ACT IX

By the time they reached the oddly shaped house, dusk had finally settled. It was hard to believe how fast time had passed. The sunrise seemed only minutes ago, and their first glances upon this marvelous city only moments. Yet here they were, parting ways with the sun once more, wandering through strange alleys and pathways. It was in moments like these that Tavra's adventure spirit felt at it's strongest. Lost, but found.

Led quietly by the shuffling old man, the small group came at last to the threshold of the doorway; an almost perfect circle of solid wood, with intricate designs and carvings at intervals along it's border. Padra ushered them forward, almost with a dance, motioning to an open section of the wall which was covered with a thick tapestry. Athyra stepped forward and lifted the cloth up, allowing Onica and Tavra to walk inside, while Padra remained outside for the moment, fiddling with one of his weather indicators.

When inside, they were enveloped with a strong sense of hospitality. It was almost an energy buzzing through the air. Just as the outside, the inside of the house was bare wood. With raw sections of trees, planks and old ship parts strung together like a giant puzzle. This was the theme of this city--everything was repurposed and constructed with the same designs. The houses mirrored the city, and in turn, the city itself looked like a gigantic house. In fact many sailors and merchants who visited for generations had even began referring to it as "The Ocean House."

Nothing about the design was wasted, or converted. Onica could see the top of a light house as one of the corner bay windows. Tavra gazed toward the ceiling only to see the upturned bottom of a ship's hull. Sailcloths were used to separate doorways, ship lanterns were now wall fixtures, and an old wheelhouse was now a steady table in the center of the room.

But the aspect Athyra always noticed first on her sparse visits to this place, was the smell. All around the room there were sweet, pungent smells. Pine, bark, and dried fruit. Some oils burned by small flames in tin dishes, placed carefully in the corners and crevasses surrounding the room. Drying fruit hung from thin lines of tethered rope over the small, cozy kitchen. Herbs and some kind of black liquid burned in a cast iron pan. All around them was a symphony--a miasma of beautiful aromas. It cured and soothed Athyra's senses, and though her home was on the sea, she felt as though this place could counter that notion.

Just as Onica was finally about to remark on their new surroundings, completely lost in the atmosphere, a head suddenly popped up from the back of the room. All three noticed at once, which caused them to gasp and jump backwards in unison. For a moment, the head of a young girl peered at them from behind a work table, watching and waiting awkwardly. And after a long moment, she slowly began to rise into the air. "...Are you still wearing those ridiculous eyes?" she said.

Athyra chuckled to herself, now realizing it was a familiar friend. "Hello, Nith." She stepped forward and began to make her way toward the back of the room, as the girl walked out from behind the table optimistically, a spring in her step.

From the moment they saw her, Onica this girl was very special. Nith appeared to be very young--a small child--yet she exuded a sense of maturity which matched even Athyra's. Her features were charming, yet striking. With round dark eyes, shoulder length black hair which was braided with charms, and from what they could notice, tattoos covering her entire body. She wore silver handmade jewelry strung across her collar, and thin chains ran down her arms, attached to the elbow through various rings on her fingers. She was barefoot, and wearing only a simple black tunic which was armless and short, revealing most of her alabaster skin. With each step forward into the candle light, she revealed more of the incredibly complex patterns of ink strewn across her flesh. Tavra was dumbstruck at the sight. A girl this young should not appear so old.

"It is wonderful to see you!" With an unexpected joy, Athyra lunged forward and grabbed Nith, squeezing her frame tight and lifting her off the ground.

Nith immediately struggled, attempting to peel Athyra away from her. "Ugh! Gross!" she protested. "Get off me, Athyra! You smell like a fish!"

Athyra laughed, giving her one final squeeze before she placed her on the ground again. "Your sense of hospitality declines with every visit."

"And how would you know?" Nith retorted, brushing dried salt from her arms. "I can't recall your last visit."

Athyra smirked. "Perhaps if you did not drink so much, you would remember more."

