Abyssal Road Trip

Amdirlain’s PoV - Outlands - Outpost of the Monastery of the Western Reaches

Though the courtyard awning provided plenty of shade, the golden sunlight in the Outlands still gleamed off the ivory inlays and honey-gold woodwork within Amdirlain’s room. When Amdirlain settled back into a kneeling position, Klipyl returned to laying on the floor with her head on her thighs. Almost absently, Amdirlain’s fingers stroked the archon’s hair, drawing contented sighs that echoed the purring from the mapping cube busily absorbing the input from a set of surveyors.

It was short of the midday bell when Kadaklan stepped inside the doorway and bowed. Focused on the orb’s lessons, Amdirlain was still kneeling in the centre of the room and returned the bow without rising or even opening her eyes. Kadaklan’s gaze took in the ribbon-clad archon and Amdirlain’s distracted expression.

“Good day to you both,” said Kadaklan.

“Kli, this is Kadaklan. Kadaklan, this is Kli. She’s a Trumpet Archon in the service of my big sister,” explained Amdirlain.

“I’m also an adopted pussy,” declared Klipyl mischievously. “And I get to be Ammie’s little sister.”

As Amdirlain brought a hand to her face, Klipyl giggled.

Sure that Klipyl was trolling her, Amdirlain looked to Kadaklan for a distraction. “What brings you by?”

“Two things; I understand you’ve agreed to teach after all,” said Kadaklan.

Amdirlain smiled, and the orb jumped into her hand. “Yes. It’s been a while since I taught anyone, so I have much to re-learn and learn.”

“Teaching and learning can go hand in hand,” said Kadaklan. “Otherwise, you’re simply going through the motions. I wondered if you’d take on some students from my healing classes.”

“Any reason you want to send them to me?” asked Amdirlain. “I’m not an experienced teacher.”

“You underestimate yourself,” said Kadaklan. “You turned a young dancer into a very competent fighter and confident adult.”

Amdirlain hummed thoughtfully. “All I did was teach her a different perspective. She’s the one that progressed her classes.”

“A different perspective on fighting is exactly what the students I wish to send to you need,” said Kadaklan.

“I suppose I could trade my time for a bit of yours,” allowed Amdirlain. “I understand you might have some insights into a Ki Flight technique Cyrus found for me in the library.”

Kadaklan grinned. “If you want to take it as a trade, that’s fine with me. Master Cyrus mentioned it, and I should admit I’m the one who provided the library with the original. Arranging a time to provide some initial pointers was the second matter I wanted to discuss.”

“You wouldn’t have a compatible Ki Movement text?” asked Amdirlain.

“I’m a Phoenix, not an ostrich or one of your emus,” laughed Kadaklan. “Running around in such a crazy fashion might hurt my feet.”

“Poor delicate boy,” chortled Amdirlain.

Kadaklan winked. “Too right.”

“How would I go about getting access to the text?”

“I should be able to help with that, but worst case, we’ll have to take a trip together,” advised Kadaklan. “You’ll have me to vouch for you, so it might be possible to stay out of trouble.”

“Only might?”

“We are talking about you here,” smirked Kadaklan. “You’ve put your foot into trouble in the past.”

“Oh, hilarious,” drawled Amdirlain. “Occasionally, I’ve even planted my foot in my mouth.”

Kadaklan shrugged. “The trouble with your shows wasn’t what I meant. When we met I had to give you a leg up.”

With an exaggerated sigh, Amdirlain kept her smile hidden away. “Very droll, and it was two legs.”

“What?” protested Kadaklan. “Here, I thought I had a handle on your sense of humour.”

“That one crashed and burned,” groaned Amdirlain.

Kadaklan winked. “Not as much as your legs.”

With another groan, Amdirlain pretended to throw the orb at him; instead, it vanished into Inventory. “Let’s move on to the lessons, shall we? I suppose I can learn something from your non-Monk viewpoint.”

With her position making it awkward to look between them, Klipyl sat up, confusion clear in her expression. “Sorry, can I interrupt with a question?”

“For me or Kadaklan?” asked Amdirlain.

