Abyssal Road Trip

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

The comfortable golden sunlight of the Outlands gleamed off the polished lacquered redwood and soaked into the grey stone of the building. Her six visitors had seated themselves on the circle of benches as if to enjoy the sunshine, though she knew its heat touched none of them.

Kadaklan’s orange and red robes made him a bright splash of colour among the grey and black attire the others wore. His hidden Phoenix form made it difficult to keep her attention from the continued ripples in her True Form and the feeling of distortion as its posture shifted within the concealment of her flesh.

I don’t want to know what I will look like and now I know it’s not just species levels that impact my appearance. Think happier thoughts! I could show Kadaklan the new Demi-Plane and see what he thinks about its colours.

They’re all relaxed, so it’s not an intervention or something crazy.

Amdirlain and Sarah’s arrival interrupted her visitor’s conversation. Lezekus froze in mid-motion with her arm extended, emphasising an element of her story.

“Lady Am,” called Lezekus, and the quartet bounced from their seats. With her upgraded Resonance, the rightness of the ladies’ evolved forms shone as much as their coppery skin tone and metallic-hued hair matched the energy in their motions.

Master Cyrus remained seated, simply giving her a calm nod, but Kadaklan rose with relaxed motions, directing a pleased smile their way.

Amdirlain greeted each of the ladies with a warm hug before she gave Master Cyrus a respectful bow and returned Kadaklan’s nod.

“What brings all of you around before breakfast?” asked Amdirlain. “Not that you aren’t welcome. You should know I primarily use the evening hours for errands and practise outside the monastery, so you won’t often find me present.”

“I told them of your habits from Qil Tris. We were getting to know each other while we waited,” advised Kadaklan, and he motioned to Cyrus. “It was a calmer place for our discussion than our houses or the clinic.”

Amdirlain raised an eyebrow. “What did you need to discuss? Not that I object to you using the hall when I’m not here.”

“We approached Master Kadaklan to discuss your training schedule, and he dragged us and Master Cyrus here,” said Nomein.

Cyrus’ mouth twitched, but his serene mask won out. “I came willingly, though it was surprising to see you all upon the road. Many cling to the set schedule for comfort on this odd Plane.”

Nomein was equally minimalist. “We’ve got our own adjustments to make. We’re still getting used to only needing three hours of sleep, so we have a lot more time on our hands.”

“Reverie,” corrected Gemiya.

“Reverie, fine,” muttered Nomein. “Meditating and feeling connected to the earth, wind, and trees around me is weird. Sometimes, when I release the meditation, I wonder why I don’t have lichen covering me or why my skin isn’t bark.”

My memories have yet to provide insights into what is typical for elves.

“Any idea why you wake feeling that way?” inquired Amdirlain.

“Know it is the connection with nature, according to our instructors,” said Sarith. “Know that we teamed up with some elves on the last world we helped before our evolution. Can you imagine their surprise when we changed?”

“Compared to your psionic techniques, surely physical appearance was a minimal shock,” replied Amdirlain.

“Know that they took our abilities unusually well, but our appearance so close to theirs proved a great surprise,” advised Sarith.

“After they calmed down, they hosted us for a time and walked us through their people’s meditation exercises. We quickly learnt to enter reverie, but the sensations upon waking are proving difficult to overcome,” said Nomein.

Sarah tsked. “It’s likely because of your psionics.”

“What do you mean?” asked Lezekus.

“You’re used to connecting mentally, but elves draw on that connection to nature to refresh their minds and flesh,” clarified Sarah. “Like when a certain someone crushed the glass baubles trying to learn Far Hand, you’re putting too much effort into it.”

“Am didn’t know her strength,” snorted Nomein.

Amdirlain grinned. “We’re all better at some things than others, Miss Slimemaster.”

The dig had Nomein lifting her nose in the air. “The constructs were defective.”

“Know I believe it might be your memory that is now defective,” offered Gemiya.

“Nomein, I’m sure you’ll be upset that Sarah’s offered to tutor me on metacreativity,” teased Amdirlain.

“I believe I can allow Sarah to get some practice in training another,” Nomein said, bowing deeply to Sarah with her hands in front of her sternum.

