Kelani sat with the heaviness of Saule's emotions. They left her feeling empty somehow, uncomfortable like a thick wet quilt holding her in place. The celebration of the victory exploded around her; the people cheered. The winners were named, and she was certain Papa could hear them from his Garden. When the audience filed out, she stayed behind.

She watched as Mages employed by the Academy mended the battlefield. With a wave of a staff the debris was cleared. The edges of the fissures were pushed together creating a seamless surface. Erasing every presence of the battle’s existence. Even now, as Saule’s emotions faded, she wondered if she truly felt them in the first place. They vanished, slowly, like the lazy lapping waves. They weren’t hers to own to experience. It felt like a dream. But why did her heart ache.

She recalled the duel, experiencing through the Mage's body was surreal. She didn't have words, but it felt like everything all at once. The erratic heartbeat, the labored breathing, the aching muscles. But there was more. Kelani sensed the magic flowing inside her. The warmth that was the opposite of hers. Flowing through veins of red vibrant life-giving blood. She wished she stayed longer, but the all-encompassing emotions overwhelmed her, overpowering her sense of reason. Like a coward Kelani retreated to her own vessel. The safety of her immortality.

Her thoughts returned, she settled into her familiar form. It felt vacant compared to the swirling emotions Saule had coursing through her body. But at last, she could address the pressing matter with a calculating reason she relied on. Saule's abilities were growing. The child was impressive, and the talent she displayed proved it. But something held her back.

The memories. The injured woman spilling blood. It was vivid, terrifyingly real. It was different than the bittersweet memories of her loyal pet. The horror of it had stopped the Mage in her tracks. Stalled a successful attack and left her incapacitated. If it wasn’t for her partner, they would have lost. How could someone let fear take over and ruin their success. Mortals were proving to be more complicated than she thought.

The glowing orange sun dipped behind the mountains, bringing some reprieve to the day’s heat. The music and dancing swirled around her. But she stood beside the fountain of the Chalice with her head low. The day started with such promise and enthusiasm. A kingdom full of people, of wishes and hope. But those feelings soured the longer she thought of Saule. Kelani shrugged, allowing her body to float upward towards a rooftop above. Her feet hung over the edge as young children place lit candles on lily pads.

She watched them float in the fountain basin. They giggle and she can’t help but wonder if Saule was similar at their age. She pulled her from the fountain without a second thought. But when Kelani drove into her mind, she found something troubling. Despite her talent for magic, and her blessings from Haddak, Saule’s heart was fragile. Not in the physical sense, but her confidence and courage, struggled to shine. It held onto those unsettling images with an iron grip.

Kelani saw a glimpse of truth in her heart, she had every chance to become great. A wonderful, powerful Mage, who could accomplish anything she wanted. But her fear held her back. Kelani never knew fear. It came with a possibility of death; something her kind did not experience. What could she truly lose, that she couldn’t recreate? Her magic was endless, and so were the possibilities. Fear was for mortals, not her. As she pondered how to help Saule, a soft pop beside her indicated Osana had found their meeting spot.

“I said sunset,” she teased. The twilight descended over the canyon, splashing the sky with a rich purple. Below them a river of candles twinkled, as the people joined the procession to the temple.

“Sorry, I got distracted.” She sighed, pulling her knees to her chest.

“Not with more sheep, I hope. You nearly ruined Jhee with that stunt of yours. I told you to blend in.

“Sorry about that, these mortals are confusing. They flip flop all the time, it’s hard to figure out what you’re supposed to do and not do.”

“They are definitely more complex than I thought.”

“Did you find your mortal yet?”

“There is this young Mage who seems to be struggling with her confidence. I would very much like to help her, to repay the help she given me. What about you?”

“I found this strange girl; she looked so calm on the outside. But very angry on the inside.”

“I do not believe she is a good target. She may be dangerous.”

“I don’t think so, I think she’s sad.”

“But you said she was angry?”

“Yeah, but I think her anger stems from her sadness.”

Kelani sighed, experiencing two opposing positions at once was impossible. It wasn’t logical, but she knew her sister wouldn’t listen. They had the argument a hundred and two times already and she assumed the hundredth and third, would end the same.

“Well, this is your area of expertise, after all.”

“I wish I could do what you do though, see into a mortal’s mind. I would love to know what she’s thinking about.”

“Why not ask her?”

“She doesn’t seem to like me. I did something to make her mad.”

“I see. I may have something to help.” She reached into her bag, feeling past the prayer stones, the pencils, and the other relics she packed until the square shape brushed her fingers.

She pulled the amulet free and presented it to her sister. Delicate slivers of silver held a clear vial of glass. Inside was four compartments and three contained a glittering mauve coloured dust.

“Is that…”

“Yes, it is something Alma and I have been working on. With the help of the Great Star. It will allow you to enter someone’s mind for a short period of time. Until the sand runs out that is. Once that happens your mind returns to your body, and no one is the wiser. However, you cannot interact while inside, you are a bystander only. Understand?”

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“Oh wow, this is amazing.”

“You have three chances, so make sure it is the person you want. You need to see them, or it will not work. All you do is press this spot here and the shelf inside with break activating the sand. Any questions?” She shook her head and held open her hand. “I hope it helps.”

“Thank you, Lani!! You’re the best. Once I get in her head, I can start figuring out why she’s so angry all the time. Then I’ll show her that she doesn’t need to be sad either. Do you think she’ll be my friend?”

