Sarith’s PoV - Limbo - Monastery of Will’s Hand
The gathering in the outer courtyard was clearly visible from several buildings away because of the dozens clustered close in silence. Their presence blocked her view so that it was when Sarith got within a staff length from Master Duurth that she caught sight of a strange Human girl in their midst. Master Duurth stood amid the protectors talking to her in a fashion that showed a distinct lack of concern.
When she looked Sarith’s way, the crystal blue orbs she had in place of eyes caused Sarith to stop in surprise and reassess her age. With her barely taller than Sarith, she stood chest height to the adult protectors around her, and Sarith had mistaken the woman for a girl. Once Sarith considered her properly, it was clear the Human was at least a decade older than she’d first thought.
“You requested my presence, Master Duurth?” asked Sarith, taking care not to let herself gawk at the woman’s strange eyes.
“Know that this is Livia, who is here to see Novice Amdirlain. Know Healer Arith said the infirmary is quiet, so I requested your help in escorting her to the dormitory,” replied Duurth.
Sarith just bowed respectfully to Master Duurth and hesitated before she spoke up. “Know that I believe Novice Amdirlain is meditating on Master Cyrus’ exercise, so I’m not sure she’d be aware anyone was nearby.”
“That’s all right. If you take me there, I’ll just wait for mother to notice,” replied Livia, and Sarith frowned at how her mouth didn’t move in time to her words.
“How is Amdirlain your mother? Know that you don’t appear to have Elven blood, however strange your eyes appear,” commented Sarith.
Despite her bluntness, Livia just laughed cheerfully. “Well, you get straight to the point, don’t you? That’s a long tale and not one I normally share. Would you show me the way to this dormitory please, Sarith?”
“Know you are to wait as well unless Master Cyrus is present, Sarith. Know that Livia is to be considered a guest of the monastery and will need to be shown quarters for the evening,” Duurth stated. Before he finished providing his instruction, apparently for Livia’s benefit, Sarith received directions to Livia’s assigned room.
Sarith stopped herself from questioning the instructions and motioned for Livia to follow. “Did you travel here by yourself?”
“No, a friend aided my travels after I twisted her arm a little,” replied Livia, catching up to Sarith with graceful ease. Restraining the immediate response that came to mind, Sarith let the silence sit between them and guided the way between the buildings.
“Have you lived here long, Sarith?” asked Livia after a few minutes of walking in silence.
“Know it’s been less than a year,” Sarith replied curtly, wishing she hadn’t given into the temptation of her initial question, but stopped when a thought came to mind. “Would you like me to show you where your room is for your stay or take you to the dormitory first? Know that your room is on an upper floor near here.”
“It might be close, but the dormitory, please. Who knows how long it will take mother to notice if she’d deep in meditation?”
Sarith gave her another sharp nod and continued in the hope that Master Cyrus would be present so she might pass escorting of this stranger over. Despite her concerns, Livia fell silent after giving her another glance, simply walking alongside. When they reach the dormitory, the silence within its corridors weighs almost ominously. The Anarch responsible for maintaining it obviously not worried about maintaining anything beyond the most minimal of lighting.
It wasn’t until the outer door to the training hall that Sarith slowed and had to force herself to push each open. When the only thing leaking from beneath the inner door was a golden light, she gave a deep sigh and briskly pushed it open. Despite her hopes, Master Cyrus wasn’t present, instead a strange sight confronted her. The golden light she’d taken for the Anarch’s doing instead radiated from Amdirlain’s flesh, with an intensity that had flesh and cloth translucent, leaving her a strange outline of form.
“Well, no wonder the Domain is glowing so much,” muttered Livia, and slipped by Sarith, who’d frozen in the doorway, and the meaning of her words went unheeded. “Whatever she’s doing makes her aura so beautiful.”
Before Sarith could reply, Livia almost skipped across the distance, separating them, and knelt next to Amdirlain.
“Know I do not know when Master Cyrus will be present,” Sarith stated. A quick attempt to link to Liranë found her mental presence in a steel-hard focus. “Know I believe he might be sparring with Master Liranë.”
“It’s alright Sarith, you don’t have to wait around; but if you’d tell me your name yourself, I can send you a Message later,” offered Livia happily.
“What do you mean? Know you just used my name. Why do you need me to tell it to you?” protested Sarith.
“Master Duurth said your name. However, the Spell requires the person to provide their name themselves. Even two people with exactly the same name can pronounce it slightly differently and impart a different emphasis to its sound. The Spell uses that energy pattern to reach the right individual even across planes,” explained Livia.