Did she pick that style of bowing up around here or elsewhere?

“She blew up a training construct?” inquired Sarah, ignoring Nomein’s playful reply.

“Four,” Gemiya offered. “Know she got given a cup of slime to practise on after the fourth.”

Nomein shot a stink-eyed glare at Gemiya.

“Tattle-tale,” huffed Nomein.

“I’m certainly not letting her play with my toys then,” replied Sarah, and Amdirlain kept her laughter contained.

Gemiya snorted. “Know that is quite rich coming from you, Nomein. Should we tell Am how you’re hiding your rules lawyer ways under rebellious speech?”

“Rules lawyer? That is Am’s saying,” heckled Nomein lightly. “You’re still clinging to rules yourself, even though you say we must move on.”

“The saying is free use. I don’t have the patent on it,” said Amdirlain, as she heard an edge of mental pressure between them that belied the light banter. “So how will you divide teaching responsibilities now that you’re off the hook with one set of techniques?”

“Know I’ll handle the Telepathy,” said Sarith, respectfully bowing to Amdirlain. “If you’d accept my help as a teacher as well?”

“I’ll have to pay you for all the jobs you’re handling,” said Amdirlain.

Sarith’s mind pulsed a mild decline and a rush of details about the healing role Kadaklan had offered her.

“I’m sure you’ll do well,” said Amdirlain.

As a rapid exchange of mental haggling started between the others, Sarith continued. “Know being in charge of others is not something I’m used to. Do you think-“

She’s buying them time to sort out their roles; they didn’t even have to ask.

“You’ll be fine,” reassured Amdirlain. “I’m sure you can be firm but fair in your supervision, Sarith.”

“Know that only time will tell,” said Sarith. “Kadaklan, would it be improper if I keep a light mental touch upon the healers?”

“To know who feels out of their depth and provide help before they drown?” Kadaklan asked.

“Or at least before they go down for the last time. Sometimes a bit of water is good for processing,” offered Sarith.

“That is fine with me,” agreed Kadaklan.

“Is scrubbing corridors your idea of processing now?” Amdirlain asked, and her eyes glinted as the others' argument concluded.

“If I had been wise, I’d have happily scrubbed more corridors with you,” Sarith replied.

“Alright, who’s next since you’re done squabbling?” asked Amdirlain.

Lezekus grinned. “I’ll handle Clairsentience.”

Amdirlain nodded in appreciation. “Thanks. My Precognition is about the only technique involved that gets a workout.”

“We’ll remove the rust from the others before we expand,” said Lezekus.

“Know I...,” Gemiya coughed and switched to the high elven tongue. “What I mean to say is I’ll handle Psychoportation.”

“You’re abandoning the ways as well?” Sarith questioned.

“We need to find our own path,” defended Gemiya.

“Know that although I agree with the sentiment, it doesn’t always mean we should throw everything away,” said Sarith. “Know it will take time and consideration.”

“There are older ways we can use instead,” argued Gemiya. “But I’ll listen when you wish to speak on it more.”

Yeah, Gemiya is still the dominant one.

“Psychometabolism will also be my challenge,” said Lezekus, cutting off their banter.

Though Sarith didn’t say more, she disapprovingly eyed Gemiya.

“Leaving me handling your overbearing telekinetic strength,” quipped Nomein.

“Yeah, about my mental strength. I levelled up a bit, and it caused my Intelligence to jump, so let’s take the lessons carefully while I get used to it,” advised Amdirlain.

“How much did you level that it’s a concern?” asked Lezekus.

“I put over a hundred and seven levels into my latest Class tonight and increased my Intelligence by nearly fifty per cent,” sighed Amdirlain. “So don’t take the risk lightly.”

Lezekus gasped, and the ladies’ words and mental voices swamped each other with questions and objections.

“That’s completely freakish,” blurted Nomein, loud enough to drown out the others.

Raucous laughter burst from Kadaklan, and all four spun swiftly in his direction.

“What’s so funny?” asked Nomein as they all relaxed.

“Might I offer them some insight?” asked Cyrus, looking at the still-laughing Kadaklan.

