There wasn’t much to pack for the journey – aside from some clothes and her phone, Prelinsa had no real personal belongings. The phone was properly hers now after the speech, and the tracking had been removed – at least, supposedly. That said, the thought of even having personal belongings was still sort of weird for Prelinsa. Back in the slums of Kalmia, it was likely for such things to be stolen or lost, so it was better not to own anything that you were particularly attached to. But now that she had a decent idea of her future, maybe she could finally find something like that.
The train ride, by the way, was extremely comfortable. Prelinsa couldn’t believe that the Matriarch had prepared an entire VIP train car for her and Missus B., complete with beds and even some workout equipment. Supposedly, this wasn’t done purely out of generosity – it was also done for security reasons, since Prelinsa was now a disciple of the Matriarch. As a show of this, the only other people allowed into the car were servers who delivered meals, and there were security guards stationed in the neighboring cars at each end. The only permanent company they had was a service robot named Vivid, which had proven surprisingly helpful. Although Prelinsa had conceptually understood how important her station had suddenly become, it was only really sinking in now with such treatment.
They arrived in Pyrus by the morning of the next day. Guided by a Silvermoon representative and exiting the train station, Prelinsa had her first look at the capital of the East Realm. It was very busy, like Cydonia, but a lot more old-fashioned than the modern futurism of that city. Most of the buildings were smaller, only a few floors high, and had either facades of masonry, or were bare brick. They were fairly colorful, unlike the largely glass and white monoliths of Cydonia, and they smelled nice and earthy – especially being damp from recent snow. However, there was still the same blend of civilization and nature. Wherever Prelinsa looked, there were copious amounts of plants and trees not far away from stores and homes, though many of them were bare of leaves due to the winter. An iridescent blue bird peered down from a tree branch overhead.
The cars contrasted heavily with the old aesthetic of everything else – they were mostly the sleek and modern vehicles seen in Cydonia. One of them stopped by, and the representative opened the door and guided Prelinsa and Missus B. inside. As they drove, the buildings gave way to more trees, until they arrived at a large moat. The moat surrounded a tall, fortified stone wall, at least 15 meters high, and a drawbridge led to an imposing pair of solid metal gates with guards stationed around. The top of the wall had occasional lookout posts with pagoda roofs, from which even more guards kept watch. The car stopped.
“The car is not permitted to go beyond this point. This is where we will disembark,” the representative said, and they all did so. “We will take care of your luggage from here.”
The representative led Prelinsa and Missus B. across the drawbridge, and the gates slid open with a mechanical rumbling. Beyond were several security checkpoints, which they had to pause for several times to get the necessary clearance. Luckily, the representative made things go fairly smoothly.
After that was a paved stone path, with some pine trees lining either side, as well as traditional stone and wood pagoda buildings. Still further ahead were steep, stone ramparts, on top of which were more buildings and more ramparts, creating the appearance of a layered, fortified hill. As she walked, Prelinsa peered up at the imposing structure. At the very top of it was a particularly large, predominantly white castle, built to the same oriental style as the rest of the buildings.
“What’s that?” Prelinsa asked, pointing.
“That is White Blossom Castle, atop Castle Hill,” the representative answered.
There were also plenty of people around, and they watched as the odd party entered. Some of them murmured to each other. Prelinsa’s fox ear caught parts of the conversations to her right.
“Someone new?”
“I think the pokkit girl is the Matriarch’s newest disciple.”
“Who’s the ailuran lady, then?” This person said ailuran in a Western accent. Eye-lure-an, rather than A-lure-en like most people.
“Probably a guardian,” someone else said. “Also, it’s not ailuran, it’s ailuran.”
“Barbaric. The Western pronunciation is the original. You’ve all butchered it.”
“Yes, and it sounds better.”
While these two were arguing, people continued to comment on Prelinsa.
“One ear? No… human ear and pokkit ear. That’s weird.”
“I hear she’s from the slums in the North Realm.”
“What has the Matriarch been thinking? First adopting that abominable thing as a daughter, and now taking a half-breed street urchin for a disciple…”
“Silence. Your words bring shame to House Silvermoon. I didn’t think it possible to say something so insulting.”
It seemed that rumors had already spread. Prelinsa did her best to ignore the more insulting ones. They were just people who didn’t know any better. It was fine.
A gang of three red foxes trotted by in the opposite direction, their bushy tails trailing behind them. Not pokkits shifted into fox form, but actual foxes. They could be identified by their smell, among other things. The foxes scattered as a child chased after them. The child was chased by her father, who looked somewhat weary.