"A hug, and an insult," Nith huffed. "I'm so pleased you have returned." She said sardonically.

"Am I such a curse?"

"You are more than that," she leaned to the side, catching sight of Tavra and Onica, who were silently observing the situation. "Who is this?" she wondered with a pointed finger.

Athyra turned to them and waved them over to her side. "This is the rest of my curse." She joked.

Nith rubbed her chin. "New crew members?"

"I wouldn't say that." Onica mocked.

"Incredible," Nith stated. "I cannot believe there are still Gelfling in Thra who would willingly follow you." Her tone became childish.

"That's one thing we already agree on." Onica giggled.

Athyra raised an eyebrow at her. "And yet, here you are."

Onica sighed and shrugged. "Here we are." She repeated.

Nith glanced at Tavra, taking note of her hair and dress. "And let me guess, this one doesn't talk?"

Tavra smiled and crossed her arms. "My sword speaks well enough." She proclaimed.

Nith grinned and tilted her head playfully. "Oh, a feisty Vapran! I love that. It's been far too long since I have seen my own blood." Tavra took note of this interesting remark.

"I have a great idea," Athyra interjected. "How about you invite us in so we can sit down and relax. It has been a long day."

"You make it sound as though it's my fault! I don't cater to your wild adventures." Nith turned and walked toward the back of the room again.

"And yet, you will." Athyra confirmed.

Nith turned back to her and pointed to the empty wooden stools beside the wheel table. "Sit down, and be quiet."

"Why should I be silent now? You don't want to hear of our adventures so far?" Athyra sat, followed by Tavra and Onica.

Nith removed four tattered mugs from the cabinet and placed them on the counter. "I find it hard to believe you traveled all the way here simply to chat."

"And what if I did?"

"Doubtful." Nith put each of the mugs in front of her new guests. "Besides, Padra already sensed it." she said with in a mysterious tone. "We knew you were coming." She stared at each of them intensely.

"How?" Onica wondered.

Athyra turned to her while Nith prepared something at the stove. "Padra is a sky reader." she said.

Onica's face contorted. "A sky reader?"

"You've never heard this term." She declared, rather than questioned.

Onica shook her head. "Perhaps in passing, but no."

Athyra tilted her head upward. "They are able to read patterns in the clouds. They study various aspects of the weather--such as wind direction, cloud flow, and even auras of the moons. Much like your far dreaming, they can understand the energies of the world."

A steaming kettle of ta slammed down on the table in front of them. "You're a far dreamer?!" Nith exclaimed with excitement. Onica nodded.

"The best." Athyra answered for her with a proud smile. "That's why she's traveling with me."

Nith waved her hand dismissively. "You don't travel with the best of anything."

"My crew is the greatest--always has been!" Athyra confirmed. "A sea hardy, proud pack."

"More like a pack of wild arduffs!" Nith snapped playfully. Then she abruptly faced Tavra and Onica again with a bright, toothy grin. "But I'm certain both of you are just wonderful!" Onica and Tavra were charmed by their behavior. Although to most it would appear as bitter quarreling, these two were clearly good friends who enjoyed their stonehammer banter.

Athyra tapped her mug on the table. "Can you place your attitude aside for one moment and pour my ta? Before its cold preferably?"

"Coming-coming!" Nith swiftly turned to grab a small bag of dried red seaweed from the counter. She placed the contents inside a tall iron pot, and began to pour the piping hot water over them, which then seeped through a small hole and into a clear glass beaker. As the liquid filled, it produced a vibrant red color with an incredible aroma, with the scent of sweet salt.

"Is that seaweed?" Tavra wondered aloud, dipping her head level with the beaker.

Nith bobbed her head quickly. "It is."

"But the salt--won't it harm us?" Onica inquired.

"No, not this seaweed." Nith pinched one of the dried red strands and held it up. "This is freshwater seaweed. It grows in the ponds near the northern tip. Then it's cured and aged with fruit sap for years."