Kadaklan muffled his laughter with a hand and motioned for Cyrus to proceed.

Cyrus smiled. “After I introduced Master Kadaklan to Lady Am, he reacted similarly to what he found the freakishness of her capabilities. While a completely reasonable outlook from one who’d just met her, you’ve had five years to get used to her at your monastery.”

“I take a lot of getting used to,” declared Amdirlain. “Heck, I have trouble adjusting to my changes some days, so I don’t expect anyone else to keep up.”

“With the seven of us keeping you busy learning, maybe we’ll slow you down a bit,” said Nomein.

“There will be eight. I’ll have a teacher for arcane subjects coming to help me as well,” advised Amdirlain. “I’ve got a lot I want to learn and refine.”

Get a few more knowledge skills to Master rank, and I can start to splurge my accumulated knowledge points; I bet no subject proves as difficult on my brain as True Song Architecture.

“Only one teacher to handle all that?” asked Nomein. “Or are you going to specialise in just a few areas of wizardry?”

“The person I’m asking has a high level of expertise in arcane matters,” reassured Amdirlain. “I’ll be underutilising her capabilities for what I want to learn.”

I could have asked Erwarth again, but I don’t want to take her time away from Ebusuku’s work.

Without thinking, Amdirlain clasped Sarah’s hand again.

“Do you have a particular priority for the areas you want to learn?” asked Kadaklan. Having gotten himself back under control, his smile widened further when he glanced at Amdirlain’s hand clasping Sarah’s.

“Whatever each of you wants to tackle during a session. How about we extend the current lesson schedule?” asked Amdirlain. “After the bell signals the end of breakfast, I’ll have my Ki Movement lesson with you, Kadaklan. Then, from mid-morning to lunch, a lesson in psionic techniques. After the noon break, Ki Blast, then move on to other psionic techniques. Occasionally, we’ll skip sessions when I spar with someone.”

“Do you want to use the extended monastery rotation with more lessons after dinner?” asked Lezekus.

“Yes,” agreed Amdirlain. “And I’ll do the usual physical training before the breakfast chimes if anyone wants to join me. That might be when I teach students. Be cruel and get them up early.”

“Kli mentioned you had been teaching her when we spoke,” said Cyrus. “I’d like to speak to you about her other questions later.”

His voice and theme contained curiosity and interest rather than concern, so Amdirlain let it be.

He’s not fussed about me getting Klipyl to explore what opportunities the villagers provide around here.

“How will you handle your students’ lack of shapeshifting?” asked Nomein. “Won’t it cause a problem?”

Amdirlain shook her head. “I will teach them the individual techniques and the intention behind them. I’ve heard of several styles that take similar approaches to mine regarding no-holds-barred fighting.”

“You’ve not seen her fight lately. She’s all flowing dance movements when she keeps a humanoid form,” said Sarah.

Mirth had Cyrus’ eyes twinkling. “Master Payam mentioned you would be a wonderful temple dancer with the grace you showed him.”

“I guess it’s a fallback job if I tire of the rest of my plans,” said Amdirlain. “Though there might be a slight catch with the qualifying.”

Kadaklan smiled slightly. “Oh?”

“You know, the whole not being a worshipper,” concluded Amdirlain.

“Being respectful might be sufficient,” said Sarah. “Instead of being casual with even a greater Primordial.”

“I’m only casual with the ones I know won’t kill me out of spite. Guess that means I’m doomed to unemployment,” drawled Amdirlain. “Good thing you’re footing most of the bill for this place.”

Sarah grinned. “That’s fine. I’m sure I can find a use for you around my lair. Perhaps scrubbing the floors.”

“Sarah’s footing the bill?” inquired Cyrus. “That’s news to me.”

“Only if the duty pavilion and artificers are okay with me teaching them rune infusing,” explained Sarah. “And I’m only buying it, so Am feels free to change it.”

The ladies blinked and looked at each other.

“The humans here don’t know how to do that?” asked Nomein. “Not that I’m an Artificer, but I thought most species knew how.”

“They’re young to the realm,” advised Amdirlain. “I think the world they were on set up an accord to stonewall their knowledge growth. Certainly, none of the local deities offered any help to allow their deities to expand off-world, so I don’t know what else they were blocking them from learning.”

