Ionis's instruction of laying down before putting on the armlet had been a good one. It had been a bit tight on the cushioned bench but given that Liana had no clear indication of what had happened between now and putting the bracelet on that was probably a good thing.

After she had woken up things had been weird for a fair bit. Liana had woken up in a lavish bed, surrounded by way too many pillows in a room empty of people but filled with various crested or otherwise adorned chairs, tables, wardrobes, and many more things she couldn’t quite place.

Initially, the worry of waking up in an unknown place had been replaced by the enjoyment of the wonderfully floral-smelling and oddly invigorating pillows and the warmth and comforting weight of the blanket above her.

It had taken a while until she was ready to actually move, her whole body feeling drained. When she finally did she was surprised by several things. It was noon or early afternoon given by how the sunlight directly illuminated some parts of the floor. She would have expected to need a lot more sleep after staying up for an entire night. Then again, maybe she was still under the effects of her skill or maybe it worked a bit different than what Ionis and Thomas had assumed.

Inspecting the room a bit more she was torn between looking out of the window or opening the envelopes that were placed on either side of the bed with her name written on them.

Having never received a letter before she decided to take both with her to the window. On the way, she noticed a carafe made from glass, artistically formed to imitate an icicle it looked staggeringly pretty. On the inside were a few slices of something yellow. Noticing how parched her mouth felt she approached and filled a glass standing next to the canteen.

The icicle of glass felt cold to the touch and surprisingly sharp in texture. Filling a glass sounded different from what she would have expected. Instead of pattering water, it sounded like a creek was rushing down a small slope, accompanied by a pleasant refreshing aroma, similar to the pillows.

Almost subconsciously she lifted the glass to her mouth and wetted her mouth. The cold refreshing water rejuvenated her more than another half hour of sleep could.

When she reached the window she tore the wax sealing of the letters and opened them. Though her attention was quickly drawn by the scenery before her eyes. A vast mass of water stretched across most of what she could glean from her position, looking out over the ocean that was just a short bit away. The shock of only seeing water sent her heart racing for just a moment. A queasy feeling stayed as she looked further down and saw houses far down below, at a fraction of the height she was at.

Due to the orientation of her room, she could only see a small portion of the land in the vicinity, but what she saw was awe-inspiring. She knew of course that the Port Cities of Larkos, Teeram, Grey Stone, and especially Akmeer had fascinating architecture. They were always advertised as the jewels of the dukedom, only lacking behind the capital of Marigash in splendor slightly.

Towers, each of a different color combination and potentially made from different materials, looked out over the ocean in equidistant intervals. Giving almost an impression of fencing the land, protecting it from the ocean. The rest of the city was harder to make out, though the bustling movements within the streets spoke for themselves, of a prosperous city with more people than she had ever seen before.

Liana considered opening the window further to gain a better view of the city.

I’m dead if I fall, better to just keep them as they are for now. Then she thought of how she had flown with Ionis, maybe she could replicate that somehow. Maybe she could activate the impression of the trousers. She tired, but nothing happened.

Maybe that's for the best.

The letters had two sheets inside of them each. Both envelopes containing a copy of the same two papers. One was obviously from Ionis, the tone and disregard making that much obvious from just a glance and were confirmed once she read it.

“Liana,

given that you have slept since yesterday, I thought it might be best to let your body further recover. Both the armlet and the repeated spell use have most likely taken a larger toll than I realized at the time.

You are currently staying with extended family of mine, who bear the pleasure of sharing an ancestor with me some generation ago. The Raalis family is generally rather unpleasant, be sure to tell them I said so should they annoy you without me being present.

Though they are quite good hosts which is why we will be staying with them for the duration of our stay in Larkos.

I’m sure they will try to wow you with several meaningless gifts and platitudes. I’ll come find you once I return, or once you are awake. Make sure to be a good little menace.

Ionis”

Having read the first letter she didn't doubt the origins one second, sounding rather in character. Though Liana wasn’t quite sure how to interpret her master's words. She couldn’t tell if Ionis was genuinely insulting their hosts, and in what sort of position that placed her. Glancing at the sender of the second piece of paper she saw the previously mentioned Raalis name. So they most likely had seen Ionis’ letter since both were in the same envelope.

She doubted very much that Ionis would have put in the effort to copy the letters so perfectly.

The second letter was a lot more colorful and pleasing to read.

“Dear Liana of Land’s Fall,

allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Kaaz of the Raalis and it is a pleasure to welcome you to my home.