Klipyl waved at Kadaklan. “A question for Kadaklan. You’re not a Monk yet still have Ki powers. Isn’t that the core of being a Monk?”

“It’s the core of being a Monk, but Ki powers aren’t exclusive to monks. Depending on what arguments you believe, the number of unevolved base classes that provided access to Ki varies. Some say all the classes extend from three, whereas others go as high as fourteen. I’d say, conservatively, at least six different foundation classes use Ki in our kingdoms,” explained Kadaklan.

Klipyl tsked. “My friend from last night must believe in non-conservative arguments. He said all studying at the monastery are monks.”

“Given its spiritual aspects, some argue the foundation is the same,” allowed Kadaklan. “But so much depends on one’s perspective in life. For example, some have said that seeking immortality is challenging the heavens, which is the peak goal of being a Monk.”

“They’re going to fight the heavens?” laughed Klipyl. “Master Farhad is skilled, but I know some that can kick his arse.”

Kadaklan sighed. “Challenge, not fight. The Jade Emperor made getting immortality difficult to purify the flaws in the path of the aspirants. Again, it is a matter of perspective, as many things are on the road to true self-discovery. On my journey, becoming Immortal was a side-effect not the target of my endeavours.”

“What were you seeking?” asked Klipyl.

“Knowledge and to be the best individual I could be,” replied Kadaklan. “I didn’t expect immortality. When I had my moment of revelation, it was quite a surprise and not one greeted by a heavenly tribulation as others have endured.”

“I think you’ve gone far from Klipyl’s question. Ki is an energy source, not the expression of the energy, which is determined by classes. That is the same with Mana. Priests, wizards, alchemists, and artificers use Mana differently and not all fit the classification of even a caster type,” explained Amdirlain.

“Okay, that makes sense,” huffed Klipyl. “Kadaklan, which of your classes provided you with Ki Flight?”

“Phoenixes have Ki Flight naturally, though my classes have some powers in common,” explained Kadaklan. “However, I cannot harden my flesh or empower strikes against foes, and those are just two abilities I lack that is customary for monks to gain. I’m not sure my classes would even provide me a means to unlock them, as Am would say.”

“But your Ki proficiency gives you all more vigour, right?” smiled Klipyl and shifted into a suggestive cross-legged position, but Kadaklan’s gaze had already returned to Amdirlain.

“Let’s focus on the techniques I need to learn,” said Amdirlain.

“They could include being vigorous,” laughed Klipyl.

Amdirlain planted a hand across Klipyl’s mouth and kept it there despite her giggles. “Are you going to be teaching me? Does that mean I need to arrange a job with the duty pavilion for you?”

“Nope,” said Kadaklan. “I’m staying out of the bureaucratic fun of this place. I’m just a fellow walker of life’s paths, providing you with friendly pointers. A far better approach for what you want to learn. That technique involves self-study and finding the right personal image. Attempting to learn it in the same way as your teacher is simply dooming yourself to failure.”

“The images seemed to imply the imagery was within the flesh. I take it that's in more ways than just Ki State,” said Amdirlain, and she let Klipyl wiggle away from her hand.

Kadaklan tapped the side of his nose and gave a boyish grin. “Self-identification is the key. You must meditate and find what animal elements of your sigil contain your truth. The truth of that expands through the flesh, lending you its speed. The text takes you through the approaches to find that truth and tap into its capabilities.”

“When did you want to give me pointers beyond that?” asked Amdirlain.

“It’s part of why I came by now,” said Kadaklan. “The other part is to let you know that Nomein and the others should be here today or tomorrow.”

“Did you prompt them to return?” asked Amdirlain curiously.

“I might have used one of Sarah’s gadgets to update them about your presence,” admitted Kadaklan. “They wanted to give you their news in person.”

“They got their Tier 7,” declared Amdirlain.

“I’m not saying,” replied Kadaklan innocently. “As it is, you’ll understand when they arrive at the monastery. I don’t believe they understand how much you hear without trying now.”

The serene calm of Kadaklan’s mind broadcast nothing, and Amdirlain resisted the temptation to peek.

