Dexter

I forgot how complex sonar was. It didn't help that my books only gave vague descriptions of it. Then again, we only invented the sonar we know today after programming computers to interpret the data correctly. Before that, it was just a distance finder designed to go off when the distance change drastically. It definitely would have taken more than a single night to translate that into a spell, let alone the added third dimension. In any case, we spent a few hours designing the base of the spell to detect distance based on a return vibration. We'd eventually use that to design another spell that would give a general direction of particular disturbances. Though, because of the material we'd have to be looking through, we had it utilize the ambient mana as the medium instead of the ground itself. Luckily causing an adequate pulse of mana wouldn't require much more than a secondary supporting spell. Brokil tapped his quill onto the page he was reading thoughtfully. “Once we create the detection spell, we can enchant a second spell to create a small noise in conjunction with a pulse. It should work well enough to find the Archive.”

Gremach shook his head. “There is no way that would work. It could disrupt the first spell and create a noise throughout the surrounding area.”

Brokil gestured pointedly at the page he was reading. “If we anticipate it, it should not be a problem. A small pulse is nothing compared to what is possible with magic.”

Gremach let out an aggravated sigh. “You underestimate how powerful the pulse would need to be. Any spell within a few feet would be disrupted, no matter how prepared it is.”

Brokil stood up angrily and slapped his hand against the page he held. “The Spell Does Not Need To Be Powerful To Achieve Our Desired Result. It Merely Needs To Be Detectable By Our First Spell.”

Gremach stood up to reply, but I gestured angrily at the two of them. “Calm Down,” I said loudly. “This is why we're discussing the best method to enact the spell. If we come at it half-assed we're just going to be getting in our own way.” Gremach and Brokil stared at each other for a moment then slowly sat back down. I nodded as I gestured back at the pages on the table. “Now then, I know the sonar needs to be really fucking loud so I'm guessing we'll have to do the same for this spell. I don't exactly know how spells work, but if it's possible to stop spells entirely then it might also be possible to disrupt the ones nearby.”

Gremach nodded as he repeatedly tapped the paper he was reading. “It is possible, but the amount of mana needed is tremendous, all just to hinder a basic spell. The more I hear about this concept, the more powerful the proposed wave becomes. I am starting to doubt a dozen mana would be able to power a single pulse.”

I nodded as I gestured calmingly. “We'll figure it out. There's more than one form of sonar. We just have to use the right one and make a spell out of it. We just need to talk this out and not get heated over it.” The others remained as I finished speaking. I glanced towards Amelia as the silence hung in the air. She was reading from the books that Salthu had brought with him, probably hoping to find out something useful about the city. I turned my attention back to the present group as I focused on my more hands-on approach to exploring the ruins. “I don't expect us to be able to make the whole thing overnight. Hell, that's why we're making this spell first, so that we can build on it from there. However, that means we need to approach this logically and without getting overly emotional. There are times and places for emotions and now is neither the time nor place. So, let just remain calm and get back to the spell.” Gremach and Brokil were silent for a minute then reluctantly nodded. I nodded again as I picked up a page and let out a sigh.

“That was a bit hypocritical, wasn't it? You could barely keep your head when Amelia was asking you about your day. Yet, here you are lecturing people about keeping calm.” I gritted my teeth slightly as I focused on the page. “That was different. No one's life is relying on the stability of my psyche. This, on the other hand, is going to be six people venturing into a dangerous mountain. If they're arguing here, I can't imagine what they'll do in the mountain.” I felt my face twitch slightly as a few brief images flashed across my mind; Brokil's first conversation with me and Gremach's crash course on spell construction. “Then again, this is probably just their differing opinions. They're professional enough not to risk each other's' lives. Still, if I want the spell to be at all completed they'll have to work together.” I let out another sigh as I looked up again and continued to help construct the underground sonar spell.

I was running again, this time through Snakhagr. The consequences of the battle were back, blood and viscera coating the buildings as I ran through the blood-stained streets. I scanned the alleyways as I saw more bodies everywhere, some I vaguely recognized while I couldn't even tell if others were humanoid. I panted heavily as I ran beneath the fiery red sky. I felt the wind biting at my skin as my heart pounded in my chest. I turned back and saw a massive smoky red figure looming on the bloody horizon, reaching out to grab me. I turned back and redoubled my efforts, feet pounding heavily on the cobblestone as I ran. I dashed past buildings and alleyways as the dark hand reached out even further, growing closer despite my desperate running. I felt the figure's hand grow closer and closer and cause the temperature to drop around me. I pushed harder and tried to desperately run, to keep moving, to get away from the figure. Instead, the figure only succeeded in drawing closer and closer. I saw darkness creeping in the corners of my vision as the fingers slowly encompassed me. I felt a suffocating pressure as the fingers finally closed around me and stopped me in my tracks.

