Abyssal Road Trip

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

Though it was tempting to listen in while Sarah and Aitherlar met with Livia, Amdirlain filtered their voices from Resonance. With Klipyl and Dareios flanking her, she strolled towards the Duty Pavilion.

Along the road, students were heading to scattered locations for breakfast, many having just finished hours of running or ascending steep stairs in a near-prone position balanced on their fingers and toes. Amdirlain could sense how the lizard-like crawl worked muscles and ligaments that otherwise would be hard to tone. Though classes provided boosts to attributes, mortals could still significantly train their bodies if their boosted attributes didn’t get in the way. Not being strength-based, the monks benefit from exercises that a Fighter with a few levels might easily handle if they had enough flexibility. The Ki flows in the senior students helped their bodies maintain the strength and flexibility they’d developed.

As the trio reached the square before the Duty Pavilion, Head Clerk Erhi and a group of clerks hurried towards the front doors, each carrying a small food basket. Erhi spotted Amdirlain and halted quickly, her beaded braids swaying with their retained energy; the lacquered blue and purple of the beads a splash of brightness among the Monastery attire.

“I hope you’re taking enough time for meals, Head Clerk Erhi?” asked Amdirlain.

Erhi smiled and gracefully bowed to Amdirlain. “Good morning, Lady Am. We eat at an early session, but it is sometimes difficult to get away from the pavilion to eat lunch. Students will often keep the pavilion busy during their break, so the meal baskets allow us to eat before or after the lunch session.”

“I can understand the need for flexibility in such things. When I last worked in an office, I used to have the bad habit of eating at my desk instead of letting my mind relax for a time,” noted Amdirlain. “Though I’m sure you’re more sensible about balancing work with relaxation.”

The idle comment caused Erhi to cough slightly in embarrassment. “I try.”

I bet I seem incredibly forward.

“I hope removing those individuals from my session didn’t cause you trouble,” continued Amdirlain, pretending to be oblivious to Erhi’s reaction.

“They appealed but got nowhere,” said Erhi. “Might I confirm your reasoning?”

“Of course. It came down to how rudely they addressed the clerks near them,” replied Amdirlain. “Such rudeness showed their nature, so I removed them.”

The clerks with Erhi had hung back, but now they straightened in surprise.

“I hadn’t expected that reason. I had instead thought it was due to them challenging your rules. You said the nature of the individuals would contribute to who you taught any Affinity,” said Erhi.

“The stupid thing is, I would have had no issues granting their requests, except for their privileged attitude,” advised Amdirlain. “If they’d shown greater self-control, they’d have their Affinity now.”

Erhi suppressed her laughter behind a raised hand. “Oh dear.”

“If they’d been polite about asking for more information or even if they’d protested politely, I wouldn’t have teleported them to the fields. When you’re getting a unique opportunity, it pays to be on your best behaviour,” said Amdirlain. “I hope the new residents of the Monastery have caused no trouble.”

“While there was a rush to get enough accommodation ready for them, they’ve caused no problems so far,” replied Erhi.

Amdirlain nodded. “Are there any issues arising from the rescheduled work that had to be set aside?”

“Nothing urgent, Lady Am,” responded Erhi diffidently.

Like she’d tell me.

“If you need any help, let me know,” replied Amdirlain, “Even if it’s just letting me know about a job that needs to be tended to promptly.”

“There are no issues we can’t manage,” confirmed Erhi, smiling happily. “I appreciate your concern.”

“Then I’m sorry to have delayed your meal,” replied Amdirlain.

Erhi offered her a respectful bow, which Amdirlain returned smoothly, judging the proper depth by observing the comfort level within Erhi’s theme.

The other clerks also quickly exchanged bows with Amdirlain before they followed Erhi.

Once they were out of earshot, Klipyl murmured in Celestial. “Should I keep an ear to the ground?”

A thoughtful smile warmed Amdirlain’s expression. “It’s a tempting offer, but for now, don’t worry. They know where to find me if they’ve got urgent issues.”