“Where is Sarah?” asked Klipyl. “I’ve not seen her since Amdirlain took Livia off to chat with the big Aspect thing.”

“Her mentor requested her presence again,” explained Amdirlain. “Currently, she expects to be back within a week.”

“I hope she gets back sooner,” chirped Klipyl.

“Sarah is fulfilling obligations for past help?” questioned Kadaklan.

Amdirlain wrinkled her nose. “The relationship is more familial than a formal mentor-mentee.”

Kadaklan clicked his fingers. “The foster mum she spoke of is also her mentor. She didn’t clarify that.”

“Where are Isa and Ilya, by the way?” asked Klipyl. “I got directions to you easily, but they weren’t on the guards’ accommodation list. I didn’t want to disturb them with a Message in case they were occupied.”

“Isa is winning contribution points off silly students in minor games of chance while Ilya sorts out Livia’s office,” advised Amdirlain. “Ilya took Livia through the planned administration changes last night, and now there are boxes of things being reorganised and recorded in memory crystals.”

“How did she get a pendant to store contribution points?” asked Kadaklan. “Guests not here to study normally pay in coinage or trade goods.”

Amdirlain grinned. “That was the first thing she won.”

“Won from who?” asked Kadaklan incredulously.

“From what I understand, one of the head clerks likes his mahjong,” explained Amdirlain.

Kadaklan smirked briefly before his amusement vanished. “That makes sense. I wonder how she found out.”

“Isa would have heard the opening in his melody, or Luck played a part,” said Amdirlain, offering a shrug.

“What does she plan to do with the contribution points?” enquired Kadaklan.

“This is Isa. There isn’t a plan, but maybe she’s got a hunch,” said Amdirlain. “The hunch might not even involve me, but Luck breathing in her ear for someone else.”

“What do you mean?”

“Isa once had a three-day winning streak end when she felt an impulse to stake her massive pot against a few coins of a dwarven crafter. On the flip of a card, she pushed over all her winnings and found he needed funds to establish a workshop,” explained Amdirlain. “Sometimes Luck is with her, and other times she’s its agent to deliver good fortune to someone else, or to mess with someone. That aside, shall we go over the scroll, Kadaklan?”

“Lets,” agreed Kadaklan.

Klipyl looked at Amdirlain with a pleading expression. “Can I use you as a pillow while you talk?”

Amdirlain glanced at Klipyl in surprise. “Why?”

“It’s like cuddling, cozy and reassuring,” sighed Klipyl happily. “Cuddling is undoubtedly one thing many Mortal species do well. I’ve even met gruff dwarves that are excellent cuddlers.”

“I think I should pay attention to the scroll and what Kadaklan is saying,” laughed Amdirlain. “If you want to use my legs as a pillow again, that’s fine when things aren’t happening.”

A wash of family memories came to her, and among the bittersweet recollections, Amdirlain tried to focus on the fun.

Kadaklan brought out a copy of the scroll and set it on the table near where the orb had rested. As he repositioned a chair, Klipyl grabbed two others and put them in line before she patted the middle chair to signal Amdirlain to sit.

“You don’t have to stick around,” said Amdirlain.

Klipyl smiled airily. “I’ve nowhere else to be right now, unless you’ve got constructs for me to beat up?”

“In a few days I might have some. I’m thinking through the technicalities,” replied Amdirlain, taking the middle seat and retrieving her scroll. The logistics weren’t the only issue to resolve but the source of the drivers she had in mind and the ethics involved.

“Master Cyrus would have gone through the first diagram to provide a high level of familiarity,” said Kadaklan. “I’d like you to articulate his explanation in your own words.”

Kadaklan didn’t directly correct her repetition of Cyrus’ explanation, but he asked questions that had Amdirlain wondering if her perfect recollection had missed the point. He didn’t provide her with any answers, but left Amdirlain to ponder his questions while he continued through the scroll. Klipyl occasionally leant forward in her chair to get a better view of the unobstructed scrolls and, in doing so, put her well-exposed breasts on full display. Partway through the session, Amdirlain caught Klipyl’s smug satisfaction when Kadaklan’s gaze moved only between Amdirlain and the scrolls.

