“All ready,” Lelly said. The naiad [Druid] emerged from the doorway with a corked jar. Water, strange herbs, and dirt swirled slowly within.

Thesa, who was starting to remember how uncomfortable she was standing shin-deep in water, was standing on one foot in a desperate bid to give one leg a break while the other endured. Unfortunately, her boots were still soaked so it didn't really help. “Are those material components?” she asked and when she received a nod, Thesa continued, thinking aloud, “I never needed a bunch of complicated components to contact Beautuk…”

“The degree to which material components are needed for [Deity] related spells is not a constant,” Lelly said. It would be easy to assume she was parroting a lecture, but this was the kind of thing Lelly knew a lot about actually and always wanted to talk about. “It scales based on things like the [Deity]’s proximity and power level. Also the number of practitioners can help. Beautuk has a lot of power, so he probably doesn't need components very often. These will help improve the connection.” There was some attitude in her voice which Thesa assumed was directed at her (really it was not).

“Sorry,” she said. “The Convent just never even mentioned components as a possibility. Sorry.”

Lelly nodded.

“Enough chatting,” Merijest said. Her tail flicked nervously. “Let's give it a try.”

Again, Lelly nodded. “I will reach out on my own first and then I'll give you a signal when I'm ready to loop you in.”

And then, having forgotten to explain the exact mechanics of the spell, Lelly placed the jar underwater and submerged her head after it.

Thesa realized she might have to do that if Lelly ‘looped them in.’ She didn't say anything, but apparently it was written all over her face because Merijest said, “don't worry, kitten. You probably don't need to join us.”

Water dripped haphazardly from the ceiling as they waited for Lelly’s signal. Time. Ticked. On.

Finally, Lelly’s green, scaly hand poked out of the water and gave a thumbs up.

“Hopefully, I'll be right back,” Merijest said before submerging herself.

***

The Twin Stars did not have a humanoid body plan. What they did have was like an ocean bluebottle with a hundred-armed seastar at the top which might be acting as the head.

Ki Shathra’s head supposedly had fewer arms than Arthash Ki, although this was not immediately apparent. High level [Clerics] and [Monks] might spend time counting them, but it would require patience and the permission of the god in question. Otherwise, it was often difficult to tell them apart.

Both of the Twin Stars were present in the water with Lelly and Merijest, although they were clearly too large to fit in the [Dungeon] chamber. The water of [Floor] 65 and the water of wherever the Twin Stars were had been connected. Although, Merijest suspected the connection was more of a window than a portal.

The demoness's internal reaction warred between intimidation and fascination. Although the Twin Stars were minor compared to someone like Beautuk, the demoness’s power paled when juxtaposed with their powerful forms. Externally, she mostly kept her composure.

“They want to speak with you through me,” Lelly said, smiling at the prospect of such a unique experience. None of her previous interactions with the Twin Stars were on par with this face-to-face meeting, not to mention the chance to channel their divine will through her.

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Merijest nodded, her dark hair moving slowly through the water as she moved.

Behind each of Lelly's translucent, indigo eyes half of a glowing sigil appeared. In one eye was the half representing Ki Shathra, Arthash Ki’s was in the other. When one of the [Deities] spoke through her, the corresponding sigil glowed.

“We are sympathetic to your cause,” Ki Shathra said. It was still Lelly’s voice but Ki Shathra’s words had more thoughtful gravity as opposed to Lelly’s more frenetic mannerisms. “However, I must recommend against making Lellindel a [Familiar] at this time.”

Finding she could breathe safely despite being submerged, Merijest replied, “Why not?”

When Arthash Ki spoke through Lelly, the voice sounded duplicated, as if dozens of people were speaking in unison. “This [Cleric] is young. She has limited combat abilities. She does not wish to travel with you right now if it would mean giving up her schooling. However, if you leave her here as your [Familiar], she may be put in danger if someone is able to detect the class.”

Merijest nodded. It was frustrating but she couldn't really disagree. She couldn’t force Lelly into harm’s way.

“I understand,” Merijest said, a twinge of dejection touching her words.

“However,” Ki Shathra said. “We have a request and an offer to make if you are amenable to such a thing.”

“Let's hear it,” Merijest said.

“Entrust one of your [Familiars] with our [Cleric] and we will forge a similar link with the creature,” Ki Shathra continued. “In exchange, we can offer both information and our future allyship.”

“That's all?” Merijest asked. Then she clarified, “I mean from me, that's all you want?” Although she also wasn't sure what the information and allyship would be worth.

“The [Familiar]’s proximity to Lellindel serves multiple purposes. It will allow us to communicate when needed. Additionally, we will grant the [Familiar] the additional Class of [Lantern].”

Merijest perked up at that. Her entire mood was turned on its head in an instant. “You honor me, Twin Stars. I believe our alliance is the beginning of something important and exciting.”

“Do not make us regret it," Arthash Ki's layered voice said. Ki Shathra quickly added, “Do not let Arthash's words concern you. This agreement is risky, but we trust your desire to make true on your goal, however grave the odds when facing one as powerful as Beautuk and his new champion.”

“His new champion?”

***

“What does making someone a [Lantern] even mean?” Thesa asked.

Merijest had re-emerged from the water, although the Twin Stars had more to discuss with Lelly.

The demoness was obviously excited at the prospect. She was talking with a high-tempo excitement that her usual demeanor suppressed.

“[Lantern] and [Familiar] are similar to [Blessings] and [Curses]. Mostly the same mechanics with slightly different flavoring. Whereas [Blessing] and [Curse] are two types of [Knack] – [Knack]! That was the word I was looking for! – [Lantern] and [Familiar] are two types of [Attendant].

“The important thing is that one creature cannot have two [Attendant] classes from different [Deities] without the assent of all parties. Whereas a [Cleric] has some freedom to connect with multiple gods within reason, [Attendants] maintain a deeper link. Having both [Attendant] classes will essentially open up a channel of connection between myself and the Twin Stars and that is going to give me a much bigger boost in power compared to just gaining one [Familiar] who happens to be their low-Level [Cleric].”

Thesa didn’t say anything immediately. Somewhere in the middle of the explanation she’d realized that Merijest was standing there soaked in water. The demoness’s hair was wet and although it was pretty short, she kept pushing it back like it was in her face. Additional droplets traced their way down Merijest’s neck and… Thesa looked away, face bright red. “So what does that mean practically speaking?”

“For one thing, you can finally start getting a more complete version of the [Witch] Class,” Merijest smiled.