“We’re not here to make friends, Osana. We are to help someone in need so we can become a member of the Pantheon...”

“Then we’ll have all the friends!”

But her laughter faded as she watched the procession below. It was darker now, and the stars splashed the night sky. Kelani glanced upwards; knowing their Papa watched from above. This will not be so easy, he told her. All the preparations in the all the realms cannot combat the unexpected. Expect hardships granddaughter. And keep each other safe.

“Are you sure we can do this?” Osana's tone was soft, unsure, and teetered on regret.

“We must try.” She squeezed her hand, “we have Papa’s blessing, he would not have given it if he did not believe in us.”

They sit together watching the people sing into the night. Their hopes and dreams float into the heavens. Their sorrow finds comfort among the flickering flames.

Tomorrow our quest truly begins.

“It’s pretty here.” Osana whispered; the fire flickered in her wide eyes.

“Yes, it is.”

The next morning Kelani wandered the quiet hallways of the Academy. There wasn’t a student in sight. She wanted to speak to Saule again, although she had no idea how to proceed. The dusty scent of knowledge and parchment soothed her. She still didn’t know what she was doing, how to introduce herself to Saule without scaring her. She entered a sunbathed courtyard with bubbling pools of water and vine covered columns.

Hallways branched off into several darker tunnels. Above was a glassless window with a cloudless blue sky. To her surprise Saule stood beside the water watching a small grey lizard crawl up the tree. The arches connecting the towers and the hallways baked in the afternoon sun. This is it, she thought. She stepped out of the shadow of the archway as a voice spoke from across the way.

“Saule!” Eevi, yesterday’s opponent, emerged from an entranceway. “Do not think for a second that yesterday's win makes you better than me.”

“It was just a duel, we all made it to the final round meaning we succeeded another year.”

“It is not just any duel. It sets up next year’s rankings. And I refuse to come behind the likes of you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You know exactly what I mean. Your type shouldn’t even be here. It was a fluke you even got accepted in the first place.”

“Whatever Eevi, I’m here now. And in another year or two we’ll graduate, and you won’t have to see my face again.”

“You really think you’ll graduate.”

“I’m ranked third, Eevi. I’ll manage.”

Another student joined her side. Kelani recognised him as Janus, Eevi’s partner. When Eevi’s eyes met his, she lost her crumbling composure. The girl’s hands balled into fists as her lips twisted into a pucker. Janus’s hand reached for her shoulder, but she unleashed a scream.

“No! You aren’t getting it. I’ve worked my ass off to get to Council Elect, there’s only two spots left, and one is mine!”

“Sis,” the boy said.

“It’s my birthright, there’s no way I’m letting you take it from me.”

She flung herself at Saule, who held her back by wedging her staff between them. She didn’t care whether the wood was digging into her arms, Eevi was still screaming.

“If you want Council Elect, you’re going to go through me to get it!”

“Shut up you mut!”

“Enough Eevi!” Janus gripped her shoulders and yanked her away. She continued to scream while he apologised. “Sorry Saule,” he blushed before dragging his sister away.

"Is everything all right Saule?" Her friend Bryden crossed from the shadows into the beams of light. "I was heading to the library, and I heard a commotion.”

"Just Eevi being Eevi," she muttered. “Are you going to study this afternoon?” Bryden leaned against the pillar, a book under his arm.

“Yes, did you want to join me?" A blush creeped over Saule's face before she answered.

"I have that special assignment today."

"Ah yes, the special guest. Nervous?”

“A little. His request to see the Headmistress was surprising. Having an escort is just as unusual.”

“Well considering the controversy from before. Would you blame them for insisting he be watched?”

“What is he going to do Bryden? Seriously, it’s all over and done with.”

“It was his Mage that caused all the issues.”

“She’s paid the price for it. Can’t everyone just move on?”

“Have you even considered his intention upon returning here? What has brought his lordship, Lord Orbit, back to where it all started?”

Oh no. No, no no. This is not a good idea. I need to leave. But Saule’s answer caused her to pause.

“Of course, I have. But that doesn’t give me the right to be judgmental.”

“Saule, they deserve the punishment they received. I know you admired her, but it is best if you separate yourself from people like her. And the likes of him.”

She glanced at her boot and suppressed a frown.

“Saule, what’s wrong?”

“Do you ever feel like you might not belong here?”

“No. This is the only place that matters, where else would we be?” But she frowned again, “Saule, you are not considering what I think you are? We have been through this, our place is here, the Kingdom of Ancients. The Innocents are leading themselves into darkness. If they refuse to see it our way, then why bother trying to help them. Let them be damned.”

Is this true? Kelani stepped back behind the column. According to Jhee, Innocents and Mages live in harmony together. Is one being led astray? Why didn’t Papa say anything. She saw their posture change, the jumped upright as if they touched something hot. Bryden shook his head and pulled his book closer to his side.

“Looks like he’s here. Good luck.” He waved his hand as he disappeared through the archway he entered through.

Saule exhaled, trying to compose herself before she came face to face with her visitor. From the shadow of the hallway a dark figure, half the size of a man, slinked into the light. Bright yellow eyes glowed as they approached her. She straightened her back.

“Lord Orbit” she bowed,

“Mistress Dufour, I assume?”