I struggled against the unmoving digits, feeling my breath come out as panicky gasps yet suffocatingly stifled at the same time. I felt myself get pulled up and forcibly turned towards the figure. The wind whistled past my head as I was drawn ever further until I finally came face to mask with the figure. My pulse was racing as the figure stared at me for a minute. Suddenly, I felt the fingers squeeze around me and forced me to let out a pained cry. “AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!” I clawed desperately at the fingers as I tried to take a coherent breath. I was being suffocated, crushed to death by an overwhelming force, and nothing I did could stop it. I felt darkness creep into the corners of my vision as my heart started to slow.

I sat bolt upright in my hammock, sweat pouring down my face as my heart pounded in my ears. I looked around in terror as I took in my situation. “Calm down. Breathe. Deep breaths.” I took a deep slow breath through my nose and then let out a slow sigh, grounding myself in the reality of my current situation. I continued to breathe as I felt my heart finally calm. I felt a twinge of anger boil up as I realized the implications of my dream. “Fucking paranoia bullshit. I can't even get a good night's sleep now. Calm down. Breath. Deep breath.” I panted a short while longer as I finally felt myself grow calm again and I glanced down at my watch. 4:37 I let out another sigh as I turned and dropped down from my hammock. “Might as well take another look at the spell. I'm not getting any sleep after that.” I walked towards the edge of the loft and dropped down, halting my momentum near the bottom using the Hop spell. I stretched, causing several joints to let out a soft pop, as I walked over to the table and sat down. I picked up a few pages and began reading through them as the sun slowly crept closer to the horizon.

Amelia

Dexter and I walked down to the Institute as the sun slowly rose in the sky. I felt nice and rested while Dexter would let out the occasional yawn as we walked. I glanced towards him concernedly. “Did you not get enough sleep?” I asked curiously.

Dexter let out another yawn as he shrugged. “I just woke up a bit earlier than usual. I think it kind of messed with my internal clock a bit. I'll be fine in a little while. I just need to warm up.” I nodded as we continued walking. I could feel a mild warmth radiating from the sun overhead. It was starting to get close to spring. Dexter suddenly caught me off guard as he asked an unexpected question. “What do you think Almar is doing right now?” I faltered for a second then glanced at him. Dexter looked a little drowsy, but I was starting to recognize when he had a plan brewing.

I shrugged as I turned back to walking. “I don't know much. I know he valued me as a precious commodity, but I also know he wouldn't risk his war horses over me, at least not until they're successful with creating more horses. Why do you ask?”

Dexter scratched his face as he thought for a minute. “I'm assuming he might retaliate at any time. Since it's been over two months since his initial attack, I'm also assuming he's about near the end of his rope. Since you've been with him for a month, I thought you might be able to give a wild guess at his thoughts.”

I clenched my teeth and stared at him as that horrible month flashed through my mind. “Let me make one thing clear. I wasn't with him. I was his slave for a month. I had to endure physical and verbal abuse that would often turn sexual.” I felt my hand shaking slightly as I started ranting. “I was kept in a damn cage for an entire week, during which Almar would visit me and try to fondle me through the bars. The only way I was allowed out was to constantly wear that dress that, for some reason, everyone just fawned over as if my tits were hanging out.” I breathed heavily as I realized we'd stopped walking. I felt all their eyes on me as they seemed to think I was crazy. I looked down and placed my hands over my ears as I felt myself trembling slightly. “It's over now. There's no way he'll be able to find you again. It's all over. It's all over. It's all over.” I felt a lump in my throat swell up as I tried to take my mind off Almar.

I suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around me and I heard Dexter's voice interrupting my thoughts. “It's okay. He can't hurt you anymore. You don't have to think about him.” I felt the lump grow larger as we stood there for a minute. Eventually, the tears overwhelmed me and I gently wrapped my arms around him as a few drops leaked from the corners of my eyes. I stood there, shaking for a minute, as Dexter silently comforted me. After a few minutes, I felt the tears subside and I straightened to look at Dexter. He was looking at me seriously as the guards seemed to be deliberately looking the other way. “Better?” He asked.

I nodded as I wiped a tear away. “Yeah. I'm better now.” I admitted.

Dexter nodded as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I feel like I should apologize. I didn't mean to set that off.”

I shook my head as I placed my hand calmingly on his arm. “It's fine. It's fine. I actually feel a bit like a hypocrite right now. I lectured you about not bottling up your emotions and here I am repressing my own trauma.”

Dexter grinned and let out a small laugh. “To be fair; it wasn't a lecture, more like gentle advice. Besides, you were the one that shared your feelings the moment you knew what was happening. I was happy to just keep on bottling it up.” Dexter suddenly let out a sigh as he gestured forward. “Anyway, we better get going. We don't want to be late for our classes.”

I nodded and cleared my throat as I wiped one last tear from my eye. “Let's go.” I agreed. Dexter nodded as he turned and signaled the group to start moving. The guards seemed to take special care not to glance our way as we started walking through the city again.

