As the strange smoke began to clear, Mevi could not help herself from looking upwards to gaze upon the two magnificent figures before her. Maphet, the Lord of Knowledge, approached Mevi in all her splendor and glory. Where her mask might once have sat instead held a glowing orb of infinite blue arcana. Braided snow-white hair fell softly down her cloak, which looked to be made of pieces of a starry sky. Her elegant white robes laid delicately under the aetherial cloak and accentuated her form perfectly, her exposed skin glowed with swirling runes of blue energy. Yet even as Maphet’s divine form was beheld by Mevi, it seemed to slowly begin to drain away and shift.

Mevi watched in disappointment as Maphet’s form transformed from her glorious divine regalia, to the hooded and hidden form Maphet disguised herself as when she and Mevi first met. Her glowing mind shrank from the brilliant orb of power and formed into a swirling blue mask set with soft clouds. Her divine regalia softened in its divine brightness, instead becoming layed hanging cloaks and a long hood both of which were embroidered with golden sigils, and finally donning a glowing blue stole that framed a swirling blue arcane sigil on her front. The baggy robes disguised her fully from what divine glory might fight to escape, yet even so the dampened glow of what still visible amount of her blue skin radiated a calm and knowing light.

In contrast to Maphet’s impressive display, Odion’s own robes retained a simple design. His form was kept by simple, functional, white robes with rigid green runes. His own face was beheld as an old earthen spirit which swirled with greenery and stone trapped within an orb upon Odion’s shoulders. Yet just as Maphet did herself, Odion’s own divine form faded as he drew up a hood to cloak his face. As he did his mask reappeared, swirling blue with white clouds, the same as Maphet’s own mask, while at the same time his earthen colors reverted to the motif of his wife.

Throughout the entire process Mevi was enthralled by their divine display and the radiant glow they produced. She almost longed for them to remain in their more elegant attire, but as Mevi regained her focus from the glorious display of shapeshifting she noticed Alestair; the man shook slightly as he forced his eyes away and to the ground, a small stream of sweat poured from his forehead and a bead of blood began to slowly drip from his nose. Mevi jumped to action, confused and concerned. Before Mevi could fully reach Alestair, and before she could ask what was wrong, the man held up his shaky hand to pause her. Mevi was concerned what was happening to the man, and looked to the two Magi as their forms fully degraded to their more hidden power. As the radiant glow dimmed and then altogether disappeared, Alestair’s shaking lessened and soon stopped. As Alestair regained his composure Odion spoke, “Interesting. I will record your continued resilience into the archives, Alestair.”

“Thank you my lord.” responded Alestair.

Mevi was still confused, looking between the two figures as Alestair continued to avert his gaze. Mevi didn’t understand what had transpired between the two, or if it was some self-imposed test, but she quickly remembered who she was in the presence of. Reminded of her place and station, Mevi returned to a kneeling position next to Alestair. As Mevi did so the two Magi looked down at her, Maphet asked, “Is the Mevi stable? The Mevi cannot stand?”

Unsure how to respond, Mevi hesitantly said, “I believe I am stable, my lord.”

“Will the Mevi stand?” asked Maphet curiously.

Mevi had never understood exactly how to act around the Magi, their personalities so diverse. But Mevi did as she was asked and looked again at the shrouded Magi. Maphet’s curiosity seemed piqued, her head cocked as she looked at Mevi intently. Despite the mask, Mevi could somehow sense the Magi’s emotions, or at least she thought she could. Maphet walked closer to investigate Mevi, “Accelerated heart? Exhaustion? Confusion? Is the Mevi afflicted?” asked Maphet with concern.

“No, I am fine, my lord. We just walked a great distance, I might be tired… My lord.” Mevi responded cautiously.

“Hesitation? Apprehension? Is the Mevi tired? Is the Mevi ill?”

Maphet’s doting curiosity was like a barrage against Mevi, who had been almost entirely secluded alone for the last several weeks. She had forgotten how to act around the Magi, having learned more about Maphet’s station and power made it difficult for Mevi to know how to even speak. As Maphet investigated Mevi intently, Alestair dared to steal a single look in astonishment towards the encounter. Odion intercepted his own apprentice’s curiosity, “Alestair, the archives would suggest you have a report.”

Stolen story; please report.

“Yes, my Lord Magi Odion! The Neophytes and Chief Stewards assembled, and we distributed the tasks you advised be prepared. As you ordered, the safest mission was tasked to Mevare Bensari.”

“I will record your efficiency in the archives. Nothing of note is left for you here, the archives would guess your presence is no longer required.”

“Of course, my lord.” responded Alestair, with an almost grave tone.