“Quarantined species,” sighed Sarah. “You lot must have been wicked children.”

“Weren’t you both Human before being cursed and sent here?” asked Cyrus.

“Exactly,” said Amdirlain. “So we know how much trouble humanity can get into. Though, since other races around the place need to get shaken up, we’ll help humanity out of the pen others have kept them in.”

“Thank you so kindly,” murmured Cyrus.

Amdirlain bowed. “Anytime, Master Cyrus.”

“You know, being facetious negates the element of respect?” asked Cyrus.

“I was serious. You’re one person who I’ll always respect,” said Amdirlain.

Cyrus frowned. “You make it difficult to tell sometimes, and you said people in your home country disregard most titles.”

“Head Clerk Erhi provided a stellar example that local custom requires proper etiquette to avoid insulting worthy individuals. Please excuse me if I seem like I’m being over the top compared to the past,” explained Amdirlain.

“Then I’ll take your gestures at face value and merely correct your decorum as I would other students,” allowed Cyrus.

He’ll smack me into line.

Amdirlain smiled in appreciation. “Thanks. Hopefully, I’m a fast study.”

“No need to use master for me,” offered Kadaklan. “Though I should use Lady Am to you.”

That news wiped the smile from Amdirlain’s face.

A momentary lull hit the conversation, and Lezekus spoke into the growing silence. “Helping humanity? You mean your tendency towards giving people new opportunities hasn’t disappeared?”

I’ll talk to her about Ebusuku and my situation.

“Oh, would you like to meet your Goddess in person?” asked Amdirlain. “My big sis is pretty cool and didn’t complain when I stuck her with my Mantle. She was trying to expand its reach, so I’d have more influence when I regained it, but things got out of hand.”

“I learnt that during my prayers a little while ago but wasn’t sure how to bring it up,” admitted Lezekus softly.

“Let’s have some tea and talk about my Mantle situation, shall we?” offered Amdirlain, and she gave Sarah’s hand a gentle squeeze before she let go and motioned Lezekus to go inside.

“I’ll keep the others entertained. We can decide how we run you ragged with training,” said Sarah.

As Amdirlain opened the door to her room, she noted the plans Sarah had left on the table and stored them in Inventory before Lezekus could get a glimpse.

“You don’t have to serve me tea, Lady Am,” reassured Lezekus as Amdirlain motioned her to sit down. Fabricate created a tea set, and another Spell filled it with boiling water before Amdirlain sang the tea into existence, a blend identical to the one Livia had recently served her.

“Your choice to drink it, but I figure I should be in the habit of offering refreshments,” replied Amdirlain. “I’m going to be spending a lot of time here, and while genuine immortals don’t require food, there are only two of them in the monastery.”

“Two? There is someone else besides Master Cyrus?” questioned Lezekus.

Some might argue that, technically, Livia counts since she has a Mantle, but since she can still die, that isn’t Immortal to me.

“There are several individuals on the mountain that possess Immortal Spirit, but only two have progressed it to the Immortal species,” clarified Amdirlain. “I’m not sure the second wants anyone to know, but they sound different to me, so I picked up on it.”

“Sneaky,” said Lezekus. “I won’t ask for a hint then.”

“How are you doing now that you know I won’t get my Mantle back?” asked Amdirlain, projecting comfort and concern to Lezekus.

Lezekus sighed. “I’ll admit it shook me up. I’m more worried about whether you’re going to be okay.”

“I’ll be fine. As I’ve told a few people, gaining the Mantle in the first place took me by surprise, and I always felt like I was muddling through,” reassured Amdirlain, and she felt Lezekus’ mind press against the projected reassurance. “I know you’re in excellent hands, and she’ll do her best for everyone worshipping her. Honestly, in some ways, I’m not surprised it occurred. Far more people are already worshipping her and have only known her as their Goddess.”

“The tenets people follow are yours,” said Lezekus. “In that way, they are all still following you.”

“So I shouldn’t tell you who helped me work out those tenets?” inquired Amdirlain.

“Oh!”

Amdirlain nodded. “My big sis has helped me with many things over the years.”