‘Please stop,’ projected Amdirlain.

A hint of sadness glinted in Klipyl’s gaze. ‘Sorry, I was just ensuring he’s worthy of you.’

‘Please don’t do that, and there isn’t any need to set me up,’ advised Amdirlain.

‘I don’t need to do anything,’ giggled Klipyl mentally, though her expression remained neutral. ‘You’ve two people who’d like to cuddle with you heaps. I’m so happy for you I could squeal.’

Amdirlain didn’t ask who Klipyl counted as the second, letting the matter drop, and kept her attention on the scroll. ‘I’m going to push you harder next lesson.’

‘Do you promise?’

The midday break had passed when four melodies on the border of the Domain caught Amdirlain’s attention. Though the texture of their public minds were identical, the ladies bore little resemblance to their prior selves. Delicate elven features covered in a deep copper-hued skin had replaced the gaunt angularity their faces had previously possessed. Yet, the song within each of them sounded as if previously missing components of their melodies had been restored, providing a richer sound resonating from their core. Analysis showed their species as Tambë Elf, the translation of the elven word copper fit with their skin tones. Each had taken a different Tier 7 Class accompanied by the same species evolution and added thirty levels to that Class and their new base classes. Still, one of Nomein’s classes particularly caught Amdirlain’s attention.

[Primal Monk:

Details: This evolved Base Class is available to those who have developed a deep mastery in using Psi, Ki, and Mana.

Requirements:

- Senior Master or higher in all fundamental Psion skills

- Senior Master or higher in Mana Finesse

- Senior Master or higher in six Ki powers

- Have combined Wizard, Psion, and a Monk Class into one or more Prestige classes]

It’s unavailable as I’m short on my progression in the Psion skills. Wait, even if I get there, would it need those three classes combined into a single Prestige Class to unlock this base Class?

Amdirlain rolled her scroll up and responded to Kadaklan’s questioning look. “The ladies are early.”

“I said today or tomorrow,” corrected Kadaklan.

“Early, according to my expectations,” rebuffed Amdirlain. “Something is always delaying my plans. I don’t expect early results from others.”

A quick run of notes sent messages conveying an invitation and images of the house she was using. Acknowledgement came from Nomein.

“Should I leave you to prepare to receive your questions?”

“You can’t go yet. You’ve not said anything about my ribbon or braids,” protested Klipyl.

“The braids are a well-executed example of a traditional Mongolian style and your ribbon clings. I’ve heard your ribbon quite fascinated Master Payam,” offered Kadaklan.

Klipyl jerked upright and clapped excitedly. “It did?! Does he think it’s pretty?”

“He had quite a bit to say about it to the other masters,” confirmed Kadaklan. “I believe he thinks you’re older than him.”

“Am I?” asked Klipyl, directing the question to Amdirlain.

“A little bit,” replied Amdirlain. “Though you hadn’t exactly been pushing your progress when we first met.”

Klipyl rose. “I’ll go escort the ladies here.”

“I’ve sent them details and images.”

“Still,” said Klipyl and, shrugging, she vanished.

“How is she going to find them?” asked Kadaklan. “You didn’t exactly tell her where they arrived.”

“That’s Klipyl’s problem. I know why she left,” huffed Amdirlain.

“Too many people interested in your love life can be a problem,” said Kadaklan.

Amdirlain winced. “You noticed?”

“Her testing me was amusing,” chuckled Kadaklan. “Klipyl is nice, but I’m not tempted after the years spent handling my reactions to your Femme Fatale.”

“I tried my best to moderate it,” groaned Amdirlain.

Kadaklan nodded. “You did, but sometimes it showed through more than others. Have the others been like that all the time with you?”

“They can be a bit nosey, can’t they?” asked Amdirlain. “On and off since I handed what had become of Torm to the Titan.”

“That can be difficult, people trying to set a timeline for your grief,” said Kadaklan, and his gaze became distant and thoughtful. “In some lifetimes, when I lost a partner, I never felt I had moved on, even when I remarried. Others, I did so not because the love was less real but because things occurred that allowed the grief to lessen enough that love could grow. The individual is the only person who can determine when they’re done with their grief.”

