The Dirt Whispered (Witch)

Content warnings and wiggles:

Does Calix is angermusic?!? Find out next time on Sharp and Bossy!!! Ummm... a dood has spikes in his chest like a reverse shadow the mebe hedgehog friend. Then cuties talk about how they was supposed to do the unalive things but decided that living is full of cuties to snuggle and stuck around... UMMMM.... cuties doo bee wigglin! Good luck!

"It seems we have a guest seeking our attention at the entrance." My twin murmurs from behind me.

I very nearly flinch in surprise and fall from my seat in our study at Lynette's sudden manifestation and words. Work very hard not to jerk and glare a little.

But... honestly It's good to see and feel her again. Especially after she rebuilt herself a harder barrier than I can feel past within and has pointedly ignored basically everyone. Given the most brief words and excuses to her need to 'focus on tasks below our feet'. Only risen up to hug her Doll and assure the little one that she's not avoiding her, or upset, just busy.

Half-truths, half lies, and the little one could tell but... only hugged her all the tighter for a good while.

"Hello Lynette, it's good to see you up and above. How are you?" I ask with a careful smile.

“Tightly woven iron. As always.” She rolls her eyes and replies. "It's Envoy Adze. Alone too, it seems. Even sent the two Thresher guards away."

Pause to consider that. Both her deflection and this developement. Then nod and intone so she hears my next message. [Xafra, dear one? It seems we've a guest at our front entrance. Would you mind attending us while asking today's Pack Lead if they'll appoint you a second to join?]

[Certainly, myself and Warden will meet you at your Spire then?] She responds after a few heartbeats.

[Yes, thank you. That sounds perfect.] I rise and look to Lynette, "Will you be joining us?"

She tilts her head to the side. "As much as I would love to ignore the man, this is odd and needs attending to. I'll be close and aware but let you handle all the nonsense. Unless harsher words or motions are needed."

Then her manifestation withers and ends. But... I feel her presence like she's not allowed for days. So move down to meet our Pack.

The two are waiting patiently outside the entrance, thrumming quietly about what everyone else is up to in preparation. Once our presence is noticed, Warden flits over to my hand, ready to be sheathed.

Gently yet firmly I slide it into place, then smile at our Xafra. "I take it everyone is doing well?"

"Had some mild concern about Valthirii, but she seems okay. Nadine is wandering around, being anchored by Nettle, which is surprising but doesn't seem to be a problem. Hackt and Joan are trying to recruit another Doll to join them and Rufus with training which is pretty cute." Xafra lists off.

"That does sound adorable. I doubt they'll have much trouble in finding a fourth." I agree and take up her hand. Start to walk us toward the entrance. "And... I take it Krahe and Infection finished those deliveries I sent them on? Then made sure every article was well folded or hung without a wrinkle? I've not spotted Adaline so I'm guessing she's happily nesting the day away still and hasn't tumbled home yet."

"Mmmm, deliveries done and clothing is fixed up. Adaline and Valthirii are still together. Had to bring one of the resheathing basins to the Library Spire first thing."

"I assumed that would be the case when Adaline wanted to gift her the Breath, and will be interested to hear what new shapes she found in the mud." I chuckle. "But, all seems well and soft enough. Adze being the Envoy sending for us is... concerning. But we'll manage. Anything else I should know before we step out?"

"Not that I can think of at the moment. I'll be ready to extract us if needed but am not going to do anything else unless ordered." Xafra comments.

"I know," Is my easy reply as we arrive at the thorn wall. Then I pause and turn to face her. Reach up to adjust to straighten the gorgeous collar and leash about our Xafra's neck while murmuring. "And... I'm endlessly impressed by how much I mean that. You've worked very hard to improve and grow from past... less than perfect motions. Shall we say? Better than most, and that unfortunately includes your Mistresses. We've a nasty stubbornness. We're proud that you've a Pack to grow with and avoid repeating our bad decisions."

She gives us a small smile and responds "Thank you, Mistress."

Opening the way, we see him standing there in the middle of the Rootway. Envoy Adze looks... Haggard. Like he hasn't slept at all since we last spoke, and even more shockingly, he is completely unarmed, his customary axes as well as his assortment of little used spellweaving implements missing from his close-fitting outfit. His eyes though, they burn with an intensity as they look around without focus, seeming to not even notice our arrival.

“Envoy Adze? Is… Everything alright?” I ask carefully.

"I need to talk to her. Lady Marabeth of the Bitter Ocean." He responds, eyes still wandering but head turning to face us.

Glance to Xafra, then back to him. “I’m… not aware of anyone here by that name. But can reference our logs and see if one of our Dolls once held that identity”

He shudders and nods. "It is vital that I speak with the Oracle soon, Blossom Lynette. I know that she is-" He twitches, turning around as he starts shouting "I'm not interested in your filthy lies, do not speak to me again."

Flinch at the mismatched title, barely notice my sister perk up to regard this man as she reaches below to grip the Root Ways. Ensure no others hover close enough to overheard.

[Mistresses... He's... Currently reminding me of someone.] Xafra intones hesitantly.

[Calix, Cracked and Riven Moon. I think he's looking for the person your boy once was. And bears some of his sensitivity as well.] I reply to our Xafra. [Reach out, very gently. And discover if he's... aware, of this man's demands. If you please.]

And before a quick breath passes, I've crossed the distance and moved the stand before the fool man. Ensuring we're only a few inches below his face as he turns back. Tendrils clicking a slow melody of gentle warning. "You hear voices like another I know, and seem to find old backways names within their offerings. What would you seek to speak with this Oracle about? Envoy? It is so very rude to come demanding one's attention like this."