"Giving it that amazing aroma." Athyra added.

When the ta was done steeping, Nith carefully poured each of them a full mug, then placed her hands on the table, eagerly awaiting their reactions after the first few sips. "...So?" she said impatiently.

"Delicious!" Tavra proclaimed.

Onica was lost for words for a moment. "Wonderful. Truly." She remarked with wide eyes, licking her lips.

Athyra smiled at them, then at Nith. "As always." She took in a long, warm gulp and pushed out a heavy breath, letting the last of her stress wash away. Then, she reached into her bootleg and pulled out a small golden flask, pouring herself a healthy does of whatever firewater she maintained. And before placing it away again, offered some to the room. Tavra and Onica quickly declined, but Nith unexpectedly darted a hand forward, downing the remainder of the contents and flipping the flask back at Athyra in a flash, leaving all bewildered.

Tavra took a few more sips, then placed the mug down as more questions entered her mind. "Nith," she began. "I must ask you...you mentioned something about Vapran blood earlier. What did you mean?"

"Exactly what I said," she took a sip of her ta. "It's good to see my own again."

"You are Vapran?" Tavra inquired directly.

Nith laughed and motioned to her foreign body. "I know, it's not obvious."

Tavra studied her dark hair. "You must be one of the awlis blacks." she stated.

Nith nodded once. "Yes. Or at least I was, at one point. Which I do not remember."

"Awlis blacks?" Athyra wondered.

Tavra turned to her. "Her hair color is awlis black. Usually all Vapra can recognize each other by our silver white hair. But on rare occasions, children are sometimes born with pure black hair. To this day it is still seen as a curse by some."

"It's an outdated belief, but still prevalent in some areas." Onica added.

Athyra smiled and angled her mug toward Nith. "Yes, well, now you can see the proof." She jested.

Nith sharpened her eyes to a glare. "Oh, Athyra, the wit."

After a good laugh, Tavra found herself brimming with more questions. "And how is it that you now find yourself here?" she wondered.

Nith sighed and placed her mug down. She crossed her arms and became troubled with thought. "That is quite a long story."

"Best make it quick, we're short on time." Athyra finished her ta with gusto.

"Easy for you to say!" Nith protested. "I'm not good at telling stories."

"It's not a story, it's the truth." Athyra corrected.

Nith sighed again, gathering her thoughts. "Alright. Well, I was born into the Vapran culture as you know. But for some reason, I was orphaned." Pain suddenly entered her words. "I'm not sure how old I was, but at some point I was brought to Stone in the Wood, readopted by their Maudra, and raised in the Stonewood culture. The only thing I remember from that time, was that on my name day, I climbed to the top of Bolentor, saw the top of the world...and kept going, never looking back." Her eyes grew distant and clouded with ancient tears. "I decided to head to the north, far off to the lands of the crystal desert I had heard so much about. But in the dry air, I reached the point of starving and began to eat anything that looked edible."

"This is where it gets good." Athyra mentioned.

"Quiet." Nith ordered, then continued. "I came upon a rare desert flower called the melanthree, which was deathly poisonous to all Gelfling. After suffering the effects, I fell to the desert floor and began to die. But miraculously, I was discovered by Dousan tribesman who took me back to the wellspring. It was the Wave Xeric." This remark shocked Onica and Tavra, vividly remembering the brutal battle the night before. "They were on their way back to the wellsping to pick up supplies. I was hidden in the outskirts of town, the only spot where the Wave Xeric was allowed to trade, as they were not permitted in the town. And there on the outskirts, is where I received these tattoos."

"They tattooed you?!" Onica shouted, appalled.

"Listen." Athyra touched her arm softly.