The next week passed by slowly. I read up on Vedug while Dexter and the others worked on the spell. Dexter also introduced me to Bruga when she joined our group. Before I knew it, there were only a few days left before we would head out to the mountain and the final spell was nearly complete. We were sitting in the barn, busying ourselves with our respective tasks, when a knock resounded from the sliding door. Dexter glanced around at the others. “Are any of you expecting someone?” He asked curiously. They all shook their heads as each of them glanced at the door. Dexter then turned to the door and stood to answer it. His heavy footsteps echoed around the barn as he walked. After a minute, he arrived at the door and pulled it open, turning our collected confusion into recognition. Garahk was standing on the other side of the doorway, a satchel draped across her torso as she held a clear spherical stone, about the size of a marble, in her outstretched hand.

I heard Dexter let out a low whistle as Garahk appeared to grin. “I heard you were planning to make a trip up to Vedug for the spellstones. Since you are lacking in raw power, I have taken the liberty of creating some of the first manastones forged from your method.” Garahk then reached into her satchel and pulled out a small pouch, dropping the stone within. The stone made a soft click as it landed. Garahk then presented the pouch to Dexter. “I have created a dozen stones, each carrying about ten mana. I shall have to wait for some of my crystal reserves to refill, but I suppose it will be worth it if you bring back those spellstones.”

Dexter nodded as he reached out and gently took the pouch. “That's very generous of you.” He said gratefully, opening the pouch to examine the spherical crystals. “We'll be sure to bring back any other artifacts we find out there.”

Garahk nodded as Dexter began to close the door, but suddenly tilted her staff forward to halt its progress. “There is, actually, one other matter I would like resolved before you leave.”

Dexter looked at her curiously as he pulled the door open again. “Name it.” He replied.

Garahk gestured behind her as she explained. “It would appear our aging method means that this ‘rubber' substance degrades much faster than normal. As such, I am quickly growing low on the sap required to make more. My current estimates wager that I shall run out at about the time you are in the middle of your expedition. To avoid wasting time and resources, would it be possible for you to show me where you acquired such large quantities of this material?”

Dexter rubbed his face for a moment then nodded. “I don't see why not. I've been meaning to make a trip down there anyway. We can head out tomorrow after class.” Dexter then turned to address the mages in the room. “I'll end up being late for tomorrow, but you guys will be able to handle my absence for a bit, right?” Gremach and Brokil briefly glanced at each other then turned back to Dexter and nodded.

Meanwhile, Bruga appeared slightly crestfallen. “You are going on an adventure without us?”

Dexter briefly looked confused before shaking his head. “It's not going to be much of an adventure. I'm just going to take her down there, show her the sap then head back.” He suddenly pointed towards me. “I'm also going to take you since I've been meaning to show you the clearing anyway.” I nodded as Dexter turned to address Bruga again. “Beyond that, we'll only be gone for an hour. It won't be much of an adventure for a timeframe like that.”

Bruga appeared to think for a minute then slowly nodded. “Very well. I suppose such a time would be inadequate for true excitement.”

Dexter nodded as he turned back to Garahk. “I'll see you tomorrow then.” He affirmed. Garahk nodded as she tilted her staff back and finally allowed Dexter to close the door with a sharp boom. He turned and walked back to the table as he let out a sigh. “Let's get back to it then. I'll be gone for an extra hour tomorrow, so I'll try to make up for that absence now.” The table nodded as he sat back down, placing the pouch beside him, and began working on the spell again. I turned back to reading the book on Vedug as the night gradually grew darker and darker.

Dexter

The next day seemed to go by a bit faster than normal. Before I knew it, I was making my way towards Garahk's study with Amelia right behind me. I glanced towards her as I finished describing the clearing. “It's the weirdest fucking thing you'll likely ever see. If it weren't for who's in charge of it, I'd say it was from some kind of horror game.”

Amelia nodded with uncertainty as we rounded the corner and approached the big oaken door. “I'm sure she's lovely to talk to.” She said, a little sarcastically.

I shrugged as we continued walking. “What she does isn't much different from what hunters do. Hell, now that I think about it, she's more like a farmer. It's just that her form of domestication is mental rather than physical.”

Amelia shrugged as we arrived at the door. “Either way, it's a creepy method of feeding yourself. Imagine keeping something for months or years only to kill it for food.”

I shrugged as I reached up to knock on the door. “Still no different from what farmers do. She just has a certain advantage over them that they'll never have.”

Amelia let out a sigh as we stood there and waited for the door to open. “Still.” She said simply. I didn't respond as we continued to wait in front of the door. Finally, it was pulled open, revealing Garahk on the other side.

She let out a smile as she saw the two of us standing in the doorway. “Are we ready to embark?” She asked.

I nodded as I glanced at Amelia, who let out a reluctant nod in response. “Ready when you are,” I confirmed. Something was eating at me. I couldn’t put it into words, but I felt like I was forgetting to do something. I pushed the feeling aside however as I gave Garahk a reassuring grin. “The sap was surprisingly easy to find.”

Garahk nodded as she adjusted her stance and planted the staff in front of her. “Grab hold. I shall teleport us outside the city. That way, we avoid the merchants clustered around the gate.” Amelia and I nodded as we reached out and grabbed the handle of the staff. The wood was strangely smooth and polished as if dozens of hands had once held the staff.