As they approached the far side of the square from the pavilion’s pagoda, Sarah alerted Amdirlain to the meeting’s conclusion, and she waved Klipyl and Dareios to benches along the square’s stonework edge.

“We’ll wait here,” advised Amdirlain. “Sarah says they’ll come this way.”

Once she’d sat down, Amdirlain exchanged messages with Livia to arrange a time to catch up later in the day. Though Livia had endeavoured to set her mind at ease, Amdirlain still felt guilty for their minimal contact so far. While they spoke, Amdirlain kept track of Aitherlar’s approach.

When she rounded the last bend with Sarah, Amdirlain casually glanced their way. Sarah walked beside Aitherlar, who seemed intent on examining the surrounding buildings.

As a smile twitched at the corners of Sarah’s mouth, Amdirlain felt nervous energy tingling up her spine.

‘Fancy seeing you here,’ projected Sarah.

‘You’re being hilarious. Did everything go alright with Livia?’ returned Amdirlain.

Sarah winked, and reassurance washed across the link. ‘Mother likes to do things orderly, so she sought Livia’s permission to live here.'

Live here?

Aitherlar’s smile briefly gleamed with unnatural brightness, but she remained focused on Amdirlain and strode towards her without hesitation.

“Nice to see you again, Aitherlar,” offered Amdirlain.

“Stand up and let me look at you properly,” instructed Aitherlar, beckoning to Amdirlain and Klipyl.

“I hope we’ll pass inspection,” replied Amdirlain, her gaze shining with amusement.

“You’re looking better than when I last saw you. Glad to see you’ve not overdone things again,” responded Aitherlar before looking Klipyl over. “So you’re my daughter’s little hunting partner. You’ve got nice curves, Kli. I see why you put them on display.”

Klipyl giggled in delight and lifted her hands out from her side. “I try.”

Aitherlar nodded to Dareios. “Young Celestial, my daughter says you’re using Dareios as your name. Is that correct?”

“I wouldn’t have given you false information,” complained Sarah.

“Don’t answer for him, I might be addressing the wrong young Celestial. Kli was easy to pick out since I’ve not seen another Celestial using a ribbon to hold her tits in place,” huffed Aitherlar.

With a squeal, Klipyl started laughing, wrapping her arms around her stomach.

“Lady Aitherlar, it’s a delight to meet you; I am using Dareios in this place,” confirmed Dareios, trying to remain serious next to Klipyl’s antics.

“And he has manners, unlike your heathen ways,” said Aitherlar, fixing Sarah with a playful glare.

The light-hearted melodies within Aitherlar seemed playful compared to the mammoth weight of her years.

Amdirlain rose before Aitherlar could prompt her again. “To what do we owe the honour of this visit? Have you been bored?”

“I rarely allow myself the luxury of boredom,” drawled Aitherlar, her grin fading. “Yet novelty is fun, and I’ve never impersonated a Human. While I’m sure the uniqueness will wear off soon enough, I’ll enjoy myself until then and see what humanity is like in the meantime.”

“I’ve noticed a tendency of dragons to disguise themselves as other species,” said Amdirlain.

Aitherlar’s face lit up with a smug smile. “The realm stays young when you are curious about things you’ve not yet learnt. It seems you need lessons about dragons, among other things.”

“I didn’t expect you to come along so soon,” said Amdirlain.

“After hearing of your recent psionic training, I thought I should come along and help all of you to progress past the beginner phase,” replied Aitherlar.

Beginner?

“What do you mean?” asked Amdirlain.

Amusement gleamed in Aitherlar’s gaze. “Why don’t we sit somewhere and talk it over?”

“Please accompany us to my courtyard so that we might relax and talk,” Amdirlain offered diplomatically.

“Do I look like I need you to host me?” huffed Aitherlar playfully.

Which name do I use for Sarah with her? I’d better go for one that reinforces their connection.

“I don’t believe I offered to host you. Rather, I merely proposed a location for conversation,” Amdirlain responded drily. “Though, given your relationship with Sarah, is it such an insult to offer you guest rights under my roof?”

