Elonian Calendar, Year 1502, Lunar Month of Light - Day 12

“So tomorrow is the day…” Eullina remarked quietly. The Tel’naraa mess hall was empty of patrons at this time of night, but the kitchen was bustling with movement. To feed the many denizens of the desert city, the kitchen was closed in the evening for preparation, but today was an exception as all manner of bewitching smells wafted out onto the streets of the slumbering city

“Eat more, Airen.” Lilrim remarked, placing down another bowl in front of the two youngsters. “Force it down if you have to as long as you have stomach space. In a few days, you will wish that you had eaten more. ”

Airen grunted and nodded his head as he continued to gorge himself on the feast in front of him. The dishes in front of him lacked any manner of greenery, all made from carbohydrates and oily meats. It was the type of food meant to contribute mainly calories with no regard to a balanced diet.

It was for a good reason however. After Airen had asked Elder Duncan to guide him through the Dream Rites, the retired priest had simply laughed at first and told him he needed to put some weight first. Compared to when he first arrived, Airen now weighed nearly the same as an adult man.

“It is rather painful to watch him wolfing down food like that.” Eullina shook her head. “It brings back unwanted memories.”

“Haha, you were a chubby little cherub when you underwent preparation for the trials.” Lilrim teased. “In the end, your rite ended so quickly that you had to lose the weight afterwards.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me of those dark times.” Eullina wrapped her arms around her head. “The ritual lasted only ten minutes for me, and the months of preparation for it was for nothing. I couldn’t touch anything with Teq bread in it for months.”

“It is better safe than sorry. Remember when Loys went to take the Dream Rite, he was asleep for half a month. He came back almost like a skeleton.” Lilrim warned, waving a ladle at Eullina.

Airen listened into their conversation as he continued to force himself to eat. Tomorrow, Duncan would finally walk Airen through the last steps of preparation. He would have to fast during that week of training, and on the day before the actual ritual itself, he would gorge him one last time.

“Hey Lilrim, what do you remember about your Dream Rite?” Airen asked. It was supposed to be different for every person, and everyone Airen had asked had spoken of a unique experience each time. The only consistency between the stories was the journey deep beneath Tel’naraa, and falling into a deep slumber with vivid dreams.

“Not much. It’s been twenty years.” Lilrim replied, repositioning her hair as she took off her cooking headband. “I remember walking down a misty jungle road, and a voice asking me ‘is this the choice you have made? Or did you never have a choice in the first place?’ through the fog. Eullina, did anyone talk to you as well?”

“Yes.” Eullina quietly replied. After a moment, she continued, “It was the voice of my sister, who encouraged me and guided me through a maze of white and black stones. Near the end of the maze, I did not want to leave, but she… pushed me past the end.”

“Your… sister?” Airen asked apprehensively. “I thought she was-”

“Dead. Yes.” she affirmed. Lilrim gently placed her hand on Eullina’s shoulder to comfort her. After a moment, Eullina continued. “It was strange, the voice was both that of my sisters… yet at the same time I felt as if it was not her. It was a cruel imitation, yet ‌I could not be happier to see her.”

“I know that feeling. The voice within my dream was that of my deceased husband.” Lilrim said. “They say dreams manifest the purest of emotions and unconscious connections.”

Lilrim’s suggestion caused Airen’s mind to wander. A month ago, Loys had returned to Tel'naraa, and Airen had eagerly awaited news of his sister. But he had come bearing dark tidings. Several people fitting the description Airen had given him, but none of them had answered to the name Yuli. Fearing the worst, he had checked through hundreds of logs of the recently deceased, but it was unlikely for a slave’s name to be listed.

After a month of lying, bribing, and investigations, Loys only managed to find out that only one caravan had passed into the borders of the Red Slate Republic from the Kingdom of Macha ⎯ the one Airen had been on.

Airen had drunk it all in, all the information that Loys provided for him. He was glad that Yuelei was not suffering through the life of a slave, but on the other hand, he had absolutely no clue where she was, or if she was still in this world. Would he end up seeing his sister during his own ceremony?

“Airen, your sister is still alive.” The words shook him out of his dark thoughts. Lilrim was standing behind him, whispering the words into his ear. “You mustn’t lose hope. Good news travels slowly, bad news has wings. Fret not over the specters whispering in your mind.”

“Thanks… Lilrim.” Airen nodded.

“I ain’t going ta let my apprentice brood over foolish things.” Lilrim hollered. “If ya got the time to be wasting your energy on idle thoughts, keep those hands moving. Once you’re done with this nonsense, I am putting you back to working in the kitchen with me.”

Eullina smiled. Despite the fact that Duncan had exempted Airen from working in preparation to take the rite, he had insisted on working in the kitchen under Lilrim. All too often, the inhabitants of Tel'naraa would hear the voice of Lilrim reprimanding Airen coming from the back of the mess hall. It was almost customary of them to ask Airen if he’d ‘burned the soup’ again, or ‘on cleaning duty again’.

Nevertheless, he and the middle-aged women had grown relatively close. Eullina herself was quite pleased with how quickly he had fit in, and him working in the mess hall was a large factor to that. Above all, it was a way for Airen to focus his attention elsewhere while he waited for news.

“Maybe I should ask Duncan to give me more time to prepare.” Airen complained lightheartedly. “I’d rather be eating than being on peeling duty again after all!”

“Wha- ya ungrateful lil’ runt.” Lilrim put Airen in a headlock while using her knuckles to grate into his head. “Ya know darn well that prep is seventy percent of cooking. This gracious lady’s been generous enough to teach you the tricks of the trade, and here ya are, complaining about practice.”

“Lady? Lilrim, Isn’t it about time you let someone take over, like this dashing young man in your arms?” Airen retorted. Eullina smirked at his words, the young boy had clearly picked up some mannerisms from the banter that echoed in the mess hall during meal times.

“You were such a polite little boy when we first met. What has happened to you, Airen?” Lilrim sighed dramatically and released him.

“I only learn from the best, chef!” Without missing a beat, Airen shot back, but his mirth was short-lived as a vein popped up next to Lilrim’s smile.

Eullina couldn’t help but laugh at Airen’s predicament as Lilrim tightened her hold on him.

The following morning…

“My boy, come in, come in. Give this old man a moment.” Duncan gestured for him to enter and politely pointed towards a chair in front of him. All manner of documents laid scattered atop the chiseled stone slab that served as a desk, but at a wave of Duncan’s arm, they neatly stacked themselves into a pile in a corner as a faint breeze flowed through the room.

“Eullina is not with you today?” Duncan lifted a small earthenware kettle and Airen watched the light brown stream of liquid pour into a clay cup as he sat down.

“Thank you. She had business with Loys at the smithy.“ Airen accepted the cup of tea and sipped the cool drink, and patiently waited as Duncan finished writing in a small ledger. He glanced around the room, his gaze occasionally halting over familiar text that adorned the many books and banners hanging on the walls. The retired priest's abode also served as an archive of sorts, holding what little knowledge there was to preserve in Tel’naraa,

“Hmm, it seems like our underground plantations had a relatively good harvest this month. Our hunting parties did not bring as much game, but stockpiles are still going strong.” Duncan mused to himself, jotting down a few more notes before finally closing the ledger.

“So Airen. Are you sure you want to go through the Dream Rites? You’re still young, so you can turn back.” Duncan sighed as he refilled his own cup of the bitter wild leaf tea.

“I am sure.” Airen affirmed. “I feel… helpless here, just waiting for something to happen.”

“Inaction is the same as acceptance. There are times to pick one’s fights, but there are also times where one must prepare for the next one.” Duncan rubbed his chin before clasping his hands together. “Pull black your sleeve and hold out your arm for me, child.”

Airen did as bid while Duncan pulled out a small brush and a small inkwell.

“As you may have heard, we call it the Dream Rites because you shall be beckoned into a long slumber.” Duncan explained while dipping the brush into the inkwell. “Nobody ever has the same experience, so we can only teach you some basics such as learning to know when you are dreaming.”

“The easiest way to realize you are in a dream is to realize something is off. You must be able to discern reality from your dreams first and foremost.” Duncan lightly gripped Airen’s right hands and dipped the brush in the charcoal-like ink.

“This symbol will serve as an anchor for you. As you go about your everyday life in the next week, you will learn to recognize that when you are without the mark that you are within a dream. Within the fantasy of your mind, your hand would be unblemished, and that will be the sign that will hopefully jolt your mind into lucidity. That is the first step, and the easiest.”

“The second step is to influence the fantasy itself. You must be aware that you can make decisions and choices within your own dream. Thus, you will become not a mere observer, but an actual partaker within the story your unconscious mind weaves. ”

“The third step… is the most dangerous. Within a dream, the rules of the world need not apply. You can bend the dream to your will, create a world of indulgence that only imagination can take you.”