I turned to Garahk as I offered a suggestion. “Take us to the edge of the southern forest. That way, we won't have to spend five minutes walking through the clearing.”

Garahk nodded as she began gesturing. “It shall be but a moment.” She confirmed. We stood there as we waited for Garahk to finish her spell. This one was different from the one I'd learned. Instead of the instantaneous transport, it was a more gradual transformation, the stone and wood of the hallway turning into the ground and trees of the nearby forest. After a few seconds of this transformation, the world came into clear focus with a sharp pop. It was like someone let off a firecracker just behind my head.

I rubbed my ears as Garahk signaled that it was safe to let go of her staff. “What is with spells and popping?” I asked, a little annoyed.

Garahk shrugged as she briefly pressed her stomach. “It is just the way of some spells. In their connection with the physical planes, some form of tension occurs. Once a spell is released, the built-up tension can create an audible effect on the world. That is why some spells have to ‘wind down' as it were, otherwise normally silent spells become dreadfully loud.”

I nodded as I glanced into the forest. A few early flower buds were starting to grow, dotting the forest with blue and purple spots. “We better get going. You'll want to find out how to get the sap as soon as possible.”

Garahk nodded as she gestured into the forest. “Lead the way.”

I nodded as I turned and started walking into the forest, carefully scanning the faint trail I usually followed towards Mabel's clearing. We slowly trudged through the forest as I tried to pick up the trail. Eventually, I found a familiar grouping of trees and found the path, leading Garahk and Amelia all the while, the silence one broken by the shifting of soil and the crunch of our respective footwear. I decided to break the silence and answer the question I knew Garahk would eventually ask. “Before you ask, it's really easy to know where to go once you've been there. You might not even have to ask about when we arrive. It's really easy to tell when you enter the clearing.” I glanced back and noticed Garahk's unease as we walked. “You okay?” I asked. “We still have a ways to go.”

Garahk sighed as she glanced around. “We have a distaste for the southern forest.” She remarked. “Something in the air always appeared stale or foul. I am hopeful that we will be at your destination soon.”

I nodded as I turned back to walking, the nagging feeling returning. “Trust me, this is the only place I could get sap. Don't worry about maintenance, you just have to come down here and get it.” I turned again and realized Amelia carried the same uneasy expression. “You doing alright?” I asked. “I meant to show you earlier and tell you…” My mind suddenly went blank on what I wanted to tell her. Was it something important? I shook my head as I refocused my attention on leading them towards the glade. “I don't know why you're nervous. I told you about this place. You're not going to see something you wouldn't expect.”

Amelia nodded nervously as we continued to walk. “I think it's the forest. It's giving me the heebie-jeebies.”

I considered for a moment then nodded as I glance around. Despite the new growth, the trees still gave off a strange aura. Now I was certain something had slipped my mind. “It's nothing to worry about. Besides, I doubt there's anything in here that could threaten two mages and an Elder Mother.”

Amelia nodded in response, but still seemed nervous. “Are you sure you know where you're going?”

I nodded as I gestured forward. “It's right up ahead. Just another few minutes.” I heard the slap of palm on wood and turned to see Garahk gripping her staff with two hands, gemstone facing front as she walked. I reached out and directed the gemstone downwards, causing her to turn to me. “That's not necessary,” I said firmly. I felt a twinge of confusion at my own confidence. I continued as I allowed my thoughts to flow freely. “Just relax. There's nothing to be afraid of here.”

Garahk stared at me for a minute, then nodded as she lowered her staff, straightened, and let out a sigh. “I am unnaturally uneasy at the moment. I am now growing anxious to return to my study. If it is nearby, I shall continue, but if danger makes itself known I will ask the two of you to grab my staff and we can teleport away.” I stared at her as it slowly dawned on me what was happening. “Alright, I guess Mabel's defenses aren't as mild as she thought. Though I think the only way to undo the process is to let her undo it. I better get them to her, quick.”

I nodded as I gestured further into the forest. “We'll run if we find trouble,” I assured her. Garahk stared at me for another second then nodded. I then turned and continued leading her and Amelia deeper into the forest as I scanned the distance for the telltale hue of the archway. After a few more minutes of walking through the forest, our collective footsteps echoing off the trees around us, I finally led them into the clearing and I breathed a sigh of relief. The archway was right there, plain as day. “Alright, here it is,” I said as I gestured at the structure. My joy quickly turned to confusion as I noticed I could see the clearing beyond. No longer was it obscured by illusionary trees or light. What’s more, the clearing beyond was empty. I stepped forward curiously as the archway gave passage into the clearing. It was strange to see the place without animals. The large dominating center felt absent without them. I furrowed my brow as I looked around, trying to find Mabel. Surely she would be able to explain.

Garahk looked around at the empty clearing, confused. “What has possessed this place?” She asked worriedly. “The air is heavy with rot and foulness.”

I gestured at her dismissively as I strode towards the big tree dominating the center. “You'll find out in a minute.” I then cupped my hands around my mouth and bellowed up at the tree at the top of my lungs. “YO, MABEL! I'm Back, And I Brought Some Friends!” I paused as I waited for a response. Nothing came. I tried it again. “MABEL! Where Are You! You Can’t Have Gone Far! You’re Bound Here, Aren’t You?”

