Abyssal Road Trip

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

When the trio crossed the Domain’s boundary, the fields were quiet. Amdirlain stopped to listen, but Gilorn immediately jumped to the hall.

“You’ve still some time before your evening session with Gilorn,” observed Sarah.

“I’d thought I’d meet with Livia,” said Amdirlain. “Do you want to come along?”

At Sarah’s nod, Amdirlain sent a quick Message, and they were soon skimming across rooftops.

As they landed, Livia smiled from her spot on the back veranda and motioned them to join her. “Good evening, Móðir. Have you been having fun with teaching?”

Amdirlain sighed. “Sometimes I feel more like the bully pushing folks around than a teacher.”

When Amdirlain settled on a couch, Sarah took a spot beside her, their fingers entwined.

“I wouldn’t let that worry you. From all reports, the Martial Pavilion was quite abuzz today,” said Livia. Her relaxed expression didn’t hide the bright dancing notes throughout her theme. “Their head Master Yesun dropped hints he wants to ensure you’re happy to remain as long as possible.”

“Battle junkies,” snorted Sarah. “Their minds were awash with glee from all the insights, but Am’s worried about pushing their limits.”

“Well, I’ve already told Master Yesun there are unlikely to be sessions outside the pre-breakfast training you’re running, Móðir,” advised Livia.

“He wasn’t at this morning’s session,” noted Amdirlain.

“No doubt you’ll get a request to spar with him. As the Martial Pavilion’s head, he supervises the general drills for those who’ve yet to select a pavilion,” explained Livia. “Are you going to continue to train them all?”

Amdirlain shrugged noncommittally. “It helped me as well, both with Advanced Telepathy and Muse’s Insight. How are the worlds you are connected to going? Are you regretting getting dragged in anywhere?”

“Not dragged in,” protested Livia. “Invited, or perhaps sponsored.”

“Guilt tripped,” proposed Amdirlain.

Livia grinned. “I’m as soft a touch as you when helping those in need.”

“Encouraged,” suggested Sarah.

“That’s a more positive term than I’d expected from you,” Livia said approvingly.

“I’m seeking a middle ground. Maybe one day I’ll be tentatively optimistic,” said Sarah. “It’s a balancing act.”

With precise motions, Livia made and served the tea, placing a cup before Amdirlain first.

“Maybe I should stop cheating with my tea and make it properly,” commented Amdirlain as the fragrant scent wafted from the cup.

“Whose tea making have you used as a base for the song?” enquired Livia. “Or did I assume incorrectly?”

“Master Cyrus,” replied Amdirlain. “Any sign of the trouble custodian referred to as yet?”

“I’ve not yet drawn attention to myself upon the oppressive worlds,” said Livia. “Why don’t we talk about how you’re going instead?”

They’d been relaxing for a few hours when drifting notes called Amdirlain to her next session.

Amdirlain rose. “Is tomorrow evening busy for you?”

“A lesson. The evening after?” asked Livia and stood to hug Amdirlain warmly.

“I’ll make sure I’m here,” confirmed Amdirlain. “Just so you know, no one has approached me about a dowery yet.”

“Móðir,” grumbled Livia reprovingly, her eyes twinkling. “I’ve had people asking if they’d have a chance at becoming your second wife or first husband.”

Sarah huffed in amusement.

“Tell them they need a few billion years of dedication,” Amdirlain laughed and teleported them to the training hall.

“Have fun with Gilorn tonight,” offered Sarah. After briefly caressing Amdirlain’s cheek, she left them to it.

♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫

After the evening’s progress with the demi-planes, Amdirlain and Gilorn ventured to the depths of the ghost caverns, where the glow from Gilorn’s frame illuminated a sombre mist.

“The passages are in a constant flux as energy accumulates,” observed Gilorn. “About a hundred metres underground is where the passage becomes the conduit. Given the warning you gave Mor’lmes, we could put a Gate in place that will only allow souls to travel to Judgement.”

“They have life mages with the right spells to revive.”

“Only because you provided them the grimoires, I’m told,” observed Gilorn. “Fine, to and from Judgment. Afterwards, I can return their expedition teams to the surface.”

“That works,” agreed Amdirlain.

Gilorn hummed, and a spray of glowing motes spun around in her frame. “The question is when.”

“You applied the changes to the Demi-Plane I gave Mor’lmes access to,” stated Amdirlain to confirm Gilorn had followed through.