[Calix doesn't know of any Adze...] Xafra responds.

As he turns back, another realization strikes me violently that I should have noticed moments ago. He has no Ousia signature. "Not you, I need to speak with the Blossom. I... I've come to bargain for my mother's freedom." He drops to his knees and begins unbuttoning his shirt. "I've spoken with the Matriarch and been granted permission to make this exchange of myself for her. I've awakened my gift and rendered myself incapable of weaving so you may use me as you will."

Mother? MOTHER? Calix's... this is his CHILD!?!

I... Can't move. Save to turn to my twin with pleading to help.

Lynette growls internally, and moves us to kneel, gently catches Adze's wrist. Our tendrils stilling to sheer and hard silence as she whispers. "Cracked and Riven Moon. Fool of a boy. We're not trading our charges away. But... Well, Moonshite. Is this easily reversible? I won't have you screaming at voices unseen while I explain things. Or rendered visibly helpless for when the Threshers come asking about you. The missing Envoy of Vesper's already strained things to breaking apart."

"No. And yes. The spikes can be removed and the gift suppressed but it is not able to be stripped away or silenced. But not unless I speak with my mother. My scribe already has the decree to take over as Envoy if I do not return. I apologize for the screaming. I did not expect to be bothered by a false Divine so quickly."

"Well, if you want any information on your parent you will do both of those immediately and arrange later talks without anymore of... this. And only after the vote is placed." She snaps, rage boiling over as she rises. "You place us in the difficult place of both trying to help a dear one live well after decades of abuse, trauma that was only survived by remaking oneself into a new person, and wanting to right the wrongs of the late Blossom. I'd rather have you vote against us tomorrow, and speak of this afterwards, enraged beyond all good sense, then go along with this and have the Oracle hurt from careless actions. He's... been through too much already, Envoy Adze. That is all I'm willing to offer."

Adze nods at first but freezes in understanding at the change in pronouns. "I understand... May I know his new name... And if he's... Safe? And would you pass a message on to him... tell him that Ivarr and Liv miss him."

"As safe as I can make him." Lynette replies. Then, to my surprise, she looks back to Xafra. "You would know better than I, dear one. Offer new names and pass messages as you judge worthy."

"Is Ivarr... you?" Xafra asks him.

"Yes, I took the name Adze when my mother went missing and I decided that my purpose was to be my sister's weapon and tool to help her gain the power necessary to right the wrongs on Dämmerung."

Lynette's rage sizzles so oddly as she intones to me and Xafra. [No wonder you and we liked this fool boy from the start. Cracked and Riven Moon. I hope Calix wants to see this one after we settle the Envoys tomorrow, he has a good bite to him I'd love to have helping us.]

"He's known as Calix now. I will pass on your message. Can we assist you in... Reversing your condition?" Xafra responds to Adze.

Adze nods. "If you'd like. It is an unpleasant sight."

"I've checked the Root Ways. Will make sure this remains... private." Lynette assures them. Walks us past to sit in our chair at the table in the center. "And... Adze?"

"Yeah, me and my sister aren't planning on spreading your existence around.” He responds, continuing to unbutton his shirt. “No need to worry about that."

She... lets some of herself bleed through to me then. As I'm still a bit of a quiet mess at all this, her offering… Gives me a rope to use to steady myself.

"Hmmm? Oh, no. Threats and requests and all else to that needn't be spoken. You're a fool, certainly, but an honest one." She chuckles. "I was... going to offer you my gratitude. For accepting Calix as he is, and quickly. Still loving him despite the pain of this. So very few claim that so... readily."

"Because they are weak-willed cowards who waver in the face of adversity. I am not one to ignore truth regardless of how painful or distasteful, regardless of what this so-called goddess of death claims."

Augusta? Has... was she the source of this boy's search?

"That... brings up an interesting point." I ask carefully while Xafra kneels to look over Adze's chest. Tendrils starting to click and titter careful curiosity now. "Who was your informant to these... revelations? This voice you name as the Goddess of Death? She's a meddling sort but should know better than to reach out and lay lures like this. And why not simply ask us for help? Do I really come across to you as so... vicious? I had hoped between our first meetings and Rokals' words of support you'd think better of us."

With his shirt off, the set of eight stone spikes that jut out of Adze's chest and back are revoltingly visible. A purely mundane method of sealing away one's ability to spellweave. He shakes his head. "Matron Elevar, I did not wish to make assumptions of your... counterpart. My impressions of you do not extend to one I had no knowledge of that is supposed to be dead. And no, I've been doing my best to ignore the false Divine's lies. I performed an Augury when news of the new structure on the floodplains reached us and called upon the Mother Moon to provide me with a true reading of the bones. They told me that my parent still existed and resided within this Estate and that he had the knowledge needed to save our Grove from the downpouring of Strife soon to come."

"This is monstrous and brilliant, Envoy. Please remain still while I remove them." Xafra requests quietly as she grips the first spike in her long claws.

We consider that while our partner begins the grim work of pulling free and subsequently healing Envoy Adze of those wretched spikes.

Downpouring of Strife. No doubt... a nod to our Xafra's coming motions. And if anyone could convince a Matriarch and her Envoy to side with us... it would be their long stolen parent. But, what words did Augusta have for this fool boy? Probably trying to gift him knowledge, of course. Perhaps head this little encounter off before things got messy.

Lynette huffs as we tip-tap the table. We... should speak with her. Ensure she's settling well and such.

Oh? I ask carefully. A touch worried she's wanting someone to snap at.

