The soft tinkling of chimes filled the air. Ambient music floated faintly from a hidden speaker, just loud enough to be noticed but humble enough to let the chimes play their part.
Izai and Olav sat comfortably in a small beige waiting room. There was only one long sofa, a small coffee table with magazines from all over Iradi, and a few potted plants. Opposite them sat a Rosea man, his short haircut reminding Izai of those found in Kive, where Olav’s family was from. He was deep in the middle of a phone conversation.
A little bird suddenly appeared, fluttered its wings, and in a flash of fire, disappeared.
Don’t worry. They’re well-behaved,” the Rosea man assured the duo briefly before returning to his phone call.
Soon, they were invited into an office. It resembled a normal doctor’s office more than a traditional Healer’s as he had expected. Potted plants grew and etched their designs against the walls. Charmed birds flitted about, some duplicating themselves, others igniting into a burst of fire before returning to normal and flying away.
A Porenadi lady entered, wearing a long green skirt and a white blouse under a coat that seemed to be made from different types of fibre. A thick brown belt with jingling charms was wrapped around her waist.
She extended her hand, “Vilena. And you must be Izai.” She turned to his partner, “And you must be Olav. Tai said you two walk hand in hand, like the Bili Twins.”
Olav, distracted by the charmed birds, wore a rare sober smile. He reached out a finger, hoping one of the little birds would land on it.
“Careful with that,” Vilena warned.
The bird landed on his finger, and a second later, Olav was on his knees, screaming in agony.
Vilena quickly helped the bird break loose. “It has Pulsing cells.” Olav stood, holding up his index finger. “Stop it,” she smiled, “it’s not strong enough to break a Kin’s hand. You shouldn’t handle Charmed animals unless you’re a Puller.”
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“I am one,” he replied quietly rubbing his finger.
A gentle whoosh could be heard as Vilena’s double separated from her and rummaged through a pile of haphazardly stacked books on a shelf. The original Vilena looked at Izai, her smile lingering a few seconds before she spoke.
“So, what brings you GentleFolk here?” she asked, still smiling and nodding.
“Something about a Purge,” Izai replied. “I don’t know much beyond that.”
Vilena nodded and wandered off as her double returned, flipping through a book. The original Vilena now worked at a table with beakers, grinding herbs and mixing liquids, before using her Push to heat them.
Her double handed the book to Olav. “Pullers and Charmed animals go hand in hand like... well, like you two.” Both Izai and Olav cocked an eyebrow at this. “This book shows some tricks. If you master the basics, you can come back and play with little birdies.”
“Really?” Olav pushed his shaggy hair back, his face lighting up with childlike wonder.
“It’s not for free, though. You’ll be responsible for cleaning their cages and feeding them. Isani out there hates doing all of that.”
“I’d be interested in that,” Olav said.
“Ah, done.” The original Vilena returned, swirling a glowing green liquid. “Here you go.”
Izai inspected the beaker closely. The liquid looked more ominous the longer he stared at it.
“So, what do you know about Purging?”
“It will undo all the progress I’ve made with Talents and set me back to a Talent-Birth level.”
“Yes,” she raised an eyebrow however, expecting more. When he said nothing, she took the potion away. “Did Tai tell you about the awful dreams?”
“What awful dreams?”
“The kind that could make you kill dozens if not properly contained.”
Her double now rummaged through a wicker chest. She must have touched something she shouldn’t have because the original Vilena twitched before the double returned apologetically and they merged back into one. She stood over the wicker basket.
“Perfect,” she said. “Olav,” she snapped her fingers. He approached the box and picked up a bundle of dark rope, so dark it seemed to be absorbing the light around it. It had to be made of Frost-Sap.
She helped him stuff it into a bag, then held Olav by the shoulder. “Listen carefully. When you give your friend the potion, tie him up properly first. Bind his ankles and wrists so he can barely move. Next, lay a Frost-Sap blanket over him – Tai told me you already have one. And then throughout the night check he doesn’t break free. Okay?”
“What if he does break free?”
“Call for help from other Pulsers to hold him down.” She turned to Izai. “It’s going to be fun, though. A real trip.” She smiled.