“VINA!” a voice yelled at her and Vina snapped awake with a start. She sat up immediately and saw Norimor’s face near her own. She leaned back from how close she was.
“In Trina’s name! It’s been three days. Are you awake now?” Nori said, her voice sounded annoyed and concerned at the same time.
“I uh… yes. What happened?” Vina said, her head was fuzzy and she felt drained.
“You don’t remember? You had dinner at the Halos’ Family Home and then you created a named masterpiece!” she said, raising her voice.
“Oh. Yeah. They told you that? How did that happen?” Vina asked, feeling confused. She sat up and saw she was surrounded by numerous alien looking flowers. She didn’t quite feel normal as she tried to listen to Norimor.
“The whole world knows, Vina. That’s what happens when you make a masterpiece given a name by Trina herself! Everyone got the notification from kings to peasants. Everyone knows you, your name, and the name of your masterpiece. Everyone knows you are here.”
Vina blinked as she tried to understand what Nori was telling her, “Everyone received a notification?”
Nori nodded her head, “Yes Vina. When someone creates a masterpiece, the entire world is notified. Tens of thousands of people will travel here.” Nori took a deep breath, “Okay. Yeah. You don’t know. A masterpiece is a very special object that is able to change people. The effects are unique to each piece. Only four have been created and they only happened when Trina was alive. None have been created in the last seven hundred years.” Nori’s voice rose to a squeak as she ran out of air.
Nori took another steadying breath “Perhaps even worse, Trina’s named it The Hope of an Asharaina. Listen to me closely Vina…”
A man suddenly opened the door leading into the room, but Vina was not surprised. He was an older gentleman with graying hair. His arms and chest were still strong with extreme muscle definition. His strength must have been incredibly high to have such a physique. He wore a simple t-shirt with a deep rectangle cut out from the collar bones and down to his belly button. The collar was held together by a golden necklace. His face was clean shaven, but his presence demanded attention and respect. What really caught Vina’s eye was the blood red stone fused directly to his skin just above his naval. “That’s enough Norimor. Please return to your accommodations. Vina and I have much to discuss.”
Vina watched Nori’s mouth snap shut. She nodded and made a slight bow before leaving the room.
Vina pointed at him in recognition, but then retracted her finger, “I think I remember you. Were you the one who carried me from the art room?” Vina asked.
“Yes. I am the head of this household. You may call me Hakim”, he said.
Vina swallowed hard. This was the man Nori had claimed she successfully killed. “It’s very nice to meet you. Thank you for helping me.”
Hakim nodded, “Are you feeling well enough to walk?”
Vina swung her feet off to the side of the bed, “Uhm, let me try.” She stood up and felt a little wobbly, but soon found her strength returning despite the warning of dehydration in her vision. She looked down to see someone had fit her with some kind of dress. It fit her well and was the same color as the rest of the household, a combination of a dominant green with blue and gold highlights
The man gestured for her to follow him. She was barefoot as she followed Hakim through his massive house. She managed to sneak a peek out a window and saw a massive city arrayed down below his home. Beyond the city, it was surrounded by some kind of trees that look tropical to her, but she didn’t feel any of the classic humidity she expected would go with them.
Hakim spoke as he walked, “I apologize for the danger I and my family placed you in. We did not know who you were. We had hoped to engage you in the creation of some art. If we had known you were a traveler…” His voice trailed off and he started again, “Our family bonds with visitors through all forms of art. We felt this was the best way to bond with you, as a representative of The Watch.”
He turned a corner and one of the staff opened a door for him. He thanked the staff member and continued on into a room that reminded Vina of a study. Notably, it had no windows and only one other door. “We bring our guests to the home and do our best to make them comfortable. We use many rare ingredients to provide a meal that inspires people to express themselves through art. We believe sharing art is the best way to understand one another.”
Some of the wait staff delivered fresh food and drinks to the room as Hakim got comfortable in a large chair. Vina sat across him in an equally large chair. One final person wheeled a large covered canvass into the room. Everyone left, and Vina was alone with Hakim. “Typically, we get above average quality art creations and we learn a lot about each other. We expected the same to happen three days ago. But you, Vina, you were inspired and created the fifth masterpiece of our world.”
Hakim paused as he took one of the drinks from the table. He caught Vina’s look. “These foods do not have any afflictions.”
Vina was starving and incredibly thirsty. She reached for what looked like a pastry and a glass of white liquid. She hoped it was milk. She took a small bite and drink, not entirely trusting Hakim’s word, but when no notifications appeared, she resumed eating normally. Hakim stopped speaking as he let Vina eat. For Vina herself, she was unsure what to say. She chose to speak her heart.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Hakim. I’m incredibly confused about everything that has happened since I arrived here. I don’t know how I could create a masterpiece of anything. I don’t even have a painting skill and none of my skills are very high. I understand your intentions, but from my perspective you basically drugged me, something possessed me to make this art, and I nearly bled out because I couldn’t control myself.”