I could hear Garahk's steps quickly approaching me from behind. “I do not like this place.” She hissed, her eyes wide with worry. “Come, we should depart. I can find another source of the sap.”

I protested as Garahk tried to place a hand on my shoulder, but I brushed her away. I was unnaturally calm for the given circumstances. “Calm down, you just need to meet her. MABEL! I Don't Know If You People Sleep, But I Need You For A Few Minutes.” Still nothing. I started to bargain with the unresponsive tree. “I'll Make It Up To You Later.” Silence. The trees drifted in a wayward gust of wind.

I suddenly felt Garahk's hand on my shoulder again and she started forcing me back towards the edge of the clearing. “No more, we are leaving. The magic here tastes ill. I'll burn this place to the ground before we leave.” I was about to protest, but a gnarled root suddenly sprouted from the ground in front of us and pointed towards Garahk, staring like a cobra, ready to strike. Garahk and I skidded to a halt at the site. My heart started racing. Everything I wanted to say suddenly came rushing back as if a dam had suddenly been broken.

I stared wide-eyed at the root as I timidly raised a finger, trying to rectify the situation. “I probably should have mentioned I got the sap from a dryad.” Garahk swiveled on the spot and glared at me, shocked.

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed from above. “I Hope That Was An Idle Threat.” We all turned to the source and saw Mabel, sitting on a branch about twenty feet up, back resting on the main trunk of the tree.

I put on what I hoped would be a comforting expression and stepped forward, out of Garahk's grip. “Hey, Mabel. Listen, there's something you should-”

I suddenly stopped as something hard slam into my side and caused me to falter, allowing Garahk to step forward. “This Is Who You Have Been Acquiring Your Substance From? This Monster?”

I looked at Garahk as I nursed my side and realized she had hit me with the top of her staff. I place a hand on her staff and tried to get her to lower it again. “Look, Garahk, I don't know what you're thinking, but if you'll just calm down a minute I'm sure we can-”

I was forcibly stopped again as Garahk hit me in the side with her staff. “I Know What Is Occurring! She has seduced you with lies and falsehoods. Her Kind Was Once A Scourge On The Institute And I Shall Not Have My House Fall To The Same Hardships That It Once Faced.” I stared at her in confusion as I tried to make sense of what she was saying. Her face held the same enraged expression she displayed back at the war room.

Before I could question her, I heard Mabel cackle and I turned to stare at her. She continued to chuckle as she yelled a taunt down at Garahk. “Oh Gods, You Know Of That Little Fight? Then I Can Reason That Your Threat Was Not Idle.” Before I could protest, Mabel stood and summoned a large clump of roots beneath her, stepping on it to descend slightly and direct more roots towards Garahk. The roots slowly writhed as she stood on their precipice. “However, You Will Find That I Will Not Fall So Easily.” Garahk fell into a fighting stance, low to the ground, both hands gripping her staff as she directed it forward.

She seemed about to retort, but I stepped in between them. “We Can Talk This Out,” I shouted, hoping to get a hand on the situation. “It’s My Fault Everyone Is Here And I Did Want Things To Go This Way! I'm All For A Good Fight, But Now Is Not The Time!”

I was ignored and Garahk pushed me away with her staff. “Stand Aside, Outsider. You Know Nothing Of The Events That Occurred.”

I stared at Garahk angrily as I firmly placed my hand on top of her staff. “Will You Just Listen To Me For One Second?” I then turned to Amelia to try and gain some support but stopped as I saw the state she was in. She was just standing there, head directed downwards as her hands were clamped over her ears. Her entire body trembled as she stood there. My eyes grew wide as I realized the origin of her state. I turned to Mabel as I angrily gestured towards Amelia. “How Powerful Are Your Defenses? How The Fuck Is That Mild?”

Mabel tilted her head slightly as she stared at Amelia. Her words seemed to drip with curiosity. “Intriguing. I suppose you outsiders are much more susceptible to my defenses than I previously thought. No matter, I can remedy the issue once this matter is resolved.”

I was about to protest as Mabel's roots sharpened themselves into a point, but Garahk forcibly pushed me away again. “To The Death Then!” She cried. I had half a second to register what was about to happen as one of Mabel's roots drew itself back.

I lunged to shove Garahk to the side as I let out one last shout. “STO-” I didn't get to finish as it suddenly felt like I'd been punched in the face by an elephant's foot and I crumpled to the floor, blackness quickly overtaking my vision.

All I was aware of, for who knows how long, was a dull throb. thm-thm thm-thm thm-thm I couldn't see, hear, or feel anything. thm-thm thm-thm thm All I could do was panic. thm-thm thm-thm I almost felt like puking as the throbbing appeared to fade away. thm-thm thm Yet, all I could do was wait. Nothing responded as I tried desperately to move something, anything. thm-thm I had tiny inklings of what might have been going on outside of my awareness, but they were vastly overshadowed by the throbbing around me. I felt like the darkness was trying to consume me. thm . . . Before I knew it, the throbbing stopped, and I was left in total blackness. I continued to struggle as my awareness expanded to include minute vibrations in my head, giving me a vague idea of its source but nothing more. THM-THM thm-thm thm-thm Suddenly, the throbbing cut back in and the darkness gradually began to recede.

