Nature

Location: Hills near Alba

Time: Y1503 / 3rd day of the Wither Moon / Noon

*breeze*

I close my eyes and open my arms. I let the gentile breeze caress my short white hairs. I open my eyes. Above me the sky is of the bluest blue, without a cloud in sight. Birds are singing their love songs all around me.

North, I can see tall mountains of black rocks. Majestic. They get taller and taller the further I look, until they cover the even taller mountains behind them. I can see small rivers and waterfalls in between ridges. I can see marks of frequent landslides. Dots moving slowly in the air. Flying beasts I'm told.

South, there are a few hills. But they are not that tall. In our times they wouldn't impede travel at all, but civilizations here has yet to achieve large scale civil engineering. Maybe that's for the best. Nature is overflowing with life! The hills are covered in flowers and plants. Forests and woods can be seen in the distance until everything becomes blurred blue by the horizon.

I can count on the fingers of my hand the times I was let out of Gloria's temples. This is the best place I have seen since I was reborn in this world.

This peaceful hill reminds me that most of the places, most of the times, absolutely nothing is happening at all. No killing, no deceit. Nothing. Chaos follows in humanity's wake~

*KA-BOOOOOMMM*

With a short delay, warm air hit my body. The noise made by the explosion reverberate through the mountains until echoes disappear. The once green hill half a kilometre from here is now covered by a black cloud. The cloud is soon swept away by the breeze, revealing that a large area has been turned to cinders with a smoking crater maybe ten metres in diameter in the centre of the ashes.

Explosion magic. We are out to test large scale spells. Everyone here wants to appreciate the extent of their growth.

"That's the place I want you to hit. Please, make sure your spells stays contained in the designated testing area." (Priestess Mera)

The people back at Alba have been warned, many must be looking this way and are probably shocked by the power of the priestess' spell. Not the people here. They have smug looks on their faces. They are confident that they can do even better.

Uhm... Not all. The inquisitors are expressionless as usual, and Sister Jerica is wearing a complex expression. Like she can't decide if this is good or bad.

"Then, I'll be going first. Unless somebody objects?" (Priestess Persiana)

Nobody raises objections. We all have to try, eventually. Persiana is a priestess, I wonder why there are two priestesses here at Alba. I was taught that there should be only one priestess in each temple... She dances in circles and gather aether. She was probably the quickest to mastered my technique. After Mother.

She dances for about one minute. Then she is finally ready to weave her spell.

(Persiana)

It takes a few long seconds to see the effects. It starts as a breeze, raising small clouds of ashes, then debris on the burnt hill are thrown in the air, then violently fall down. She is using magic to create strong unpredictable currents of air.

[This is not a very effective magic as air is light. It's also fuel inefficient. If one where to do this with water, however...] (Science Me)

*pant pant* "I had my doubt, Mera, but this technique is the real deal!" *admire hands* (Persiana)

*whisper* "If only I had it back then." *look down* (Persiana)

Sebra comes forward. She seems to be Kaven's sword. The one that deliver people to the warm embrace of Gloria as he would say. I'm afraid to see what she can do now.

[The deed is done. Don't torture yourself. Believe in the choices you made.] (Soldier Me)

Sebra dances around and starts to collimate aether.

...

This is taking longer than the others. She has been gathering aether for a full five minutes! I have never seen anyone gather this much! Beside me, of course.

Sebra is nearing her limits. Her dance is becoming sluggish, and she is sweating profusely. She must be in pain as her channels must bear the load of all this aether.

"Uhm... isn't that a little too much?" (Liara)

(Sebra)

*FLARE*

*whisper* "Does she wants to kill us? Damn fanatic." (Jerica)

"I asked you to limit yourself to the designated area, Inquisitor Sebra!" (Mera)

*awe* "So, this is what Gloria's warmth must feel like. How wonderful." (Kaven)

An area maybe two hundred meters wide is engulfed in tall hot flames. It's so hot that we can feel the heat from where we are. Hot winds are carrying the hisses of the flames, burning crisps and ashes.

This is not looking good. I mean, we are safe, but with that attitude she might burn down entire towns to get to a flea.

And the flames are not stopping.

Sebra has been weaving them for a full ten seconds. The flames usually only last a fraction of a second. Just enough to light up whatever they engulf. She intends to use all aether she gathered.

[I'm impressed. Her magic channels must be really strong for her to be able to weave this much aether.] (Science Me)

*collapse* *lose consciousness* (Sebra)

"Healer. Attend to Sebra." (Kaven)

"Ah! Yes!" *hurry up* (Serina)

Jerica is here as well. You didn't have to go yourself, Mother.