You may treat this room as you would treat your own, everything inside is for you to partake of freely.

For the time being, please ring any of the bells inside your room at your own discretion and a servant will be at your service.

My dearest cousin Ionis has asked me not to meet with you until she returns but ultimately put that decision in your hand. If you do want company while your highly regarded teacher is away, just inform one of the servants and I’ll make sure to entertain you for the day, we have quite the lovely assortment of sweets, fruits, and tea.

Should you rather wish to follow your master’s wishes that is fine. Should you not ring the bells - through the cordage next to your bed - you will be served just the regular meals.

Yours sincerely,

Kaaz Teron of House Raalis”

The overtly polite tone compared to Ionis’ letter made her wary. She wasn’t really sure why, but it made her feel like there was an ulterior motive now that one of the two parties clearly was trying to impress her.

Then again, that might have just been Ionis’ bad influence rubbing off on her.

She considered for a while, looking out of the window and for the very first time in her life taking in the actual ocean. Something she had two traits associated with.

With each time she saw the surge swelled on the shore something thunked inside her.

The sight of the endless soft-looking water far out to the horizon sent something calming to her body. She had never really considered the trait Child of the Ocean ever since getting it, but now seeing the vast body of water she understood it a bit.

The Ocean was grand, impressive, and calming. The salty air entering her room through a small slit between the windows was soothing. It refreshed her, unlike anything she had ever experienced.

Then it clicked. That wasn’t quite right. When she thought back to her journey with Ionis the memory slowly surfaced. Repeated castings of her skill had brought a similar, just weaker smell with it.

That was when a sudden realization came over her, if she were to cast [Ocean Breeze] right now, it would no doubt grow stronger.

She almost did. Only some vestiges of restraint - she didn’t know she had - prevented her from casting the skill right there and then.

She would have to wait. Ionis had shown great insight into the workings of flow, and maybe she could provide valuable input if she were to observe the process.

That didn’t leave much else to do, besides stare and marvel at the wonders of architecture from above the town and explore her room.

Driven by boredom she almost rang the bell. The temptation of being entertained was large.

Though she abided. She had found a few books - a luxury - she had never touched before. She knew how to write and read of course, just at a very slow speed, only learning the bare minimum at school.

Their topics ranged from fantastical stories to the teachings of the kingdom. Two of the books were on the arts as well, a musical history book and a description of the art styles of recent memory. Nothing she cared too much about.

Given her current situation, she would have preferred to get her hands on a book explaining noble etiquette or mannerisms.

As time went on and the temptation to do anything grew. Liana wanted to stay prudent though. She knew nothing of house Raalis, even less of noble etiquette. Where she was at least friends with the children of capitalist Sanonbourough she couldn’t even rely on Ionis’ connection to the Raalis’ when interacting with them, since her master seemed to have an obviously strained connection with the house. It would also be good to know what sort of standing house Raalis had. Houses could range from established noble houses to old clans with barely any might behind them anymore. Not having heard the name before she assumed it to be something like the latter.

Each of the books hidden throughout drawers and wardrobes - non had been visible without opening them - could only hold her interest for so long.

Long enough for a sudden gust of air to tear the window wide open. Blowing the thick pages through her fingers. Liana reacted slowly and before she had fully turned around to investigate and close the window she heard the voice of her master.

“I hope you are ready to go. We’ve got a rift to clear.”

Liana jumped out of the bed, excitement palpable on her face. The last few hours had been boring enough, any change was welcome. Even something dangerous like visiting a rift would be welcome.

She was looking forward to it right now, fully aware that she would most likely have an entirely different opinion on the matter once they were in front of the rift Ionis had chosen.

“We will do a cursory introduction to the Raalis right now but please let me do the talking,” Ionis instructed and lead her to the door.

They walked through a circular hallway that Liana found to be rather long and descended three wooden stairs cases before reaching a floor in which the interior opened up.

The hallway was still there, but only the rooms on the outside of the hallway were still present. The inside merely had a sturdy yet elegant-looking railing slightly less tall than her shoulders.

She approached the circular, with various different ornaments depicting clothes, tools, weapons, plants, and other goods. She grew a bit dizzy as she looked down all the way to the floor of the cut-out insides. The floor looked homey and comfortable but it was also far away. Counting the floors below her resulted in twenty-three.

“How did you get me up here?” Liana asked amazed.

“I didn’t and you’ll see soon enough. Welcome to the seventh grasping finger of Larkos, home of the Raalis,” Ionis introduced the tower.