“Indeed, though they have months before the furthest zones gain their bosses, let alone start to lock down the closer ones,” replied Gilorn.

“I want to go check on the expedition teams there,”

“Why? Do you recognise some of their songs?” questioned Gilorn.

Amdirlain grinned. “I’m a touch predictable in some respects.”

“I heard you jumping straight into asking Mor’lmes about your friends.”

“Aitherlar’s advice was that we only have now,” Amdirlain said playfully.

Gilorn released sharp notes, transporting them to the mountain slope overlooking the first region. A quick check revealed no song Amdirlain recognised, so they hopped to the next region and then the third. It was there that Amdirlain found Jul’iane and Tulne camped out on the same team.

[Name: Tulne

Class: Wizard / Gravitational Prefect / Spatial Arcanist / Spatial Sage

Level: 43 / 42 / 42 / 42

Defence: 134

Health: 2,366

Magic: 179

Mana: 115,934

Melee Attack Power: 114

Combat Skills: Claws [Ad] (22), Dagger [Ad] (3), Staff [Ad] (23), Mana Finesse [M] (71), various Spell lists and affinities

Note: But you knew that last bit already.]

Yikes, her spellcasting ability is coming along. She’s going to leave me in the dust.

Tulne was focused on knowing more about how the graves functioned, and it seems she’s turned that towards dimensions and planes.

Amdirlain moved to a clearing nearer their camp but paused and debated even talking to them.

I made a clean break, but am I more worried about their reaction to me or interfering with their lives?

A song globe appeared near Tulne’s shoulder, and Amdirlain heard Gilorn’s instructions whisper to her.

“Really?”

“You have ‘now’,” reminded Gilorn. “Right?”

As Tulne jumped out of her blankets, Amdirlain transformed into her blue-furred Am form and Gilorn disappeared a distance away.

Jul’iane, sleeping nearby, jumped out of her blankets when Tulne tapped her foot, and the Wizard teleported them to the clearing. Though still dressed in loose sleep shorts and tops, they had enough enchanted items to match a modern tank.

Tulne and Jul’iane sleep ready for trouble.

Tulne’s primarily black fur blended in with the darkness in the clearing, the starless night of the Demi-Plane not providing even a glimmer of light to bring out the silver that Amdirlain knew frosted Tulne’s fur.

I should do something about that if I provide them to races without the Catfolk’s night vision.

“You just followed instructions without checking?” asked Amdirlain.

“J wasn’t a name I could ever contact you using, and I wasn’t about to let the chance slip by,” Tulne said, with a thoughtful frown. “One person knows about my association with J, and Professor Mor’lmes isn’t in the trial zone.”

Jul’iane, still wide-eyed from being startled awake and teleported, shook herself and blinked slowly at Amdirlain. “AM?!”

Her tortoiseshell fur was much the same as Amdirlain remembered, though she’d trimmed her hair shorter. The young Monk’s ears and whiskers perked up as she sprung gleefully towards Amdirlain. Amdirlain caught her mid-air and hugged her, exchanging friendly nuzzles.

“You don’t look like a giant monster, Am,” laughed Jul’iane, and she stepped back, her hands still on Amdirlain’s shoulders. “Can I see your other form for myself? Jan’era said you made her fur stand on end.”

“My other form is still changing and is in an ugly phase at present,” demurred Amdirlain. “You’ll have to put up with me as a Catfolk.”

“That makes me so curious,” Jul’iane said. “Why is your other form changing?”

“I’ve been getting stronger, and it’s caused some strangeness,” said Amdirlain diplomatically.

“But you can change form?” questioned Jul’iane.

“Easier than you breathe,” confirmed Amdirlain.

“What is Sarah? She looked like a moving gemstone,” commented Jul’iane.

Amdirlain shrugged, unsure how to explain dragons. “Nothing like her species exists on Qil Tris. They’re called dragons, and they possess a lot of inherent strength besides their physical aspects.”

“Dragons,” repeated Jul’iane. “The word rolls oddly on the tongue.”

Tulne interjected. “Never mind about Sarah’s species. Where did you go to? The grey pillar looked taller than any mountain.”

“Another Plane called the Outlands,” replied Amdirlain.

“The Outlands of what?”

“You want me to get into religious matters?” questioned Amdirlain.

“As long as the answer doesn’t require me to worship them,” countered Tulne.

