Abyssal Road Trip

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

When Cyrus arrived, he had Dareios in tow, looking like a dusky-skinned Wood Elf dressed in the monastery’s uniform. While Dareios looked hesitant about disturbing them, Master Cyrus calmly regarded the pair hugging Gail and turned back towards the gate.

“No, you have a lesson,” protested Gail, scrubbing tears away with her hands. “I’m going to go speak with Mother.”

“Sarith is a good listener,” advised Amdirlain.

Gail exhaled slowly. “Thanks, but I need to talk to my mum.”

The settled tones within Gail prompted Amdirlain to release her hug before Gail’s Planar Shift activated.

Cyrus advanced to the bottom of the steps. “Everyone has their share of pain in life. Since Gail has someone to help her, shall we focus on your lesson?”

Amdirlain nodded reluctantly. “Yep.”

“I’ve got a few things to take care of, but I’ll handle your metacreativity lesson after Master Cyrus’ session,” advised Sarah.

“Nomein advised me she’ll be along this evening, and I told her you had the Affinity training,” said Cyrus. “Perhaps let her know if you need the evening free or if you’ll train afterwards.”

“Oops,” said Amdirlain. “It’s fortunate that other people are keeping track of my schedule.”

“I understand you’ve had some justifiable distractions occurring,” allowed Cyrus. “Shall we go into the barrier?”

“We’ll need the targets again?”

“Among other things,” replied Cyrus, motioning her to go inside.

Sarah brushed her face and had to get out of the way of Cyrus herding Amdirlain inside.

‘Impatient, much!’ projected Sarah. ‘Have fun, sweetie. It seems like he is in a taskmaster mood.’

‘Oh no, what will I do?’ protested Amdirlain, beneath her composure.

As they approached the Spell barrier, Amdirlain established the same illusionary targets she’d used in their last lesson. Cyrus grunted in approval and stopped just inside. He looked back at the uncertain Dareios and beckoned the Hound Archon to stand beside him.

“You’ve been trying to relearn an ability from Dareios, correct?” questioned Cyrus. “Change Self?”

“It’s a simpler form of the Power I had: Protean,” corrected Amdirlain.

“Pedantic,” muttered Cyrus. “Dareios, I’d like you to use Change Self continually while Am practises Ki Blast. She thrives best off challenges and, as Gilorn put it, needs to get out of her own way.”

Amdirlain laughed. “She’s been telling tales.”

“She told Silpar, who mentioned it to me while you allowed him to remain,” noted Cyrus. “Yet it was hardly surprising news. We’re going to load you up with work during these sessions. You will use Harmony to track Dareios’ ability while using your Ki Blast, cycling, and creating more of your constructs. You’re also to cast random spells at targets within the chamber.”

At the last element, Amdirlain blinked in surprise. “Spells as well?”

“The Ki Blast technique you’re looking to use also involves Mana. It would help you acclimate to handling Mana and Ki in conjunction while keeping them separate. You’ve used Ki Infusion to hold prepared spells while cycling Mana and Ki together. Mana and Ki’s involvement is more convoluted with this technique, and you must direct it carefully.”

“Is this the normal teaching approach?”

“Let me worry about the teaching method,” Cyrus countered. “As you’re hardly a normal student, I’ve been considering ways to challenge you properly.”

Dareios looked at Amdirlain uncertainly, but when Amdirlain nodded, he shifted his appearance. Only his hair changed at first, from the same auburn hue Amdirlain used to jet black and through various other colours. As his skin joined the transitions, Cyrus pointed Amdirlain to the targets.

“Speed doesn’t matter. It is smoothly multi-tasking that is the important piece of this puzzle,” said Cyrus. “Given the number of songs you can utilise simultaneously, this shouldn’t be a problem, should it?”

“Only five things at once?”

Cyrus sighed. “Take your time. I’m trying to distract your thoughts so the Ki Blast becomes more intuitive. It might take your mind off whatever is blocking you from understanding Dareios’ ability.”