“One can dream to have been born royalty, the greatest artisan, a divine being ⎯ whatever you wish for, whether it be worship or fear, a mere thought can create it within the fantasy. ”

“One could dream that they have returned to the past with the knowledge of the future. To undo decisions and regrets that they have made. Some might wish to know the future, so they can build on top of what they have. Who does not enjoy a rags-to-riches story? ”

“One could even dream that the current world is a false one, and that they would be reborn into another on terms of their own desires. Mayhaps they will even take ‘people’ with them. ”

“But that is a delusion Airen, no matter how real the dream may be, it is but a fantasy, a temporary reprieve to the harsh cruelty of the world.” Duncan gripped Airen’s arm for a moment and his gray eyes stared into his.

“And that leads to the last step. The dreamer must have a clear memory and distinction of the waking world. They must be willing to give up their fantasy made manifest to return to the cruel realities of the mortal plane. They have to accept that they themselves are worthy in their own way. For many, this is the hardest step and where many fail. My advice for you Airen, is to cling onto the memory and thoughts of others. Remember your promises, your duty, your drive to find your sister. For those like us, we hold a responsibility to others before we succumb to our own delusions.” Duncan’s words seemed to echo a sentiment that they were just as much for himself as for Airen.

“May the goddess watch over you, Airen.” Duncan muttered a prayer as he finished the temporary tattoo, giving Airen a pat on the shoulder. “Think upon what I have said, Airen, and return when night falls. From today onwards, you will sleep at my abode, so that you may learn to dream.”

“I… will strive to understand.” Airen replied, his mind a bit befuddled at the information that was just given to him. Duncan spoke of dreams as if they were solid, tangible things, and deep within, Airen could sense a dangerous exhilaration at the prospect of controlling one’s dreams.

“Oh, one more thing.” Duncan added almost as an afterthought. “Your week of fasting begins now. You are to only drink liquids until the final day.”

“Thank you Elder Duncan.”

“Like I said, call me Duncan, or Father Duncan if you insist.” Duncan waved his hand in a gesture of dismissal. “It seems you have a guest, so you should not keep her waiting.”

Airen’s unspoken question was answered as soon as he left the abode.

“Let me see!” Eullina, who had apparently finished her business early, shouted as soon as Airen appeared outside. Without waiting for his consent, she grabbed his arm and studied it. “An angel? Duncan really gave you one of the better ones.”

“Is there a difference?” Airen shrugged as he tried not to move his forearm and let the ink dry in the warm air. “Is this really a tattoo? It looks like it would wash off easily.”

“That is the point!” Eullina advised. “You must be conscious of it, and even the act of preventing the tattoo from fading would cause you to look at it more often.”

“I see.” Airen gave a closer look at the valkyrie that adorned his arm. It was rather detailed, with a coat of arms on the armor along with a cloak. Even the sword that it bore in one arm had an elaborate hilt and several runes running down the blade.

“This is… really well done.” Airen agreed.

“Duncan never gave up his religion despite his exile, so this must mean quite alot to him.” Eullina nodded. “It is almost better than the azure drake that I had.”

“You had a dragon as your tattoo?”

“Mhmm.” Eullina nodded. “Are we heading back to the mess hall?”

“Yes, is your morning training done?”

“Tsk, tsk, working in the mess hall knowing that you'll not eat. That sounds like torture.” Eullina tutted. “Ah well, I am sure the others would be happy to have something to celebrate.”

Airen smiled lightly as they traveled back to the mess hall. Whenever someone was known to start taking the Dream Rites, it was custom for all of Tel’naraa to support them. Many an ingredient for meals Airen had the past few months were from well-wishers that Airen himself had never seen.

“If it isn’t Airen! A legend walks among us!” a voice cried out as Airen stepped back into the mess hall. It was noon, and thus packed full of the day’s workers. Most of the population in Tel’naraa were men and Airen had learned firsthand that they were sometimes crude and rambunctious.

“Show us Airen!” a hunter shouted, and before long a chant echoed around the chamber.

“Show us! Show us! Show us!” After a few minutes of constant cheering, Airen embarrassingly raised his arm to show off the image of the armor-clad angel.

“Woo!” Whistles and cat-calls went around the room. “Where did you bring back such a beautiful lady? How’d you bribe Duncan?”

“Enough Blake. Look at the poor boy’s face. He’s all red!” His companion reprimanded him.

“Come on brother, we have to be good examples for little Airen. Who else is fit to teach him the ways of adults?” the man named Blake chuckled.

“Enough of that, or ‘something’ might end up in your next meal.” Lilrim came out from the back, giving a nod to Airen. “Ah was wondering where Airen was picking up his attitude, but it was you rogues all along!”

Lilrim walked over and lightly smacked the loudest two on the head with her frying pan.

“Mercy, great chef!” One of them over-dramatically dropped down into a begging pose. “Please do not feed us hard bread and tepid water!”

“Better change your ways friend, or you’ll be eating rations for the rest of your days!” A roaring laughter echoed through the hall and in response the man clutched his arm to his chest and feigned despair.

“Alright enough messing around.. Airen, come over here and ladle the dishes out.”

Airen, glad to be out of the spotlight, quickly scooted over behind the counter and started to help pour out portions of stew into holes made into pieces of bread. Having not eaten anything today, Airen’s mouth watered as he worked, and more often then once did a stray thought cross his mind to sample the stew for himself.

“Easy now Airen, once the lunch rush is over, I’ll make you a vat of broth. It won't fill you, but it will ease the pangs.” Seeing the looks in Airen’s eyes, Lilrim quickly reminded him.

“Thanks.” Airen mumbled, tearing his eyes away from the food and just focusing on working. Scoop out the soft portion of the bread. Ladle stew inside. Sprinkle some greens on top. Serve with a spoon. Repeat. Like a mantra, Airen’s actions repeated itself until he fell into a trance of repetition.

Before long, midday meal was over, and the patrons filtered out of the mess hall, returning to their daily toil. Airen unconsciously started to clear and rub the tables with a cloth, placing dirty dishes into the washing bin after throwing any remaining bones and scraps into a bag for compost. Eullina had left with the patrons as well, going on patrol duty,

“Sit down, Airen. Conserve your energy.” Lilrim saw him, and gestured for him to stop what he was doing. After making sure that Airen heeded her directions, she quickly cleared away the dishes and wiped down the tables with expertise.

“So Airen, what sort of soup or broth would you like? A meat-based broth would be more filling, a grain and veggie one is easier on the stomach.” Lilrim asked.

“Either is fine.” Airen shrugged, his eyes constantly drawn to his arm. “This tattoo is… really distracting, just like Eullina said it would be.”

“That’s part of the process.” Lilrim chuckled, tossing some dried roots and grains into a pot of boiling water and covering it with a lid. She then took a few aloe-like plants from a basket and sat down next to Airen, using a thin knife to peel their bumpy skin off.

“Airen. Since you’re free, can you drop the compost off and fetch some more grains? The broth will be done when you get back.”

…

“Well, if it isn’t Airen-boy.” A white-haired man greeted him as Airen quickly stepped into the cave and out of the ceaseless heat outside. Almost instantly, the temperature dropped into something much more bearable, and the sweat infused into Airen’s clothes cooled, creating a comfortable sensation against his skin.

“Hello, Dullas.” Airen greeted the old man. The first time Airen had entered the farming caves, he had almost lost his way if not for the white-haired man with blackened skin. Dulles tilted his head towards the nearby wash bins and Airen nodded his head in gratitude as he helped himself to some water.

“How was the harvest today?” Airen asked as Dullas gestured for him to follow.

“Good, good. The mushrooms here grow better than wheat as long as they are given the proper nutrients.” Dullas replied as they walked deeper into the cave network that sprawled beneath Tel’naraa, guided by the light of Dullas’ torch. Luckily, the journey was brief, and after a passing turn, they arrived in a small cavern that was illuminated by a hole in the ceiling where light sprinkled in.

“Here we go...” Airen held his breath as he walked forward and poured the food scraps into the compost heap. Bits of old monster bones, rotten stems of plants, moldy bread, and assorted leftovers that were unfit for consumption into the putrid pile. The stench used to make his stomach reel, but it was something he had learned to tolerate ⎯ especially after he realized why there were only communal toilets.

“That Lilrim you told me about never ceases to amaze me.” Dullas commented. “It is no simple task to feed the amount of people all by oneself in this small settlement.”

“She doesn’t waste food. Every part of the ingredient is used for something.” Airen replied. “I am still surprised that you do not eat at the mess hall like the others.”

“Aye, I suppose that is a good thing. You’d be well to learn from her, Airen-boy.” Dulles rubbed a cracked hand against his chin. “There’s plenty of food down here, so there’s no need for me to go above ground. My skin’s a bit sensitive, after all.”

Airen trailed behind Dullas as they continued to travel down the twisting cavern paths. Torches illuminated some caverns that were occupied with workers, but a majority of them were empty. Every so often, Airen would see familiar faces from the mess hall, and they would nod and wave at him before continuing on their work.

