“Humans have a saying in their language that likens a treacherous political forum to a ‘pit of snakes.’ Often, I wonder if the origin of that phrase lies within our Empire.”

—Jii’Hssen Ssyii Ssyri’Jiilits

“So who was that guy anyway?” I asked, reluctantly breaking a fried fish in two before picking it up.

“The son of the head of a branch family to Ussen Lajiir who controls Ki’Lajiil province to the north of Uzh and the delta.” Ssiina looked to one side and then back at me. “And Issa?”

I swallowed. “Yes?”

“Please eat more slowly.”

“You—” I glanced around and realized Ssiina probably had a point. The people around us were watching, even if less openly than before. “Yes, Hssen Ssiina.”

The smile she gave me was infuriatingly smug.

But like I thought, she had a point. Her, me, and Kyrae were coiled (and sat) around a table in a small square by one of the main canals. The place was a fair slither away from the food we’d gotten, but that also meant we could get a seat. Around us, the square was full, but not packed, with mostly ssen’kaa and ssen’iir. We drew stares, but as we minded our own business and chatted easily, so too did they mind theirs.

Kyrae had suggested we go further from the festival, actually, and I had backed her up. Ssiina’s plan to just forcibly take the table we wanted by our presence didn’t really sit well. It was just a table, and we didn’t like the crowd anyway—well, Kyrae and I didn’t. Thankfully, Ssiina seemed happier too, but she was being decorous so I couldn’t really tell. Kyrae, ever the strange one, sat in the shade of a flowering bush and left the wonderfully warm sun to Ssiina and me.

From conversations around us, we managed to overhear that our confrontation earlier seemed to favor us quite heavily. We also overheard that there was to be a play tonight in the main square, and that decks were already being set up to coil and sit on.

“What do you think the play is about?” I asked my sisters, eager to dig into my feast.

Kyrae scooted her small stool closer and moved her skirt to get comfortable and not show anything. “I’d bet it’s something about Tuo’Antzin itself, the changing of the rainy season to the dry season.”

“I’m surprised Phaeliisthia didn’t tell us about it,” Ssiina said. “Actually, I’m not. It would be more unusual for her not to have us figure it out ourselves. As for what I think it’s about? My guess is the history of this city—something prominently featuring the Hssyri and Jaezotl.”

“What if it’s about Phaeliisthia?” I half-joked.

Ssiina giggled. “Then she’d probably have actually told us about it.”

I laughed and took a big bite out of the next fish. Warm, savory, and salty—perfect.

“Did you have to take so much?” my elf sister asked, looking from her modest plate of mostly-fruit to my much-more-normal pile of meat.

I looked down at the several fish still left and nodded. “I did, yeah. I’ll just not eat tomorrow. Isn’t that more normal for lamia than how Phaeliisthia has us eat anyway?”

“I… suppose it is.” A smile broke across Kyrae’s face and she leaned back, turning to look over the canal and the crowd across it. “This is fun.”

I nodded, mouth too full of fish for any other response.

“I couldn’t have imagined this three years ago.” She lifted a wrist to her face, turning her hand around and marveling at the well-trimmed, gold-painted nails and gem-studded bangles.

“Me neither!” I said through my next, bigger mouthful, swallowing after.

“Issa!” Ssiina snapped.

I took another fish and smiled at her, and her serious façade broke down into giggles.

Our respite didn’t last long, however, and soon we saw a group in matching garments of green and white approaching through a parting crowd. The Temple of Jaezotl. This time, I was less nervous they’d have sinister motives, and more nervous I’d plant my tail in my mouth.

To calm my nerves, I quickly swallowed another fish while Ssiina wasn’t looking. Kyrae rolled her eyes and I just smiled back at her, showing my lovely, clean teeth.

“Greetings, students of Phaeliisthia,” the lead figure said once she had slithered close enough. “I hope you are enjoying Tuo’Antzin, and I apologize for interrupting your meal, but might we exchange a few words?”

“Certainly,” Ssiina answered.

The leader, a lania’el woman with very dark skin and blue scales so dark they were almost black, coiled on the warm stones beside us. The three behind her, ssyri’iir probably, all coiled a respectable distance away. Each of them looked about as young as we did.

“I am Ussyri Anini, and I am one who speaks for the Temple here in Uzh. There are others, but I asked to come today.” She looked us over with pale yellow eyes under hair pulled gently back behind pointed ears, and I noticed her own complexion was rather young.