"Yes." Nith continued. "With special symbiological markings--the only way to save me from the poison. You see, as it coursed through my bloodstream, the tattoo symbols somehow prevented it from effecting me...but it came at a great cost. My time." She said in a choked whisper. The room grow quiet. "The special markings did not allow my body to age. So as I grew older, I would be forever stuck in this body." She gestured to herself. "And soon after I came to, I was taken on their birds to the Port of Sky and dropped onto a boat which was entering. Padra was on this boat, and he took me back to his home. After he diagnosed me, using his extensive medical and chemical knowledge, he decided to take me in--under his wing. And here we are. Seems like ages ago." She concluded.

Tavra and Onica were both stricken with silence for a long while, absorbing her vast history, so carefully and simply laid out before them. For the moment, it made them feel small. As if tiny droplets cast away in a vast ocean. Athyra and Nith were far greater waves then they had ever imagined. "So, how old are you now?" Tavra asked.

Nith smiled and crossed her arms. "Old enough." She said with finality.

Athyra suddenly burped, sheading the warmth of compassion away from the room. "Well, keep going!" she commanded. "Tell them about your tattooing."

Nith puffed out an agitated breath, her child like face becoming soured with irritation. "I will if you would only be quiet! Why don't you tell it if you're so interested in hearing the tale."

"I enjoy your version much better." Athyra remarked wryly, folding her hands on the table. Her dry humor seemed to seethe with an increase of liquor, Onica noticed.

Nith delivered one more daggered eye, then turned away, scampering to the back wall. When she reached a small work space, she spun toward them again and whimsically gestured to her equipment. Underneath the thick paned window were various tools, fittings, small mechanical devices, and tiny triangular vials filled with inks of many colors. "This is my workspace." She announced happily.

Athyra stood up and rounded the table toward Nith, motioning for Tavra and Onica to follow. Onica became more fascinated by the moment; thrilled with each new discovery, which appeared to be endless. "You practice tattooing?" She asked.

"I do." Nith nodded and carefully selected a bulky device to show.

Onica leaned in closer for a better look. "I thought only the Dousan practiced that. I don't believe I have ever heard of any other clan mastering that skill."

"Well, sometimes it helps not to be part of a clan." Nith countered with a thin smile. She lifted an oblong, cubic device into the air and tapped the sides with her finger. "This is the tattoo instrument Padra designed for me. You see this hose?" she grasped a thin fibrous tuber which was connected to the top. "It's powered by air," she instructed, lifting her eyes toward the ceiling. "Some of the windmills on the roof collect air, which flows into this little machine, spins the gears and...somehow makes it work. I'm not sure how exactly, I just use it." She shrugged.

"Padras seems like a very talented man." Tavra concluded.

"He is indeed." Nith confirmed, embraced by warm memories. "If it wasn't for him, I would surly know nothing about this beautiful art."

"But why?" Tavra inquired. "It's hard to believe something which was forced on you could be your passion."

"True. But they also saved my life." Nith reminded her. "I think I became fascinated with them for that reason."

"Sounds like you have acquired a deep knowledge." Onica stated.

Athyra patted her shoulder. "She has. Even more than you can imagine."

"Like what exactly?" Onica could barely contain her curiosity.

"Well, over these many trine, I've come to understand that this art isn't just for decoration and storytelling. The Dousan--or at least one arm of this clan--has obviously discovered that certain symbols could imbue a person with good health, strength, power, fortitude, and even intelligence."

"Truly incredible." Onica breathed.

Nith glanced at Athyra. "Not to mention, it has helped me to decipher the map quite well." Athyra's face froze as she looked to Nith with quiet wonder. Nith gave a shallow, affirmative nod.

"Truly?" Athyra answered.

"What do you mean?" Onica interjected. She never cared for obvious secrets.

"It is time..." a voice called to them from behind. The group turned to see Padra, silent and still at the back of the room. Wrinkled hands folded in front for him. His squinted eyes sparkling like the sea glass sewn to his robes. "The moons are out, and the Pearl full!"

"Yes!" Nith smiled and jumped forward in excitement, then turned and waved to her friends. "Follow me!"