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The representative, Prelinsa, and Missus B. zigzagged past people and through the complex pathways of the fortress. After passing through some more gates and security checkpoints, they finally reached the stairways of the ramparts, and began a long climb up. Eventually, they reached White Blossom Castle at the top – Prelinsa had to catch her breath by the time they got there. From here, it was clear that the castle wasn’t alone – there were some smaller buildings surrounding it, which looked like they might be houses. Prelinsa could also see the entirety of White Blossom Fortress, and beyond its walls, the more modern but still traditional city of Pyrus. There were some taller buildings in Pyrus that she hadn’t been able to see from the ground, resembling those of Cydonia. People and cars looked like tiny ants from up here.
A metal door with some decorative patterns engraved on it stood before them.
“The Matriarch will see you inside, Prelinsa. Missus Brunswick, I will be guiding you to a separate meeting,” the representative said, sliding the door open.
Entering the castle, Prelinsa could see the woodwork of crisscrossed beams holding the ceiling up. As they walked, it was clear that some sections of walls had plaster coverings, but others were bare. It seemed to depend on where they were in the castle. The interior doors were wooden or paper, and were all sliding doors. There wasn’t much in the way of ornaments – it was quite austere in appearance. Which made sense, since this was a fortress.
Eventually, they reached a closed door. The representative slid the door open. “This room is solely for Prelinsa to enter. Please remove your shoes before entering,” she said. Prelinsa bent down, pulling her shoes off her feet, before walking in.
The interior of the room was somewhat more decorated, but still fairly spartan. A couple of potted pear trees were on each side of the entrance – they smelled very nice. The floor was covered in tatami mats. There was a low table, and no chairs, but some cushions around it. Sat on the far end of the table, cross-legged, was Matriarch Kirith Silvermoon, with her mask covering her face. Her staff was laid out on her lap.
“Welcome. You may take a seat,” the Matriarch said. The representative meanwhile shut the door behind Prelinsa. “I hope your trip was restful and enjoyable.”
“The train ride… got a little boring for me after the first half,” Prelinsa said, sitting down on a cushion across from the Matriarch.
The Matriarch didn’t seem to take offense. She just nodded once.
“I completely understand. It must not have been very stimulating, being on a train for so long. I hope you were at least able to find some interest in the workout accommodations.”
Prelinsa nodded. “I did, yeah. They were helpful.”
“Good. Let’s not waste any more time, then. We will now discuss the Path of the Phoenix.”
Prelinsa leaned forward, listening attentively.
“Firstly, how familiar are you with magic?”
“Not really,” Prelinsa admitted. “I’ve heard stories, but I don’t really get what it is.”
“Magic is simply the power to alter reality around you at your will,” the Matriarch said. “It is achieved by harnessing mana, an energy that flows in streams beneath the ground and through the oceans.”
“Right. Cities and machines use the mana streams for power,” Prelinsa said. “But you also said they provide balance.”
“Indeed. The mana streams are not only an important economic factor in society, they are responsible for maintaining the balance of nature. Their destruction leads to much unnecessary suffering.”
“Like in the North Realm,” Prelinsa muttered.
“Correct. The North Realm was destabilized in part due to the loss of mana streams. Both society and nature suffered as a result. That is why we are prioritizing their restoration.”
“Why did House Crimsonstar destroy the mana streams, then? Didn’t they know what would happen?”
“We do not know. Regrettably, much of the evidence was destroyed before we could reach it. The surviving members of House Crimsonstar refuse to speak.”
Prelinsa frowned. What could be so important that they wouldn’t even talk about it? People had suffered because of it. She had suffered because it, and Marianne had even died. It was all so unfair.
The Matriarch allowed Prelinsa to dwell on her thoughts for some time.
“…To help in maintaining the mana streams, we prioritize nature in the East Realm,” she continued. “Our cities are all intertwined with it. The presence of nature helps re-energize the streams, allowing them to retain their power even while mana is being drawn from them. In recent years, House Silvermoon has also promoted alternative, renewable energy sources to help relieve pressure on the mana streams. This symbiosis and respect for nature is what helps our society prosper.”
Prelinsa nodded. That made sense.
“However, mana is also something that individuals can use to power magic,” the Matriarch continued. “All magic is achieved through a mana heart – a core of energy contained within the body. It allows one to draw power from the mana streams. However, only some individuals are naturally born with a mana heart. These are known as innate mana hearts, and they enable what is known as innate magic. Innate magic is easy to use, like limbs of your body, but is typically limited in what it can achieve.”
“Limited?”