I woke up on the ground, face planted firmly in the dirt. I let out a groan and slowly crawled to my knees as I felt something drip down my chin. I reached up to touch my left cheek and a sharp sting forced my hand away, revealing stains of blood on my fingertips. I felt a surge of adrenaline as everything that led to this moment went barreling through my mind. I felt a swell of anger surge through me as the feeling in my cheek grew from a mild sting to a raging pain and I tasted blood. I had been struck down. I had been left helpless on the ground. I HATED that. I let out a groan as I pressed my hand to the side of my face and felt a gash beneath my fingers, skimming my teeth through the cut and filling my mouth with the taste of iron. My rage grew as I looked up to glare at Garahk and Mabel. They were fighting tooth and nail now, Mabel striking from her tower of roots while Garahk deflected them and retaliated with bursts of her magic. They were bellowing angrily at each other as they moved about the clearing.

“A Thousand Years Are Not As Easily Forgotten As You Think!” Garahk shouted.

“I Disagree! There Is Only One Of Us That Is Old Enough To Have Lived The Events. You Have Merely Been Informed About It.” Mabel retaliated.

That Does Not Diminish The Horrors Your Kind Have Inflicted On the Days Of Old. I Will Not Allow The Mistake Of Your Survival To Continue Any Further.”

I stood up as I continued to press my palm into my face to stop the bleeding. My rage continued to grow as I marched towards them and watched their battle for another few seconds. I allowed my rage to simmer as my muscles tensed, further feeding my focus and fury. I finally let out another bellow of my own when I got close enough to see the whites of their eyes. “YOU TWO NEED TO SHUT THE FUCK UP!” I roared. Their fighting immediately stopped as they both turned to me. I kept my hand on my face as I let out a tirade of my own. “YOU TWO CAN'T BE SENSIBLE FOR TWO FUCKING SECONDS TO LISTEN TO A SINGLE FUCKING WORD I HAVE TO SAY! I'VE BEEN TRYING TO TELL YOU THE FUCKING SITUATION SO THAT WE CAN COME TO A NON-FUCKING-VIOLENT AGREEMENT!”

Garahk took a step forward as she tried to tell me off. “Come To Your Senses, Outsider. The Dryads Were Once A Scourge On The Institute And I-”

“SHUT THE FUCK UP, GARAHK, OR I WILL BREAK YOUR FUCKING STAFF IN HALF!”

Garahk looked at me in shock as Mabel seemed to take joy in my rage. “Ooo, I am now overjoyed at our agreement. I cannot wait to spar with you in that state.”

I pointed a finger angrily at Mabel. “YOU NEED TO SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH BEFORE I COME UP THERE AND RIP OUT YOUR FUCKING TONGUE.” Mabel's joyous expression turned into confusion as she realized I was serious. I turned to address both of them again as I jabbed my finger towards the ground in front of me. “I DON'T GIVE A SHIT WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST, I'M PUTTING A FUCKING END TO YOUR FIGHT RIGHT FUCKING NOW! MABEL, GET THE FUCK DOWN HERE. GARAHK, PUT DOWN YOUR FUCKING STAFF!” The world appeared to stand in stunned silence as I paused in my enraged bellowing. Mabel glowered down at Garahk for a minute before letting out a sigh and causing the tower of roots to recede into the ground. She then crossed her arms as she stood there and pouted. Garahk stared at her in confusion then glanced at me before resting the base of her staff in the dirt. I panted angrily as I became harshly aware of the pounding in my ears. I let out a deep breath as I stifled some of the anger that was bubbling over. “Mabel, Make A Fucking Table And Some Chairs So That You Two Can Have A God Damn Conversation; Face To Face, As Equals.”

Mabel hesitated for a moment before letting out a sigh and gesturing, causing furniture to rise from the ground, a table, and two chairs. The table was about what you'd expect from a Dryad creation. The wood wasn't carved. Rather, it seemed to be deliberately shaped out of four roots, which left a haphazard pattern where each leg of the table stopped and another began. The chairs, on the other hand, were practically polar opposites of each other. One was a beautifully intricate throne that had a unique tree carving embedded into the back. The supports between the legs looked to be made of hardened rope rather than the wood they were. If an expert carpenter had tried for years I doubt he'd have been able to replicate the throne. The combination of straight lines and intricate curves was truly a beauty to behold. Meanwhile, the other chair was the bare minimum of functionality, a three-legged stool that seemed to be made of pitted and discolored wood. It seemed to have been made centuries prior and almost looked like it would fall apart after only mild pressure. I glared angrily at Mabel as she walked calmly over to the throne and sat on it. Garahk approached the stool hesitantly and I raised my hand to signal her to stop. She complied as I continued to glare at Mabel. “As Equals,” I growled firmly. Mabel stared at me for a minute as she seemed to try and wait out my demands. “I'll Fucking Leave And You'll Never See Me Again.” I threatened.