My twin doesn't share much but... what she does I can't help but agree to. Even offer my own words to her slowly swirling thoughts.

The first spike comes out a handspan before Xafra has to twist it to travel through his ribcage and withdraw it the rest of the way with a sickeningly intimate sound. Adze breaths shallowly and Xafra turns to us. "Would you mind patching him up behind me? It would assist me in maintaining focus."

"Hm? Oh, yes. Of course." I agree and move to sit behind Adze. Pull up equal parts Physis and even Ousia.

The first to tend to the practical and well defined limits of the Art. The second to handle the... absolutely wretchedly cruel ways these seem woven to resist removal. Gift shortcuts to the healing, reduce pain and avoid any chance of him passing out. Even... even use a few good Fleshcrafting tricks to avoid scarring and ensure he doesn't feel discomfort with the body after such a traumatic event.

Also and of course we use wordless castings of the Blasenplage to clean up any messes before they can stain the Root Ways. Xafra and we are efficient, but not to perfection. A few drops and dribbles do need tending to.

As each spike is removed in sequence, he makes no sound aside from the steady breathing even as Xafra expresses an unsettling fascination with the artistry behind the spikes. "Where did the design for these come from?"

"Not Thresher make. I can tell at least that." I offer as we finish. "This seems.... specific. Horribly so."

"It is... A tradition for Oracles. We eventually lose control of our spellweaving due to our visions. We can choose to take on the spikes to ensure we may remain of service to our community without undo risk of harm to ourselves or others." Adze explains. "It is why my parent was a Master of Fleshcrafting. He was trying to understand enough to replicate the effect of the spikes in a less... repulsive manner."

That... helps explain at least a part of his fear of us gifting him back his magic. I always just assumed it was trauma inflicted by the old Cunt. Still might be in part. But... His abilities have been fully active for years and years, it seems. And from the way his Frame got so damaged... This makes sense. Magic would open up a world of worry if available to him.

"That's good to understand." I reply, then move to stand. Offer the Envoy my hand. "Is there anything else we can offer you today? As host to this gathering and such?"

"Not particularly. There is... much to do and little time to do it in." He takes my hand and rises. "I do not particularly like you, Matron Elevar, I can feel the weight of your atrocities wrapped around you like a cloak, but... I feel strongly that we must work together, for now at least. You will have Wurzelbrecher's vote, and I will make peace with Envoy Beryl of Thorn Grove to ease the... Tensions and see if she can be swayed. She is a very private person however so I recommend not pressing her or even making it clear that you know her name unless she offers it first."

"You are too kind, Envoy Adze. And I'm more than happy to endure some honest disdain for the woman I chose to be. However... I must correct you a touch." I reply with a smile while moving to leave. "I am the Blossom of this Estate. Lynette may handle the majority of the nonsense below ground but the role of Blossom is not like that of Matriarch. I am leashed to this place with that title, and she is..."

Try to find the words for what the Estate called her when... when I first offered myself to it. Match language to the Stitchings. Feel the old bile rising up a touch as the word curdles in my gut and–

"A compromise." Lynette finishes before I spiral too much. "And be grateful, fool boy, for that. You'd not like the woman she would have been if these grounds had done otherwise. I trust you to remember that when you speak to my sister. She's as much a victim to the late Blossom's wretched choices as your father was."

Then she's pulled back and left me a touch... fuddled.

A victim? Really? Lynette? Me? At the end, certainly, but all else was my unrepentant choices.

She… doesn’t reply.

I'd prod her to explain but can't help but turn back to give this Envoy an apologetic smile. "To that, my twin and I disagree."

He turns to depart, leaving us with the kind of response we've gotten so used to from Calix. "The Moon says to suggest that the Blade ask the Doll for thoughts on consent. Whatever the Bleeding Stones that means."

"Cracked and weeping..." I sigh as the Thorn Wall parts, take up Xafra's hand and tug her to follow. Murmur, honestly more to myself but don't mind our Xafra hearing my words tumble out. "Consent? Truly? What an... odd man. So much like his father. But if Calix took to blunt ferocity with less wisdom and insight. And what Doll could the Moon even talking about? Sheer... nonsense."

"Adaline. I think I'm indirectly getting pretty thoroughly admonished" She answers, shifting back to her more comfortable living form from the manifested Endzeit one.

Shake my head. "I... Am so completely baffled by all this. Every scrap of advice and words Calix and now his son offer from Her simply... makes so little sense to me. But I suppose that goes for most of the Divines. Mayhaps I'm just too naturally repellent in the teachings of such beings."

Turn to regard her as we slow a touch. "But... Well, how would you like to handle telling Calix about his son? Alone? With me close? Or..."

"With you close, but... I feel that I need to do something else first. Can we go to your Spire, so you, Lynette, and myself can talk?" She asks anxiously.

I wince, but nudge Lynette as I feel her focus has already pulled away from this flesh.

[I... It's been too long. Sister. At least hear her words? Our Xafra is worried about you, as are the others, and me.] I intone, letting Xafra hear the message I offer.

A few long heartbeats pass, and I worry she means to brush this off like other gentle requests.

[Adze interrupted something delicate. A project I need to observe and fully see to finishing before tomorrow's vote. But...] Lynette replies, quiet and seeming more weathered than I've ever heard her. [I can spare time for you, dear one. Always. Lead Elevar to the space you'd like to have this talk.]

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Xafra leads us into our office in the Spire and sits down in the middle of the floor, clearly concentrating a lot on what she wants to say as I move to sit in front of her. Cross legs and wait.

Offer our flesh to Lynette for this. Or Physis. Whichever she prefers.

