does that really pretty and did you hear her?"
Fight back tears as wails thrum and echo up through me. Memories long rotted and ruined in sympathetic echo to... to all of this. Can barely nod as I whisper. "I did. Though I... I didn't know she carried that skill within. It's wonderful to know you lured her into... into sharing that."
"Well, she offered and I told her to not if she sang ugly but she did anyway and I'm glad she did." My little one smiles while sharing, eyes and ears facing my fulling as she shatters on but... falling a little near the end. "Um... Mistress. Are... Um... is it... Did it do something wrong?"
"No. Not at all!" I rebuke immediately, fighting to steady my everything to give her my smile. "You're... This all sounds delightful and lovely and perfect."
"Then... why are you holding back tears and an ugly song inside?" She asks. "Did... Um... Is it okay that... that this one is um... that this one said um... Y- yes to being Sikkina's big sister? B- because Miss Xafra said it should and... and said she needed that. And this one loves her. Wants to be a good big sister. Even if it isn't supposed to want things like the... the old Mistress said."
"Yes." I agree, fight harder to keep the mess inside still and quiet. At... at least for a little while longer. Can't scare her here. "She's right. You... You're going to make a wonderful sibling to Sikkina. The best. Better than she could ever imagine before tonight. It's good that you agreed to be that."
She... pauses. Fully. More than I've ever seen. Really seems to look me up and down. Ears swiveling in worry while pursing her lips and squeezing that ugly plush close.
Xafra offers a small smile, waiting patiently and offering gentle encouragement over the bond.
"I'm... It's just been a busy night." I try to explain. "And this is a... such a perfect thing to hear at its end. I'm so proud of you for claiming this. It's... you deserve to make these choices for yourself. Always. And I'll always adore hearing when you take those leaps."
"Okay. okay... So not mad? But... tired? You seem tired. And..." She murmurs. "Hurt? Mistress are you... okay?"
I want to lie. More than anything would give up so much to reclaim that ease to spin easy webs to keep these gerls I love away from the... the everything that are my fraying Threads.
"Honestly? Dear one?" Lips whisper as every part of me sags. "I am angry. But never at you or any actions you've taken. Tired as well but, but unable to sleep. And... yes. Hurt. In ways I've not the words for. But seeing you tonight fills me with joy that drowns all that more than I'll ever be able to fully impart."
[Augusta was frustrating then? I felt her return... Much sooner than I expected. Already got the darlings to cease their research and rest instead.] Xafra intones, careful to avoid disrupting the situation.
[Good. Thank you and... No. She was polite, apologetic, and has agreed to act as your Sister should. If anything I'd have enjoyed her being more of a problem. Prepared an entire set of schemes if she chose that even a little.] I reply with an internal sigh.
"Oh. Okay. Is um... Would you like to... um... It hears things tearing inside you but sees no blood or bites or stabs. So... doesn't know how to help. But wants to do that too."
"I wish you could, little one." I smile at her. "Means the World and all Her Dreams that you want to. But I'll knit the torn seams and pull myself together soon enough. Always do. This pain is within... expected limits. Nothing to overworry about."
"And she's going to let us help, of course." Elevar offers. Giving me a pointed look.
Can feel her at the edges of my thoughts. Wanting to prod and ask what my little one means by 'hearing things tearing inside' no doubt, but... need to keep her thoughts from mine. Can't let them turn into a memory echo and rattle my focus.
"I... If it comes to that. Yes." I reply carefully. "But I'm... steady and tending to it. As I said. Nothing to overworry about tonight."
"Oh. Okay. Thank you Miss Elevar." My little one agrees. Still worried but... less so now. Hugs her plush close and looks back to me. "Um... Can... This one, maybe... want a hug from you? Mistress?"
No, absolutely not. Everything will tear all to bits if I–
"Of course. Dear one. Always." I agree and stride forward, but... slowly enough I hope I can regather some extra control before–
But she darts forward. Faster than a quick blink to be in my arms. Smushing that plush to certain destruction with how hard she hugs me.
Feel my stability crack at that. Drawing memories to bubble up to bite at the ankles of what I'm keeping firmly rooted. But... I hold steady enough. Avoid falling to howling ruins like I'd otherwise expect.
"Thank you." I whisper with obvious relief while pulling her closer still. "I'm... so very delighted in you. Always. I... want you to know that. Remember these words if ever you doubt my love."
[We should go, Mistress Lynette. There's one last thing to talk about before rest, though it can wait until tomorrow if both of you promise me not to weave anything until we have time to speak.] Xafra intones gently.
I wait to reply till I've pulled back from my little one. Brushed some fuzz away and nudged her to go be with Sikkina. To which she hesitates, but nods and moves back to settle just above the heart of this Sanctuary.
Rise and say to them both in an even but polite enough tone. "Shall we?"
Then turn and leave as quickly as possible without seeming rushed. Trying to rebuild my focus amidst the storm of... of trying to understand this gerl's demand.