Using Ebusuku would likely confuse Lezekus, and using Lerina would attract Ebusuku’s attention.

“She’s not really your sister, though, is she,” said Lezekus. “I mean, Lerina started in your service as a Solar.”

Amdirlain felt Ebusuku’s awareness curiously brush over them before withdrawing.

“I adopted her, like Kli did me. I still call her Ebusuku most of the time, so if I slip up, you know who I’m talking about. She saved me in battle and from other situations a few times before she even became a Celestial,” corrected Amdirlain.

Lezekus went still in surprise. “She wasn’t a Celestial that joined you?”

“No, becoming a Celestial was the ultimate new beginning for Ebusuku, so keep that in mind. Lerina knows what it’s like to have endured dark places, so helping someone find a new beginning is special to her.”

Amdirlain’s use of Ebusuku’s official name caused her awareness to touch them again, and her Faith link with Lezekus strengthened.

“I’ll keep that in mind when I pray,” replied Lezekus.

“Don’t worry about me losing out. I’ll have you know I’m far stronger now than when I possessed a Mantle,” said Amdirlain. “And I’m working to become even stronger.”

“What drives you, Amdirlain?” asked Lezekus. “Sorry, I mean, you’ve had so much happen. How do you keep going?”

“Well, we can’t rule out sheer bloody-mindedness,” quipped Amdirlain. “I can be a touch stubborn.”

Lezekus’ soft laughter was a thunderous roar compared to her childhood standards.

“That’s how you are, but it’s not what drives you,” stated Lezekus. “I’m sorry if I’m too forward. Since we last spoke, I’ve had this premonition that it’s crucial to know.”

Crucial for her or for me?

“I see opportunities to help people and improve things, and they need me to be stronger, so stopping for me isn’t an option,” said Amdirlain. “I don’t like bullies, which is basically what many dark powers are.”

“Picking on children,” murmured Lezekus.

Amdirlain chuckled cynically. “Yeah. They want to force creation to benefit their malignant will above anyone else. I’m not going to just stop and let that happen. Many are still far beyond me, but I’m working my way up to handle those stronger than me.”

Lezekus kept a composed expression, but her eyes fairly glowed with determination.

My Charisma feels under control. Did I say too much?

“My father used to talk about his first commanders with a reverence I didn’t understand until the touch of your Ki,” said Lezekus. “I will try to measure up to your ideals, Lady Am. It’s my honour to serve Lady Lerina and your tenets, and I hope I can someday be like a sister to you as well.”

Amdirlain blinked and rose, motioning Lezekus to stand, she hugged her. “Everyone at our table felt like my little sisters. I thought that would have been clear. I doted on you all.”

“And Lerina is a big sister to you?” breathed Lezekus.

“Yes.”

Lezekus trembled in her arms as deep chimes rippled through her theme and along her link to Lerina before she let out a jumbled mental squeal and fainted.

Well, shit. I wonder what Ebusuku sensed when that happened.

As the others rushed to the doorway, Amdirlain settled Lezekus in the recovery position to ensure she wouldn’t choke.

‘What happened?’ came from several sources, in a blind of mental projections.

“Sorry, I seem to have been my usual oblivious self, and when I corrected Lezekus’ understanding of something, it caused a cascade through her link to Lerina, and then she passed out,” advised Amdirlain.

“Corrected her on what?”

Amdirlain shrugged ruefully. “During the five years at the monastery, I grew attached to all of you and considered you family. Lezekus hadn’t realised that until I told her, and I think that compounded with some other things and resonated with the outlook she has serving Lerina.”

Gemiya blinked calmly, and Sarith snickered and covered her mouth.

What I consider family behaviour isn’t theirs, so it’s no wonder they were clueless. Just the weird outsider and her odd ways.

Nomein dashed across the room and latched onto Amdirlain. “Family.”

Her hug contained only good-natured affection, and Amdirlain happily returned it.

“We’ll take her back to our rooms,” offered Gemiya. “We’ve barely started planning, but we can cover the integration of your psionic training between Sarah and us when she wakes up. She’s going to be mortified.”

“A moment of near-divine ecstasy,” quipped Sarith.