[Oh. She weaved until she collapsed just to test out her magic. I see teaching Sebra our collimating technique was not a mistake at all! It's not like she would burn Victoria to the ground without a second thought. Good job, Liara!] (Bookworm Me)

[Enough. We talked about this already. Let's have constructive discussions.] (Doctor Me)

Sebra is now a walking weapon of mass destruction without any conscience.

I feel the worst.

Wooden Sphere

Location: Alba / Gifted One chambers

Time: Y1503 / 3rd day of the Wither Moon / Evening

*sigh* (Liara)

Dinner is ready, but I'm not hungry.

From my window I can see what's left of the hill after our practice. Now that the sun is setting down, I can see glimmers of light from there. The ground has turned to glass.

Where there was life, now there are only ashes.

Is this what I'm bringing to this world?

What should I do?

*knock* *enter* "Liara, you have been looking down ever since practice. Is something troubling you? Please, talk to me" (Serina)

My first instinct is to close up inside myself. But the experiences of others me who lived longer show me that it would be wrong to do so. I can speak my mind to Mother.

"It's the inquisitors. They'll use what I taught them to kill everyone that stands in their ways. I don't want people to die because of me." (Liara)

*hug* "There are people in this world that would do horrible things, Liara. The inquisitors only wish is to maintain the peace. The warmth of their flames is the only thing that stands in the way of the cold that threaten Gloria's creation. You have been targeted already, so you know I speak the truth. Liara, by making them stronger, you will help them saving countless lives. I'm proud of you!" *hug* (Serina)

We stay like this for a while. Her warmth never fails to heal my heart.

I know too little of this world. What right do I have to say "you are doing it wrong!"?

If i had to choose between this world an mother, I would choose Mother without a second thought. I have made my choice. I'll make Arcania better only if doing so does not put Mother's life in jeopardy.

"Mother, I think I'm very close to cracking Faber's sphere. Do you want to see me try?" (Liara)

"I'd love to see you trying, Liara." *pat head* (Serina)

The sphere is on a wooden counter. I move the chair under it. I need a boost because it's too tall.

*grab* *hand over* *smile* (Serina)

Or I can wait Mother to pick it up for me.

"Thank you, Mother" (Liara)

I go to the centre of my room. I sit down with my leg crossed and hold the sphere in front of me with both my hands. The sphere is a ten centimetres wide ball of wood. No cravings. No nothing. It just look cheap and useless. I hope that whatever Faber put inside is worth the effort.

(Liara)

I fidget my fingers and gather what little aether is needed to power this small but complex spell. My heart is still restless. I'm far from my top form. But I have the feeling that this is it.

Feelers extends inside the sphere. First I see the enchantment etched on the surface.

Deeper inside the sphere there is the enchantment. Trial and error. As soon as a feeler touches the grid like channels, I move them. Carefully, I let them through the spaces of the grid and deeper inside the sphere.

Yes! I did it!

I'm in!

[Focus! Don't let the feeler wander on their own! They'll touch the channels!] (Science Me)

The feelers burrow inside the core of the sphere.

Is there nothing there after all?

Ah!

A channel! There is a third enchantment in here!

I touch it with my feelers, taking care not to let them touch the enchantment.

I can see the circuit being built inside my mind. It's more refined than the enchantment on the surface.

I still can't see it all...

[Just inject some power and activate it. Even if it's a trap, our reactive shield will tank the blast!] (Gamer Me)

I hate to admit it, but that's the fastest way.

Aether flows inside the core enchantment.

*cau **uwg **" (Wooden Sphere)

"What was that?" (Serina)

Not all channels are active. Just a little more power.

*fiuuu* "Oh. Oh. Oh. You did it, Little Girl." (Faber)

"Faber!" (Serina)

A small image of Faber's old crooked face appears out of thin air above the sphere.

The function of the artifact is now clear. The communication enchantment in the core links my sphere with another sphere in Faber's possession. links with the communication enchantment and build an image that is captured by it's mirror counterpart.

It's an holographic communication device!