Mevi watched the short interaction as Maphet lifted Mevi’s arm to check her pulse, and Mevi couldn’t help but wonder if it was normal to be treated so bluntly. Alestair stood and gave a regal bow before leaving the room, no longer needed. As he left he chanced a last look towards Mevi, who in turn looked back at him with the same strange curiosity he returned to her. To his perspective, what was happening to her must be the most strange scene he had ever seen, Mevi thought. The doors were closed tight, and Mevi was left with the two Magi. Maphet finished her investigation of Mevi’s arm before looking at Mevi again, “The Mevi needs sleep? Did the Mevi sleep?”

Mevi thought for a long moment before realizing, “I apologize, my lord… I don’t think I have slept for several weeks. I have been focusing on studying.”

“The archives suggest living flesh needs sleep. The archives also suggest constant study produces adverse effects to one’s goals.” declared Odion, as if giving a child a lecture.

Mevi could only look embarrassed. The two Magi seemed to treat her differently than even their own servants. Alestair was Odion’s own Magi Apprentice, and he was dismissed without a further word. Some part of her felt bad for the disparities between herself and Alestair. Yet even as Mevi’s checkup finished, Maphet stared deeply into Mevi’s eyes. As if looking into her, Maphet’s piercing gaze sent chills down Mevi’s spine. Then, after the long gaze concluded, Maphet declared, “The Mevi’s power sleeps. Did the Mevi put it to sleep?”

The question Mevi had dreaded since her studies originally began had finally arrived. Unsure how to answer she simply stood there in her own frustration and embarrassment. She was still trying to decipher how and why her soul’s daemon fell quiet for so long. She could still manifest some small effects, but nothing so consistent and potent as she had once done. It took her weeks to even be able to make a visible effect and even then it could only act as a sort of inferior vision to her own eyes.

Odion watched Mevi with a sort of stern investigation, while Maphet seemed to assume something was wrong that must be studied. Both waited for Mevi to respond, or give some explanation. But none came. As the three figures stood in silence, Odion spoke, “The archives suggest a change in focus can redouble efficiency. As the archives need tending, focus your efforts on the task at hand. I shall search the archives for answers while you descend to the planet after we arrive.”

“The Mevi will sleep. Need sleep, yes? The Mevi rests now.” Maphet said, matter of factly.

“Of course, my lords… I truly do not know what happened, but I will not disappoint you.” Mevi said with feigned confidence.

Despite her words, Mevi was terrified she might never rediscover her power. The power that laid within her was the only asset she had, and its disappearance endangered more than just herself. Kalesi, Mevi’s mentor and first real friend, was in the care of Maphet’s servants. Despite Maphet’s promise to care for Kalesi, Mevi could only be terrified what would happen if Mevi proved insufficient to Maphet’s needs and was subsequently disposed of. The fear that rested within her seemed to leak out, both Magi seemed to study her with a knowing look. Maphet looked at Odion, who so often seemed to speak for the both of them, “The archives suggest your departure to the planet will be soon. They advise you return to your dwelling and attendants. The archives state Alestair’s thoroughness, but in addition to your current attendants the archives suggest you retrieve another. The being, Modrak, is one that might help you. They reside within the facility you and your attendants house within. The archives state his vital necessity to your task upon the planet. If you have any duty before departure, make it to seek out this being.” explained Odion to break the silence.

Mevi wasn’t sure what to do, so she simply bowed in mimicry of Alestair and said, “Of course, my Lord. Where should I find this person?”

“Modrak resides outside of the archive’s recollection. They are an entity that cannot be recorded, yet they will prove an assistant to you.”

Odion stated his last advise in such a way that Mevi knew there was little else she could get out of him about the subject. Mevi had to hope Zelkan or Saerin had heard of this ‘Modrak’ before. Mevi was unsure what to do at this point, and Odion seemed to understand her hesitation. While Maphet continued to look over Mevi, ignoring the air of the room and the looming tasks still ahead, Odion commanded that Mevi leave to prepare and rest. As Mevi turned to leave she caught a glimpse of Maphet waving her goodbye, an innocent and almost encouraging emotion leaked out of the Magi. Maphet was truly a mystery to Mevi, but she returned the gesture regardless while Odion stood tall and proud watching Mevi leave with his emotionless air of logic.

Mevi was left in the hallway as the doors once again closed, leaving the two Magi to their own devices. Now she only needed to find her way back to her facility. The daunting task became less intimidating as the mechanical clanking of metal feet against stone echoed from beyond the turning corridor. One of the mechanical people turned into the hallway, stopped when Mevi was spotted, and then bowed deeply. The construct spoke no words, but as Mevi approached it turned as if to lead her away. Mevi could only hope that this construct was sent to escort her back the way she had come.