Why would she say that? No weaving? What, by the Cracked and Riven Moon could she be thinking?
Stop us as we reach enough of a point that I can nudge enough vines to shift between us and our... my Doll as to not be overheard if things grow loud. Then turn and very pointedly not glare at Xafra or Elevar’s Physis form.
Ask so very calmly and very kindly. "Now. What is this about speaking with you before weaving?"
"You've been busy and recovering, so it stood to reason that you may not have noticed that... Miasma has changed with Augusta's return. I suspect any weaves using it will be fully uncontrollable until they are altered to compensate, and honestly, I'm not certain about what to do with the fact that regular weaving is causing it to begin accumulating in the flesh. I'm out of my depths when it comes to the stuff. Never had a need for any of those weaves and otherwise just avoided it when it formed cursestorms." Xafra replies delicately.
"What did you just say?" I ask, her words... not making any sense. At all. Why would the Miasma...Change?
Xafra... says something else. Mayhaps a few things. But...
"No. Xafra, that's stupid. I bargained for more than the ability to recoup the Nomos cost myself. I... It was my fault Augusta died. My responsibility to bring her back and make sure you could properly meet your sister." I must be shouting, with how everything is starting to echo. "Why would Sekrhús let me do this if... if it ruins one of her favorite tools?"
More words. Some even get mixed into the muck of howling screaming memories. Old things too. Even some from Elevar's earliest wounded recollections. Things that lack words or sense but bear the bite of things only a child can sink teeth into so stubbornly. Then... things of our time with the Old Cunt. Bad moments when she pushed us too far. And we chose to break and change rather than risk losing the one person we felt loved us.
Try to open my eyes but... Everything is pitch darkness now too. I... Can't see? Oh. Must have shifted fully then.
Can only... taste how bad this all is. Hear and feel the weight of things tilting off balance. Mayhaps the Threads will hold. Mayhaps they'll only tilt. Or... Mayhaps this'll tear old bindings that keep Sekrhús from rousing more and more.
"Cracked and Riven Moonshited..." I hiss, feeling myself tilt back into some wall behind me. "I can't fix this. I've... It's... Too big. Too much. Not... not without..."
"With enough wit, barely a drop of envenomed Ousia can poison a wellspring cultivated through years of a Matriarch's family." A memory of Yselda purrs. One that from within we knelt broken and sobbing after barely surviving our first outing to the Groves in new flesh. "Now, be the good gerl I wove, stop mewling like some pathetic Doll, and help me slaughter all our enemies. Alright?"
"Alright." I growl in echo to the memory. Try to rise from where it seems I've fallen or... something.
"It's an interesting look for sure, but if it's not one you're comfortable with, I'll talk with Sekrhús. Despite her attempt to destroy me, I don't think it's fair that she's as restrained as she is." Xafra comments, worry poorly masked.
So easy to taste. Her honest concern that spills off her like shriveling leaves from a tree. Makes it... So hard to think along the threads I need to knit together to pull myself up from the muck. Focus. What did she say? Worry about my comfort now that I let the beast change me so visibly? Wanting to unbind Sekrhús more? I... think?
"Fair? Dear one? I... No, I doubt it was, once upon an age when the Moon was full and vibrant. But if you start snipping bindings it'll be like freeing some viper from a bird's web. You'll not like the creature that dredges free to spit venom at everyone you love." I reply, trying to... find a path. "And my comfort is irrelevant. It's fine. I'm fine. Hard spun iron. I'll..."
Bite back the word I nearly say. Function. Like... One of the old cunt's stupid Dolls. Devoid of will or ambition. Threads woven about my neck aside I will not be fooled again by the wretched beast below again!
Xafra snaps her fingers, and the sound hammers against my skull and even causing Elevar to lose her Physis woven form. "Mistress. I am trying to learn from my mistakes. I don't need to like Sekrhús to know that leaving her chained would ruin me. Likewise, your comfort is important to me. We will find a way forward as a family."
I'm about to snap and growl at the fool gerl. But Elevar uses the moment of broken focus to slip past the walls between our thoughts. Pulls me to face her from within. [Lynette, sister. Cracked and Riven Moon. Stop. You're fraying. Hurt. You need to rest, recover. No big decisions have to be made tonight. But you need to trust us... Please?]
"Please!?! Really? What are you? A Doll? A toy mewling for her Mistress' attention? Or a Witch who can turn lies to truth with naught but will?" A memory of the old cunt snaps at the word. "Don't take to begging, stupid Half-Knit. It's embarrassing, and is blood spilled for others to spot."
Elevar flinches, then turns to regard the threads that should be naught but silent shadows to her. [I... What? Lynette? What was…]
Oh. Moonshite. She heard that.
"Nothing. Just... nothing." I growl, reach out to grip the threads to smother their nonsense. Try to twist this shape back down to... to something softer.
Can't though. Everything hurts too much.