“Know this is beside the point since Master Duurth instructed me to remain in these circumstances,” replied Sarith. Moving to the side of the hall, she sat with her back resting against the wall keeping Amdirlain and Livia in view.
Livia opened her mouth as if ready to argue, but with a thoughtful look shrugged instead. Her ready acceptance surprised Sarith, but not as much as the way she didn’t hesitate to kiss Amdirlain’s cheek before she settled beside her.
It is only chime away from the evening meal when Cyrus arrives at last, and he gave Sarith a smile before he turned his attention towards Livia. “I take it young lady that you are Livia?”
Livia flowed to her feet beside the still meditating Amdirlain and stopped in surprise at the sight of Cyrus. “Master Cyrus? I believed Master Duurth had been referring to another Githzérai.”
“It seems Amdirlain hasn’t passed word about my presence,” replied Cyrus. “Shall we get to know each other?”
Rather than take offense, Livia just laughed and gave Master Cyrus an open smile. “She hasn’t even stirred. I believe I’ll talk to her before I take up your dance offer, Master Cyrus. Given your appearance, I’m uncertain what is going on here, and I’d prefer to speak to her first.”
“Master Liranë and I frequently pass the time in here without it disturbing her in the slightest. Master Duurth said you are her daughter?” enquired Cyrus curiously.
“A long story, but she rescued me, and I adopted her,” Livia replied, and offered a cheeky smile. “She said I must have been a cat in a past life but that’s not the case.”
“She had said she wasn’t expecting guests until she was done healing. Did she know you were coming?” asked Cyrus, not breaking eye contact with Livia.
“It was pretty obvious from past tales and messages she’s sent where she’d ended up. I had to convince one of mother’s people to help me get here faster—she was being stubborn,” commented Livia, but Sarith noticed she didn’t address Cyrus’s question.
“Stubborn in what way?”
“Eb kept insisting I should leave her to heal,” Livia replied, her smile still firmly in place. “Mother pulls in on herself at times, so I wanted to be absolutely certain she was alright. So I said if she didn’t help me, I’d travel Limbo by myself and she could let mother know why if I didn’t make it.”
“What if she’d called your bluff?” asked Cyrus.
“I wasn’t bluffing, and you need to stop trying to look through me, Master Cyrus—I don’t find it acceptable. Master Duurth stated I’d receive the hospitality of a guest of the monastery. The power you’ve activated doesn’t make me uncomfortable, but I do find it rude,” stated Livia firmly, and Sarith’s jaw almost dropped at the sudden steel in her tone. “Mother described the walls of the Monastery of Will’s Hand to me last we met, so I was sure I could accurately Teleport if it came to that. Eb opening a Gate simply saved me time and made things more certain.”
“I wanted to make sure you weren’t an imposter here with ill intentions,” countered Cyrus unflustered by her tone.
Livia raised a single eyebrow in the same deliberate fashion that Amdirlain used and the firmness of her gaze lent her expression a cynical edge. “That’s nice, but that likely took an instant to determine and yet you left your third eye open. My mother said never to let a bully push me around. Are you a bully, Master Cyrus?”
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Her question had Cyrus frowning, but Sarith quickly found she’d mistaken the cause. “How do you know the name of that ability?”
“I remember things from other lives. I’m pretty sure we could be friends, but not if you keep behaving this way. You don’t own my mother, so you don’t get a say in who visits her, Master Cyrus,” declared Livia. “I came because I wanted to make sure she knows we love her. While mother’s people are very loyal, I’m not always sure if they understand that need. They focused on taking care of others and ensuring she has time to heal. She needs to be told she’s loved, regardless of how she is now.”
“Your mother has omitted mentioning any individuals you term as her people,” stated Cyrus. “Is it Amdirlain that needs to be told, or is it simply you that needs to tell her?”
“Mother didn’t mention your presence either, so I’ll wait until she tells me more before sharing anything further,” replied Livia firmly ignoring his question.
Cyrus gave her a frown that was more surprised than offended by her still sharp tone. “I was told to ensure I assisted her.”
“That’s nice,” Livia quipped in a tone that made it clear she didn’t care. “Why don’t we all wait for mother’s meditation to end?”
“When her light eases away, it’s safe to rouse her,” offered Cyrus, and motioned for Sarith to rise. “Let’s practice your Ki abilities while we wait,”
When Sarith started along the length of the hall to give them space, Cyrus looked back at Livia. “She’s approaching the point where she normally causes the Ki to drain away. I take it you won’t tell me how she does that?”
“No comment.”
The verbal exchange didn’t change the patience of Cyrus’ instruction, even though Sarith still found herself distracted by the Human kneeling by Amdirlain. When the light suddenly died away, a squeal of delight that caused Sarith to glance their way shortly followed it, and she found Livia enfolded in a hug.