“It’s actually quite damp down here.” Airen commented as they traveled deeper underground. He ran his hand against the sandstone walls, feeling droplets of moisture that had built up.

“It is. There’s an underground lake deeper inside where water is drawn for the crops.” Dullas replied. “The fountain in the square draws from it, and it is surprising you would like to make a trip to the reservoir instead of the fountain. ”

They made a right turn at the next crossroads into a small cavern. Dullas used his torch to light up the ones hanging onto the wall, revealing a series of stone boxes filled with the harvest from the plantations.

“Airen-boy, some workers say you will be fasting now to prepare for your Dream Rites.” Dullas said, leaning against the wall as Airen picked up a nearby.

“Yes.” Airen replied. He did not hear Dullas replying to him, but paid little heed to it and continued working. Dullas was often quiet and soft-spoken, and it was common for him to reply via a simple nod or a tilt of the head. He had also always come to meet Airen whenever he had to run an errand, escorting him beneath the earth.

Yet to his surprise, when Airen was done with this task and looked up, he was alone.

“Dullas?” Airen whispered into the dimly illuminated darkness.

After a minute of Airen being left to his thoughts, the torches aligning the walls burst into flames, illuminating a passage outside the storage chamber. Airen hesitantly stepped outside and followed the path of torches, not recalling seeing them when they had arrived initially, and reasoned that they had been left behind for him.

“Guess there’s no going back….” At one point, Airen had looked behind in a moment of doubt, but when he looked behind him, the lit torch had already flickered out of existence.

Before long he came to a stone doorway. A giant stone slab blocked off the entrance, and no matter how hard he looked, there wasn’t a door or mechanism of any kind.

“What is this...” Airen ran his hand along the smooth, too smooth to be natural, stone surface.

“My room.” a voice spoke from behind him, and Airen felt a surge of adrenaline as a hand grasp his shoulder. Only did he realize the owner of the voice did he finally calm down.

“The trick to opening it...” Dullas said, reaching over and tracing a finger on the stone slab as “is to draw this symbol upon it”.

Airen watched as Dullas traced a small circle, followed by a half circle beneath it, and then finally a three-pronged cross below it, As soon as Dullas’ finger was lifted, orange veins lit up the magical stone tablet, and it sunk into the ground without a sound, dust falling from the ceiling.

“Wait here.” Dullas told him, walking inside with the torch. A few moments later he returned with a tiny glass bottle in his hand, and gestured for the two of them to leave. Before Airen can voice his questions, Dullas passed the tiny bottle to Airen. In the torchlight, Airen saw that it was filled with a shimmering, silver powder.

“What is this..?”

“I have lived here for a long, long time, Airen-boy. It is a ground up herb from a long time past, and the last of its kind in the world.“

“What is it for?” Jourmind had once told Airen that rare herbs were priceless, and many people had traded their entire life’s fortunes for one.

Dullas was quiet for a long time; the crackling of the burning torch, and Airen’s footsteps on the stone only seemed to disturb his silence. As they turned around the next corner, Dulles opened his mouth.

“The Dream Rites your leader performs are extremely similar to the ones conducted by the stories of my ancestors long ago. However, the ceremony known to my kind is extremely dangerous, especially to children. What I have given you there is guidance.”

Airen held up the tiny bottle the size of his thumb towards the light. Upon a clearer look, whatever was within had originally looked like a fine power, but it was actually closer to a shimmering mist that floated within.

“Perhaps you may not even need it, but that powder will reveal the true form of the Dream Rites. Your dreams will be deeper and more vivid, but it will also be clearer than any others.” Dullas added. ”But that is not a blessing, Airen-boy. It will reveal things to you that even you do not wish to know, and your trial will be harder.”

“…. why are you giving this to me?” Airen asked.

“You’re the only one in Tel'naraa that fits the age, Airen-boy. Plus my spirit tool is...” Dullas held the torch high into the air and let go. Airen waited for the torch to fall down, but it floated in the air beside them as they walked. “...the traveler’s torch. It is my duty to lead those to the crossroads.”

“I will leave it up to you. If you do not wish to take the risk, then pour out its contents into the desert and let the wind carry it away.“ Dullas grimaced as he continued to speak. “Something like that should not be kept in the hands of humanity.”

Airen’s curiosity got the better of him, and he opened the strange cap on the bottle, and pinched a bit of the strange powder. It had no scent but when he tasted it; the flavor was unlike anything he ever had back at the Imperial Palace, a mixture of flavors and sensations that brought a smile to his face. It was as Airen had drank liquid euphoria, and without realizing it, Airen had poured the rest of the contents into his mouth. For the briefest of moments, Airen felt as if the world had become a brilliant bright white, with his body floating and swimming in pure ecstasy.

“We are here. Airen-boy.” Dullas’s voice lured Airen back to reality, and they stood in front of the cave entrance, the light blinding his eyes. Almost as quickly as the sensation had arrived, it left, yet Airen felt like he had lost something in that brief moment. But before he could lock down that jarring feeling, Dullas gave him a small push from behind.

“You’d best be going, Airen. Isn’t there someone waiting for you?”

“I… yes.”Airen nodded as he got his bearings.

“Thanks for… everything Dullas.” Airen felt like they were words that he had to say, despite the logical reasoning that he would see the old man again in another few days.

“It is I who should be thanking you. Farewell Airen, the next time we meet will be on different terms. Search for the door Airen. Search for the door.”

When Airen turned around to respond, Dullas had already disappeared, leaving him alone to ponder the lingering words.

Elonian Calendar, Year 1502, Lunar Month of Light - Day 16

“Good evening, my child.” Duncan waved Airen in, before nodding to Eullina. “I will handle it from here Eullina, you’d best go home and get some sleep.”

“As you wish, Duncan..” Eullina gave Airen a knowing nod and a reassuring squeeze, before vanishing into the darkness of the night.

Duncan steered Airen towards a bed laid onto the ground and gestured for him to sit.

“Tonight Airen, you will learn to be aware of when you are in a dream.”

“Do I have to keep this tattoo on afterwards?” Airen asked, raising up his hand.

“Indeed you do. This entire week before the rite itself is to train you to be aware of your dreams, as well as being able to navigate yourself in them. There is no such thing as too much training and reinforcement.” Duncan explained. “I will brew some tea that will both help you sleep, and help you have pleasant dreams.”

“Alright.” Airen nodded. As Duncan started boiling water for the tea. Airen decided to ask him something that was on his mind for a while.

“Father Duncan?”

“What is it my child? If you have questions, do ask so I may relax your fears.”

“Err… It's about someone else actually.”Airen hesitated.

“That’s alright Airen, ask away.” Duncan signaled with a hand. “As long as it is not something that is sensitive, I may tell you enough to satisfy your curiosity. ”

“Do you know a man called Dullas?” Airen questioned. “I haven’t seen him in the past few days.”

“Dullas...? There is nobody that goes by that name in Tel'naraa Airen.” Duncan turned around with his eyebrows raised. “Where did you meet this man?”

“In the caves behind the plantations.” Airen responded, uncomfortable under Duncan’s piercing gaze. “Is there something wrong-”

“No Airen, my child. Everything is fine.” Duncan cut him off and reassured. “Dullas… I believe I have heard of him, There’s a few folk that avoid the occasional census, and stick to themselves. Everyone in this settlement has their own circumstances, after all.”

Despite Duncan’s words, Airen still sensed a light tension in the way Duncan carried himself. Time slowly passed as the beard man quietly grounded up some strange glowing white mushrooms and submerged them into the boiling kettle alongside what appeared to be a type of dried flower.

“It will only be a few moments,” Duncan gestured, and true to his words, the ingredients within the kettle simply melted until it became one with the liquid.

Airen watched as Duncan poured the boiling liquid through a sieve into a cup, turning into a daffodil colored tea. As the old priest pushed the cup in front of Airen, he held up a hand gesturing for him to wait.

“Patience child, first let me explain what it is while it cools.” Duncan paused before continuing.

“The tea is distilled from a type of poisonous mushroom, grown rarely in the deepest caves beneath the city. This will be your last chance to back out, if you still wish to” he warned.

Airen could not help but stare at the amber-like liquid in front of him. Although it was called a tea, there were small chunks of gelatinous masses in it akin to jelly.

“Alchemists say that the proper use of poison becomes a medicine. It won’t kill you, but it will cause you to fall into a deep slumber.” Duncan reassured him. “When you fall into that dream-like state, you must teach yourself to wake up within the dream, and not let the currents of the dream-river wash you away. “

“You see the mark I have given you, Airen?” Duncan said, pointing towards the valkyrie on Airen’s hand. “It has accompanied you for a few days, but it will not accompany you into the dream. Within half an hour of falling asleep, you must remember to look at your hand, where it will be absent. That is when you will realize you are in a dream.”

“And then what do I do?” Airen questioned.