Once night had enveloped the Port of Sky, it appeared much different. A peaceful stillness fell like a thick blanket over the shacks and worn wooden homes, which radiated with the glow of crackling fires from within. Their walls and roofs lit with haggard lanterns of blues, greens and reds, with windows and doors shut up tight to avoid the cold ocean breezes. It was cozy and humble. A solitary, yet crowded seaside village.

As Padra lead them back through the town once again, a full Pearl Moon shining bright in the heavens above, surrounded by glistening patterns of diamond stars, lost in the colorful cosmic hazes. When the path before them began to narrow, the group noticed the town around them was thinning; each house smaller than the one before, and further apart. Until at last, they had entered a heavily wooded area, ripe with rich trees smelling of rustic pine and musk. Vast plains of all shapes and sizes danced in the night air, the branches moaning and singing. The tips of the leaves sparkled in the moon light, some with ice blue veins spreading across the glossy surface, with small fruits and flowers dangling from the notches and splits. This forest was magical. It was breathing. It was alive.

Athyra, who had been walking alongside Nith for the entire stroll, looked to her cautiously. "Where is it that you are leading us?"

"Just wait!" She answered.

"Come now, no games at this hour." Athyra protested.

Nith puffed and turned to her. "To the pond! You remember it." She stated. And then suddenly: "Will you take those eyes out! You are terrifying, you know that?! It's a wonder half your crew hasn't thought you mad already." Her face grew sour again.

Athyra smirked. "I still have plenty of time to prove that."

"It's night, why don't you take them out now at least?"

Athyra cast a sudden somber look upon her. "They were a gift from my mother, you know that. I value them as her own eyes."

"I know that," Nith responded gently, with a hint of sarcasm. "He knew her, remember?"

Onica's ears perked. "You knew her mother?" she asked from behind.

Nith gazed back at her. "Well, Padra did. She used to come here many trine ago to trade and collect special metals from us. As well as delicious fruit--which you all will see in just a minute!"

"Fruit?" Athyra stopped herself. "We're going to see fruit?"

"Yes!" Nith grabbed onto her arm and pulled her forward again. "You'll see!" She chirped.

"I must admit this was not where I expected to be..." Athyra grumbled.

"So why did you come here anyway?" Nith wondered.

"You're just asking me this now?"

Nith shrugged. "Well I wasn't expecting to get so wrapped up in distant memories as soon as you set foot in the doorway."

"I suppose. Well, I'm guessing you might imagine what we need."

"Of course," Nith concurred. "You never need anything else except for repairs. And my supplies!" Athyra chose not to speak this time, instead letting a saddened smile drop her chin. Noticing this, Nith reached out a hand and squeezed her ashy shoulder. "Just don't take any of my fruit, okay?" She offered an encouraging smile. "Was it the Wave Xeric?"

Athyra nodded. "It was. They become more bold with each passing day. A night raid almost ended us."

"A night raid?" Nith repeated. "Well, we'll have to make some adjustments to your crew I think..." her tone was mysterious again.

"And I've done just that," Athyra gestured toward Tavra and Onica. "I do have the best far dreamer and soldier in Thra with me. Don't I?" she looked back confidently at her friends.

"As far as you know." Onica quipped.

Nith giggled. "I'm certain! But, I still think you're missing something." Athyra looked at her with confusion.

"Here it is!" Padra's voice abruptly rose from the trees ahead of them. The group stopped to see him standing in front of a small, shadowy pine tree, his white robes flowing like smoke around the branches. As they came to his side, they noticed the little pine was completely black in color. It had not been damaged or altered unnaturally, but instead appeared to be an organic, yet very bizarre coloration. Hanging from the tips of it's weeping tendrils were small purple pine cones, dripping with gelatinous sap which gathered in small pools around it's base.