“Know it seems Amdirlain is not upset at her presence, Master Cyrus. Would you have Amdirlain contact me when I need to show Livia to her room?” Sarith asked Cyrus and started for the door.
“Sarith! Thank you for escorting Livia to see me,” Amdirlain exclaimed, as Sarith pushed at the door.
Sarith was sure Amdirlain was simply saying that for politeness, but partly turning, she found Amdirlain regarding her with a bright smile.
“Know you are welcome,” Sarith replied, even as she wondered what else Amdirlain had hidden from them.
“I can contact Master Duurth to get the location of Livia’s guest room,” proposed Amdirlain.
Her offer made Sarith’s thoughts churn faster. It was clear Amdirlain had overheard them even when it seemed she wasn’t paying attention. At Amdirlain’s continued focus, Sarith roused herself to project the details. The usual glass of Amdirlain’s mental fortress didn’t ripple, but Sarith felt a quick mental touch and Amdirlain nodded.
“I would not have asked you to let me touch your mind, but that makes it easier, thank you,” Amdirlain said, and Sarith let the door close.
She’d barely made it out of the dormitory when she heard the dinner chimes, and headed for the refectory near the infirmary, letting Master Arith know she’d collect the meals. Weaving her way through those heading towards their dining places she ducked through her destination’s doorway. Edging past some senior novices, she ignored their excited gossip about Celestials visiting the monastery, putting it aside as sparked by Livia’s eyes. As she made her way to where servants were filling bowls, she focused on ignoring the occasional scornful glance directed her way. The dark wood box was already closed, and a nod from the senior servant made it clear it was ready to claim.
She lifted the Chaos-shaped wood only after ensuring they’d properly sealed the clamp, having made that mistake only once. The box’s lightness provided a sure sign that they had admitted no new patients to the infirmary during her absence—at least not any able to eat. Turning, she stepped over a Novice’s outstretched foot that simply ‘happened’ to be in the wrong place and left without comment.
Glad that no further obstacles presented themselves between the refectory and infirmary, she gave it an initial push with Far Hand. Bracing it open against her back, she eased through the door and placed the box on the table within the door. Seeing Master Arith at the triage station sealing up an open head wound, she unlatched the box and moved between the few patients present. By the time she brought the last pair of meals to the duty desk, the Novice was already on his way.
“Know a victory is never truly complete if there is anything still in motion,” Arith said before he claimed his meal.
Collecting the blood-stained cloth, Sarith put them in the cleaning bag and settled down across from him.
Arith didn’t look up from waving away the steam from his evening meal. “Why did Master Duurth want you to attend the gate?”
“Know Amdirlain’s daughter arrived and requested to see her.”
“Any of the female protectors on duty could have escorted her to the dormitory, so why do you believe he asked for you?”
“Know likely that I need to be open to seeing more than I have in the past,” replied Sarith. “Know her daughter looked Human like Master Cyrus but she had strange eyes, almost faceted crystals.”
“Anything else for the gossip mill?” teased Arith.
“Know that I was just commenting I—”
Arith’s low laughter stopped Sarith’s protest, and he gave the serious apprentice a smile. “Know that commenting on what you’ve seen or heard is gossiping. How else do you think gossip gets around so fast in the monastery? Know that observations and questions about ‘what would you have done if’ are the surest way to spread gossip. Do you want to know the gossip that I heard?”
“Why do you ask when you just end up telling me, even when I say no?”
The light laughter had Sarith scowling at his amusement, and she stirred her own meal, careful of the heat the box had maintained in it. “A contingent of Celestials appeared a safe distance from the monastery’s wall with the visitor you escorted to see Amdirlain.”
“Know this is why I don’t like gossip, her eyes were strange, but when I arrived there was no one with her. Know the protectors-“
The mental image that Master Arith shared cut off Sarith’s protest, the appearance of Livia arriving through a Gate from a distance. The Gate shone with a blue-gold light rippling from it, and then a multitude of figures surrounded her and blocked her from view.
The first that appeared were lion-headed Angelic figures, bi-pedal, their arms from the elbows down were glowing blades. The score of them were quickly joined by figures she recognised from her reading as Hound Archons. Both groups of Celestials stood half-again Livia’s height, making the woman appear tiny. Already stunned speechless the last figure that appeared had her drop her spoon.
Four pure white wings flexed on the figure’s back, and he regarded the monastery with calm intent. Looming beside Livia at twice her height, his metallic blue skin and a strange featured quad-eyed face was literally eye catching. As the minds of the protectors were busy reporting a strong telepathy projected a polite request to speak to a representative.