She’s going to play games.

“Guest rights, is it?” enquired Aitherlar. “Pretty bold to put that forward. Exactly when would I expect you to contribute to Shindraithra’s hoard?”

“I’ve already done that,” protested Amdirlain. “Mithril bars, among other things.”

‘She’s being old school, and you just married us,’ projected Sarah.

“Did you?” laughed Aitherlar, and she nudged Sarah. “You didn’t tell me you had been sleeping in someone else’s treasure pile.”

“It was a gift of friendship,” objected Sarah.

Aitherlar shrugged. “Which was fine when you weren’t exchanging bodily fluids. Her scent is all over you.”

“Not all,” grumbled Sarah.

“Your face and your clothing,” corrected Aitherlar.

“Let’s have this conversation at my house. My teachers for the morning’s first session are on their way,” advised Amdirlain.

“You should know negotiating a marriage after you’ve already started contributing to your partner’s hoard puts you at a disadvantage,” said Aitherlar. “Why don’t you walk beside me while we talk? We can discuss how many treasure contributions you’ve already made.”

Sarah groaned. “Why don’t you ask me that?”

“Because your Am doesn’t know enough about Diamond Dragon customs, and I should set that right,” replied Aitherlar.

“You know that isn’t the custom among Adamantine dragons,” noted Sarah.

“It’s just as well you’re not one of those in this life,” laughed Aitherlar. “They’re far too casual about such matters and have no sense of proper order. Why don’t you tell me everything you’ve given Sarah?”

“That would include equipment, valuables and raw materials,” stated Amdirlain.

“It most certainly includes everything gifted to her,” declared Aitherlar, motioning for Amdirlain to walk on the other side of her to Sarah. “You can keep others from hearing us, so set that up and start from when she joined you at your hideout.”

Aitherlar’s interrogation went chronologically, dragging out every object Amdirlain had ever presented Sarah by year.

I was teasing Livia about others offering her a dowery, and now Aitherlar grills me about doing the same.

“I’m sure you have a figure in mind that I need to fulfil,” Amdirlain said calmly. “Keep in mind I gave her a Demi-Plane of her own.”

“You did what?” asked Aitherlar. “How?”

“I don’t have access to the post-separation version of the True Song the Anar and Lómë possess, but the original,” explained Amdirlain.

Aitherlar halted and blinked slowly. “I suppose I can begrudgingly admit you’re an acceptable partner to my daughter.”

“You know we’re still working on sorting out our relationship,” advised Amdirlain.

“I’m aware of that, and that’s an eternal process,” replied Aitherlar. She placed a hand on Amdirlain’s back as they walked along. “I smacked her on the snout over that misstep.”

Sarah sent a mental image of a baby Dragon clutching her tail in her front paws, and Amdirlain didn’t restrain her amused scent.

As the pair snorted, Aitherlar reached out to tug Sarah’s ear lobe. “What sort of impression are you looking to make?”

“She knows me well,” protested Sarah.

“I’m not talking about the impression you’re making on her,” huffed Aitherlar. “You’re encouraging your love to be mischievous around me.”

A giggle came from Klipyl following in their wake.

Aitherlar glanced over her shoulder. “You’ve something to add, young Archon?”

“Ammie doesn’t need much encouragement to get into mischief,” laughed Klipyl. “Though it’s normally mischief directed at bullies.”

“No wonder you attract each other, like chaos and order circling each other,” stated Aitherlar.

“I’m not that chaotic,” objected Amdirlain.

“Creation is a process of ordering chaos, but creativity in its purest form is chaos,” argued Aitherlar. “While some people put in place methods around it, even the ability to spawn life is chaotic in so many species.”

Is that why Luck is sticking her nose in via Isa?

“Chance is not always chaos. You can narrow the possibilities,” countered Amdirlain.

“That aside, let’s return to the listing you had provided me,” instructed Aitherlar.

“Mother,” protested Sarah.

“Hush, daughter. You keep much from me, but I wanted to ensure your mate...”