She hesitates, but soon our tendrils still and she's very carefully settled to the front of our body while I weave Physis to sit beside her and Xafra.

"I owe both of you an apology, but for different things. I've been... inconsiderate and distant, much more than necessary." Xafra begins.

"Well, I'd debate you on myself being owed an apology." I offer. "These past weeks have been challenging, and busy, and stressful beyond good sense."

"That they have. I'm... not certain how to proceed. It feels like if I do this in the wrong order, I would cause a great deal of offense and hurt, which is the last thing I want." she continues.

"You're not going to shatter anyone so easily," Lynette replies, adjusting to sit with legs folded to the side. "Nor drive me to contradict my promise to you. Lay all your needs and burdens and Dreams and desires and regrets upon our shoulders. As it was, if my memory of that remains accurate. Offer your words, and let your Mistresses help sort things out afterwards."

Xafra looks at her and fakes a smile. "Alright. Lynette, my Mistress, a while ago... You made it clear that you... would not be claimed by me. That your compromise was to be equal with Elevar, not myself. And I haven't wanted to presume that your feelings on that have changed, and wasn't certain you would... be capable of agreement if you even wanted, but that's not really fair to you. So... in a roundabout way, I wanted to state that if you wish to ask me to be your Mate, I'd be overjoyed to accept."

"I..." Lynette whispers, unable to meet Xafra's gaze. Eye's locked on the twistings of the Root floor beneath us while tendrils sit very still. Next words so very quiet. "I'm... I've not been honest. About what I am. Why I exist. How I've survived past the..." She takes a steadying breath, then looks up to lock pained eyes with Xafra. "The time from which I was designed to end. And how my survival's done nothing but put everyone I love in danger. I would... very much love to be yours. Fully. Your Mate, not just the... the horrid thing that claims your daughter. More than all other things I thought so important to me. But I... I don't want you to compromise your Dreams for me. A thing woven to rot them. But I don't know how to avoid that either way."

It's easy to understand those first words. How hard it was to feel worthy of such an amazing Gerl such as Xafra. To ask her to claim me as her's. Trust her more and more with my life and happiness and Dreams as time passed. But those middle things...

Designed to die? That... Feels familiar. Wretchedly so. But why?

"So tell me. Let me make the choice. Because I'm not giving up on you or Sekrhús. Learning that she's my niece just made me more determined to free her fully and help her heal. I don't have the full story about you either, just the bits and pieces I've grasped onto in my stumbling, but you won't end unless you want it. I'll find a way, I've done it for two others already afterall." Xafra insists.

Lynette can't stop the small smile that quirks at our Xafra's words, nor the little wiggles the tendrils try to click in hopeful melodies. "Alright. Just... Alright. Don't go doing anything till I'm done. I'll keep this simple to start. My end was supposed to come days after my creation, at most. I was supposed to be consumed by Elevar right quick. But Her Garrote kept me from provoking her to that. So I just... decided to be the Blossom Elevar didn't want to be. And since I can't sleep... I’ve nothing but time. Which led to me stupidly thinking I could arrange the Archives below and tangle Sekrhús enough to control it. But what I didn't know was that the Archives were acting as a sort of... weight. Burying her and keeping the beast asleep. Which is why she's more awake now. More active. Able to reweave me more... more than I can keep up with. Are you following this? Am I making sense?"

"No, that all makes some degree of sense so far." Xafra answers, listening closely.

"Good. Okay. And the way these... Reweavings used to happen were through a type of memory. It's... odd to explain. But I think you'll understand better than any others. As it's similar to how your Geist's perceptions changed you. Or... or when a flock of Wisps can adjust how you consider yourself if you don't tend to them. Memories of Elevar's past are the core of it all for me, of course, which... have endless very pointed moments. Like the one that slipped through after you cracked my focus below the other day." She pauses, does break eye contact and looks away. "I... Apologies. That you both had to hear that. No idea how you even caused it to echo past me, Xafra. But I've spent half my time these past days reinforcing things to... avoid it again. I can't have you or Elevar or... or Adaline to randomly hear Moonshite like that. But, as far as things go that one was gentle."

"You... The memory echoes. Of Yselda that littered the Archives here. The things you cleared from the Loom that first day and night?" I ask gently. "You didn't purge them?"

"Of course not." Lynette shrugs. "I organized, cataloged, and stored them for reference and use. They're what helped me navigate the mess below so quickly. Her decades of solitude digging through the records here crystalized and leading me along until I'd grown past needing them."

Xafra nods in understanding. "I would recommend crafting a Giftschrank for them. I have one in the Driftdream library for the memories of my fourth owner, as they knew much worth remembering but... there was a lot of horrific things there as well."

"I've... Actually, taken you up on the offer already." She replies with a grin, holding up the ring Xafra gifted us. "Combed through your library quite a fair amount. The wretched fool had many clever insights. Some principles even transfer. But... Your Driftdream is so very unique. Anchored and well balanced. Like one of the the little rafts they kept on our Grove's Wasteways. With a kind Goddess to manage every tilt, where as I am more like..."

She trails off with a sigh, drops our hand. "Not that. I'm not the one who dictates the mess of memories either. I simply endure them, weave outputs to ensure... well, survival. For myself and Elevar and all we adore. Was getting fairly easy too. Before Sekrhús roused. Worse after... well, I bargained with it. Let her reorganize and adjust and... and fuddle with my Threads. Now everything is tangled again, and worse than before. But I'm managing. Keeping busy. Avoiding hurting anyone else while I knit myself into tightly woven iron."

"Good good... So where's the part that would cause me to need to compromise?" My Mate asks my twin while carefully intoning to just me. [Do you not have specialized Curanos for the mind in this time?]