Sarah retrieved a memory crystal, and a liquid sound ran through it before she tossed it to Gemiya. “Those are the techniques I’ll train her in and the order. In case I’m doing something else when you need the information.”

“That’s all we should need for planning.”

After kissing Amdirlain’s cheek, Nomein stepped back and levitated Lezekus. “See you, elder sister Am.”

Gemiya and Sarith mentally echoed the refrain and led the way across the courtyard.

Amdirlain followed them back to the courtyard.

“We had barely gotten started,” noted Cyrus. “It would have been nice to compare the typical mental imagery used in their techniques with what we’ll use for your Ki Movement and Ki Blast training.”

“Master Cyrus, the mental images suggested in psychic training are only general guidance,” advised Amdirlain. “The most efficient one for an individual’s use must be found within themselves.”

“Most suitable,” murmured Cyrus, and he returned to his seat on the bench. “Perhaps I should have learned about their theories instead of exchanging martial arts while I spent time at their monastery.”

Kadaklan tilted his head towards the front gate. “What did you do to poor Lezekus?”

“I hugged her and told her I had felt like they were my little sisters, and then she fainted,” explained Amdirlain.

“You left off the part that you were her Goddess for years,” observed Sarah. “Add that to everything else that happened, and it’s no wonder you caused her to short-circuit.”

“She’s not a toy,” huffed Amdirlain.

“I didn’t say she was, but it’s been an unsettled week for her after a lot of stress caused by an evolution,” replied Sarah. “On top of that, she’s still adjusting to reverie, so likely not getting enough solid rest.”

Kadaklan blinked slowly and looked between Cyrus and Amdirlain. “After all these years, no one mentioned this little tidbit.”

Amdirlain and Sarah looked at each other and exchanged a casual shrug.

“Stuff happened,” said Amdirlain. “Got a Mantle, built up a following, evolved from a Succubus to Fallen, then an arsehole’s followers summoned me into a summoning circle. It was a trap that started to drain the Mantle’s energy from me, so I gave it to the only Solar in my service. Before the separation finished, I died, went into the Titan’s Maze, got out, spent time in the Abyss, and eventually met you on Qil Tris.”

“Enough said,” quipped Sarah.

“But- “ protested Kadaklan.

Amdirlain’s laughter cut him off. “I might tell you one day. A while back, I sat down and told a bunch to an Astral Deva who wanted to write my story, so maybe I can get you a copy from him. However, I don’t know what else he’s written about events since then. Shall we move along?”

Kadaklan sighed. “But I love a good story.”

“It’s not a good story. It’s a pretty miserable one. Now, they dragged you both here for a chat with me?” asked Amdirlain, and she sought to lighten the mood. “Did things get freakish enough for you?”

Kadaklan let a slight smile twitch up the corner of his mouth. “The other way around, they came to the clinic, and I brought them here. I figured you wouldn’t be about and we could have a quiet conversation until you returned and confirm things with you then. We met Master Cyrus along the way.”

“I’ll admit I hadn’t expected the evening to take such a dramatic turn. Less than a few minutes alone in your presence, and you caused her to swoon,” said Cyrus.

“Ha ha ha,” grumbled Amdirlain. “I don’t find that amusing, Master Cyrus.”

Sarah smirked. “I find it funny.”

The amusement in Sarah’s theme was a thin veil over the flux of emotions she continued to restrain. Amdirlain stopped her hands from lifting towards her hair and shifted her attention towards Cyrus and Kadaklan.

“Did you gentlemen need me for anything, or should we get on with sorting out the reconstruction of this place?” asked Amdirlain.

“The duty pavilion hasn’t agreed to my conditions yet,” noted Sarah.

“Livia said it was fine, and I can always revert it if someone gets upset,” replied Amdirlain. “I might move this hall further down the mountain and build a fresh one from scratch. Do you think anyone would object, Master Cyrus?”

“Not since Livia has agreed, but please keep to the monastery colours,” replied Cyrus. “Not that everyone here follows them.”

Kadaklan casually pretended to brush the dust from his clothing.

“Does every monastery have an individual colour scheme?” asked Sarah.