After that they all waited patiently until Master Duurth approached. Though he moved to speak to their obvious leader he politely directed Master Duurth instead to speak to Livia. The conversation that followed was but a quick exchange of names and her purpose that Master Duurth echoed to the protectors. Once Livia was within the monastery they simply vanished. The Celestial auras sudden disappearance leaving Limbo feeling far darker.
That every one of them had their clothing marked by the same symbol as upon Lezekus’ medallion of faith was the most striking aspect of all. Though Sarith had only seen the medallion once but its strange design had stuck with her. Seeing the design on the Celestial’s clothing was disconcerting but she kept their relationship to Lezekus’ deity to herself.
“Know it wasn’t gossip,” declared Arith. “No trouble collecting the meals today?”
“Know everything was fine,” murmured Sarith, still shocked by the mental image whose details felt far too real to be faked.
“Really?” asked Arith, his sceptical gaze receiving a glum look from the befuddled Sarith.
“Know it was nothing serious,” protested Sarith.
“You’ll let me know if it becomes trouble again,” insisted Arith.
Sarith shifted unhappily and her gaze dropped to the floor. “Know I deserve far worse than a few embarrassments.”
“Know that it’s not their place to determine what you do or don’t deserve—so tell me if it happens again,” Arith said. When Sarith continued to stare at the floor, he tapped the underside of her chin and gave her a lop-sided smile. “Do you want to grind the herbs or practice unfurling the psi-skin?”
Sarith regarded the bundles from the gardens and gave into curiosity. “Why don’t the anarchs just form the herbs already ground, instead of needing to grow them?”
“Know I think you should research an Anarch’s role properly yourself. But tell me now, what do you think they do?”
Sarith gave a frown and fixed Master Arith with a suspicious look, wondering at the question. “Know they ensure that the Chaos doesn’t consume our surroundings and create new objects or buildings as required.”
“How do they ensure Chaos doesn’t consume something? Know that I don’t see them going around smacking it on the snout.”
Sarith looked back helplessly at Master Arith but he didn’t look ready to take her to task.
“Know that unless one is an Anarch, that is all most know. Know the anarchs maintain the items about them by keeping an awareness of the objects within their mind. Do you think they understand each completely enough to create everything from scratch?”
“Know from the way you ask I take it the answer is no. Doesn’t an Anarch’s will need to understand the object, though?”
“Know that it is an Anarch’s mind more than will, and they’re busy keeping track of hundreds or even thousands of objects. Know that Limbo’s Chaos consumes things left untended by another, and a mind aware of it wards that Chaos away,” explained Arith before he risked burning his mouth to take a quick spoonful of food. “Know that this is an extension of how your self-image maintains your body in this plane, along with your clothing and carried possessions. Do you know the process used to weave your robes? Or how the crafter made your shoes?”
“But the air?”
“Know that is an exception because you partly consume it with each breath, so it’s not enough to maintain—it needs replacing. Know in this an Anarch knowing the Air Affinity helps because it is not just them breathing it.”
“But what about travellers in Limbo?”
“Know that for many travelling alone—or in small numbers—they can manage it untrained, but not in populated areas with too much interaction. Know that even in smaller groups, not everyone can handle it. What would you consider more complex, the air or a plant?” asked Arith.
“Know I’ll assume it’s the plant,” muttered Sarith.
“Know that is why it’s far easier to bring the seeds in and grow them rather than try to create them from scratch,”
Sarith collected the herb bundles and headed for the preparation room without a further word. Juggling the piles on the threshold, she looked back to Master Arith. “Know that gossip or not, when I’m cycling Ki through my chakras, it feels like I’m drifting in a mist. Know that when I escorted Livia into the room, Amdirlain’s flesh was a golden flame; I’m not sure what to make of it.”
“Other than that she could have squashed you for your misbehaviour and rudeness? But wasn’t that clear after the challenge with Liranë?“ asked Arith, fixing her with a look that made Sarith shift uncomfortably. “Know that since she has a daughter, perhaps she’s simply tolerant of childish behaviour.”
Sarith winced before moving through the doorway but blocked it from closing and glanced back at Arith. “Know I don’t think Livia was ever childish. Know she also seems to see inside you, but not in the judgemental way Master Cyrus does.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Know that when Master Cyrus looked into me, I felt like he was assessing my flaws, while with Livia, she saw who I was and accepted it.”
When Master Arith didn’t immediately reply, Sarith let the door close quietly and set to work, trying to keep her mind from dwelling on the connection between Livia’s escort and Lezekus’ medallion.