“Have you ever met someone from a past life?” asked Amdirlain. “And known it was that person?”

“Yes, I’ve met people from past lives, but I didn’t realise it then. However, after I achieved Immortality, I understood those I had met repeatedly,” said Kadaklan. “When regaining our Mortal memories, with them comes a sense of the souls involved. Unsurprisingly, this is the first time we’ve met.”

Amdirlain laughed. “Yes, I was off gallivanting through other realms.”

“You’re such an inter-reality traveller. Here I am with a meagre two worlds and one Plane under my belt,” huffed Kadaklan.

“Master Cyrus focused on technique scrolls for my powers. Are there techniques around for handling and integrating past life memories?” asked Amdirlain. “And not becoming overwhelmed by them?”

“I didn’t have that issue. Mine was more accepting of those lives different from my path,” said Kadaklan. “If there isn’t something in the library, I could inquire. Have you asked Master Cyrus?”

“Not as yet,” admitted Amdirlain.

Kadaklan nodded understandingly. “You mentioned a lake of faces to me once.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call it a lake,” said Amdirlain, shuddering at the memory of its foulness. “There was a sludge more than anything around the faces on display.”

“A lake’s waters aren’t always drinkable,” observed Kadaklan. “The other occasions when you’ve gained access to memories, when did they occur?”

A frown flickered across her face. “Mostly when I’ve been training. Sometimes, when I’ve stumbled across a place or object connected to the memory.”

“Similarity can prompt memories,” said Kadaklan. “Have you tried any exercise to bring forth happy ones?”

“I have some of Ori’s happy memories,” said Amdirlain. “She spent aeons working with someone she adored beyond anyone else. They were both broken in a way though, so while there were displays of affection, they both harboured a lot of pain that they then sublimated into their work. I’m sure you can tell by that statement alone that Ori and I potentially have too much in common. It terrifies me that my current personality might get swamped and lost by her recollections, despite not becoming her.”

“Ahh, that makes your rejection of being classified as her make more sense,” said Kadaklan.

Amdirlain smiled tightly. “Yeah, I’ll admit I worry about the person I am becoming lost in her memories. I had an encounter with something she left behind that told me she was gone for good and that recovering memories wouldn’t mean her return. Yet, who would I become? Would I even recognise myself?”

“An understandable concern, and one I’ll word carefully when I inquire with the South Wind’s Court librarians,” said Kadaklan.

“Thank you,” said Amdirlain.

“At least they care about your happiness even if there is the presumption that it requires having an intimate relationship,” said Kadaklan. “We’re friends, and I value your happiness‌. What anyone else believes will bring you happiness doesn’t have precedence over your own emotions. You should seek your happiness in your own time and at your own pace.”

“I won’t pull your chain about denying me the joy of being a Novice healer,” teased Amdirlain.

Kadaklan snorted derisively. “We both know you weren’t seeking that role for genuine joy.”

“I’ll admit that,” said Amdirlain. “Since you saw through that, I might even take your other advice.”

“The challenge with self-discovery is the principal components require being honest and objective,” noted Kadaklan drily.

“Ouch, that last will indeed be a challenge,” said Amdirlain. “This could take me a lot longer than I’d hoped.”

Kadaklan remained composed until Amdirlain gave him a suspicious look and raised an eyebrow; at that point, his first snickers slipped free and rapidly progressed to laughter. As he held his sides to regain control, Amdirlain joined in.

His gaze brightened further when Amdirlain stopped and poked out her tongue with a sniff. “You’re being mean to me.”

“Simply appreciating the challenge,” replied Kadaklan. “Perhaps we should leave it there today. Your guests might arrive soon.”

“You’re right. They’re not taking their time climbing the mountain. Will you stick around to say hello?” asked Amdirlain.

Kadaklan nodded. “I’ll stay to greet them.”

When the five finally turned towards the building, Amdirlain entered the courtyard. Amdirlain caught Klipyl’s reluctance to intrude before she teleported away to Livia’s place.