[That, is a complicated question. But to put simply, not really.] I reply gently back. [Garrote's are the primary need for that and many affected by them would have been so by Threshers. Seen as criminals or Half-Knits or such. And... Not worth helping. Often are turned over to the Threshers regardless.]

Xafra considers that for a heartbeat before replying. [I have some techniques that I know of. But not the practical methods for that we should pass onto an up and coming Curanos then if we can recruit one. The Giftschrank I use is one based on a Bondsmith Arts technique.]

[I think that's a wonderful Idea.]

Look back to find my twin letting the silence stretch. So obviously struggling to find the right words. Or edit them to avoid gifting too much knowledge. A lesson learned from my lifetime of not having dear ones to trust.

"Because you're wrong. My end is not mine, or yours, to give. I belong to Sekrhús/Peeler of Spirits/A Murk That Dreams Rot Within/Monument to Her Sín." Lynette whispers, an almost manic fear touching her eyes as she speaks the full name of this Estate. "Not in some... intangible way. I mean in a literal way. I'm hooked to Elevar similarly to how your Pack is bound to you, but my Anchoring is down with her. It holds the core of my Threads and... and worse. And to Claim me, I'd... want you to have those. Hold the core of what I am in your hands and... and still want the gerl within. But I refuse to even let you speak to the Beast Below, much less bargain for me. Sacrifice parts of yourself to get me free. Some... helpless rotting beached fish too stupid to stop flopping about. You deserve a better Mate than that. Need a better Mate."

At those last words she's gone fully still. Refused to move. Exerted all control she has to stopping the mess she's feeling from touching our flesh. But... She can't keep the wretched twisting heartbreak from reaching me, and through me, our Xafra.

"I see. And why would I need to bargain parts of myself away? There is more that she wants. More that I could offer." Xafra sighs. "My family sucks, Love. So many of them have this idea that I know something or am responsible for something someone else did and I'm... Just trying to do my best. Heh. it's like I told you. Even if Sikkina was in my arms now, I wouldn't leave. If there was no one here but me and Sekrhús, I'd still stay to free her. That's... What family is supposed to do, right?"

Lynette huffs and continues to glare at the floor. Words spent.

Xafra nods to herself and stands up, offering hands to myself and Lynette. "My Mistresses, I'd like to show you both something if I may?"

I flicker to stand with intangible hand brushing hers.

Lynette takes the offer cautiously, but grips our gerl's hand firmly. Even... adjusts to lay a hand atop Xafra's.

"I... alright, but you're wrong on that last point. We had many siblings, but Rufus is the only real family we have from before Yselda. And..." She pauses, considers words carefully before speaking. "I spoke foolishly before. When I said Augusta wasn’t your sister. She offered what she could as she was able."

Xafra simply grips our wrists, both physical and ethereal and offers the open ends of a weave to each of us. "I've been thinking about how the Pack bond works and I figured out a small thing that may be useful right now, if I may?"

I take hold immediately, tug at my sister to follow. She hesitates, as I expect. But... takes the offering. Carefully examining it. "Am I allowed to ask before getting tugged along as to... what this is?"

"Certainly. I'm going to share my perspective. That's all." Xafra answers patiently.

"I... Alright. Yes. You have me enthralled." Lynette agrees, grips the knitting tighter. Locks eyes with Xafra.

Xafra closes her eyes and activates the weave, opening them once more slowly. In our childhood, we were once told about how insects and some other beasties could see a whole nother rainbow of colors that hide behind the limits of our eyes. That little nugget of an idea carried with us for years and even inspired our new eyes somewhat but... That still didn't prepare us for this. With her eyes open, our perspective expands to include everything she sees as well and it's us but... Unbent and powerful, shimmering in a wild array of colours that accentuate our forms that exist in overlay, both our current shared ones and the other individual ones. There's an unwavering intensity to her gaze that looks at us with adoration, respect, desire, and not a single dram of pity. Through her eyes we are Matrons at the pinnacle of their power, Mothers capable of making all the hard choices to do what is best for our children, and Maidens so enticing and mysterious.

And for the first time in what feels like weeks but has only been a few days... We're mingled. Barriers still exist, blocking me from understanding what nonsense howls from behind them. But we're joined in a twisting of thought.

Because that can't be us.

She... She has to be just... wrong.

Pulling Xafra close, breaking the weaving but... It's for the best. Not sure we could endure much of that for more than a few heartbeats.

Stupid Half-Knits. Stupid gerls. We... We can't... Can't let her just... Wrapped about her and shivering. Seething. Both of us. Endlessly. Can't even separate where one sister's thoughts start and another's stops. It's... this is all wrong. She... we're not... She's seen us broken. Withering. Spiteful and horrid and petty and wretched. More a mess than this... And worse. She's not stupid, but nor is she manipulative. Nothing but honest. So... How can this be honest? Did we make a mistake? When we let her bond with Verbess and the others? Slowly infected by their perceptions? No, no it would be opposite. And her freeing from the Garrote would further her–

"Thank you." We whisper into our Xafra's soft hair as we squeeze her tight. Trying to suppress the spiral. Focus... focus on the memory. "It's... Hard to absorb. How highly you think of us. Not even about deserving. Just... never trusted others to think well of us. Especially as we kept tumbling down bad paths. Trying to smother decades of habit to enjoy the memory."

"I understand, and I hope this helps you both understand, at least a little bit, why I won't ever give up on either of you. Because you are my Mistresses, my guides, and my... well. You're dang important to me." Xafra says, finally running out of poetic words.