Sarah let out a grumbling groan.

“Very well, your potential mate can properly provide for a hoard. You’ve made it clear Am isn’t much for material wealth, which is hardly fitting among dragons,” huffed Aitherlar.

“Sarah can accumulate a hoard without my help,” answered Amdirlain.

Aitherlar's brows raised reprovingly. “Just because she can doesn’t mean she should. I didn’t linger when we last spoke since you needed time together, and I had matters to check on. Hopefully, we get to know each other well before any mating flight.”

‘I think I’m going to die of embarrassment,’ Amdirlain projected.

‘Aitherlar has a particular sense of order about certain things,‘ Sarah mentally returned.

“I’ll give you a full accounting if you agree to guest with me for a time,” proposed Amdirlain.

Aitherlar gave a satisfied nod and, clicking her fingers, gestured for Amdirlain to continue. Sure that her objections would get run over if she delayed Amdirlain filled the return trip to the courtyard listing gifts.

As they went through the courtyard gates, Kadaklan, Nomein, and the others relaxed on the outside benches.

The five rose, and Amdirlain respectfully motioned their attention towards Aitherlar. “Kadaklan, Nomein, Lezekus, Gemiya, and Sarith, I’d like to introduce you all to Aitherlar. Sarah’s mother will be with me for a little while. Aitherlar, these are my friends.”

Once Amdirlain had completed the introductions, Kadaklan stepped forward and bowed deeply. “Lady Aitherlar, I’m pleased to meet you.”

“Greetings, Master Kadaklan,” replied Aitherlar. “I understand you travelled far from home and did a great service for Am. You’ve also taught my daughter an interesting Class, and I look forward to seeing how it influences her next moulting.”

“I helped a friend,” responded Kadaklan, and Aitherlar nodded in return.

“Sarah mentioned you had offered to teach Am once she’d reached the limits of what we could cover,” commented Nomein casually but with a lively curiosity humming beneath her composure.

“You and your strange shortened name,” grumbled Aitherlar, giving Sarah a side glance. “Even Shindraithra isn’t your full name now, but you could at least use it since it’s a proper Dragon name.”

“Guess you’ll just have to get used to hearing it,” replied Sarah.

“It’s like an egg tooth scratching inside a shell,” huffed Aitherlar.

Klipyl grinned. “But wouldn’t that mean it’s a cute name?”

“Have you spent days nervously listening to an egg tooth scratching the inside of a shell?” asked Aitherlar softly. “It’s not cute, it’s nerve-wracking. If the baby doesn’t have enough strength to open the egg, it won’t have enough vitality to survive. Yet still, it is heartbreaking when an egg stops moving after the hatchling gets that close to breaking free.”

Klipyl’s smile vanished, and she offered Aitherlar a hug, only to earn a look of surprise.

“What? You look like you could use a hug,” replied Klipyl. “I don’t have to have experienced the situation to have compassion for your pain.”

“You are an unusual Celestial even if I didn’t know your story, youngster,” rumbled Aitherlar; though she didn’t accept the hug, she patted Klipyl’s head.

“Am said you planned to take over her education after we got her up to speed,” commented Nomein.

“That had been my intention until Sarah told me about your combined session with Am,” explained Aitherlar. “It made me rethink those plans and come up with another.”

Nomein tilted her head. “What did you have in mind?”

“Nothing too serious,” reassured Aitherlar. “Like all experts, I know the wrong way, the right way, and my way to do things. While none of the techniques you are using are wrong, they’re not stretching any of you to achieve a perfectly reproducible outcome. They are how children learn, and since Shindraithra’s last moult, she has been considered a young adult despite her lack of years. Thus, continuing to use a child’s approach is no longer acceptable.”

“Really?” grumbled Sarah. “You’re going there?”

“You’re the one that wanted to push her strength faster. Time to live with the consequences,” Aitherlar smirked and jabbed a finger towards the training hall.

“I’m open to ways to improve,” said Amdirlain as she led the way inside.