“Some in the South Wind’s Court are bright enough to challenge the sun,” replied Kadaklan.

Sarah laughed. “Amdirlain’s latest Demi-Plane might be a contender.”

“No dissing my colour palate, even if unintentional,” protested Amdirlain. “I’ll show you later Kadaklan.”

“Bright?” inquired Kadaklan, glancing at Sarah.

“Stage spotlights in your eyes glaring bright,” confirmed Sarah. “Unicorns farting rainbows would have been less colourful.”

Kadaklan let out a forlorn sigh and slowly shook his head. “What is it with the pair of you and those rainbows?”

“Some things are just cultural,” offered Sarah.

Cyrus interjected. “How did you unintentionally end up with brightly coloured creations?”

“She face-planted into a tree and started giggling,” drawled Sarah and moved to sit on a bench across from Cyrus.

“Sapling,” corrected Amdirlain. “Dealing with upgraded powers, I danced to smooth the music’s flow, but a stray note caused some plants to sprout at my feet. I took to the air to avoid it, but it set me giggling, and the laughter infused the themes.”

“Will changing the hall be safe if you’re still becoming accustomed to your Power again?” asked Cyrus.

Amdirlain nodded. “This is such a simple song. The slip happened while creating megatons of materials, animals, and plants. Do you know where I’d be best off placing this building?”

“The plan isn’t so rigid that it can’t survive change. I’d suggest placing it near some of the senior dormitories so that it might be readily useful,” advised Cyrus.

A buzz of energy drew Kadaklan’s attention, and he rose. “Someone’s had an accident, so I’ll leave you to your work and return to my own. Can we talk after your morning training?”

“Of course,” replied Amdirlain. “Thanks, Kadaklan.”

Kadaklan soared straight up, transformed into a blazing Phoenix, and flew off; though he ensured he was well clear of the rooftops.

“Accident, likely hard sparring without the supervision of a healer,” said Cyrus. “Some people are always trying to push ahead and dragging someone into trouble with them. Kadaklan will probably heal them and send them on their way. I’d best see there isn’t a repeat of such behaviour from these students.”

Cyrus stood and exchanged bows with them both.

“Thank you for dropping by, Master Cyrus,” said Amdirlain.

“I hope you’ve read ahead since the last lesson,” said Cyrus.

“I’ve read the whole book, and I’ve questions,” confirmed Amdirlain.

With a last nod of approval, Cyrus lept to the hall’s roof and raced away across the rooftops with light, bounding steps.

Sarah grinned cheekily at Amdirlain. “What did you do to that poor child? I thought you were over fans fainting in the front row.”

“Don’t be a meanie,” objected Amdirlain as she joined her on the bench.

“Oh, this could be fun if you’re going to channel Isa. Did your new Charisma get to her?” asked Sarah. “I’ve not sensed any extra zest from you.”

If only I could have Isa's disregard of gender and focus so easily on the person.

“No, I think she experienced major insights into her Conviction, which upended her balance,” advised Amdirlain.

“So it was a matter of religious fervour then,” said Sarah and she let the matter drop. “You’re going to have your plate full with all this training.”

“What else is new?” snorted Amdirlain. “Between Mana, Life, Psi, and True Song, hopefully, I’ll have enough energy channels to achieve Primordial.”

“You don’t need to worry about me dying of old age,” said Sarah.

Amdirlain grimaced. “You picked up on that? I tried to fit it in as a general question for him.”

“It was fairly obvious when you asked about others becoming a Primordial,” chucked Sarah, and she reached out to pat Amdirlain’s knee. “And it was nice that you asked Bahamut about something for me with everything else going on.”

Amdirlain shrugged bashfully. “Now, why don’t I have to worry?”

“Gideon gave me an evolution option when I took my last Tier 7, but since I didn’t know how your situation would turn out, I didn’t take it,” said Sarah. “I’ll just have to earn another Tier 7 Achievement and get my level high enough.”

“I didn’t tell you about my concerns,” noted Amdirlain.

Sarah smiled. “You’re not the only one that can be paranoid, sweetie.”

“It’s not being paranoid if someone is out to get you, and two sources have warned me they will be,” said Amdirlain.