I lowered my head in respect, then raised it into a tilt. “There was a competition for who got to come talk to us?”

“Of a sort, yes.” Despite her jovial tone, Ussyri Anini’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “The first question I wish to ask of you is why you chose to study under Phaeliisthia. I will presume how to be privileged information.”

“You’d presume correct, Ussyri Anini,” Ssiina replied. “I am Ssiina Ssyri’jiilits, and I chose to study under Phaeliisthia for perspective, and for the chance to learn outside of a traditional environment I found stifling. I am certain my fellow students have their own reasons.”

Under the table, the tip of Ssiina’s tail jabbed into me. Be careful, I get it. I wasn’t that dense… right?

“I am Issa.” I paused to let the single name hang, an implication of ssen’kaa or ssen’iir. I also paused because I had to figure out exactly how to keep my answer vague. “I chose to study under Phaeliisthia to learn of the world and what heights I may be able to reach.”

Not technically a lie. If Ussyri Anini took issue with what I said, she made no mention of it.

“I am Kyrae,” my elf sister answered with a bow of her head. “I chose to study under Phaeliisthia to find my true self and learn the intricacies of sigilcraft.”

“Thank you all,” Ussyri Anini responded simply. “What of after your tutelage has ended? You three, regardless of origin—” she looked sharply at both Kyrae and myself “—will certainly become figures of influence within Jii’Kalaga. Or figures of greater influence in your case, Hssen Ssiina.”

“I plan first to become closer with my sire, and then to travel the Empire without agenda, just to see the whole of it,” Ssiina answered first.

Don’t mention the Spring of All Life. Got it.

“Similarly to Hssen Ssiina, I wish to see the Empire,” I answered. “Perhaps more of the world as well. As of yet, I have much thinking to do.”

When I finished and looked out past the quiet ssyri’iir, I saw another figure moving our way, but I couldn’t make them out through the crowd.

Kyrae answered last. “I as well wish to do some traveling to further my magical knowledge, but I aim to settle somewhere beautiful and enjoy a simple, quiet life for at least a century—perhaps with a family.”

Ussyri Anini’s eyes glimmered. “Well, if you are planning to travel, you must know of the Temple’s efforts to aid not only our own people, but those suffering in the war-torn lands of the humans. I understand Phaeliisthia’s neutrality, but I advise you to consider—particularly you two, Issa and Kyrae—joining the Temple.”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

There’s the pitch.

“Perhaps even,” she continued, “you might consider becoming students at the Spring of All Life—ssyri’iir in training or no. You spoke of perspective, Ssiina, and you must know it is important to learn from many sources. You as well, Kyrae: you expressed interest in learning the depths of sigilcraft. And Issa.” She turned to me. “Surely you would jump at the chance to travel to human lands, aid those who are suffering, and learn of their ways? I have even brought with me three acolytes, ssyri’iir from the Spring of All Life, to answer any questions you may have.”

Glancing up again, the figure in the crowd was closer now, and I saw temple vestments as well as two dark, trailing braids.

“I’m not sure,” I answered honestly.

“You will not be proselytizing,” Ussyri Anini reassured, still seemingly unaware of the newcomer’s approach. “Temple doctrine, as you ought to know, forbids the conversion of others, particularly outside the borders of the Empire.”

“But if they choose to join of their own volition, that is encouraged?” Kyrae asked with a hint of venom in her voice.

Ssiina paled slightly at our sister’s confrontational words, her lips drawing into a thin line.

Ussyri Anini frowned. “Encouraged is perhaps too strong of a word. We do not wish to—”

“Pressure others?” a deeper voice interrupted.

Behind Ussyri Anini, I finally recognized the face of Ussyri Noksi Kosseti. She was dressed in temple finery of green and white, with emeralds sewn in that glittered in the light. Her long, dark hair spun down in the usual two braids I remembered, but gold bands wrapped the bases and ends. Serious blue eyes flicked between Ussyri and us.

“Ussyri Noksi,” Ussyri Anini answered. “I was not aware you had business in Uzh.”

“I do.”

“Here to visit Phaeliisthia, then?”

There was something off in Ussyri Anini’s tone, but I couldn’t figure out what. Thankfully, Ussyri Noksi didn’t seem to want to be as cryptic.

“I am not Phael’s pet, Anini,” Ussyri Noksi rumbled, the dark skinned and scaled ke’lania towering over the similarly-complexioned lania’el. “As I am certain you understand, it is possible to care for others that differ in their views on worship.”