Amdirlain created the first construct to the tempo of the Ki cycling through her sigil, then added a Lightning Bolt at a nearby target when the blazing form of a Phoenix lept from her chest. The compression of its form from her last lesson was lacking, and the shape diffused after a dozen metres. Frustration rose, but Amdirlain relaxed into the music and continued juggling the diverse tasks Master Cyrus had set. The musical flow quickened in her, and the Ki Blast began to release in a nearly continual torrent of golden flames while azure lightning zig-zagged across the chamber. The theme of Change Self continued to tease at her, and while Harmony occasionally brushed against its manifestation within Dareios, it remained elusive throughout the session.

The chimes rang across the mountainside, and Amdirlain concluded the exercise. Cyrus grunted in satisfaction and bowed before he turned and left, leaving Amdirlain to consider the experience notification.

[Crafting Summary (Category: Constructs)

Mithril-composite Construct x10,872

Total Experience gained: 1,087,200,000

Fallen: +1,087,200,000

Harmony [G] (28->37)

Ki Blast [J] (7->30)

True Song Genesis [G] (53->55)

Mana Finesse [S] (78->81)]

I averaged under a second per construct, and even with all the other distractions, trying to smooth the notes helped a lot. I’m not sure I’ve ever used spells for such a prolonged time. It’s certainly an advantage of my Mana Pool increasing along with my Intelligence.

The questioning patience from Dareios drew Amdirlain’s attention, and she turned to him with a smile.

“Thank you for your patience, Dareios,” said Amdirlain. “Did Kadaklan give you a tour of the monastery?”

Dareios grinned boyishly and shifted back to the dusky-skinned Elf he had started with. “He did indeed, Lady Am, and then he introduced me to a few people and got me clothing to blend in somewhat. He said it was his treat and for you not to worry.”

“I’ll give him a nice present as a thank you,” said Amdirlain. “Are you interested in learning magic at all?”

Idly scratching the back of his head, Dareios shrugged helplessly. “It looks like a potent force, but I know little about what I want to do.”

“Let me know what you decide. It’s completely your choice,” replied Amdirlain. “There will be someone to teach me more magic here shortly, and I can ask her to teach you as well.”

“Would you learn magic again or take a different path?” questioned Dareios.

Amdirlain nodded. “I’d always learn magic. It’s pretty cool and has helped me repeatedly. Though I’ll admit that I don’t have the same love for it that Ebusuku possesses.”

“I know that is the name you know her by, but I’m not sure if I should use it,” stated Dareios. “Would it offend you if I called her Lady Lerina?”

“Not at all,” assured Amdirlain. “That is the name she chose for herself.”

“It feels strange not to also refer to yourself as Lady Am, but I’ll abide by your preference.”

Amdirlain sighed dramatically in relief. “That’s appreciated.”

“Are you making fun of me?” asked Dareios.

“My apologies. The headaches I’ve had with those insisting on using titles makes me play up a bit when people mention them,” advised Amdirlain as she turned towards the training hall entrance. “Shall we go find out what Sarah is up to?”

“I’m sure you already know,” replied Dareios as he moved to walk beside her.

Amdirlain winked. “I do. She and Kli are in the workshop, herding crafters to lay out new forges the way Sarah wants them for training.”

“What’s it like knowing everything that’s going on around you?” Dareios asked as he fell in beside her.

“I mostly keep it filtered to a summary of details, but I can quickly find people I’ve met before,” explained Amdirlain. “Like you’d spot a familiar face in a crowd.”

Dareios shrugged in confusion. “Even that reference is unfamiliar to me. Yesterday, the tailor had trouble finding their pins, and they were just under some cloth, yet you not only know where someone is, but what they’re doing.”

“I don’t like to know that level of detail constantly,” replied Amdirlain. “Since I planned to speak to Sarah, I checked to see if we would interrupt anything. I won’t micromanage anyone, and constantly looking over someone’s shoulder is rude, even if they don’t know I’m watching. Here, I mainly listen out for someone being seriously injured. Smaller training injuries with help nearby I’m not concerned about.”