“Long ago, I evolved my psionic skills into a unified Power. The training approach Shindraithra shared with me made me curious if I could assist all of you in achieving the same. I’ll admit in advance it’s not something I’ve achieved outside of crystal dragons. Would attempting it interest you?”

“I’d need a little more detail,” replied Amdirlain.

“It’s a matter of moving past the emotional images that beginners customarily rely upon to trigger techniques,” explained Aitherlar. “A truly detached mental state is harder to reach, especially one where a mental framework and its energy lattice control a proper evocation. The non-dragons whom I’ve attempted to teach in the past don’t seem able to conceptualise the patterns into energy without using emotional triggers. It’s based on the mental patterns we use to shunt emotional distress and trauma from a mind to alleviate psychological trauma and self-reinforcing guilt.”

“You do what?” asked Sarith.

Aitherlar frowned in dissatisfaction. “Perhaps you’re not as far along as I had expected. We’ll review all your techniques later today, Sarith. I’ll need details of where you all stand in your progression to plot a training path forward. There is no point going into details until I know what step you stand on.”

Nomein clicked her tongue. “Have you attempted to train many others?”

“A few thousand non-dragons,” shrugged Aitherlar. “It’s not exactly something that I’ve bothered to put a lot of effort into over the years I’ve lived. Given that all of you have Tier 7 prestige classes, expecting success might not be preposterous. The Tier 5 Prestige classes provide better insights for progression of abilities than Tier 3, so I’d expect at least that jump.”

“We’ll do our utmost,” proclaimed Lezekus. “We certainly all appreciate the opportunity you’re affording us.”

The others nodded their agreement.

Aitherlar carefully assessed Amdirlain. “Shindraithra says you have a Power that lets you share an understanding of connections with elemental forces.”

“That’s correct,” confirmed Amdirlain. “It seems able to do more than I had initially expected.”

“We’ll conduct some experiments combining it with me using my powers. If nothing else, it might help you develop this Harmony Power,” replied Aitherlar.

Gemiya, quiet in the background, signalled a question with a raised finger. “How long do you believe it will take?”

“That all depends on the effort you put in. The slowest Dragon I’ve helped obtain the Power took a few centuries to combine skills,” explained Aitherlar.

“We certainly have that time,” agreed Gemiya.

“Except you’re not slow dragons, which is why you will get this sorted within a decade,” Aitherlar ordered.

We’ve been told!

“You just told us that no others had gotten this working previously,” objected Gemiya.

“You missed the key point: none I’ve tried to teach,” Aitherlar corrected, and she pointed to Amdirlain. “She’s an impossibility, so you should focus on doing what has been impossible among my students until now. Especially since I’ve heard of other species managing it.”

“How is Am an impossibility?” asked Lezekus defensively.

“An Anar Soul trapped inside the shell that contains her is an impossibility. They all return to the Titan’s Forge upon death,” declared Aitherlar. “Thus, she is a perfect example of something I’ve not previously seen occurring. The discovery of the new is always a confirmation that there is more in life to learn.”

I’m glad she’s not expecting me to figure it out.

“I believe we got off topic. What other species managed it?” questioned Gemiya.

“That others have managed it should be enough. The realm has orderly and consistent rules if you do the work,” Aitherlar clapped her hands. “Let’s get started, shall we? Repeat your lesson from yesterday so that I can witness it through more than just Shindraithra’s memories. I’ll talk with all of you except Am this afternoon and go over the approach for lessons in the future.”

As Amdirlain stepped towards the barrier, Aitherlar pointed to the platform instead. “Sit up there where you were. Repeat the lesson precisely.”

“Cyrus is coming by mid-morning to take over with a different Ki exercise. I thought to start where I’d need to be,” explained Amdirlain.

“You can shift location then,” instructed Aitherlar, and she turned to Sarah. “I understand you were in your workshop, teaching from there.”

“You’re already changing the situation somewhat by being here, and I’ve no students for lessons today,” countered Sarah.

“Morgana is also coming to view this morning’s exercise,” added Amdirlain.