“One step at a time my child. This is perhaps by far the hardest step of learning to control your dreams. Drink the tea now, and I will wake you in a half-hour.“

Airen did as bid and drank the bland tasting liquid. As soon as he finished, he felt his vision dim and his mind cloud. Right before he lost consciousness, he felt Duncan’s hand on his head and a quiet voice whispering to him.

A series of images drifted by.

His father holding him as a child in his arms and shedding tears.

Sparring with Yuelei in the courtyard while Jourmind watched.

The sharp look from his mother-in-law, Xeina.

Laughing with Eullina at Loy’s jokes.

Learning to use a butchering knife.

“No, no that’s not right.” Lilrim’s voice seemed to echo around Airen. “To mince, you have to hold the knife closer towards the blade. Pinching above the hilt of the blade with your thumb and index finger gives you control and guides your cuts!”

Airen tried to focus on cutting the onion-like vegetable in front of him, but his arms felt sluggish and did not quite heed to his commands.

“What are ya doing, Airen? There are hungry customers outside about to come in. It’s almost time for the afternoon rush! Chop, chop now!”

Airen sighed and raised the knife again. He grasped the ingredient with his left hand to steady it, and slowly brought his knife down to one of the protruding roots. Yet right before he exerted any force, his eyes were drawn to the back of his right hand.

Something… something was missing that should have been there.

As if a jolt of lightning hit Airen’s body, he realized that nothing was real.

Duncan put down the small ledger he was reading and watched as Airen pulled himself up.

“That was fast, Airen. Did you have a nightmare? Not everyone’s first dream is pleasant-”

“That’s not it.” Airen shook his head. “I… realized it was a dream and woke up.”

“Are you sure? Tell me about your dream.” Duncan’s voice was doubtful. Even the fastest one to have finished their training had taken at least a day before they had passed this step.

“I was in the mess hall, working with Lilrim.” Airen recounted with precise descriptions of the area and the tools. “It was before lunch, and she was trying to guide me through mincing techniques efficiently.”

“And then what happened?”

Hearing Airen describe the dream with confidence, Duncan sat up straight and waved a hand towards the fireplace. The firelight from the cackling embers sent shadows dancing across the room as the fire was stoked with a breeze.

“As soon as I realized it was a dream, it was as if something hit my body, and I woke up.” Airen shook his head.

“That’s… remarkable. Outside of the rapid timing, everything seems to align to what should happen. Perhaps you are blessed by the Goddess. Airen.” Duncan nodded. “If all goes well, you may take the Dream Rites within a few days!”

“No… it was just luck.” Airen was unused to praise, and muttered the last bit to himself.

“Being aware of one’s surroundings is an important skill.” Duncan responded. “I am going to give you more of the tea now. Next time you realize you are in a dream, do not try to deny that everything isn’t real! You must not fully awaken your body, only guide it with your thoughts!“

Airen nodded and slipped into slumber again with the help of the tea. This time Duncan carefully observed him as he slept. Ten minutes passed, then twenty minutes, then thirty.

“Perhaps it was just a fluke...” Duncan sighed as he went to wake Airen. Just as his hands were about to touch the boy’s shoulder, Airen's hands grabbed his. Duncan’s eyes met with Airen’s as he slowly opened them, and gave a beaming smile.

…

“You did what?” Eullina shouted, earning glances from others in the mess hall.

“Shh, Eullina.” Airen mumbled as he put a finger to his lips in an attempt to hush her. “It is not that impressive...”

“It’s NOT impressive?” Eullina placed her palms on the tabletop. “It took me three days, three damn days of unrestful sleep to finally figure it out! And even Duncan said that was relatively fast!!”

“Well, Duncan did say once that the younger ones seem to do it easily.” Loys shrugged, sitting down next to Airen with his plate of food after a curt nod to Eullina. His attire was dirty and speckled with bits of sand, a hint to the arduous journey that he had just returned from.

“Hello Loys, welcome back to Tel’naraa.” Airen greeted him, glad for a chance to change the conversation.

“Airen! You’ve gotten larger since I last saw you!” Loys poked at Airen’s arm. “That is some good meat you have there, you’d make a fine meal for a Dune Worm..”

“You say that, Loys, but when you went to take your Dream Rites, you were the size of a bear.” Eullina huffed.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Ah~ that was indeed a dark time. It is hard to use my manly charms if it’s all hidden under a layer of fat. I feared that my bed would be left with my lonesome for the rest of my days!” Loys exaggerated.

“You’re never going to learn are you?” Eullina shook her head.

“Never until I learn the meaning of true love!” Loys sang, which elected a chorus of guffaws and snickers among the packed midday mess hall. Despite his nonsensical jests, he was a relatively well-liked member of Tel’naraa.

After the noise settled down, Loys placed an arm around Airen. “So, my dear brother from another mother, is it true what Eullina said? Figuring out dreaming and all that within a day?”

“It’s true.” Airen looked down said quietly.

“Ha!” Loys clapped Airen on the shoulder. “As expected from our youngest prodigy. When you discover what your spirit is, we must spar so Sir Loys can teach you some tricks!”

“Psh, all you’re going to do is teach him foul ways to gain the upper hand.” Eullina snorted. “Your story of being a knight is only to woo women. There is not a lick of honor in you!”

“You wound me, Eullina. Duncan may have given up his title, but I can say I am the last of my lineage.” Loys shrugged. “Tricks they may be, but if a trick can save you from dying on the battlefield, then all is well. Is it not?”

“Of course it is! But why depend on trickery when it is easier to win with overwhelming force and skill! Only the cowardly would depend on tricks!” Eullina shot back.

“Because there will be times you will be up against an opponent that is your better.” Loy’s tone had dropped, whispering threateningly. “Eullina, my dear. Are you calling me weak despite losing to me several times?”

“You won only because you were more experienced, Loys.” Eullina snarled back. “One day I will surpass you, mayhaps that day even be today!”

Airen tried to defuse the situation, but the argument only got more heated as the two hurled insults at each other from their differences in opinion. The crowd in the mess hall also seemed to laugh at the two of them bickering, as it was a common occurrence. Finally Lilrim stuck her head from outside the kitchen.

“Git outta ma kitchen and go settle ya differences fair and square outside!” Her voice carried by her iron lungs stopped the exchange of words and left the two of them with smouldering glares. As one they stood up and turned towards the exit, neither of them willing to lose to the other.

“Those children...” Lilrim sighed, and gestured for Airen to follow them.

As he made for the door he heard the patrons talk among themselves.

“And so the two of them went at it again...”

“My money’s on Loys. He hasn’t lost yet!”

“But Eullina has improved a lot lately. She even managed to beat me...”

“You’re just a horrible fighter. I can beat you with one hand tied behind my back!”

“Big talk from a man who also lost to a wee lass! I’d like to see you try!”

Ignoring the banter and conversation, Airen quickly followed his two friends to the training area.

He arrived at the sight of the two of them taking ten paces backwards while facing each other.

Loys twirled his scimitar in a half-moon lazily. “Are you ready Little Lina?”

Eullina held her arms straight out and a dagger materialized within each hand. “Whenever you are, Ser Loys.” She held the white dagger horizontally while the black one pointed towards Loys.

“Then come!”Loys taunted, pointing his scimitar at Eullina and gesturing for her to approach with his empty hand.

With a battle-cry, Eullina spun towards Loys in a storm of jabs, slashes, and feints.

Against the onslaught, Loys smiled and plodded backwards slowly, evading the attacks.

“Is this all you have, Eullina? My, and here I thought I would actually have to use my blade to block this time!”

Eullina continued the onslaught for another moment, before stepping back to catch her breath.

Loys took the opportunity and quickly closed the distance, flicking his blade at Eullina’s wrist in an attempt to disarm her.

“Not today, Loys!” Eullina quickly caught the tip of the scimitar on the white dagger’s hilt and parried it. She attempted to thrust her black dagger at Loys, but he had already retreated out of range.

In that moment of respite, the two of them snarled at each other, before launching themselves into yet another flurry of exchanges. For a minute the stalemate continued, and then Eullina suddenly changed targets from disarming Loys to attacking the scimitar itself.

Loys, realizing too late of Eullina’s intentions, attempted to put some distance between them. There was no way his plain scimitar was going to survive a head on battle with Eullina’s spirit daggers, Hummingbird and Nightingale. However, Eullina had seen what he was trying to do, and relentlessly pursued him. The next change of blows left Loys with a shattered blade.

“Ah, ah. You indeed have gotten better with those two little fangs of yours.” Loys admitted. “Kids grow so fast these days.”

“This is my victory, Loys! No more are you undefeated!” Eullina grinned triumphantly.

“Tsk, tsk, you hear this, Airen?” Loys looked over at Airen who was watching from the sidelines. “Little Lina here seems to be pretty proud of herself, with those spirit weapons of hers going against a mere training blade.”

“It just so happens that I have a weapon type spirit,there is nothing wrong with me using them.” Eullina shrugged. “Don’t complain if you simply lack the skill.”