“As an example, the innate mana heart of a shifter, such as a pokkit or ailuran, only enables them to shift between their human and animal states, and potentially intermediate forms in between. A dragon, whether Eastern or Western, typically has two innate mana hearts – one which powers their elemental breath, and another which enables them to shift. Naturally, there are always exceptions.”
Prelinsa nodded. “That makes sense. And I can’t shift because I don’t have one?”
“That is correct. I cannot sense any shifter heart within you.”
“I bet it’s because I’m a half.”
“That is a possibility. Regardless, it is likely that the Path of the Phoenix would grant you one if you achieve bodily reconstitution. It is not something you need to worry about.”
“That's cool.” The idea of shifting spooked Prelinsa, though. It was such a weird thought, having lived her whole life without shifting. “But if I learn the Path of the Phoenix, I'd be strong enough not to need it anyway, right?”
“Strength is not all that there is. I believe you would be remiss to ignore the other benefits of shifting.”
The Matriarch began to shift, but instead of shifting larger, she grew smaller and smaller as her limbs and face changed, along with her clothes. Soon, she was a small silvery fox, only about forty centimeters long in body, and now wearing tiny versions of her robes and mask. Her sweeping tail looked almost comically large compared to her body. She was very cute and fluffable like this – Prelinsa practically had stars in her eyes. She wanted to pet the Matriarch, but held herself back.
“This form has advantages,” the Matriarch said, her voice now higher pitched. She sounded like a child instead of an adult, which only added to Prelinsa’s desire to fluff her. “The psychological effect that it has upon people is sometimes beneficial. It is also smaller, and stealthier, than an earfolk form.”
“Can I… can I pet you?” Prelinsa asked stupidly.
“I ask that you refrain.”
“Aw.”
The Matriarch shifted back up to her earfolk form.
“As you saw for yourself, there are real benefits to shifting. However, it is true that the Path of the Phoenix is strong enough that the power of shifting is is insignificant compared to it. It is a form of acquired magic. With acquired magic, one either builds up a mana heart through special methods, or gains one from an external source. This enables more powerful and varied forms of magic, but it requires diligent study and cultivation to use to its fullest. In the case of the Path of the Phoenix, the mana heart is referred to as a Phoenix Spark.”
“So… how do you get one?”
“Before I get to that, do you know what the Phoenix is?”
“It’s… a big bird of fire that lives for a long time, then burns itself up and is reborn from the ashes. Right?”
“The depiction of the Phoenix as a bird of fire is a common one, but slightly inaccurate. What you refer to are merely Avatars of the Phoenix. They are projections of power upon our world that mortal beings can bear witness to. They are able to take on many different forms besides that of a bird,” the Matriarch explained. “The true form of the Phoenix is incomprehensible to mortals. It is a cosmic entity that helped birth the universe in the Primordial Fires of Creation and Destruction. Unfathomably vast, powerful, and ancient. What we call phoenixfire is not merely fire, but an aspect of the Phoenix’s power that we can use. It encompasses more than fire alone.”
Prelinsa raised an eyebrow and tilted her head, frowning as she tried to visualize this. But it was a bit too abstract for her. However, she did understand that the Phoenix was bigger than she could imagine. She also understood that phoenixfire wasn’t just normal fire – that part made sense. Otherwise, it wasn’t realistic that you could burn in phoenixfire for an entire lifetime and suffer that way until you died.
The Matriarch allowed her to be lost in thought for a while before continuing. “…A Phoenix Spark must be cultivated through diligent practice and study in order to control phoenixfire,” she continued. “Once it grows beyond a certain size, it becomes a Phoenix Heart. An Avatar of the Phoenix, or a Phoenix Warrior with sufficient understanding, can grant other people Phoenix Sparks.”
“So that means…”
“It means I will grant you a Phoenix Spark.”
“And the Path of the Phoenix is the way that you cultivate a Spark?”
“It is only one way. There are perhaps limitless ways to cultivate a Phoenix Spark – it is said that there may be infinite worlds, each with its own methods of cultivation. However, the Path of the Phoenix is one that is compatible with the world we live in. Therefore, it is what I will teach you.”
“So, when do I get a Phoenix Spark and start learning?” Prelinsa asked eagerly.
“I must temper your expectations somewhat. Cultivation begins before you acquire a Phoenix Spark,” the Matriarch said. “You must train first. Otherwise, there is a very high risk that the Spark with burn through you. If that happens, you will most likely become consumed by phoenixfire, and your body will burn such that not even ashes remain.”
“Oh.” Prelinsa’s fox ear drooped.
“I understand that you are eager to learn, but you must have patience,” the Matriarch advised. “If your body and mind are properly trained, the risk decreases significantly, and I will be able to intervene more easily if you fall astray. There is no reason to endanger you by rushing.”