“You’re ready to just jump in without being petitioned. Do you, Sarah and Isa come from a very informal culture?” asked Dareios.

“That’s certainly the case for our social circles,” confirmed Amdirlain. “While I can likely avoid offending anyone now, I’m not the best model for polite etiquette. Why?”

“You said the other day to pretend to be an Elf so people would excuse not knowing their manners,” said Dareios. “But I would like to learn them properly rather than pick them up piecemeal. Without talking to you about it, I wasn’t sure who I should bother.”

“If you want to learn the local etiquette, we’ll find you an instructor,” reassured Amdirlain, and she gave him a cheeky smile. “And then you can pass on their lessons. Certainly, I didn’t know that some areas expected you to position your hands in a specific way according to gender when bowing.”

“Mortals are challenging,” sighed Dareios. “I hope I don’t disappoint you while here, Am.”

Amdirlain patted him on the back. “You’ll be fine, Dareios. Just be yourself, and learn whatever you think you’ll enjoy. You won’t disappoint me. My apologies for the boring wait helping me with Change Self.”

“You changed form a few times,” noted Dareios. “Is that because of your other Power?”

“Yeah, false positives is all I’ve managed so far,” huffed Amdirlain. “It’s so teasingly close and slips along the established channel. I know it’s possible to relearn Protean, but I don’t know how yet.”

“Would you keep trying even if you didn’t have that reassurance?” asked Dareios.

“I’ve regained skills before, so I don’t see why powers should be different,” replied Amdirlain.

Dareios paused. “I don’t understand why the classes even exist.”

“That’s complicated, and I’m not sure I understand all of it myself,” replied Amdirlain.

Once they exited the training hall, the clanging from the workshop became clear.

Klipyl grunted as she shifted another anvil into position before one forge, and dozens of crafters loaded tools into the racks near each forge.

Sarah casually waved when Amdirlain leaned against the workshop door to observe their endeavours.

“Working up a sweat supervising?” said Amdirlain lightly.

“It’s a hard job, but I’ll manage it,” laughed Sarah. “After all, I’ve got experience herding cats.”

“Would it be right for me to steal you away from the work, or do you need more time?”

Sarah nodded to Klipyl. “I’ve got an apprentice who can supervise the last.”

“Too right,” chirped Klipyl. “Off you two go. Dareios, feel free to pitch in moving gear.”

Dareios glanced between Klipyl and Amdirlain, who only shrugged. “Your choice.”

That was enough for Dareios to move to help some workers pry open a sealed packing crate of tools.

“It looks like modern packaging. Where did you get all this stuff?” asked Amdirlain.

“The Exchange,” replied Sarah.

Amdirlain nodded. “I’m not surprised. One day, I might have to tour it properly and see the extent of the toys I could pick up there.”

With Klipyl and Dareios minding the crafters, Sarah led her back to the sparring area. As they walked along, Amdirlain shyly looped her arm through Sarah’s.

Sarah smiled happily but didn’t say a thing until the training hall door closed behind them. “What are you nervous about?”

“Of sending you the wrong signals,” replied Amdirlain. “Does that sound bad?”

“You’re not swept up in emotions and want to take your time,” noted Sarah. “It’s perfectly reasonable. You’ve got Phoenix’s Rapture off again?”

“Yep, it’s another reason I want Protean back, to have a regeneration ability that doesn’t also block my emotions,” explained Amdirlain. “Trying to stop Mental Hardening’s autopilot holding issues at bay is tough enough.”

“Still, you need those techniques against the Eldritch,” Sarah said. “I don’t think you should develop the habit of continually blocking the Skill. Maybe give yourself some time each day?”

“In among my jammed schedule?” questioned Amdirlain.

“During lessons like mine,” proposed Sarah.

When Amdirlain stopped near the training barrier, she addressed a question that had occurred to her. “What about during your lessons?”