[Those troglodytes can do some usable tool when they try.] (Science Me)

"You lunatic! have you any idea how hard it was to pass through the dispel enchantment you laid?!? What were you thinking giving me such an hard riddle to crack!!!" (Liara)

[Focus. The feelers are drifting.] (Science Me)

"You did it though, Didn't you? And faster than I expected. Good job in learning how to unravel the dispel enchantment I engraved." *grin* (Faber)

"Wait. Unravel the enchantment?" (Liara)

"Don't tell me..." (Faber)

(Faber)

"MWA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!" (Faber)

"What are yo laughing about, old man?!?" (Liara)

"The enchantment is still there! You left it in place and had your spell somehow get past it unaffected!!! Have you any idea how absurd that is? Nobody sane would ever even think of such ridiculous tactic! I wasn't even aware such thing was possible! Who is the lunatic now, Little girl? HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!" (Faber)

"..." (Liara)

[Now that I think about it, removing the hindering enchantment might be possible by overloading the engraved channels as they don't have a large capacity at all.] (Science me)

[Yes... Scientists always take the more difficult road to solve a problem.] (Explorer Me)

Now I feel dumb.

Master Arteficer

Location: Alba / Meridia's Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 3rd day of the Wither Moon / Night

Laying on the bed of the small windowless chamber was Meridia. Despite being forty-four years in age she looked like she was in her late sixties. An accident almost broke her body a few years ago. She has been in constant pain ever since, and only her unwavering faith keep her going. She has a duty to uphold.

(Faber)

Over the small table near Meridia's bed there was a cheap looking wooden sphere about ten centimetres in size. It's aspect betrayed the actual complexity and value of the object.

The artifact, a long range communication device activated, projecting a small moving image of a familiar old man in the air.

"Faber." (Meridia)

"It's nice to see you too, Meridia. You weren't lying about the little girl, after all." (Faber)

"I'm surprised by the way she solved your little riddle, but I had no doubt she would conquer your trial in no time." (Meridia)

"About that. I went back and tried to replicate what she did. It's impossible. Nobody in this world can make magic threads thin enough to slip past my dispel enchantment. Just who in the world is this girl?" (Faber)

"She is the True Daughter of Gloria." (Meridia)

"Enough with titles! Since you are asking for my help, you should just tell me the truth!" (Faber)

"This is the truth. The best answer I came up with. Back then I got a glimpse of enchantments weaved inside her body. Not even the High Elves of old could have made her." (Meridia)

"Made her? As in created?" (Faber)

"She was born of Dark Skin parents. Her body is perfectly attuned to a degree transcending the boundaries of humanity. An impossibly complex enchantment with an unknown function is weaved inside her body. She was made, Faber. For a reason. By someone who is not us. Someone or something not of this world." (Meridia)

"And your best guess is your Goddess. Right?" (Faber)

"Our seer saw her coming with her dying oracle." (Meridia)

"You spoke of High Elves. Maybe there are some still around. If legends are to be believed, the little girl's enchantment could have been weaved by them." (Faber)

"The church possesses an healing artifact made millennia ago by High Elves. While I can't make anything even remotely close in power, I can understand its enchantment. Liara's enchantment is far beyond my comprehension. I can't even understand it's true complexity. They didn't make it Faber. I am certain of it." (Meridia)

"So that's where your church's healing techniques comes from, He? Nice little secret you have." (Faber)

"Only the High Priestess and the Council know of its existence." (Meridia)

"Is it right for me to know, then? And what about the Dragons?" (Faber)

"The Dragons are gone, Faber. Gloria saw to that. Personally." (Meridia)

"Fine. Let's say Liara was made by your Goddess. What do you want of me?" (Faber)

"Teach her. I tried to make her gifts my own, and in my folly brought ruin to myself and the whole church. It is my fate to guide her. This is my reason to be. This much is clear now." (Meridia)

"What if her destiny is to become an harbinger of destruction? Wouldn't it be wiser to just kill her? Now that it's still possible? That girl will become unstoppable if we allow her to grow up." (Faber)

"No. Whatever forces are at work, they wish for Liara to live. I will lay down my life to ensure Gloria's design comes to fruition. It was never my role to understand what her existence entails. I am merely an instrument. And you have a part to play, Faber." (Meridia)

"... Have it your way, Meridia. I'm old. I had been looking for someone to inherit my techniques for quite some times, but... Lenbor is a good lad, but he isn't you." (Faber)

"Rest easy, then. Liara will make your techniques her own. Not only that. She will improve upon them and elevate enchanting to new unseen heights. That, I can promise." (Meridia)

As the two came to an agreement, the sphere deactivated.

Mother

Location: Alba / Serina's Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 3rd day of the Wither Moon / Night

*turn around* (Serina)

I can't sleep.

My sweet child said things that have deeply shaken my faith. Is my faith something so weak that mere words can undermine it?

But my child is the offspring of Gloria herself. If my faith is in Gloria, shouldn't I value her words as I would value Oracles? She is a Seer in the making!