"Just take over our flesh." I demand.
"I... of course." She agrees. Then carefully slips to the front. And our body slowly returning to its base as her will smothers mine within.
But Xafra… She flinches. Then turns to leave while snapping. "We'll talk tomorrow, perhaps. If you're willing to entertain your toy by then, Lynette."
SHE HEARD THAT TOO?!?
And with a crack I'm shoving Elevar back behind so I can reach limbs far enough to catch our gerl's wrist, "Wait, Xafra. I'm sorry. That... That wasn't... I'd never think of you like that. It was... I'm just..."
Trail off. Have no idea how to even begin to explain my overflowing memory echoes as a heartbeat passes.
[Dear one. I... That wasn't her. It was a very loud memory. One not intentionally recalled, much less shared. One of... Empty Skies...] Elevar intones to Xafra while sending her something over the bond.
Xafra stops, and… I worry what mess Elevar revealed to her. But she turns to hug us after a long heartbeat. "I understand. But I'm still hurt, and I need to think through my feelings so I can help you without lashing out or making rash decisions. Can we leave the topic alone for tonight?"
Want to press on. Ignore her request and at least try to assure her that those would never be things I’d even think towards her but… bite back the words.
"I... Yes." I instead whisper and embrace her with this awkward and large form. Four limbs wrapping about her tightly as I focus on rebuilding the walls and foundations that should keep these stupid threads quiet to all but me. Focus on... softer things. So anything leaking through is quiet and gentle. "Thank you for being so wonderful to my little one. She... I didn't expect her to rush down here, much less have you offer her the mantle of sister to our Sikkina. But... it unmakes me to know that you did."
"I had... Meant to speak to you about it beforehand. I saw how she talked to Sikkina and it was everything I wished I had when I was young." Xafra responds, freely letting some embarrassment reach me through the bond.
"Oh, dear one. I Didn't think of it that way before but... yes. That makes sense, and this being the reason is... perfect. Honestly. I'm glad you did so without delay." I whisper into her soft mane of hair. "Our daughter already delights in her. Knows how she struggles even better than I do it seems, and my little one senses the same for her. They will be inseparable once Sikkina hatches. Sisters ready to face the world together. Well... at least when the Sky is Empty. That is."
She seems to want to respond to that, but decides against it, nuzzling into me.
So, I decide instead to avoid more stressful exchanges. Gently, carefully, adjust to pull her up and cradle this godling in my too many arms. Holding her close as I move us through the tunnels. Wordlessly letting both her and Elevar know that I intend to ensure they both find a pile of Pack Sisters to rest with tonight.
And... without letting any others see my like this. I soon find Krahe and Infection tangled together and fast asleep. Move to settle Xafra into the mess while nudging my sister to take over our flesh and ensure she's mixed happily into the pile.
Consider... What to do?
Where to pass away their resting hours as they find it in the quiet places within the Driftdream?
I reach out to touch the space my Pack settles within but... hold back a hiss of annoyance as I feel the spirits and ocean Infection's connection has added. What was once an endless forest to the side now a bubbling sea that fills the Dream with the sweet and salty scent of those waters.
Can't risk it. Being seen by Girra or His Sun-Blessed. Especially with... these new changes.
Risk a check over the new ideal form within my mind's eye. The... the new gashes that tear from left hip to right shoulder. Then across the insides of all four limbs. Each filled to bursting with... things. Growths brimming with dormant rewoven Sun-Blessed Spores.
Could... Mayhaps the library? The one within our gifted ring? Lots of familiar and perfect things to re-read and settle into there. But...
It’s so hard not to glare, pointedly, at the Archives within the Threads. How... how they burn like a shining Grove on the horizon of my perceptions. Easy to ignore when guiding the flesh to motion and filled with bubbling recollections. Now though...
At day’s end with nothing but pain and quiet?
"Such a trove, wonderful but... uncultivated. Just a mountain of dead knowledge if no one sees to organizing it." A memory of Sekrhús sighs softly through a knowing grin. "And always waiting for you to continue the good work of swimming through it. Gathering seemingly endless understanding and power and stories from the minds of all I've devoured. At your leisure, of course. No rush dear. You do have eternity, after all."
Huff and... decide to indulge. Just a little. Return to this invaluable store of knowledge for a night after a stupid amount of stressful tasks.
But keep to the places I've already explored and cataloged. Avoid the unperceived places that my attention could clear to understanding and more freedom for Sekrhús.
Mayhaps...
"Oh… Well, isn't that a thought." I whisper. Moving and also calling the knittings of knowledge to myself. Settling in like another might in their flesh curl up in a reading nook with a stack of tomes.
Each contains an intake’s knowledge and understanding of Miasma. Some from merely a few centuries back, and a few from much much longer. Time markings so messy they could be nearer to Xafra or our Dolls' age.
"Now... Let's see if I can't figure out why you wanted your aunt back and ascended." I murmur, take up the first Tome, and begin to read.