Sarah caressed Amdirlain’s cheek. “Only if you’re comfortable. I know you have issues feeling vulnerable.”

Her touch elected a flurry of butterflies in Amdirlain’s stomach, and she nervously licked her lips.

And now I’m thinking of kisses. Focus, Amdirlain!

The scent of desire that wafted from her caused Sarah’s nostrils to flare in appreciation, and Amdirlain hurried on. “Those issues make it important to restrain it around you. Plus, you can smell if I’m having lingering issues and tell me something is wrong when I’m being oblivious. I’ll still have to figure out what.”

“Like Rainith’s Soul?” asked Sarah, resting her hand on Amdirlain’s shoulder.

“Yep, but you had spot-on advice there,” said Amdirlain.

“Okay, but if you need privacy, take time for yourself,” said Sarah. “You need to be your own person.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure my emotional butterflies will want me hiding,” Amdirlain reassured with a nervous laugh. “Shall we get started on the lesson?”

“Today, we’ll start with the basics. While I know you won’t have forgotten, we’ll need to see which techniques you can still evoke consistently. Effective imagery for evoking Psionic techniques can change, and I know you’ve had other options.”

Not having used any shaping techniques for years, Amdirlain quickly nodded.

Her first attempt to create a psionic shard produced a spray of arrows instead of a single palm-length projectile.

“I might need to adjust my strength,” snorted Amdirlain.

Sarah smirked. “Yep, back to figuring out the right image for the Crystal Shard technique, unless you always want to go overkill using it.”

“It might be beneficial if I can occasionally be subtle with a power aside from True Song,” laughed Amdirlain.

“Then, let’s keep going through the rest, and we’ll see if there is a common pattern,” instructed Sarah.

After Crystal Shard, Crystal Dagger, Swarm of Crystals, and other shaping techniques that manifested weapons produced equally amplified results. Subtle techniques that drew up or formed ectoplasmic shapes were proportionally enlarged and seemed to track back to her Ascetic Triumvirate Prestige Class.

Sarah looked at the oxen-sized shambler produced using the latest technique Amdirlain tried. “It’s meant to be a Chihuahua-sized blob.”

Amdirlain blinked innocently. “Oops?”

The amphoric blob undulated to the chair Sarah had created and squeezed it into shards. “With these and the combat techniques you’re pushing in far too much psionic energy, but anything that creates flexible effects is fine.”

“Angry girl issues,” quipped Amdirlain.

“Maybe explore the imagery you’re using. Do they have anything in common?”

Amdirlain sighed. “Yeah, they do, and I’ll find something else to evoke the effects.”

The mental image of various gauge needles that Amdirlain projected cut off the question on Sarah’s lips.

Sarah nodded curtly. “Okay. Should I leave it to you?”

“Yes, please,” sighed Amdirlain. “I’ll unpack embarrassing luggage in my time.”

“Strong emotional keys produce an equally powerful response,” offered Sarah. “Shall we try a nice vitriolic technique?”

Amdirlain tilted her head curiously. “Oh?”

“Acidic Spray.”

“I saw someone using that once,” groaned Amdirlain. "It looked like a massive dose of projectile vomiting."

“If that’s your immediate thought, I expect it will produce a sizable mess if you pick that imagery,” Sarah said.

Amdirlain laughed as a different image came to mind. “No, I know something better to try.”

“The spray doesn’t have to come from your mouth,” proposed Sarah.

Amdirlain giggled, “Oh no, don’t be a spoilsport.”

A thin line of acid leapt from Sarah’s index finger, turning the shambler into a melted mass of ectoplasm.

Though Amdirlain caught the shared image from Sarah that accompanied the twisting of materials into the chemical chains, it took her a few scores of attempts before she could sporadically get gouts of acid to jump from her lips.

“Yep, that looks gross,” muttered Sarah. “What are you using for an image?”

“The munchkins taking mouthfuls of pool water and spitting it at each other by pressing their cheeks,” laughed Amdirlain.