“Your second source said that given your past behaviour, he expects not even the heavens to be completely safe for you,” countered Sarah. “That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be safe if you could keep your hands inside the ride.”

“Pfft, where is the fun in that?” questioned Amdirlain. “If someone is getting picked on, I’m going to give the person bullying them a poke, no matter what Outer Plane they are from.”

“You said you’re not Ori. Why are you trying to take on so much for her creation?” Sarah asked.

“I’m not. Ori wanted to die. She saw death as a grand reward for all her work, finally getting to the end like any Mortal,” replied Amdirlain. “I want to live, but I won’t turn a blind eye and keep my hands inside the ride. Bullies don’t just get a punch in the nose. I fight dirty.”

Frustration and concern warred with love under Sarah’s composed expression until she finally sighed. “Just let me know who you’re taking on next so I can figure out if there are any ways I can help.”

“Of course,” replied Amdirlain.

“You’ve got a little while before Kadaklan returns,” said Sarah. “Are you going to do your cycling?”

I know she’s worried about my decision, but I need to figure things out. I’ve screwed up so much in the past.

Amdirlain handed Sarah the plans she’d left on the table. “You’ll want to finish those, and I’ll handle the reconstruction after my morning lessons.”

“You could have left them on the table,” said Sarah.

“I figured stowing them away would avoid the discussion with Lezekus for now,” replied Amdirlain.

“The plan was simply for my forge and work area layout. If you create ample space, we can tuck it into the corner,” said Sarah.

Amdirlain clicked her tongue briefly before nodding towards one of the courtyard’s wings. “You had your forge and Artificer workshop separate on Qil Tris. Do you want that again?”

“There would need to be some separation to avoid contaminants from the forge work,” agreed Sarah.

“I’ll create two areas in the side buildings, and you can decide which goes where,” said Amdirlain. “Where the training hall is now, I’ll set the dimensional expansion for some entertaining space, an obstacle course, and a sparing area.”

“That works. I’ll lay the equipment out in rows from the entryway and add workspaces as needed.”

“I’ll take care of something else first,” said Amdirlain. She puffed a stray lock of hair from her eyes and took the plunge with a Message Spell. “Morgana, it’s Amdirlain. I spoke to Bahamut recently, and he suggested you as an instructor for arcane subjects. Would you be open to teaching me? I’m currently based in the Outlands.”

“My goodness,” said Sarah. Despite her playful tone, she fixed Amdirlain with an understanding look. “Taking a risk with another of his picks after the fun with Silpar?”

“Silpar wasn’t a bad pick, but I felt raw and exposed. I didn’t get the list of things he talked about with Silpar,” muttered Amdirlain, and she glanced towards the clouds. “If you’re still listening, please have someone pass them along.”

I bet he’s still sneakily listening since Sarah said his name. I’d like to know what rating I’d need in Resonance to catch his eavesdropping or if it requires Primordial Will.

“Are you not just going to ask Silpar yourself?” Sarah inquired. “Hit him up with a straightforward request. You know, mate, having learnt my secrets put me on edge after things sunk in. Now spill what else Bahamut said.”

Did she have to ensure he was still listening by using his name again?

“You expect me to put Silpar under a spotlight as well?”

Sarah shrugged. “Be upfront with him and see how things go. If he takes offence that you’d like to know what secrets he is privy to about you, that says a lot right there.”

Bahamut’s voice hummed from the air beside Amdirlain. “There was nothing worth being that dramatic. I advised Silpar about you being the reincarnation of Orhêthurin and the general nature of the curse. After that, I gave him some details about the corruption of the Anar and Lómë by Balnérith so he’d understand your likely goals in light of past events.”

“Thank you, Bahamut,” said Amdirlain.

“Thank you for allowing Morgana to teach you. She’ll be better off for reciprocating the kindness you showed Claughuthruuazex,” replied Bahamut. “And while my attention is not always on you, I listen for the sound of either of you saying my name. You know there are places where I can provide no aid, nor even communicate.”

Was he listening in earlier, or did he learn it from Morgana already?

Not knowing if Bahamut’s attention was still on them, Amdirlain shrugged and set to work.