Mabel continued to stare at me for a minute before sighing and gesturing again, causing the chairs to morph into mirrors of each other, perfectly straight and normal armchairs just about any skilled carpenter could make. I nodded and gestured for Garahk to sit. She reluctantly complied and leaned her staff on the arm of the chair, keeping it within grabbing distance as she glanced at Mabel sitting across the table. I let out a sigh as I briefly looked towards the sky and contemplated the pain in my cheek. I let out another angry sigh as I looked down at Mabel and Garahk. I growled out my next words as I kept a hand pressed to my face. “Alright, Since This Still Fucking Hurts, I'm Going To Keep My Hand Here As I Explain What's Going To Happen. You're Going To Inform Me On This ‘Conflict' And You're Going To Do It Calmly. After That, I'm Going To Tell You Why We're Here Now and What I'd Like To Happen. Then Each Of You Are Going To Say What You Want. Then You're Going To Talk This Out Until You Reach An Agreement. I'm Sure Both Of You Want Something And There's A Way For Both Of You To Walk Away Better Off. Meanwhile, I'm Going To Make Sure-” I stopped as I turned to Amelia and saw she was still standing there, trembling. I turned back to Mabel as I jabbed my finger towards Amelia. My anger had subsided enough for me to speak normally. “Fix her please,” I commanded. Mabel nodded as she gestured, causing a tendril root to sprout near Amelia. It morphed into a hand as it placed itself on her forehead, pushing her head up slightly. Amelia finally stopped trembling as she seemed to start to relax.

Mabel nodded as she relaxed in her chair again. “She will be better in a moment.” She assured me. I nodded as I rubbed my cheek a bit more, the stinging pain still glaringly present. Mabel noticed and gestured towards me. “You can stop that. You should be healed by now.” I looked at her hesitantly until I finally noticed the taste was receding. I drew my hand away and saw the dried blood caking it, but no fresh blood was present. I gently pushed my tongue against the inside of my cheek and felt resistance. I looked at her questioningly as I tried to make sense of the events. Mabel gestured about as she explained. “So long as you are in my grove, I can control the damage you receive. Even if you were to be gravely injured, I can reverse the damage and return you to a prior state. So long as the damage does not occur outside of that tree line, I can even reverse death. Though I would never consider allowing you to remain in such a state for more than an instant.” I nodded hesitantly as I glanced at Garahk.

She seemed reasonably confused at the events she was witnessing. “What is This madness?” She asked.

I let out a sigh and briefly chewed the inside of my cheek before answering. “She's where I've been getting my sap,” I explained with a sigh, my anger finally being contained by the tranquility of the current situation. I was still fucking pissed, but no longer enough to yell at them over it. “She's nicer than you probably think, a lot nicer. I just had no idea Gashur and she had this history. I also should have informed you about her nature before, but something was. ….” I turned to Mabel, an idea forming. “Why did I not feel like telling her about you?” I asked, almost accusingly. Mabel was silent for a moment, once again trying to wait out my request. “Mabel,” I said sternly.

Mabel let out another sigh as she finally relented. “Another aspect of my defenses,” She finally admitted. “Those that know of my existence are not made keen to share said existence. It prevents knowledge of my presence from spreading to those that would wish me harm. As I said, I am not the last one for nothing.”

I let out an annoyed sigh as I glanced at Amelia. I could tell she wouldn’t like the idea of influence like that. “Then please remove that aspect of your ‘defenses’ from her. Do that for me as well before we leave.”

Mabel let out another sigh as she glanced at Amelia. “You’re lucky I find you so interesting.” She muttered as she gestured again. The wooden hand began to glow radiantly and Amelia let out an involuntary sigh.

I nodded as I turned back to Mabel. “Any other precautions we should know about?” A pregnant silence fell over the clearing as Mabel refused to meet my gaze. I let out an annoyed sigh as I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I’m not going to get angry,” I muttered. “Just remove it all while you’re at it.” Mabel turned to me, her face twisted into a pouting scowl. She seemed like she wanted to object. “If you want us to come back, we need to know you trust us. Friends don’t do this kind of thing to each other.”

Mabel sighed again as she looked away. “I am not at fault for being prudent at defense.”

I nodded annoyedly as I gestured again. “Well, you’re not alone now. If you want it to stay that way, you have to trust us. Understand?” Mabel did not meet my gaze. She did, however, nod reluctantly as her lips pursed once more. I let out a relieved sigh as I finally turned back to Garahk who had remained silent, wide-eyed, throughout our exchange. “So, it seems I didn't think it necessary to warn you about her nature, or that she even existed. Because of her, I thought it would be a nice surprise to reveal a fucking Dryad to the Elder Mother. I just wish I knew about the fight she had been a part of.”

Mabel shook her head as she gestured towards her tree, finally turning to me once more. “I was not part of the conflict. In truth, I think the ones that did participate deserved their fate. They held no respect for you and the chaos they experienced was merely a product of their actions.”