I wonder how long before their memory of Aunt Julia faded into vague recollections.

“Mal’s kids?”

“Yep,” snorted Amdirlain.

“They were lovely children,” drawled Sarah. “So polite.”

Amdirlain grinned. “I mean, clearly I was a great influence on them.”

“Back to work, you reprobate,” chuffed Sarah.

As the lesson continued, Amdirlain picked up a half dozen new techniques from impressing increasingly complex decision-making capabilities into a shambler and other acidic attacks. The delicate balancing act she learnt in managing thousands of songs at once allowed rapid progress with isolating the personal key to each method. The speed of her progress provided a growing irritation with her futile efforts to learn Change Self.

“You smell annoyed,” observed Sarah. “What got a burr in your pants? You’re not succeeding instantly, but you’re already further along than I expected.”

“Fucking Change Self,” blurted Amdirlain. “I can pick up these techniques, but it’s thumbing its nose at me.”

Sarah blinked at the venom in her tone. “That’s it?”

“It’s a catalyst for my frustration with other issues,” admitted Amdirlain.

“Such as?”

“The silence from Balnérith not triggering the monitoring on the entrance to the deep planes,” grumbled Amdirlain.

“Rahka and her allies were destroying Balnérith’s senior succubi,” advised Sarah. “I should have brought that up.”

“Why?” blurted Amdirlain. “I mean, why did they take an interest in helping me?”

“They don’t think they’re helping you,” corrected Sarah. “You wanted to get a hold of Balnérith or her seniors, so they set about destroying them. They don’t believe you’re concerned about anything in the deeper planes. Their theory was you’re after something that will profit you, so best not to let you have it.”

“I guess even arseholes are useful for dealing with shit,” muttered Amdirlain. “The destruction of her workforce buys me more time to find Balnérith and stop her permanently.”

“True, but with the legions of succubi she had at her command, you can’t count on Rahka’s allies having made a serious dent,” countered Sarah. “We got four of them, but Rahka had allies for whom she didn’t even have a casual name for me to track them down.”

“Were they from the cloister?” asked Amdirlain.

Sarah nodded grimly. “Their memories show various battles. It might be the war Laodice tried to entice you into joining.”

Amdirlain’s hands twitched to her hair, but she balled them into fists and pressed them against her temples. “Yep, true. It’s too soon to celebrate anything. Heck, even destroying Balnérith isn’t enough.”

Sarah stepped close and placed a comforting hand on her back. “Once you have her, you’ll need to pry information from her about who else knows about the wound.”

“I need to repair all the damage they did to the wound and establish safeguards,” said Amdirlain, and she grunted at an image that jumped to mind.

“What?”

“I’ll need to get strong enough to grow a new skin on the outside of the realm to seal it properly,” said Amdirlain. “Too many stories contain warnings that patching or locking something is just inviting someone else to screw with it later.”

“You’re talking about being strong enough to survive in the Far Chaos,” stated Sarah.

“No, just strong enough to create a pocket realm outside this one. Somewhere with rules that allow me to affect the exterior of this realm,” laughed Amdirlain bitterly. “I’m only taking on a small goal. Right?”

“You like to punch above your weight class,” remarked Sarah. “It’s also something you wouldn’t have to do at once.”

“Your thoughts on that?” questioned Amdirlain.

“Stop them worsening it, patch it on the inside like a patient’s internal stitching, and then bands on the outside until you can do a full skin. That can likely be broken down into smaller steps,” offered Sarah. “Why didn’t Ori take it on?”

“The realm’s internal time was moving too fast. She might have been gone billions of years,” Amdirlain’s grin was more of a baring of teeth. “Let’s get back to work. I need to strengthen every channel I have for handling energy until I’m strong enough to crush Balnérith into a paste.”

♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫

The three thousand seven hundred students queued up would be a tight fight for the biggest arena on the mountain. Under the direction of the clerks of the Duty Pavilion, they headed inside as the chimes for the session started. As the last began to get settled, Amdirlain sped across the tops of the buildings, taking in the students’ melodies. Amdirlain dropped into the middle of the arena and landed next to Head Clerk Erhi. The students on her side of the stage hushed at her sudden arrival, prompting Erhi to turn to determine why their behaviour shifted.

There are a few hotheads here that I certainly won’t give the Affinity of their choice. Any Affinity unlocks Wizard, and I don’t think Fire is the right option for someone with aggression issues.

“Lady Am, thank you for joining us,” said Erhi, projecting her voice enough to drown the murmur from the nearest rows of students. Her hand tucked inside her long sleeves, and she bowed with her arms crossed before her eyes, the sleeves forming a curtain.

The depth of her bow dropped a blanket of silence over the arena.

Unworthy to meet my gaze? Is that the implication? Why is she putting on a show for the students?

From Erhi’s public mind, Amdirlain picked a casual question to softball her.

“Head Clerk Erhi, thank you for organising everyone this evening,” said Amdirlain, giving Erhi a sharp bow suitable for a dojo. “Has there been word as to when their instructors will arrive?”

“We expect the first group to arrive tomorrow, Lady Am.”

“Most efficient,” stated Amdirlain. “I’d like to compliment you and the Duty Pavilion staff for your efforts.”

Erhi bowed again. “That is most kind of you, Lady Am.”

“I’ll take this opportunity to remind everyone what Master Suku’s staff has advised. For some, you will gain an Affinity other than what you requested. Others might not gain an Affinity at all. Only those who gain the requested Affinity will have to pay the full fee.”

A scattering of students around the arena lashed out with angry words towards nearby clerks, and a low cacophony of noise rose as their protests escalated into arguments. One student, whose customary robes showed finer tailoring, gestured towards Amdirlain as he screamed at a clerk. “Surely you’re able to…”

Those students who started to protest disappeared from their seats and sprawled in the muddy water of the rice paddies between rows of seedlings.

Most of them weren’t even those I wouldn’t teach; they weren’t violent, just rude to the staff. Idiots!

“To ensure people can cool their heels if they interrupt, yes, that is quite possible,” stated Amdirlain. “Hopefully, they find fieldwork educational. Now, let us begin. I want everyone to place themselves in a meditative state. As you settle yourself, dwell on your impressions of the energy you want to gain.”

Amdirlain’s mental touch swept across the first group, opening their awareness to Water and its ability to nurture and kill. Once she had taught all those, she moved through each of the fundamental elements before taking on the more esoteric affinities. Less than a hundred students didn’t gain any Affinity, and another three hundred found their contemplation guided away to a different Affinity. The tokens in their possession changed colour to match the individual’s relevant success. When the last she planned to help had found their way, Amdirlain politely nodded to Erhi and returned home.

At the training hall, Sarah was seated on a viewing platform, talking to Klipyl and Dareios. Amdirlain rose outside the platforms and plopped down on the chair beside Sarah.

“You were only gone ten minutes,” observed Sarah.

“And I still took my time,” said Amdirlain smugly.

“Were there many issues?”

“Only a few idiots and just under three per cent of the students weren’t the kinda folks I intend to help.”

Sarah nodded in satisfaction. “It’s best to stick to your standards. Then, when there are issues, they’re not ones you’ll regret.”

“Don’t you mean if there are issues?” asked Dareios.

Amdirlain and Sarah both snorted in amusement.

“With enough people involved, there are always issues, Dareios,” offered Amdirlain. “The only thing that varies is the manageability.”

Dareios looked hesitant, and Amdirlain beckoned to him. “Spill.”

“Would you teach me an Affinity?” asked Dareios.

“I’ll teach you the first tier of affinities. If you apply yourself to your studies, we can discuss further affinities,” advised Amdirlain.

I hope Morganna and the dragons get here soon.

Amdirlain waited patiently as Dareios awkwardly tried to reach a relaxed state.