Can still... feel... something. Or... No. Wait. Taste?

Oh.

Our Physis tendrils sparked and started nibbling on her more than a little bit. Nipping and trying to understand if our love's wonderful weaving was infected with anything. Clicking oddly before each spark from her is sampled and found perfect and clear.

Even taste the fading remnants of the weaving she gifted. Is... is still making us...

We chuckle as another shiver rolls through us. Nudge our Physis tendrils to stop biting and simply wrap about her. Then let part of us offer softly. "We... can see about arranging a talk. Find out what the Beast Below would demand for my... me. Let you Claim the rest of us after that."

She giggles at that. "Oh my me. okay okay okay. And there's um... One other thing I needed to talk about and apologize for, if that's alright?"

"Of course." We agree. "What is it you think needs apologizing for?"

"I've been... avoiding calling Elevar my Mate or Witchling since... well since we started working things out with Lynnette and that felt... wrong. That I was holding back to not upset the delicate balance we had. I'm sorry."

"Oh, dear one." We murmur, pull her closer. "Thank you. But it was actually a very thoughtful change. One that, if we're both being honest, was a good choice. One that cost you, but... Kept you or us from misunderstanding or muddling things. The implantation of a less than trustworthy new spirit within a partner should be handled with care. And you did more than any to do that. We're... endlessly impressed and proud of your grace in that."

"Oh." she mumbles. "I was really worried. I'm glad I didn't mess more stuff up."

At that, we lean back enough to glance down. Hook a finger under her chin to tilt her up to face us. State firmly while locking eyes with hers. "Our Xafra messes up very little. And that which is not perfect on first motions, you correct as deftly and quickly as you are able. Please don't let these challenging days rob you of knowing both us are so very sure of that. Alright?"

She nods and smiles up at us, relief and joy plain to see on her face. "Yes, my Mistresses."

And with that... our Division bubbles like one realizing the warm waters of a bath have turned room temperature. We don't jolt apart but... know we cannot maintain this for much longer without substantial effort.

"Now..." We murmur together, "You needed to see to gently discussing things with Calix, and part of us has something to finish below before tomorrow. But... only after a brief talk with a certain someone. If your comfortable to wait till our chat is over, part of us will join you after that?"

"Certainly. Should I meet you at my Spire then?"

We agree, and walk with her as far as the halfway point. Then split off and intone gently to the woman we seek.

[Madam Augusta. We'd... adore the opportunity to speak with you. If you have a spare moment? Nothing urgent. Simply...] We hesitate on what words to use. Then offer. [Wish to ensure you are settling well. And offer words part of us was not able to before.]

[Of course. Would you like to stop by or shall I come out to meet you?] Augusta intones back immediately.

[No need to trouble yourself, we'll come to you.] We assure her before continuing along our path to the Library Spire.

Head down the steps and approach her space. Knock gently upon her door, and wait.

Gebetshure opens the door and beckons us within where Augusta has changed from her... combat uniform into a simple black dress and cardigan and sits on one of her plush chairs reading through a freshly inked tome.

"Thank you dear." We smile and follow.

"Of course, Mistresses. This one would offer a drink. But the Madam insisted you'd probably refuse?" Gebetshure replies. "Both because of time, and that Schatzi has spoiled you."

We chuckle and nod, "That she has. Her brewing is without compare, unfortunately."

The sweet Doll grins with quite a few mouths, then leaves us standing before Augusta.

She begins while we’re still gathering up the words. Speaking gently but firmly. "I've been chastised a fair bit the last few days. Between Gebetshure, Adaline, Mecia, and even Nadine up from the Driftdream, my recent choices have been a cause for thorough excoriation. My apologies, Matron Lynette, for causing you distress."

Part of us flinches but... grips her twin for stability.

Commits to the words, and ideas that birthed them.

"That... is a topic besides all else. Something that part of us is going to need to face after a few other tasks are completed. But we... Have had a realization tonight. One that needs to be passed on. Before anyone, besides part of us, pesters you too harshly." We start. "You, Augusta, have been a very good sister to our Xafra. And if you found yourself unwilling or unable to stretch yourself farther... it would not change that truth. Our spite and poor history with our family should not affect this. And the words spoken upon your return to the contrary were... ill considered. Selfish. And cruel. Sibling's should accept and be grateful for what love they are offered in the time they have."

Augusta looks down at the tome, not reading it. "Thank you. Your words were all those things, but... They were also honest and correct. And as my in-laws, I should... Do better by both of you as well. Family is so much more than blood and I'm beginning to understand that. I still need to speak with her, and I will soon, once I can ensure my emotions won't get the best of me again. It's... Unbecoming. But Lynette, can you come and see me again in two days, after the vote? The new Vesper Grove Envoy just arrived so I don't want to detract from your focus before then."

That... peels final stitching holding us together. Fear bubbling too much for my twin to bear.

Division. And she's gone. Focus pulled as far away and below as she can. Swiftly but... painlessly. Delved below with barely a whispered emotion.

But her reply is clear.

"She will, Dear one. Left me that much before pulling fully away." I offer, then move to sit. "She's... Sekrhús hurt her. A lot. More than she's willing to admit. Then something about your return and Divinity claimed and... the Miasma broke any safety she felt. Has barely talked to any of us these past days. Only got coaxed to share a bit with Xafra after we spoke with Calix's son. Which... Thank you for trying to help there, by the way. That's my next stop today actually. But I wanted to ask for advice there too. Make sure I don't tumble into hurting him."