Padra pointed at the wonderous full Pearl Moon over head. "You see, you see?" he announced. "The light of the full Pearl Moon bleeds the sap from the seeds." he bent down and curled his boney finger to collect a bit of the liquid onto his finger. He laughed to himself and performed a quick lively jig as he rubbed the substance between his fingers. "Oh yes, yes! Hot like fire, melt like a flyer too close to the sun, we've just begun, we've just begun! Fun, fun, fun for the roots of the tree, new discoveries, you and me!" he sang joyously. Then Nith joined in the dancing. They locked arms and began to repeat the song again as they danced, captured in the moment like free spirits, drunk with ethereal energy.

For a moment, Tavra, Onica and Athyra stood awe struck at the sudden performance, finding themselves a bit impatient, yet fully enjoying the unexpected show. When they had finally finished, a still giggling Nith trotted over to them and placed one of the small pine cones in each of their hands. "Here, look!" she exclaimed.

As they examined the strange growths between their fingers, they noticed that the liquid was indeed hot, as the song had mentioned. It was warm, as if heated by some internal, unseen force of nature. Like pinching globs of piping hot ta, which stained their flesh bright purple.

"What is this?" Tavra asked, unable to remove her eyes from the cone.

"It's moonpine!" Nith answered happily. "You see the black color of the tree?"

"Yes," Onica swiveled her head to study it. "The color is unnatural."

Nith shook her head. "Oh, but it is natural. Just extremely rare." she spun around and ushered them in front of the tree. "They grow and bloom as the Pearl Moon waxes. Then, when the moon is at it's fullest--just like tonight--this strange sap emerges."

"And what exactly is it's significance?" Athyra inquired with great curiosity.

Nith paused for a brief moment, allowing a sweet toothy grin to shape her face. "I will show you. Right now." She rose to her feet and looked to Padra. "Padra!" she called out. Without another word she turned her back to them, facing the small tree, which was almost exactly as tall as she. With a few flips of her tiny fingers, she undid the shoulder laces of her tunic, sliding the fabric down to her hips.

Unsure of what was happening, Athyra nervously took a step forward, her face contorted and slightly offended. "Nith? What is-"

"Shush!" Nith protested with a hiss. "Just watch."

With great care, Padra stooped down to gather a handful of the sap into his cupped palm. He arose again slowly, dipping his fingers into the liquid, and appeared to be studying something on her back. As they narrowed their eyes in the dim light, the group suddenly noticed a distinct symbol on Nith's back, framed between her shoulder blades, lost in the mess of designs covering her body. It was a map. A very familiar map. Athyra's map.

"Is that...?" Onica said, immediately recognizing the design. She looked to Athyra, expecting to find an equal amount of shock across her face. But to her surprise, Athyra was not phased. She had known about this.

"Yes." Athyra answered. "My map."

"You knew?" Tavra wondered.

"I did," she confirmed. "But whatever she is about to reveal, I do not." She stared at Onica stoically.

When their eyes returned to Nith's body, Padra was now cautiously applying the sap across the map, causing the ink to grow vibrant and rebleed it's color. Nith grimaced as the hot liquid seeped into her pours, causing steam to rise into the chilled air. When Padra had finished, he backed away with silent footsteps, waving his hand into the air, as if beckoning the Pearl Moon to join the celebration.

As the brilliant glow of the moon glazed her back, she spun her head around to meet their eyes. "There is one more trick this moon light carries." She stated softly.

Suddenly, a symbol began to appear in an empty space of the map, near the hidden islands Athyra had located on her atlas. The group gathered closer to see clearer, as Athyra kneeled to examine the wonderous discovery. There, over Athyra's islands, the distinct shape of the aureyal appeared. Connected to it, was a thin line which ran across the ocean to a stretch of land on the west coasts, in the mountains beyond the Swamp of Sog. Hovering over this area, was another aureyal, clearly signifying a connection. And Athyra knew exactly what it was.

"Conjunction take me..." Athyra breathed quietly as her eyes grew wide.