“What kind of training do I need?”
“One’s mind can never deal with every possible situation, even after years of training. But to be granted a Phoenix Spark, you must be aware of your emotions, and have the capacity to look within,” the Matriarch explained. “Understand your feelings. Know where they come from. Use them to your advantage. Do not linger on them, or allow them to cause harm to yourself and others.”
Prelinsa nodded. Introspection was something that she had to get better at.
“As for your body, one that is sufficiently fit is all that you require. However, I believe it will benefit you to formally learn martial arts,” the Matriarch continued. “There will be times when it is unsuitable to use magic, and it is better to simply rely on your body.”
“What do you mean by, unsuitable?”
“Consider the amount of control that you have, and your surroundings. Have you ever heard of a dust explosion?”
“Uh, no?”
“It occurs in an environment where flammable dust fills the air. If you were to release even a slight spark, it could rapidly spread and consume everything in the area. Using phoenixfire at all in such a situation is nearly unthinkable. It would require an incredible degree of control and awareness.”
“Ohhh. That makes sense,” Prelinsa said. “And… do you have that degree?”
The Matriarch nodded. “I do. But only after many years of practice.”
“Uh. Maybe this is rude, but how old are you, anyway?”
“As of this spring, I am one hundred ninety-three years old.”
“Wow.” That was old. Not as old as elves could get, but the Matriarch didn’t look a day over 25, and there wasn’t any smell of makeup to suggest she was faking it. Prelinsa had in fact never smelled makeup on the Matriarch, in any of the times they’d met. Even a 150 year old elf didn’t look that young – that was like 30 in elf years.
“…Regrettably, I will not always be available to train you. As the Matriarch, I will inevitably have other matters to attend to. But whenever practical, you will follow me where I go, and use that time to both train and learn. In other situations, my youngest daughter will train you in my place.”
“I did hear you had a daughter. I didn’t know you had more than one.”
“I have two daughters, and a son. My youngest is still inexperienced, but more than capable of training you at this stage of your learning. She already has a Phoenix Heart, and is skilled in martial arts. Nonetheless, this will be a valuable learning experience for her as well.”
“Okay. What’s your daughter’s name?”
“My daughter’s name is Corynn. I have briefed her on your situation and circumstances up to this point. She has already been informed about this arrangement, and is eager to meet with you.”
“Well, I look forward to meeting her, too.”
Prelinsa paused.
“…I have something else to say. It’s about your daughters, but I don’t know if it’s okay or not.”
“You may speak.”
“While I was walking here, I overheard someone calling one of your daughters an ‘abominable thing.’ Did you know there are people who think like that?”
The Matriarch inhaled and exhaled, and Prelinsa sensed both sadness and anger beneath that mask. There was some tension in the old pokkit’s body language.
“…Yes. There are those who hold such ill thoughts. They speak of Corynn. It is deeply upsetting to me, but I cannot control what people think – to do so would be mere tyranny. All I can do is provide counseling and guidance, to educate them on what I believe is right.”
“Do you know why they think those things in the first place?”
The Matriarch nodded once, slowly. She seemed to be calming down. “I do. But rather than me telling you, I believe you should hear it from Corynn herself.”
Prelinsa nodded. “Alright.”
It seemed like the subject upset the Matriarch quite a bit, so she was content not to press for an answer here. It did concern her family, after all. Marianne had always been quick to defend Prelinsa whenever she was attacked, either physically or verbally, and always comforted her and apologized to her afterwards. For the first time, she felt like she could really understand the Matriarch, not just as a powerful figure to be respected, but as a person. As a mother who cared deeply for her children, and was upset that she couldn’t always do more for them.
“…I think I get you a little more,” Prelinsa added.
“Go on,” the Matriarch said, encouraging her to speak.
Prelinsa looked for the words. “…You talk like a politician most of the time, but that’s kind of because you have to,” she said. “That’s also why you wear that mask sometimes, like right now. I know my mom wouldn’t be able to keep a straight face if someone called me a ‘thing.’”
The Matriarch nodded once, slowly. “Indeed, you see through me. If that helps us relate to one other, then I rather welcome it. Right now, I am not a politician – I am your teacher. It benefits us both to know each other on a more personal level.”
Prelinsa appreciated the Matriarch’s frankness and humility. Maybe that was just something that came with age. Probably not, though.
“I won’t say anything about this to anyone,” she said.
“Thank you, Prelinsa. I appreciate that.”
The Matriarch gathered her staff in her left hand, uncrossed her legs, and stood.
“Come with me. I will bring you to meet Corynn. And then, we will begin your training.”