Garahk continued to look confused as she seemed to relax a bit. “You did not fight alongside your sisters?” She asked, the astonishment palpable in her voice.

Mabel shook her head in response as she leaned back and crossed her arms. “I was considered an oddity to them, one that held a level of intrigue towards you that the others blatantly lacked. As such, I did not aid them. If anything, I hampered their efforts against you by being wholly uncooperative. One of their reasons for their loss was how little they were willing to draw from the animals around them. They were weak and their foolishness led directly to their fate.”

I nodded as I gestured dismissively. “I get it. The Dryads that used to be here got uppity and tried to take down Gashur. Though, what I don't get is why I hadn't heard of this earlier. Or how they got defeated if each of them would be similarly hardy as you.”

Garahk shook her head as she gestured towards the city. “It was entirely on the part of the mages at the time to remedy the issue. In truth, the Dryads were incredibly powerful and would have easily been able to wipe out Snakhagr had we failed. As such, the Elder Father of the time decided to not record the events in our history tomes. The city was so close to destruction that it only would have been a detriment for its people to know how powerful the surrounding creatures could be. Not even the other mages know about what happened. I alone hold the knowledge of the events so that we can be prepared should Dryads threaten us again.”

I nodded as I gestured towards the table, trying to get everyone back on track. “Anyway, Mabel, I want you to provide Garahk with the sap she needs. Garahk, I had to offer an exchange for access to the sap so it’s likely you’ll have to do that as well. I’ll be sure whatever trade you and Mabel come up with will be fair. It is just to gain access to the sap after all. You'll have to hash that out for yourselves, but I can at least watch. If I do it for you, you won't be as happy about it as you could be. Besides, you two need to learn to talk to each other when I'm not around. I imagine the Institute will want to make more autoclaves, after all.” Garahk and Mabel stared cautiously at each other as the clearing was filled with silence, only broken by the occasional chirping bird from above.

Finally, Garahk seemed to consider for a moment as she relaxed further. “What is the agreement you two share?” She asked curiously, gesturing at me and Mabel. “Has she taken something of great value to you?”

I shook my head as I flicked my finger between us. “She's bored out here. So, I'm providing her with a source of entertainment in the form of sparring. In exchange, she's been giving me sap and I guess safety within her grove.” Mabel nodded along as she looked calmly at Garahk.

Garahk didn't continue for another minute as she seemed to consider the concept. The silence hung in the air for a moment as she thought deeply. Garahk finally tilted her head as a grin briefly appeared on her face before vanishing. “What about this proposal.” She finally said. “I will provide you with a supply of relatively skilled mages for you to spar with and so that they may spar with each other in the safety of the grove. They can also provide added protection, knowledge, and ingredients that you likely lack here. In exchange, you provide unique materials, a place to train mages inexperienced with actual battles, and a source of mana on an as-needed basis. Would this be satisfactory?”

Mabel sat there silently as she seemed to consider the offer then let out a sigh. “Surely you must know of the dangers I face in allowing you access to my grove and the resources within. I may respect you, but respect does not equate to trust. Also, only I decide how I use my energies. I may decide against providing such regenerative boons to strangers in my midst.”

Garahk nodded as she stared at Mabel. “The mana provided can be on an emergency basis then. We may also limit the number of mages initially present in your abode at a given time. I also risk losing them by sending them here. I propose seven mages to start with. I'm sure one as capable as you could handle them.”

I turned to Mabel as she seemed to consider the offer. “Three.” She said simply.

Garahk paused before continuing, a grin appearing on her face again. She appeared to be enjoying the exchange somewhat. “Too little makes our agreement inefficient. It would allow you to spar with one, but leave only the two to fight each other, assuming you have not already exhausted one's energy with your conflicts with them. I propose six mages. That should be adequate.”

Mabel tilted her head as a smile appeared on her face as well. “Four.” Was her only response.

Garahk paused again before finally finishing. “Then I suppose five mages shall be our initial start. It is enough for you to be provided appropriate entertainment and for the mages involved to receive experience I sadly cannot provide at the Institute.” Mabel was silent for another minute before nodding and reaching over the table to present her hand for a handshake. Garahk complied and reached out to shake her hand.

I let out a finally relaxed sigh as I rubbed my still stinging cheek. “Well, I guess that about wraps things up. Mabel, do you have any sap handy?” Mabel nodded as she gestured towards the ground and caused more roots to sprout from the soil, carrying a few clay jars and set them on the table. Garahk reached out and grabbed one of the jars to examine its contents. She was expressionless as she swirled the contents briefly, then reached for the other jars as she set the first one in her satchel. I nodded and turned to Amelia as I heard a groan emanate from her general vicinity.

She rubbed her head as she continued to groan and look around. “What happened?” She asked, still a bit disoriented.

I let out a sigh as my adrenaline finally faded out and I walked towards Amelia. “I think I just got a taste of diplomacy,” I said as the root receded into the ground. I guided Amelia over to the table and finally introduced her to Mabel as Garahk finished packing the jars into her satchel.