Hakim nodded slowly, absorbing her words. “I have no defense against what you say. You are correct. I only have some explanations if you are open to hear them.” He paused and Vina nodded.
“In our world, the afflictions you received were considered great gifts and generally we don’t tell others they exist in the food prior to consumption. In the world you grew up in, I know now how offensive the experience likely was for you. Once again, I say your experience is valid. My family and I made a mistake in exposing you to this process without knowing how it could have turned out or how you might have interpreted it. You nearly died due to our negligence.”
Hakim paused and Vina felt the sincerity in his words, “Changes will be made to this process to ensure visitors are fully informed and prepared for the experience. I will also be adding additional safeguards in the use of stamina mixtures to ensure a limit. Going forward, there will be special procedures for travelers. We will also be preparing reparations for your suffering.”
Vina looked at Hakim as she chewed. After a moment she swallowed, “Thank you for hearing me on this. I’m still really confused. How could I make a masterpiece without the painting skill?”
Hakim nodded, “I imagine that would be confusing based on your experiences. I believe the answer lies in your use of Blood Runes. The skill didn’t exist prior to your arrival from what our records indicate. You used Blood Runes extensively in your painting and I doubt a single person in this entire city can read them. Relative to the rest of the world, you likely are a master of blood runes.”
Vina shook her head, “I’m just learning though. I can’t even read the runes on the portal rings.”
Hakim chuckled, “Any rune carver of any skill level of this world would be equally unable to read your blood runes as well. I know this, because I’m a rune carver of not insignificant skill. I cannot read your runes, but I can see that they work.”
Vina took a deep breath, “I’m very overwhelmed by all of this.”
“That’s very understandable. I don’t want to add onto that, but there’s the matter of the name of your work. Trina has called it The Hope of an Asharaina. Do you know what an Asharaina is?” Hakim asked.
Vina gestured with her hands, careful not to spill her drink, “Of course not. I have no idea what is going on.”
“I know you grew up on Earth and the way things work on Palitern is very different I’m guessing. Trina encouraged people to learn and improve their skills. When someone discovered a new skill or even a field of skills, they could declare themselves an authority of knowledge in that area. Trina would acknowledge their capabilities and award them the title of Asharaina. The title could be kept on the condition that they helped nurture the growth of others in their field of choice.”
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Hakim paused as he waited for her to absorb his words. After a moment he continued again, “In your art you declared yourself the authority in all blood skills and blood classes, not just in blood runes. Do you still believe that now?”
Vina stared at him in disbelief. She looked over at the covered painting, but she couldn’t yet see what was hidden beneath the cloth. “I was drugged. Of course that isn’t true.”
Hakim nodded his head in agreement, “Regardless, Trina’s naming of your art means she has acknowledged your right to do so. Wherever she is, she believes your claim has credibility. I believe after you view your painting, you’ll be offered the title. I do not wish to sway your choice in either direction, but I do want you to know that you can accept or decline the title. It may also be revoked if Trina finds you aren’t upholding the responsibility of helping those who wish to learn.”
Vina stared at Hakim and then at the covered painting. Nothing felt real to her at this moment. She was receiving a flood of information, and she understood very little. Hakim kept on talking though.
“Regardless of your decision, I want you to know you may remain here in the city if you wish. We will keep you safe. I know you are being forced into serving The Twelve, and I don’t want anyone to have to live a life like that”, Hakim said.
“How do you know so much about me? How do you know of the other world I grew up in?” Vina asked.
Hakim hung his head, some shame on his face, “I had the privilege of viewing your art while you recovered. The others that were in the room with you when you created it have been sequestered away. No others have viewed your work. It will remain private until you have decided what you wish to do with it.”
Vina looked at him in confusion, “Lord Hakim, I don’t think I understand anything you’re saying. What does that have to do with your knowledge of my other world?”
Hakim looked at her and then at the covered canvas beside them, “Your masterpiece captured every detail of your mind, heart, and soul. It appears to be a perfect copy of your entire life and all of your experiences. I don’t think words can do justice to explain what you have created. So it is with the other masterpieces as well. I am truly lucky to have witnessed this event and to have met you.”
Vina looked at the canvas with a mixture of curiosity and fear in her eyes. “A perfect copy…” she whispered. Not long ago she made a box that would emulate a singular emotion. “Could I have captured all of my emotions in blood runes?” she thought to herself. She could not remember much from what happened three days ago.
Hakim spoke again after a moment, “Vina, I am going to step out of the room for a while. I think it is best you view what you have created and take time to consider your next steps. I warn you to prepare yourself before you remove the cover. If you need to rest more first, do so. Behind that door you will find everything you might need through the day, including a comfort room, food, and refreshments. You are not locked in this room; you may leave whenever you wish. I do ask you to remain on the Halos Family Home grounds until you have had time to understand what you have created. I will guarantee no one interrupts you until this evening. I’m available anytime if you wish to speak more. Do you have any questions?”
She looked at the covered canvas and back at Hakim. She had questions, but she had no idea what was worth asking or if she would even understand the answers. She slowly shook her head and he rose from his chair. He bowed to her once and left the room silently.