“Might you let me finish speaking with Phaeliisthia’s students then, Noksi?”

“Certainly. I will coil nearby and wait my turn. I assume you do not need to question why an acquaintance of Phael’s would desire to speak with her students?”

“I understand your point, Noksi.”

“Good.”

I caught a glimpse of Ussyri Anini’s normally friendly face looking like she had just sucked on a grapefruit before she turned back to us three. Ussyri Noksi coiled off to one side, and from behind her form, I recognized Ssyri’zh Onussa. Excited enough to forget myself, I waved at her. Surprised, she offered a small wave and a big smile back at me.

Ussyri Anini followed the gesture and regarded me a little more coldly—or so I assumed. “I apologize for the interruption. If your work with the Temple takes you abroad, you will be expected to do no more than offer aid to those who are willing. Do you three have any questions for the ssyri’iir about the Spring of All Life?”

Oh, this might actually be a chance to get information! Of course, I was slower between my thoughts and my words than Kyrae was.

“What are lessons like?” my elf sister asked. “How many days a week, and for how long? What about accommodations?”

An excited Ussyri Anini gestured for the ssyri’iir to speak up.

One, a leader of the group who was a ke’lania with green-brown scales, slid forward. She explained, in clear terms, the answers to all of Kyrae’s easy questions. The overall feeling I got was that the lessons were less intense than Phaeliisthia’s, with two days off instead of one. The sleeping and eating schedules as well seemed to cater to lamia biology rather than elf—and it didn’t surprise me that all three students here were lamia.

The important detail that stuck out to me, as I tried not to glance at Ussyri Noksi and Ssyri’zh Onussa, was sleeping arrangements. Ussen and Hssen received rooms for small groups, or even individually, while the remaining students, ssyri’iir or otherwise, slept in large, communal dormitories.

“I wouldn’t mind such sleeping arrangements,” I answered in response to the implication that it might be “tough” for us to accept after being “coddled” by Phaeliisthia. Not that they used those exact words. “Are lamia and elves separated?”

“Informally,” Ussyri Anini answered easily, speaking before the ssyri’iir who bowed and slid back. “Might you consider the offer to learn at the Spring of All Life or perhaps join the Temple?” She glanced at Ussyri Noksi, then continued, “You are free to do as you please, of course.”

“We will each consider your offer, Ussyri Anini,” Ssiina answered. She bowed her head lightly, as was proper.

“Very well then. Thank you.” Ussyri Anini rose, and the ssyri’iir behind her did as well. “Enjoy the rest of Tuo’Antzin, and you may visit me or the other ussyri or ssyri’zh at the Temple here in Uzh if you’ve any further questions.”

My sisters and I, along with most of the square, watched her and the ssyri’iir go. Ussyri Noksi glanced over the crowd, and whatever expression she wore made most of them turn their gazes elsewhere.

“Students of Phaeliisthia,” she said with a lilt to her voice as she approached with Ssyri’zh Onussa. “Greetings from the Grand Temple.”

“Ussyri Noksi,” Ssiina said, her formal tone shifting to sound audibly relieved.

“May we?” Ussyri Noksi gestured to the spot Ussyri Anini and the others had just left.

“Please!” I said faster than Ssiina could speak.

The big ussyri chuckled and coiled politely. Ssyri’zh Onussa moved next to her, almost demurely. Was she always that small? I remembered her being a fair bit bigger than I was, but now she seemed almost tiny.

I really wanted to hug Onussa, and as Ussyri Noksi and Ssiina were finishing formal greetings, I gave my sister a sidelong glance. She nodded, and Ussyri Noksi had just enough time to look over before I rushed forward and wrapped a very surprised ssyri’zh into a hug.

“Hi Onussa,” I said somewhat sheepishly. “It’s been a while—and I wanted to thank you again for saving me.”

That’s probably vague enough right?

“Me too,” Kyrae added from back at the table. “In a way, you saved both of us.” I heard her stand and walk over next to us before she joined in.

“Issa… Kyrae.” Onussa curled around and hugged us back. “I’m so happy to see you well! Better than well even!”

The ssyri’zh felt warm, and I realized just how much Onussa meant to me, despite how little time I’d spent with her compared to my sisters, Phael, or even Sire. She was the one who’d worked hard to save me, and who helped me connect again with my family.

I recalled one bright, sunny day spent with good food, warm baths, clean clothes, and a lovely meal in a pretty, modest garden. All of that time shone brightly in my memories. I met my sister Ssiina there, and the ssyri’zh was with me as an ally when I met my then-scary sire. I cared about Onussa.