Nomein entered the courtyard and held the gate for Gemiya, Sarith, and Lezekus. All four ladies now wore bluish-black silken half-robes and pants that bore enchantments for blending into the landscape and enduring extreme temperatures. Each now had different gleaming hair tones that matched their eyes and contrasted dramatically with their copper-hued skin. Nomein’s hair had turned into sapphire strands, Lezekus’ corn-row braids gleamed like spun mithril, and the twins Gemiya and Sarith shared a blued steel colouration.

“Know that you’re looking well, Am. Kadaklan passed word along that you were asking about us,” greeted Gemiya.

“He brought you up. I’ve tried to be good and not nudge your elbow,” said Amdirlain, and she gave them each a pleased nod in greeting. “What did you folks get up to? You look quite different.”

Nomein shrugged modestly; wiggling her fingers, she glanced at them meaningfully. “We’ve had a busy few years, but this change was recent. Sage’s war has progressed to many worlds where the living needed help.”

What has Orcus been up to?

Gemiya snorted and sat across from Amdirlain. “Know we were involved in slaying numerous priests of the Demon Lord and the destruction of grand gates they’d worked to establish.”

“Then we mopped up,” finished Nomein.

Amdirlain's eyebrow twitched upward. “And I get accused of understatement.”

While only the ghost of a smirk curved Sarith’s lips, her theme thrummed with amusement. “Know that a statement of fact is not an accusation.”

“How long did you spend cleaning up the ruins?”

“It was only a year after you went to Qil Tris that we asked Rasha if there were any places with living we could help,” advised Nomein. “There were several worlds touched by the rumble of war with demons and undead, and using a gestalt to heighten our Precognition, we selected a place to help first.”

Sarith nodded sharply. “Know that from there, one thing led to another, and we eventually removed the group at the heart of the problem.”

Lezekus snorted loudly. “I’m never letting either of you tell our stories again.”

“Know you spent too much time with the elven bards,” Sarith stated. “Know that Amdirlain needed the facts, not embellishment.”

Lezekus waved a finger. “Oh, I prefer to think I spent enough time, not too much. Amdirlain, how about we sit somewhere and I tell you the dread foes we overcame to triumph?”

“I’d like to hear all the details,” confirmed Amdirlain. “Would you like some tea while we talk?”

“Know I would not refuse some tea,” agreed Sarith.

“Especially if it comes with some honey,” quipped Lezekus.

Sarith’s lips curved slightly. “Know that is simply the best way to have tea.”

“If honey is required to have proper tea, you’ll have to try different types of honey,” said Amdirlain.

“Are you at least going to give me a choice?” asked Sarith drily before giving a slow wink.

Amdirlain smiled. “Know the choice has always been yours.”

As Amdirlain showed them through to the room she was using, Kadaklan excused himself. After they had the room back in order, they settled around the table, and Sarith set a magical tea set on it. Steam rose from the pot, and Sarith laid tea pouches on the table.

“You have everything set up, ready to go,” said Amdirlain.

Sarith shrugged. “Know the rigours of travelling sometimes are less burdensome with a small touch of civilisation, leaving everyone refreshed for the challenges ahead.”

“She likes her tea,” said Gemiya, and she gave her twin an affectionate mental nudge.

“What exactly did you get up to that stopping one of his plots got you a Tier 7 evolution achievement?” asked Amdirlain.

Nomein grinned. “It wasn’t one plot or one world. We shut down his cultists on four worlds. None of them knew any magic that could protect their minds. After the last group was stamped out on each world, we would receive a rush of energy. Upon the most recent world, the surge was the greatest yet, perhaps because the cultists already had hordes of demons loose.”

“I’ll tell the tale, thank you. Now, it started with reports of a death cult that kept reoccurring no matter how many times they snuffed it out,” explained Lezekus. “Sage has toiled for years spreading the word among pantheons to be on the lookout for particular signs of incursion. There is a pattern of behaviour that his foe has used to infiltrate all the worlds for which Sage has deciphered the records.”

“Know he worries since not all the pantheons will share information, so many worlds are likely imperilled through ignorance,” said Sarith.

“Know you had your chance to provide a proper account,” admonished Lezekus. “Know you’d best hush.”

Sarith blinked and pretended to button her lips.