She sat there for a long time just looking at her covered painting. She felt so confused by everything going on. Vina stood and walked to the door Hakim had left and peeked out. At the entrance stood four fully armored guards. One of them turned to her. “Lady Vina, what do you require? I have been told to make it clear that you are allowed to leave anytime. We are here only to protect your privacy”, he said formally.
Vina felt some relief at this, “I don’t need anything at the moment. Thank you.” She closed the door softly and investigated the other door. Behind it was a small self contained apartment connected to the study. There was a bed, a small kitchen stocked with fresh foods, and a bathroom. She also saw several changes of clothes, nearly all dresses, and her personal backpack resting against the bed frame. Once again, there were no windows.
She took a moment to address the notifications that continued to flash in the corner of her vision.
New Skill Learned: Painting. Quest updated: Learn Skills 3 38/75 Skill Level Up: Painting has reached level 10. You may paint 10% faster and your art is worth 10% more. You have earned two skill points.
Skill Level Up: Blood Runes has reached level 15 Blood runes can be drawn 70% faster and take 70% less blood to activate or maintain. You have gained 1080 experience points from leveling skills.
Vina returned back to the main study and finished her meal. When her curiosity could no longer be held back, she stood before her painting. With uncertain hands she brought down the cover and gazed upon what she had created. She was not prepared for what she saw. The experience was so intense her lip quivered and a tear ran down her face. She was overcome with emotion, wanting to look away, but unable to do so. She realized Hakim was right. Nothing could have been said to prepare her for this moment.
In her own blood, she captured the truth of her entire being. In a single swish she had explained her birth in Palitern. In a layered rune phrase, she had captured her feelings of being separated from her adoptive parents. A few splashes forced anyone looking to know her cold, sleepless nights in Seattle and the gnawing hunger she suffered. Anyone looking at this would not just know her; they would share in her experiences. She tried to look away as every vulnerability, self doubt, and fear was displayed prominently before her. She couldn’t deny what she saw because she knew it to be true. Even the ones she tried so hard to ignore or justify away were held against her as hard truth.
After a time, her legs grew tired and she fell to her knees, still captivated. As the minutes turned to hours, the painting hurt Vina with its truths. The painting proved how she was reserved and didn’t fight for her own needs. It proved to her that she didn’t stand up for herself when she should. It screamed at her that she didn’t see herself as someone of value or worthy of love. She and it knew she was desperate to be loved and accepted.
Then she saw the one thing the entire painting captured and her heart welled up with joy. She had captured hope. Hope for change. Hope for acceptance. Hope for a family.
As the hours went on, she learned so much about herself and accepted so much truth that she and the painting became less conflicted. She was way beyond denial anymore. The painting would not allow that. The painting would only provide her the options of acceptance and improvement. By the evening she was somewhere in the middle of acceptance.
She knew she had intrinsic value now. Her value was not defined by others, but by herself. She did not need external validation. The painting would not let her believe otherwise. She knew what was best for herself. She knew there were people who loved her for who she was. Her masterpiece proved there were those who had accepted her, but she never saw them or believed them to be authentic. She had been living in such a fog of fear and survival, she had missed so much. No longer would she let that happen. “I’m taking control of my life right now”, she said to herself. She had a strength that wasn’t fully accepted by this world, but she wouldn’t shy away from it. “I won’t live in fear anymore”, Vina said aloud. Then a notification popped into her vision.
You have been offered a new title: Asharaina. Do you accept? Yes? No?
Vina shook her head at first, but stopped herself. She was making different choices now. She looked at the picture once more and then inside herself. “I’ll accept the title, Trina”, she said softly.
Title: The Asharaina. You have declared yourself the owner of the blood of this world. You are able to manipulate, control, and own all blood of this world as long as it is outside of a body. To retain this title you must help or protect those who are using blood skills provided they are not directly hostile to you. You have gained 3 class ability points from earning a title. You have gained 10000 experience points. New Passive Ability: Universal Donor. Your blood type has changed to being a universal donor.
Vina Level Up: You have reached level 11 and have 3 more attribute points to allocate. Your agility has increased by 2, your dexterity has increased by 1, and your mastery has increased by 1. You have gained 10 health and 5 stamina. You have earned two class ability points. You have earned one skill specialization point.
Vina suddenly noticed a change in the painting as well. She stared at it as the painting rippled. She tried to see what had changed, but all she could think of was to use Examine on it.
Item: The Hope of an Asharaina Masterpiece Durability 250/250 Vina created this masterpiece. Effect: Those who view this work for a cumulative time of 7 days will gain an appreciation for the beauty of blood based skills. Those who view this work for a cumulative time of 14 days will have a bonus blood based class option listed at levels 10, 25, and 50. Those who view this work for a cumulative time of 30 days may switch their primary class immediately to one that is blood based.
She stared at it in awe and disbelief. “The Hope of an Asharaina, indeed”, she said to herself, a smile forming on her face.