“Then Shindraithra can tend the door and escort her in after explaining and addressing questions for Morgana. I don’t want you sitting around making lovey-dovey eyes at her,” huffed Aitherlar. “I want you both focused on an orderly exercise.”

When Sarah nodded, Aitherlar stared at Amdirlain.

“Yes, Aitherlar,” acknowledged Amdirlain. “An exact repeat?”

“From the point where you demonstrated your techniques,” said Aitherlar. “The exercises afterwards were the lesson. Your exhibition was merely a proficiency trial.”

The group did exactly that, with Amdirlain managing spells, psionics, songs, and sigil, along with trying to understand her automatic rejection of the Change Self uses that Dareios demonstrated. Partway through the morning, Morgana arrived in the training hall and, while escorted in by Sarah, they both watched the activities from a distance.

The Arcane Drake resembled a Human woman with deep green eyes and greying hair. Her rounded cheekbones and solid square chin matched her original Fomorian origins and gave her a Norse-like appearance. She wore a loose, layered silver dress cinched with a belt of gold loops, both of which had various protective enchantments set within.

True to her word, Aitherlar shooed Amdirlain down to the shielded area once Cyrus arrived, and Kadaklan bid them farewell. He nodded politely to Sarah and Morgana, but didn’t linger with his clinic session ahead.

As the lessons finally wrapped up, Amdirlain grunted at the crafting notification and dismissed it.

[Crafting Summary (Category: Constructs)

Mithril-composite Construct x21,852

Total Experience gained: 2,185,272,000

Olindë: +2,185,272,000

Harmony [G] (41->42)

True Song Genesis [G] (61->62)

Metacreativity [M] (27->30)

Mana Finesse [S] (81->82)

Psychometabolism [Ad] (23->35)]

I’m crafting them faster, but that still didn’t earn me a single level. At least I have made plenty of improvements in my abilities and learned new techniques. I can make a psionic version of memory crystals instead of singing them, but I’ve still made no progress on my issues with Change Self.

“I feel like, in some ways, I’m still taking baby steps,” grumbled Amdirlain.

“Oh, speaking of babies, you could change form and get Sarah pregnant, and I’d have grandchildren again,” Aitherlar continued as Amdirlain spluttered. “Dragon children conceived by a being in your situation inherit the Celestial trait, not their parent’s mark.”

“You know this how?” gasped Amdirlain.

Is she yanking my chain?

“One sees a lot over my lifetime,” laughed Aitherlar, enjoying Amdirlain’s shocked expression. She motioned Sarah and Morgana over to join them, speaking up unnecessarily to include them. “In nearly every species, good girls always think they can redeem bad boys through love.”

Morgana was laughing as she drew close. “I got so many prompts from my mother to provide her grandchildren over the centuries.”

“Mother,” grumbled Sarah. “We both have other objectives, and you have plenty of living great-grandchildren.”

“They’re great wyrms. I’ve not had a mating flight in a million years, and hatchlings are so cute,” gushed Aitherlar before apologetically addressing Sarah. “Not that you weren’t adorable, but you were far too self-aware and prickly from your traumas in Hell. So unlike a normal hatchling making innocent stumbles.”

Amdirlain started at the Message orb that suddenly hovered by her shoulder; its contents contained the melodies of three succubi entering the vortex into the deeper planes, each bearing Balnérith’s sigil.

Do I go after them? Or summon them to me?

Sarah’s gaze flickered to the orb. “Is something wrong?”

“A group of succubi have finally tripped the monitoring line,” Amdirlain announced. “Sorry, I need to ensure I don’t miss this opportunity. I’ll capture them and return.”

“Go!” Sarah blurted. “If they get killed, you won’t be able to summon them or learn their home planes. I’ll explain to Morgana. Handle whatever you need to.”

She always has my back.

A warm joy sparked within Amdirlain’s chest, reminding her of the happy smiles her parents had frequently exchanged.

“I love you,” breathed Amdirlain and, blushing to the roots of her hair, she promptly vanished.