*turn around* (Serina)

But she is a mere child! I held her in my arm when she was no more than one day in age. I have seen her learn to walk. Learn to speak. Learn to weave magic. And protect me. Shouldn't I teach her my values as I would teach any other children?

But what if my words stray her from the path Gloria meant for her! And her growth! Gloria might already have blessed her with all the knowledge and wisdom she needs. In that case, her words are the words of Gloria herself! Shouldn't I value them above my teachings?

*turn around* (Serina)

But teaching are absolute! Breaking them is heresy!

What should I do?

--------------------------------

Location: Alba / Meridia's Chamber

*knock* "Meridia, are you awake? It's me." *enter* (Serina)

"What can I do for you, Head Healer?" (Meridia)

That's right. It was not so long ago that she was the High Priestess and I was her Attendant. Then Gloria took her gifts from her, and Liara taught me many things. And now the tables are turned. But I don't wish for the divide between us to grow.

"I'm Serina for you. I'm the same as always. It's... It's about Liara." (Serina)

"Speak your mind, Serina. I'll help you however I can." (Meridia)

"She... is troubled. By the use the inquisitors will make of her technique." (Serina)

"Of course she is. Children are pure. Like you, Serina. No matter how just, how inevitable, how fair a death sentence is. They are uncomfortable with it. What did you tell her?" (Meridia)

"That the inquisitors only punish those who sin. That for every life they take, ten more will be saved." (Serina)

"I couldn't have come up with a better answer myself Serina. Well done." (Meridia)

"Meridia! There are things about her I don't unders~ (Serina)

"No! We are not meant to understand her. We are meant to help her. Guide her. As best as we can. Do not doubt, Serina. Not one, but two High Priestesses gave you this duty. You are the only one amongst us who can do this." (Meridia)

Her words are melting my doubts away. My heart is becoming calm once again.

"One more thing. Liara has a destiny bestown upon her by Gloria herself. Do you really think humans like us can possibly sway her from her path?" *smile* (Meridia)

So simple! The answer was so simple, and yet I couldn't see it!

"As a child Liara needs a loving parent above all else. That's you, Serina. Go forth. Let your doubts be gone. You are Liara's mother. The only mother she'll ever have." (Meridia)

*smile* "Thank you, Meridia!" *leave* (Serina)

I was such a fool. I won't fail you, my sweet child. You will grow up to be what Gloria meant you to be. I'll just make sure to fill your heart with pleasant memories. I'll make your burden as light as I possibly can! One day during hardships, you'll look back, and remember this warmth!

*whisper* "Gloria bear witness to my promise." (Serina)

Red Crow

Location: Alba / Jerica's Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 3rd day of the Wither Moon / Night

*open eyes* (Jerica)

Alright. The deepest hour of the night. At this hour, everybody that matters should be asleep. Let's make a check. With that Beast lurking around one can never be too sure.

(Jerica)

Traces of aether flow. But everything seems calm, now.

Damn. I'm trembling.

I used to be fearless. I believed I was really good at this. But that Beasts makes me uneasy! I really want to leave as soon as possible.

(Jerica)

[Red Crow. Yellow Sparrow. Blue Green Red.] (Jerica)

[Yellow Yellow Blue. Speak up, Red Crow.] (Yellow Sparrow)

[White Beast exceeds all expectations. Acquired Triple Red class technique. Request Exfiltration.] (Jerica)

...

[Exfiltration allowed only if cover is retained. When in Victoria, become Aimless Bird. Blue Blue Yellow. Yellow Sparrow out.] (Yellow Sparrow)

(Yellow Sparrow)

*sweat* (Jerica)

(Jerica)

Everywhere apart from here the flow of aether is undisturbed. Please. Settle! Quickly! Before the Beast notices!

*sweat* (Jerica)

A few days at most. Yes. I have to escape the Beast's sight only a few more days.

I have a triple red technique! I'm stronger then ever! Such technique may even allow the Royal magicians to oppose the Beast! Well... Maybe if they all banded together... No. That's wishful thinking. I became this strong, and still I can't see the bottom of her powers! She can collimate enough aether to blind my magic sight!! At three years in age!!!

I don't care about the kingdom. Let's think of the reward. Yes. I'll sell the technique to the Royal magicians for a dozen dozen golden bars! Then I'll leave for the Principate! I'll live out the rest of my life in luxury!

I want to be as far from that Beast as far can be. For when she'll finally grow up and unleash her fury, none will be able to stand in her ways.