“Tut tut, Eullina my dear, this is why you don’t show your hand so early...” Loys extended his right arm in front of him. “Because then you would be put at disadvantage when someone does this!” A strong wind blew from behind Loys, kicking up a cloud of dust. As it grew in intensity, both Airen and Eullina had to shield their eyes with an arm as they watched a short spear the color of jade appear in Loys outstretched hand.

And as soon as the wind stopped blowing, the fight was over. Loys had disarmed Eullina’s weapons in two jabs. It was hard to tell who was more surprised, Airen who saw it happen within a second, or Eullina, who did not even feel her daggers leaving her hands as she was knocked backwards.

Nobody moved for a moment, each of them trying to comprehend what just happened.

“Ugh, see what you’ve done and made me do.” Loys complained, breaking the silence, throwing the spear above him where it promptly vanished. “My lunch is probably cold by now.”

“You… you never said anything about having a spirit weapon as well!” Eullina scowled. “You’ve been sparring with a handicap this entire time?”

“Ah, the naivety of being young. Never make assumptions of your opponent, it will be the death of you. Consider this a lesson for the both of you.”

Loys offered Eullina a hand, and after a second of hesitation, she took it and they shook hands, signaling that their argument was over.

“Ah, Airen. Welcome.” Duncan greeted as he answered the door.

“Greetings Father Duncan.” Airen politely bowed his head. “I am here for more training.”

“You say training…“ Duncan mused. “But you actually manage to apply theory to reality and replicate it on the first try. There’s very little you need me to teach you at this rate.”

Duncan ushered Airen inside and closed the door. After they were seated, Duncan started to explain the process for navigating dreams.

“It is said that going through the Dream Rites, there will be something to guide you. Not everyone has one, but it is said it will hasten the process. In my case, it is an owl.“

“A… guide? Why must I have a guide in my own dreams when I can control it as I wish?” Airen asked quizzically.

“It is true… that lucid dreaming would allow you to have some semblance of control over your own dreams, but the Dream Rites require you to delve into the dreams of… something else.”

“….Something else?” Airen asked.

“On the day of the Dream Rites, I will take you to the entrance of the ruins. From there you must descend alone into the deep crevices beneath Tel’naraa, until you come upon a large chamber, with pillars representing each of the elements. You shall slumber there wherever you choose.”

“But what does that have to do with delving into a different dream?” Airen questioned.

“All of your dreams consist of places, people, things that you may have seen, even if you do not remember. But the dreams of those that have taken the rites… are different, as if they have a mind of their own.Hence the reason I believe you are wandering within something’s dream.” Duncan replied.

“What could it be?” The new information piqued Airen’s curiosity.

“Who knows, my child. Those ruins are from a time long, long past. If I had to guess, it would be an ancient, forgotten creature. One who’s imagination is vivid enough to drive others to temptation..”

“Are there any that do not survive the trial?” Airen hesitated before he voiced his concern.

Duncan realized what Airen was asking him.

“Yes...” He said quietly. “Some of them do not make it back. About twenty percent of those that have taken the test, never returned. Perhaps they had disturbed the slumber of the ancient one. Perhaps they had lost their way in the darkness of the ruins. Or as I suspect, perhaps they simply did not wish to wake up.”

“How long?” Airen asked hesitantly. “How long do you usually wait for someone… to come back?”

“A month. Most return within a week or two… but the longest we’ve had was someone that returned a bit over a month later.” Duncan quietly replied, not wanting to lie to the child in front of him.

Duncan placed a hand on Airen’s head and reassured him. “I am not too worried about you, Airen. You are gifted to master the art so quickly. Do not think of failure when you can strive for success. Focus on the task on hand.“

“What are we doing today?” Airen slowly heeded Duncan’s words and agreed.

“Tonight, you will practice until you can manipulate the dream to a good ending. If you are lucky, you may find something that is your guide. ”

Duncan poured Airen a cup of the sleeping-mushroom tea, and the night passed quietly.

Elonian Calendar, Year 1502, Lunar Month of Light - Day 24

“Eat up Airen.” Lilrim placed another platter of grilled Dune Worm meat in front of Airen. The smell and sight of it made it an extremely salivating sight, but it only caused Airen’s nose to crinkle up from the spices.

“Today’s the day, after all.” Eullina’s words gave Airen a sense of déjà vu, but there was no expression to be found on his face that was hidden behind a stack of empty bowls and plates.

“Must I?” Airen complained, wiping the grease that dripped from the sides of his mouth and on his hands on a rag. “Eullina, you agree with me that I don’t need to eat this much right?”

. “I have no clue why Elder Duncan would let you take the Dream Rites early, even if you had finished the training yesterday. He should have given you a day to rest and recover...” Eullina shrugged.

“I am sure Duncan has his reasons.” Lilrim defended. Placing a basket of black bread on the table along with a bowl of stew. “Despite his looks, he’s the sharpest one out of all of us.”

“Hmph.” Eullina snorted. “What are your elemental affinities Airen?”

“I do not know.” Airen replied between bites. “I have never felt drawn to any element, but if I had a choice, I would like to have the wind attribute.”

“The boy probably has a fire affinity.” Lilrim noted. “Most chefs are of the fire element.”

“His personality is way too timid for that. If anything, he has a water affinity.” Eullina shook her head.

Airen could sit back and amusingly watch the two of them bicker over what his elemental affinities were. Personally, he did not really care. He would be happy with any element, since from what he has seen, they all have their uses.

“Well, when he comes back in a few days, he can tell us, right Airen?” Lilrim’s voice shook him out of his thoughts.

“Uh.. yea!” he replied unconsciously, not quite following the conversation. He pretended to busy himself, cutting bite-size pieces off the giant hunk of meat and forcing it down his mouth.

“ Now that I think of it, Airen doesn’t really have a weapon of choice does he?” Lilrum added.

“He’s pretty nifty with that rapier of his, but I don’t think that it suits him at all.” Eullina noted. “Plus, it’s a pretty common weapon for nobility and common folk to pick up.”

“Really? I think he has the stature to use a lance or a halberd.”

“You got a point there… Airen doesn’t seem to like short reach weapons at all.”

“That’s because you traumatized him using those daggers of yours.” Lilrim teased. “Every few days ya would make him spar with you, and every time you would try some new move on him.”

“It is not my fault that he keeps losing.” Eullina huffed. “Every time we duel, he hardly ever seems to put any effort in it, unless I goad him. Isn’t that right Airen, take some responsibility here!”

“How rude. I do try.” Airen voiced out. When Eullina stared into his eyes, he shrugged and added. “I can’t stand against Eullina’s Hummingbird and Nightingale anyway, the few times I tried, the rapier would end up broken into bits.”

“Times?” Lilrim scolded Eullina. “Little girl, why would you bring out your spirit weapons in a casual spar?”

“But I can’t help it.” Eullina protested. “They feel and weigh differently compared to the practice weapons forged with earth magic. What is the use of using weapons that you are not comfortable with?”

“What if you lose your weapon in the middle of battle? What then?” Lilrim pressed.

Eullina grinned, and brought out the black-bladed Nightingale. With a twist of her arm, the dagger flew out the mess hall door and embedded itself in the ground. Eullina then held her outstretched hand towards the distant dagger, and after a few seconds, the dagger flew back towards her, as if being tugged by an invisible string.

“I see.” Lilrim nodded. “You’re quite efficient with your spirit tool aren’t you? But that doesn’t help if someone were to ping down both your daggers and you can’t get them back.”

“Then I would just have to create an opening.” Eullina smiled, and made Nightingale disappear in a waft of black smoke. “It’s a simple bit of magic. But it should be a good surprise attack against Loys the next time we duel.”

“Eullina, it is good that you see Loys as your rival. It is good for one’s growth, but after you defeat him, what then?” Lilrim sighed.

“Simple. It will be Airen’s turn to surpass me, while I defend the throne. I’ll train him until he poses a threat to both Loys and myself“

Airen did not like the twinkle in Eullina’s eyes as she said that.

Lilrim sighed, and took a peek at Airen from the corner of her eye, who seemed resigned to his fate as the hot-spirited Eullina’s sparring partner… or perhaps punching bag.

“Airen, child, are you ready?” Duncan pushed open the door as soon as Airen had knocked. He glanced behind him to see Lilrim and Eullina behind him. They bowed their heads in greeting, and he responded in kind.

“Yes.” Airen replied. It was chilly that night and he decided to wear the scarf his sister had given him. Perhaps he had thought it would be a sort of good luck charm as well.

“Good. Then let us go.” Duncan said, carrying a metal lantern and walking outside. The procession of people slowly made their way to the middle of the village square. In the middle of the night, the faint glow of the lantern was like a lone will-o-the-wisp dancing in the darkness.

“Here we are.” Duncan’s voice, albeit a whisper, echoed in the empty silence. He placed a hand on the rim of the fountain and chanted a few words. A blue line of light ran around the circumference of the fountain sides, before spiraling into the center and vanishing. With a shake, the water started to drain away, revealing a square tablet on the bottom.