"Make sure she does so other darlings don't act the fool trying to help her. But yes. This Adze is a character. Wanders into my mind while I'm sleeping and starts yelling at me about being a fraud. I was having an interesting dream too... I can only recommend not pressing Calix too hard. Adze and Liv were children when he was taken, from what I've been able to gather over the past hour. There's... probably a lot of pain there. I've never had kids of my own, but I might recommend talking to Jezrial about it at some point as well as the only experienced parent of a sort here."

I nod. "That's what I was thinking. Yes. My twin has... focused on some personal project. A thing she actually plans to have ready for tomorrow's talks and vote. After that I think she'll be more confident in speaking with you. And... Yes. Adze is such an infuriatingly likable fool of a boy. But I'd have enjoyed a sibling so devoted to his wayward family before. I think he can be tamed to softer more level views after the final vote. And... About Jezrial. I agree. She might not be a bad one to nudge into Calix's sphere if he seems in need of that. As they probably will share the same guilt over losing the opportunity to be there for their young. Yet she's had time to heal and consider things."

Then I rise. "Thank you, Madam Augusta. Your advice is, as always, a treasure. Is there anything I could offer to help you settle better?"

"No, Elevar, and please. Just call me Augusta... I'd like to not add distance if we can avoid it."

Smile and nod. "Of course, Augusta. Reach out, day or night, if you would need anything from me."

Then I head out to find my Xafra.

Discover her and Calix are watching Rufus, Joan, Hackt, and Aralen and Nelara go through movement routines that somehow give off an aura of intimidation. All gathered outside the Sheared Spire as evening lazily settles upon us.

Move to sit beside them. Offer a gentle, "How are you doing today, Calix?" as I take up my Xafra's hand to hold.

"Pretty good so far. This one is all healed up and has been keeping busy helping the berserkers figure out their ability. It's contagious, but not capable of affecting everyone. This one thinks it requires a large amount of suppressed anger to trigger." Calix answers excitedly.

"Ah, well, not a drop of spite in myself or Lynette. So we should be safe enough from catching this." I chuckle, ensuring our tendrils click a soft happy melody to muffle anything that might spill off from the group. "We... actually wanted to talk with you about something. If you've the patience for us. Nothing urgent, or dangerous. Simply... personal. And more than a touch messy. But nothing I'd want to spring on you without warning should you wish to wait."

Calix thinks for a moment then calls out, "Rufus dear, I've got to have a conversation with Elevar and Xafra. Y'all are gonna have to stop for now. Maybe you can talk to Feryudra about those breathing exercises it mentioned?"

Rufus stops at the end of the current cycle and walks over with the others, pulling Hackt and Joan along by the hands while Aralen and Nelara trail a few steps behind. "Sounds good. I'm pretty wiped already. Thought I was in pretty good shape but these practice sessions are proving me quite wrong."

"You last longer every time." Hackt cackles, large Combat Frame looming large over their new Master. Big hand enveloping Rufus' easily.

"Master still needs to learn its not about being in good shapes, but the regulation of their good shapes." Joan adds, moving to wrap that long twitching tail about her shoulders once more.

Aralen and Nelara lock hands and tails and move like a single graceful Doll behind. Their identical but opposite Frames walking in perfect harmonic step. Grinning but not offering their own thoughts as they follow at the back of this little pack.

"That's definitely something for me to consider. Maybe these breathing exercises of Feryudra will help with that. Making sure I get enough air in and such. Might also look into those glyphs of yours, Elevar. See if I can't transcribed my perception boost into something that can be etched onto this groups Frames in a manner that doesn't cause too many issues. Anyway, let me know if you need anything Calix, I'll be only a shout away, even if I need to get Hackt to throw me." Rufus says with a chuckle.

"That would actually be really valuable. Verbess and Warden are the only ones I know that can even partially match the working." I agree. "And... Hackt? Was it? Please make sure to toss him gently? My friend isn't as durable as the rest of us."

The big Doll grins and nods agreement.

Rufus and his little gaggle wander off, his intense planning both endearing and a little bit worrisome as we hear him continue offering guidance. "Okay, let's try once more to mirror Joan's engravings to obscure our presence while we walk. Remember to focus on the idea of protecting her to properly latch into the inverse rosebridge ward."

"They really are an... adorable yet increasingly capable pack." I muse, turning back to face Calix. "And you seem to manage them well. I'm impressed."

"This one is a lot older than all of them, so it's... mostly remembering to offer guidance and support when needed, and being there for them. Rufus does really good too, and once he's able to master the pull of the Vigsang he'll be able to do a lot more." Calix stands up and pats Xafra's leg. "Okay Mistresses, let's go inside. If it's personal this one probably should be somewhere safe before things start." He leads the way and as we enter the Spire, the light from the suns refract off the resin that flawlessly seals the cracks in his arms and casts a dance of blue and purple lights around him.

We end in Xafra's room, which is... Rather unexpected until I realize that with the balcony that his and Rufus' room lacks, there's a path for both rapid entry and exit.

I move to sit, tugging Xafra with me and patting the floor beside for Calix. "If at any point you want Rufus here don't hesitate to ask or call him yourself. Alright?"

"Calix, do you know the names Ivarr and Liv?" Xafra asks gently.

Without skipping a beat, Calix responds with "Why?"

"Well..." I offer carefully. "Because Ivarr was outside on the Root Ways today wanting to have a word with the Blossom of these grounds. Was looking for someone he, correctly, believes to be here."

A change comes over Calix at my words. His expression hardens as a sense of wrongness emanates from him. "And what of Liv?"

"She's the current Matriarch of Wurzelbrecher Grove." Xafra answers, muscles tensing in preparation.