“There goes any chance of seeming unbiased,” Ussyri Noksi said with a hissing laugh. “Although I suppose it is my fault for bringing her here.”

“Is that why you came?” Ssiina asked.

“Part of it, yes. Onussa wished desperately to see those two, and you as well Hssen Ssiina, but I do have business with both the Temple here and with Phael. Mostly the latter, I admit, but I’ll be visiting the Temple this evening.”

“For trying to recruit us?”

“…‘Yes’ ‘is the simple answer,” Ussyri Noksi responded. “I wish to let you know that the Temple should ultimately stay neutral with regard to whatever path you three choose to take. Although that will not come without pressure from some. Without the extending circumstances…” she paused, but with my head crooked against Onussa’s shoulder, I couldn’t see why. “I would likely be trying to recruit you as well.”

Slowly, I released Onussa, and the conversation between Ussyri Noksi and Ssiina once again drifted into the background.

Kyrae seized the opening and took one of the ssyri’zh’s hands in her own. She gave a broad smile and did a half twirl to show off her outfit. “What do you think?”

“I think you’ve grown into a gorgeous young woman, Kyrae. More beautiful than anything, however, is your happiness. That dim light I saw in your eyes years ago fills them brightly now.”

My sister gasped, and blinked quickly as her eyes rapidly grew wet. My own vision grew blurry, and I probably cared less about the lines of makeup around my eyes, letting a few tears fall. Happy tears.

“Issa?” Ssyri’zh Onussa asked with a hint of worry in her voice.

“I’m fine,” I rasped, clearing my throat. “I’m just happy—that’s all. The chances I’ve been given, and this life that’s mine now to lead.”

“Eloquent. You’ve grown so much, Issa—and not just in size.”

“T-thank you.”

“Would you mind if we shared a meal?” Ssyri’zh Onussa reached into a pack by her side that she’d carefully angled away from my lunge earlier. From within, she drew out several leaf-wrapped, steaming parcels of food. “I’d love to spend some time catching up on all the details later, but I’d really like to know how Uzh and Phaeliisthia are treating all three of you.”

“Please!” I insisted, practically dragging her to the table. “We’ll have room if we all squish up.”

“Am I invited?” Ussyri Noksi quirked a brow.

Ssiina tittered. “Of course you are! Coil! Enjoy Tuo’Antzin with us.”

To that, the Ussyri smiled and we all crammed together around the table to eat and catch up. Of course, there was much we couldn’t talk about, but I enjoyed a peek into Onussa’s rather modest life in Ess’Sylantziis, and she greatly enjoyed hearing selected antics that my “fellow students” and I got up to. Ssiina and Kyrae took out most of the fun bits, but it was a nice time and we lingered perhaps longer than we ought to have, until well past when all the food was gone.

Better still, with the intimidating presence of Ussyri Noksi with us, no one bothered us for the whole meal. Which is why when she rose to leave, and pulled a smiling, bubbly Onussa away from our trio, I felt a pang of regret.

“If possible, we will stop by Phaeliisthia’s estate in the next few days. This one here—” she ruffled Onussa’s hair “—is trying to ascend to ussyri and has a lot of work to do.”

“You are?” Kyrae asked eagerly.

Onussa laughed. “I had hoped to keep it a secret, but yes, I am. I believe the Temple needs more young blood—and I still qualify as young.”

“Gonna recruit us then?” I joked.

“Only if you insist,” the kind ssyri’zh responded playfully.

“That’s quite enough,” Ussyri Noksi interjected before we could go on for too long. “If I let you kids start again, we’ll be here until sundown.”

I pouted, but Onussa hid her disappointment with expert precision. With a final series of waves, the two ssyri’ssen slithered off into the crowd and away. My sisters and I took our empty clay plates to the stack everyone had made and gathered up.

“Well, where shall we go now?” Ssiina asked, struggling to slip back into the guise of ‘formal hssen leading lower-class peers.’ “We have time still until the play starts, and we should have no difficulty getting a good place to coil—and sit.”

“There’s another market nearer the main square, right?” Kyrae asked. “I’m sure they have some fun things there. We can take a nice walk through the city on our way, too.”

I felt full enough for now, so I nodded at the suggestion that didn’t involve food. “Maybe I could find something for Ssyri’zh Onussa, or maybe even Phaeliisthia.”

Ssiina nodded. “Then that’s where we’ll go!”