“Your moment is at hand.” Duncan stepped into the confines of the fountain, gesturing for Airen to follow him. He placed a hand on the stone tablet, and with a grunt, lifted one side, revealing a series of wet and trailing stairs descending in a spiral, straight down into who knows where.

“Remember my words, and the training. Trust in yourself, and your abilities, and remember your obligations and duties to those of us in the waking world.“ Duncan said, clapping Airen on the shoulder. He turned around and looked at Lilrim and Eullina, telling them it was time to say goodbyes.

“Airen, you make me proud you hear? I will expect nothing less of my apprentice!” Lilrim came forward and wrapped Airen in a bear-crushing hug.

“Come back soon. Set a new record!” Eullina shouted, waving a hand and sending him off with a smile.

“Haha… thanks. It is hard to breathe Lilrim.” Airen forced out.

“Oh.” Lilrim abruptly let go and Airen landed on his feet. Wordlessly Duncan handed Airen the lantern and beckoned him onwards.

“Well… I’ll see you guys soon.” Airen mumbled, feeling cold and wrapping the scarf closer around him. The lantern was heavy for him as it was meant for a grown man, but it was something he could carry with both hands. The gentle warmth it gave off was more reassuring than any well wishes that were sent his way. .

“Take care, Airen.” Lilrim waved him off.

“May the goddess watch over you.” Duncan prayed.

Eullina said nothing, but right before Airen took the first step, she tackled him with a hug from behind. “I meant what I said Airen. So you better come back.” she whispered before letting go and returning to Lilrim.

Embarrassed, Airen awkwardly waved and started descending the stairs. He took one final look behind him as the stone tablet slowly shifted back into place and sealed off the small traces of moonlight.

“Guess there’s no going back now...” Airen mumbled. Using a hand to steady himself, he carefully stepped down the moss-covered stone steps.

The stone steps sank deep beneath the earth, and it was only after what Airen felt like was an hour did they finally come to an end. However, that was not the end of the descent, for he found himself in a long, downward sloping hallway.

Airen felt his feet bump into something, and as he held the light closer, he realized it was an empty lantern. Following Duncan’s directions, Airen started to slowly trek forward into the darkness.

“This.. must lead to the underground lake Dullas mentioned.” Airen thought aloud. The air was chilly, but it was not dry or dusty. It was damp and humid, like a cave that hid a natural spring in the summer.

“Or perhaps the lake is just above us?” The thought of a cave-in scared him. Try as he might, Airen could not brush off the dark thoughts that filled his mind.

As his mind wandered, Airen felt his feet bump into something. Half expecting another lantern, Airen brought his light source down only to see the face of a pale-white human skull smile at him.

“Wa-” Airen shouted in shock, falling back onto his behind. He kicked at the skeleton out of fear and the old bones made an echoing clattering sound as they were disturbed from their rest and were flung into the darkness. After a few minutes of him unable to peel his eyes away from the skeleton, Airen tried to calm his rapidly beating heart.

“Breathe… “ Airen mumbled, remembering his training. This was something Duncan had expected and prepared him for, and although he could not overcome his fear, he could rationalize it enough to give him courage.

“I’m sorry, whoever you are,” Airen apologized to his long-dead stranger. . “May you finally rest in peace now.”

Mustering a quick prayer for the deceased, Airen tore his eyes and continued the trek downward, grimly reminded of his own mortality. Light from his lantern occasionally bounced off the polished stone, causing Airen to wonder exactly where he was going. Were these the ruins of an ancient civilization, like in the stories of yore that Jourmind spoke of?

Before long he finally arrived at the chamber that Duncan had mentioned. Six tall pillars stood in a hexagonal pattern, one for each element. In the center of it, Airen sat down and drank the bottle of tea Duncan had given him before. For a brief moment before he fell asleep, he thought he saw silver threads floating in front of him.

“So another one has come to be guided.” An unfamiliar voice echoed in Airen’s head. “Very well, then. Prove yourself.”

Airen felt his consciousness jolt for a moment, and then he was holding his rapier and dueling with Jourmind.

“Hmph, you want to be a chef? If you had time for that, why don’t you actually try learning how to run this kingdom?” Jomin taunted him, his face twisted in a way Airen had never seen before. “You are just a prince in name, yet you strut about without doing your duties, your mother would be rolling in her grave if she knew!”

This is merely a dream. Airen thought to himself, nevertheless his old mentor’s words still wracked at his heart. Yet as he blocked his tutor’s strikes, the weight of the blow seemed quite real.

“Your sister would be a better ruler then you will ever be, Airen.” Jourmind snarled. “She is younger than you but she fights and conducts herself befitting of the crown. The two of your may the twins, but the entire court knows who is the truly talented one.”

Airen quietly waited, as Jourmind continuously hurled his deepest fears at him.

“You won’t amount to anything!” Jourmind cried. “Your father was a great man, but you… you are nothing! Your friends, do you think they are actually your friends Airen?”

“They are.” Airen affirmed loudly.

“They are using you! You are the prince of a nation, yet you make friends with barbarians and scoundrels! Outlaws! Savages!” Jourmind howled. “You are a disgrace to the Casteya line!”

“Your mother died because of you.” Suddenly Jourmind dropped down onto his feet, pounding his arms in anger. “Your father died for your sake. Even I…. I... died for your sake.”

“You killed us!” Jourmind hissed out, as he got to his feet and pointed his rapier at Airen.

“You killed us all!” he shouted as he dashed towards Airen, with the rapier pointed towards his heart. “Macha, Yuelei is dead as well, because of you. Why do you get to live?”

“You should have died with us, Airen Casteya!” Jourmind’s face was raging with anger as he towered over Airen. “What right do you have?”

Instead of dodging, Airen calmly waited for the apparition to approach him. He felt no pain as the rapier ran him through, and he gently wrapped his arms around the apparition’s waist.

“It’s all right. I know,” he whispered and he pulled back and saw face to face with an image of himself. His clone gave him a sad smile as white light enveloped the area.

“Wake up, Airen. Wake up!” Airen felt someone pulling on his cheeks. He opened his eyes to see Yuelei standing before him with an angry pout on her face.

“Wha-”

“Get up, Airen, how long did you stay up last night? It’s mid-noon!” Yuelei half dragged him out of bed and tossed a bundle of clothes at him. “Change into these and quick!”

Confused, and feeling as if he was forgetting something. Airen did as bid. As soon as he finished Yuelei returned and dragged his arm out the door of their room in the Imperial Palace.

“Come on, Airen. Lord Father and Mother are waiting for us!”

Mother? Airen wondered as he let Yuelei drag him around the palace into the courtyard, where two people were already seated under a towering oak tree on a wooden mat. One of them was his father, Macha, who was laughing heartily with the woman next to him. As Airen arrived, the woman turned to him and gave him a sweet smile.

“Airen! We were waiting for you. Did you sleep in again?” the beautiful black haired woman laughed with a voice that would make bards jealous. As soon as the voice hit Airen’s ears, he felt his heartstring tremble, as it brought forth unbidden feelings from when he was but an infant.

Still in shock, Airen simply nodded and followed Yuelei as they sat on the wooden mat on the floor. He couldn’t help but gaze at the unfamiliar woman next to his father, as if trying to sear her features into his memory.

“Airen, why are you staring at your mother like that?” Macha chuckled, turning to the woman. “Aris, the boy must still be sleeping if he can’t recognize his own mother!”

“Well it has been a while since we have returned to the palace.” Aris replied. “You like to go out wandering so much that we barely have time to come home!”

Macha shrugged and waved for a servant to start serving the food and many luxurious dishes soon made their way onto the woven mat. At the sight, Airen felt himself salivating, and Aris smiled at him, signaling to him it was alright to start. Without hesitation Airen dug in, enjoying the flavors that he had thought he would never experience again.

As they ate, Airen talked about the dream he just had. Jourmind taking them outside the palace. Him being kidnapped. Meeting friends in Tel’naraa.

“You should be a writer, not a chef.” Yuelei teased. “That sounds so believable, as if you were actually there to experience it. It would make a great bedtime story!”

“Why not write it into a book?” Macha laughed. “It’d certainly improve your writing skills!”

Under their gentle swaying, Airen started to write a small book about his adventures. Every day he would show it to his family, who would help him edit it and push him for more.Time passed quickly, and within a month, Airen had gotten to the part where he was writing about the Dream Rites.

“-and so I took the tea Elder Duncan had given me… and I fell asleep.” Airen mumbled aloud as he wrote the words down. Aris was sitting under the tree and was playing a harp for Yuelei while she was slowly drifting off to sleep.

“I think that’s enough, Airen.” Aris said quietly. “Aren’t you tired of working on that for a month? It’s the longest hobby you’ve picked up so far.”

“Hmm.” Airen stared down at the parchment in front of him. There was a slight amount of unease now that he had finished the book, but he could not palace it.