Calix's face relaxes, the feeling not disappearing but lightening slightly. "This one does know those names, Mistress, and thinks that the Mistresses should ensure they raise Sikkina to not do such foolish things as..." He stops. motionless, not even blinking.

"Yes... Lynette chastised him quite pointedly for how he went about things." I agree, then adjust to sit more comfortably. "But we also ensured he left in better health than when he arrived. Both mentally and physically. Fool boy leap to... well, not unfair, but quite overmuch conclusions. We demanded he wait until after tomorrow to pester us further, so we'd have time to speak with you first."

"Just their luck that they ended up with two deadbeat dads instead of one." Calix growls. "This one... This one needs to... be different."

"Dear one..." I whisper and lean forward. "You did not leave them, you were stolen. And that boy holds nothing but longing to have you in his life again. You are, and will be, a good father to them."

"Not how this one is now. Gonna need to... break and reform in a different shape to do it right. But... That's very scary, Mistress Elevar. How does one... even begin to make up for fifty years of absence." He answers.

"I think... Just..." I reply. Then trail off.

Imagining what it would be like for those in my past to stumble to this place. Drop to their knees begging for my freedom and offering their own life to see me safe and...

And so quickly accepting my new name and shape like Ivarr did for Calix.

"Making room for them both in your life will mean so much." Is all I can whisper, but with more of a growl than I care for. "He doesn't need you to break. Doesn't want that. Just... Keep healing and growing into a better you. One that never stops loving him. Be the best father you can with the tools you have. That's it. Start there."

"Okay. Was... There anything else? This one would like to see him of course, and... if a visit to Wurzelbrecher is viable afterwards, to... See this one's daughter. Keep them both from—" His strangled calm shatters into an icy rage. "How did he know this one is here? What did you mean by better health? Who Hurt My Son!?!" The sense of wrongness reaches a fever pitch as our sweet Calix is overtaken by one of pristine wroth.

[Don't move.] Xafra rapidly intones to me. [Just keep talking. He won't strike unless he thinks we're behaving like prey or competition.]

"Well, to your last point. He hurt himself. Sealed away his magic with stone spikes, of all cracked and riven things, after bubbling up the odd abilities he shares with you." I answer carefully but... not overmuch worried. More amused. Even...

Oh. Can't help but sigh internally at the leftover... mess Lynette left inside our flesh. Tendrils click slow calming notes to avoid pricking at this boy's fury.

"We removed them, and healed him. As for the source of his knowing you were here? Apparently he did some ritual or some such. Asked and found that his parent was here. Then decided to offer himself for your freedom. And yes, dear one. We mean to invite him onto these grounds after tomorrow's vote. Then... work out things from there."

"He nullspiked himself and awakened his oracle talent? Mistress Xafra, he's as impulsive as you!" Calix yells with a casual swat at the floor that cleaves away a large chunk.

"He did. And yes, it seems that you're stuck dealing with two of us, my dear Calix. I only have one thing to add that will... probably reinforce that belief. He changed his name to Adze as a youth." Xafra offers, keeping calm.

"Well... it seems his sister has been a pacifying force to his impulsive nature, at least." I agree. "Else he'd not have such a good Wellspring of Ousia to draw upon. Spike nonsense aside, he was in good health, Calix. So I'd not worry overmuch to his chances of doing this again."

Calix giggles then snorts. "He named himself after a tool for carving wood. That's so dumb. ahahahahah." With his amusement, the uncomfortable feeling evaporates. "Okay. okay, this one is going to have to get some gifts made... Oh! Oh oh oh oh! Mistress Elevar, can this one get Bartholomew to bring him something?"

"Of course." I agree immediately. "My hesitates to this have dissipated with your excitement. Feel free to pass messages back and forth with my full support if you'd like. I simply expect discretion from both of you about this. Alright?"

"Mmhm, but no messages. Just gonna send him a parcel, if you can clear it with that thresher captain so Bartholomew doesn't get hurt. Seems better to talk face to face."

"She won't hurt your little friend." I assure him and move to rise. "This is my territory. With that emblem you coxed from this Estate she knows that striking him is paramount to lashing at me. And random Threshers have no cause to harm the wildlife about even if they don't notice the mark. But... I'll pass a message to the guards watching the entrance. Just to be safe."

"Thank You. And sorry about the floor." Calix carefully embraces both of us in a hug.

"We'll mend it, dear one." I reply and return this, even let a few tendrils try their best to mimic my arms before pulling back. "I'm simply... glad all this is working out. And that you're getting to reclaim people you couldn't before. Also... yes. To your visiting his Grove. We'll work out the details as needed, but yes. Of course. Don't worry about that."

"Agreed. We'll get things working." Xafra adds.

Calix wobbles his way out of the room whistling a tune, without a further word.

"How soon should I tell Rufus that Calix has the Vigsang as well, and is... terrifying with it?" Xafra asks quietly.

"I... would not be surprised, from how damaged Calix was before, that he and their little pack might already know. Or guess at the possibility." I reply, rising. "No one survives five decades of the old cunt's pointed spite without hoarding their own wellspring of fury. But... I'd suggest you nudge him tonight while I see about getting that letter written for Klevik. Warn him about how threats to his children spark our gentle Calix to wroth after they've had the chance to discuss that fact."

"Alright. Afterwards we should get some rest before tomorrow..." Xafra mentions.

"Yes. Agreed. I'd rather sleep away the rest of the day to awake before the suns' Weepings." I agree, moving to tug us along. "In... My Spire. If you please. I'd adore us all to share my big bed if they're willing."

"Definitely, I'll gather the rest up and meet you there once we finish up, my dear Witchling."