“Why don’t you take a break from writing and I will teach you how to play ‘As the Leaves Fall?’. You always took after me with artistic talents compared to Yuli.“

“OK!” Airen nodded enthusiastically. His mother had been teaching him how to play the harp in the evening, and Yuelei loved to watch him practice. As he was about to put down the manuscript, he hesitated.

“What’s the matter Airen? You can always continue it tomorrow.”

“I…. can’t seem to remember what happens next.” Airen made an excuse, not wanting to put the book down. “Isn’t that strange? Don't all stories have an ending?”

“Does it really matter? It is just a story, isn’t it?” Yuelei shrugged. “Dad always tells us more anyway about his adventures, and I am sure he will continue to do so.”

“Continue…?” Airen mumbled the word. “Just a story…?”

He turned to face Yuelei as his mind reeled and his emotions flared, Yet when he looked up, she was no longer there.

Instead, his eyes met his mothers and Airen drank in every detail of her face ⎯ how alike she was to Yuelei, and how little Airen actually knew of her. A deep sadness rose up in Airen’s chest, he opened his mouth to speak, yet no sound came out.

Aris gave him a gentle, gentle smile before mouthing the word,

‘Go’.

Airen gave a dry cough as he woke up. A layer of dust had covered him and some of it had gotten to his nose as soon as he was breathing once again. He had no clue how long he had been sleeping, but judging by the state of his skinny body, it has been well over a month. His bones creaked as he forced himself to sit up, and as he did, the pillars in the ritual room he was in emitted dim colored light. Within moments, they became shining beacons, each one spotting a different color.

“Well done, challenger,” a voice echoed around the chamber. “Not only have you passed the test meant for outsiders, but you have passed the trial for one of our own.”

The dark chamber suddenly shook, and rays of blue lights ran along the walls, illuminating the dark chamber.

“You have been deemed worthy. Airen Casteya, and we shall bestow upon you two powerful spirits of your choosing.” The feminine voice oddly resembled Airen’s mothers’, although he could not tell if it was because of his fleeting dream or because it was intentional.

As if reacting to the words, several magical creatures materialized in front of the pillars.

In front of the obelisk of flame, a gallant dragon with scales of gold. Intelligent amber eyes stared into Airen’s with a hint of interest.

In front of the obelisk of water, an enormous sea leviathan whose length easily encompassed the room wrapped its body across the stone obelisk.

The obelisk of wind shook, and amidst a great hurricane, a thunderbird perched atop the top with a thunderous hurricane.

The earth obelisk lit up and shattered into multiple parts, forming an expressionless golem that floated above the ground.

The obelisk of light winked out of existence, replaced by a column of light where three swords of different sizes floated within.

And finally the obelisk of darkness was obscured by a thick black haze, Chains sprung up from the ground, sealing something within the darkness.

“I… get a choice? Isn’t my elemental affinity fixed at birth?” Airen was confused and his cracked voice barely managed to utter forth the words.

No response came forth, and just as Airen was about to speak up again, the bodiless voice replied once more.

“Those that pass the test will be granted the ability to choose. Every choice is also a test. Speak with them and seek your destiny.”

Still befuddled, Airen went around and spoke to each of the creatures. Most of them claimed themselves to be a legendary beast from times past and promised him many things. Yet despite all their gestures, actions, tone, or even the way they moved ⎯ there felt something… out of place.

None of them felt right to Airen, and at last he arrived at the dragon, who was snoozing quietly and had ignored everything that was occurring in the chamber.

“Who are you?” Airen asked timidly. Despite his interactions with the other beasts, they seemed to lack the aura and presence of this dragon.

“So you still have not realized, have you, boy?” The beast opened one of his eyes and a golden-orange eye peered at him. “My name is Sa’llud.”

“You don’t have a title like the others?” Airen said after the dragon spoke no more. The other creatures would introduce themselves with pomp and circumstance, demonstrating their abilities trying to entice Airen. However, the magical beast he was speaking to now seemed nonchalant.

“What use are names and titles for those that have been forgotten like us?” the dragon named Sa’llud huffed, shooting a glare at his compatriots. Yet his actions only seemed to unnerve Airen more as he quickly realized why this one creature felt so different. All the other creatures seemed soulless and robotic, there were no minor gestures, displays of emotion, anything that pointed to having a personality.

“Boy, have you decided yet? This farce has gone long enough.” The dragon reared up and watched Airen carefully.

“No… I’m not sure why, but none of you feel right.” Airen apologized.

“To be indecisive is the same as being willfully ignorant!” Sa’llud roared. “If you must know, my full name is Sa’llud, Bearer of the First Flame! If that is not good enough for you, then the door outside is over yonder!”

At the dragon’s prideful declaration, the other magical beasts also acted up, each one of them vying for Airen’s attention. But the words triggered Airen’s memory, and for the briefest moment, he saw threads of silver all over the room like a web.

Airen started walking down towards the end of the large cavern. As he passed, each of the beasts quieted and watched him. When he approached the wall where the trails of silver led, Airen placed the palm of his hand against it and a wave of blue lines darted across the wall, lighting up the room.

He took a breath, and then traced the symbol he had seen Dullas do a few days ago, a small circle, followed by a half circle and then a three-pronged cross. When he finished, another wave of blue light blasted out, temporarily blinding him as a stone slab sank beneath the ground, revealing a doorway that went even deeper into the depths.

Airen turned around to thank the dragon, but the pillars of light had already faded, and the legendary magical beasts were starting to fade away as well. The dragon simply lifted a claw in acknowledgement before vanishing away, and the cavern was filled with darkness again.

Airen dragged his weary body through the corridor, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but unsure of what was next. There was nothing that had prepared him past his point, and he felt weak and exhausted. Fortunately the trek was short, and before long he arrived at the end of a corridor that opened up into a small room.

He was disappointed. In the small room illuminated by a glowing white orb atop the ceiling, there was a single stone table accompanied by a stone chair. On top of the table was a large black tome covered with undecipherable runes. A mere glance over the cover caused Airen’s head to hurt, and he was unsure if it was due to his current exhaustion or due to some eldritch magic at work.

“What is this..?” Airen walked over, collapsing down on the chair, and tried to pick up the strange tome. However, the black book was oddly heavy, too heavy for Airen to pick up. Mustering all his strength, Airen barely wrenched the book open atop the table, but to his shock, the insides were blank.

“How rude.” A female voice called out. “Is this how the people of this era act? Walking into a room and touching things without permission?”

Airen stepped back in shock. A strange girl materialized at him and shook her fingers at him. She was slightly shorter than he was, and wearing a strange outfit that he took to be a gown. Her attire was something Airen had never seen before, yet extremely simple at the same time. It was inscribed with runes and hieroglyphics that caused his eyes to tingle when looked at, and where they nearly touched the ground, there were strange ornaments that hung from them.

As he watched, it seemed to morph and change forms, until finally stopping as a one-piece dress Airen had seen nobles wear. Her hair was a strange color, both white and lavender ‌and gracefully and elegantly put together with bangs that covered her forehead. However, the strangest of all was her features, both human and ‌unnaturally otherworldly, with tipped ears, pale white skin, and perfectly symmetrical eyes.

“I am sorry, miss.” Airen tried to say, but his throat was too hoarse and dry, causing him to cough.

“Drink.” a magical circle appeared around the girl’s wrist, and as she flicked it, a glass cup full of water appeared on the table.

Airen hesitantly reached for it, and took a sip. It seemed to be ordinary water, and he quickly finished the glass. As soon as he finished however, with another flick of the wrist, the cup quickly refilled itself.

“Thank you. And, I am sorry for intruding.” Airen meekly apologized.

“Good, that’s better. Perhaps we can come to an agreement. Let’s make this more fitting, shall we?” the young girl brushed back her silver-lavender hair. She reached out and picked up the black tome despite her compact frame, and snapped her fingers.

Airen’s vision swam, and when he blinked, he found himself transported to a new area. Gone was the cold stone furniture, and he found himself seated within a room that he was all too familiar with.

“It has been a long time since anyone made it here, so I will be generous with the terms.” Airen glanced around the empty Imperial Throne before turning his gaze upwards. Seated upon the throne was the young girl that he had just met, casually lounging on a seat that only his father was allowed to be seated on.

“Terms…?” Airen mumbled back, still mentally working through his shock.

“Do not test me, Airen Casteya.” the girl smiled at him. “There are many you may think you can fool by feigning ignornacel, but not I.”

“How do you kno-”

“There is little that I do not know, young scion of the Casteya clan. Your deepest fears, your worst nightmares, your desires to prove yourself worthy of this throne I seat myself on to your father despite your intense hatred for it. Need I continue?”

“Who… what are you?” Airen asked as his eyes widened.

“From what I have derived from your memories, your closest understanding would be to think of me as a ‘Divine Beast’. I have many names and titles, but for you… you may call me Fieluri, the History Eater.” The girl spoke matter-of-factly.

“Why are you here, in this place?”

“I had been imprisoned here as a Keeper of Knowledge, but your help, that will soon change.”

“….with my help?”

“You will make a pact with me, and your life shall be intertwined with mine. Ours will be a relationship of mutual benefit.”

“To put it into simpler terms for you, I will be your patron. You will do deeds and favors for me, and in return, I shall grant you power.” At some point, Fieluri had conjured up a cup of tea, and she smirked eerily at Airen as she drank from it.

“You should know that every Keeper of Knowledge can only have one disciple. Untold numbers of others have tried to take the trial that you have taken, and failed.”

At her words, Airen felt his exhaustion ebb away and be replaced by adrenaline. The power of a Divine Beast was nothing to scoff at.

“I know what you are thinking Airen Casteya, but unless my life is in the balance, I shall not engage in combat with humans. In return, I will give you all the knowledge you require, for a price.” Fieluri seemed to read Airen’s mind, and interjected slowly.

“The first price is the ability to use elemental magic.” Fieluri added.

“What!” Airen shouted. “First you tell me that you can’t actively help me, and now you say you will take away my ability to use magic? Why would anyone make a pact with you then?”

“All knowledge comes with a price.” Fieluri asserted, her finger an inch away from Airen’s face. “Your talent for magic of this era is abysmal. sealing it away would be a favor for you. Really, how far has magic regressed in this era to be at this state where there are only six major elements?”

“Major⎯”

“Enough, I have already humored enough of your questions. Men and beast have offered me the wealth of kingdoms in return for my answers, and so far, you have been only receiving answers due to my grace. Seek thy answers in the Archive of the Ancients.”

“What is the-” Airen asked.

“It would be easier to show you.” Fieluri sighed. She offered him a hand, and after a moment’s thought, he took it. Fieluri placed her other hand on a page in the book tome, and the surrounding surroundings became bathed in darkness. When Airen’s vision returned once again, he found himself in a great library, the shelves towered far into the sky and into the endless distance. There was no ceiling nor ground, or to be specific, even the ceiling and ground was an unending bookshelf.

“Welcome to the Archive of the Ancients.” Fieluri waved her hand and gestured. “All the knowledge in the world within my domain is stored here. To access it, you would need to offer additions to it. That is another of the ‘prices’ I mentioned.”

Before Airen could open his mouth, Fieluri had flipped to another page, and a magic circle encompassed the two of them. The two of them flew off into the distance before arriving at what appeared to be a giant circular door.

“This domain is my world, or… part of my abilities.“ Fieluri explained. “If you forge a pact with me, you can borrow aspects of my strength. I will allow you to traverse the gap between your world and mine.” She placed Airen’s hand and placed it onto the center of the door. Blue lightning flashed on its surface, before it opened, revealing the marble chamber inside.

“If you so wish, you may even remain in this world as long as you wish. You will not age, nor want for food.” Fieluri mentioned. “But you have other things to do, do you not? “

“I do.” Airen mumbled, awed by the vast power this person held. At his words, Fieluri gave him a smile for the first time, revealing two small fangs, and clapped her hands. The surrounding area quickly distorted and Airen found himself in the stone chamber again.

“The reason you won’t be able to cast elemental magic is because your connection to my world, the Archive, prevents it. Although I cannot reveal reasons why for you… but I stake my name as History Eater, that it is in your best interests. As compensation, I shall allow you to use a magic of my own creation.”

“You have created your own magic?”

“Six centuries of imprisonment tends to make one creative, especially if the entire world’s knowledge is available to you.” she shrugged. “But allow me to demonstrate.”

She waved her hands and the air in front of her ripped into two dark holes. As Airen watched, she put her hand over it and drew out a pale ivory sword.

“Perhaps the art of conjuring weapons is not new to you, since your friend, Eullina, wields two weapons with similar properties.” Fieluri held up the sword and slowly inspected it. “Of course, you will be granted much more than just that…”

She smiled darkly at Airen, and her figure vanished. Before Airen could react, she reappeared in front of him. thrusting the blade through his body. Or so Airen thought.

“What is going on?” When Airen looked down, a dark void was floating in front of his chest, and the sword had disappeared into it.

“Look behind you, Airen Casteya.”

“How is that possible?” Airen shook his head. Behind him was yet another dark void from which the sword point had emerged. And as he watched, Fieluri withdrew the blade and the two connecting portals vanished.

“It’s simply using soul power as a conduit. Perhaps in time, you will be able to learn to use it. Another way of using it is….”, she waved her hand above her and four dark voids opened. A split second later, tens of swords and spears flew from out of them, impaling the wall.

“Of course, if you do need to use elemental magic, I will be glad to cast the spell for you… if you ask nicely. The magic of the spirits is not beyond me after all, even if it hinders the true progression of magica. So, have your concerns been eased?” She quietly retrieved the swords and tossed them into the book on the table, which absorbed them.

“It seems too convenient...” Airen voiced his true thoughts. “But what if I say no?”

“You are not going to, so there is no point in asking.” Fieluri laughed, as if she knew exactly how Airen thought. “After all, in your state, you would soon wither away. I am your only salvation. I have slept here for centuries. What is another couple more until another contender arrives?”

“Fine. I accept.” Airen nodded grimly.

“Then the concord is made. From this point on, I, Fieluri Archive, will watch over you, until either of us passes.” Fieluri opened the black tome and ghostly ribbons adorned with the same indecipherable text sprung out, wrapping themselves around Airen behind sinking into him.

“Now that we have become acquainted and bounded, let me tell you of a few things you will need to learn.” Fieluri grinned mischievously.

“What…. What is it?” Airen asked hesitantly.

“Nobody else can see or hear me except you. My appearance would cause quite some problems, and bring you needless enemies..”

“That’s it…?” Airen replied, thinking that something like that would actually be beneficial. How else would he explain this girl to the others?

“And since I am your patron, you must feed me.” Fieluri replied.

“...Feed you?” Airen said, not quite convinced she was serious.

…

“How do we get out of here?” Airen asked. Fieluri was levitating behind him, carefully putting the piece of fabric from Airen’s scarf into the black tome. Apparently by feed, she had meant to give her knowledge of the world or quite literally ‘food for thought’. He had returned into the chamber with the pillars, but it was pitch black and he could hardly make heads or tails of the pathway.

“Patience. I just need but a moment….” Fieluri replied. Airen glanced back to see that she was wearing glasses and was carefully examining the cloth as it was being absorbed by the book.

“The threads seem to be woven in a diamond like formation that helps retain warmth… but what are the threads made of…?” she mumbled to herself quietly. “The pattern matches that of foxes that live in winter habitats…”

Airen shrugged as the girl continued to speak to herself. Deciding to take a break, he leaned next to the wall as he watched her run several tests on the fabric that had not existed in her time. Was a piece of fabric truly so interesting? He was hungry, and exhausted, and it wasn’t long until he felt himself slipping into a dreamless sleep.

“Airen, wake up. If you sleep now, you’ll drift into an eternal slumber.” Fieluri sighed, and with a snap of the finger, gently shook him awake with a violent breeze.

“Wha- how can you say such a thing?” Airen quickly jolted awake.

“It was not a joke. I was the one that used magic to keep you alive the past few months. And when you made the pact with me by signing your name within my book, you and I were connected, but your soul has yet to be attuned to the Archive.“ Fieluri’s face had no semblance of humor.

“Months?! How long have I been asleep? How could I have not noticed?”

“Because you’re not even remotely close to my strength.” Fieluri’s words were starting to slur in Airen’s ears. “But no time for chit chat. Time for you to go home, Airen. ”

Fieluri clapped her hands together, and proceeded to tear a huge rift in the air in front of her, enough for a human to pass through. She then tapped the ground with her feet, and Airen felt himself being lifted in the air by an unnatural force, and then he was tossed through the portal.

The next moment, they were back in Airen’s house in Tel'naraa. The dim sunlight pouring through the windows signified that it was late noon, but that did not matter to Airen. His eyes were drawn to the cabinet where dried Teq bread often kept. Muttering a prayer that Eullina had kept it stocked, he hastily tore it open and nearly cried at the sight of the fully stocked shelf. Like a rabid animal, he began to tear into one with his bare hands and teeth, only stopping to occasionally wash it down with water.

Fieluri quietly went around the room, looking at the surroundings with mild interest.

“I’m going to sleep now and use a bit of my energy to help you recover. I will see you tomorrow. We shall create great things together.” Seeing Airen’s state, Fieluri yawned as a dark rift opened behind her, and like falling backwards on a bed, she allowed her body to slip through it.

If Airen had heard anything, he gave no notice as he continued to gorge himself. Yet in his hunger he failed to notice someone sneaking up on him.

“Who are you? What are you doing in my house?” Eullina’s voice threateningly echoed around the room as Airen felt a dagger against his throat.

“Eullina..?” Airen choked out. “It’s me…. I am back.”

The sound of daggers falling on the floor could be heard, as well as the sobs of a young woman as she embraced the back of someone who was presumed to be dead two months ago.