“Its full name is the Outlands of the Titan’s Spire. That grey pillar is the spire in question, and it’s the boundary of another plane. The realm’s primary creator dwells within, but he doesn’t interact with mortals, celestials, or gods,” replied Amdirlain. “You’ve already hit two questions that Mor’lmes had no interest in.”

“You’ve been back to Qil Tris?” squeaked Tulne excitedly. “When?”

“A quick visit today. Mor’lmes just had questions about this new training complex,” explained Amdirlain. “Do you have any thoughts on it?”

“It’s a lot bigger. There are spots with dramatically tougher foes, within a region of weaker creatures,” commented Jul’iane. “Is it meant to be that way?”

“Apex predators need food, and they normally drive away threats to their food supply,” replied Amdirlain.

Tulne tilted her head. “You set them up to mimic more natural behaviour, unlike the initial training complexes?”

Amdirlain smiled.

Jul’iane’s whiskers twitched. “We need to talk to some hunting guides. Get them to come in.”

She’s not expecting me to give them the answer.

“How big is this place, J?” asked Tulne.

“Each city will be connected to one the size of your world,” replied Amdirlain. “They won’t be safe for people to live in full time. Each region has safe zones but is not big enough to be truly self-sufficient.”

Jul’iane spluttered. “Why?”

“Let me explain how the zone bosses will work. You might have noticed the minerals in the first zones don’t include any magical metals,” replied Amdirlain.

“Can we record this?” asked Jul’iane.

“Mor’lmes already did, but that’s fine,” replied Amdirlain, and she flipped Jul’iane a memory crystal.

Tulne teleported a trace unit to herself as Jul’iane held up the crystal. “Is this the recording?”

“No, that’s for your brother. Mor’lmes said he’d composed some instrumental music after seeing our forms. I thought he might find some sights from the Outlands inspiring,” explained Amdirlain.

“Some,” snorted Jul’iane. “Fourteen sets worth so far for your one speech. Is the Outlands where you live?”

Mor’lmes certainly isn’t paying attention to the music scene then.

“At the moment,” hedged Amdirlain. “Though he’d enjoy some of the beautiful and mysterious sights around the Plane.”

Jul’iane perked up. “What are you doing in this Outlands? More of what brought you to Qil Tris?”

“No. Presently, I’m teaching some people how to survive, and expanding my abilities,” explained Amdirlain.

“The same skills you taught me about?” asked Jul’iane eagerly.

“You’re not coming to the Outlands. Your family would worry about you,” rebuffed Amdirlain.

Jul’iane clasped her hands together and regarded her pleadingly. “Where else am I going to learn more?”

“Learn more by doing more,” grumbled Amdirlain. “One’s intent determines much of how powers and skills grow. Tulne, set your unit up and roll out your questions. You’ve got a couple of hours before I have to go. After I’ve answered your questions, I’ll give Jul’iane a demonstration of a few Ki powers.”

Tulne’s ears and whiskers drooped.

No fair, too cute.

♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫

Upon Amdirlain’s return to the training hall, Sarah snickered loudly. Her laughter beat in time with the duo’s swishing tails.

“Did you get adopted again, sweetie?” asked Sarah.

“They’re only here for a week,” muttered Amdirlain.

Sarah laughed harder.

Jul’iane nose twitched as she looked Sarah’s red leather outfit over. “Sarah? Do you change forms as much as Am?”

“Not even close, cub. How has your mother and pride been?” asked Sarah as she casually rubbed along Jul’iane’s jawline.

“Mother’s well, Jal’krin and the rest of the pride have prospered. Our team was heading back for a break, so we tugged Am’s tail until she gave in,” commented Jul’iane.

“She’s got a soft spot for youngsters,” agreed Sarah. “The rest will be here shortly. Are you letting Jul’iane join in the fun, Am?”

Jul’iane nodded happily.

“Yes,” said Amdirlain drily. “She wanted to know about the sessions I’ve run.”

Sarah slowly shook her head at the enthusiasm in her response. “Did Am tell you all of what the morning training involved?”

“Group sparring,” chirped Jul’iane, her tail swished energetically. “It should be so much fun.”

Amdirlain cut in. “Though I might hit up Master Lu afterwards to provide my guest with some pointers. The energy flow through chakras differs from mine, which impacts Ki infusion and armour.”

“That explains Jul’iane, but that hardly covers you, Tulne,” noted Sarah.

“Freeloading can’t be ruled out,” Tulne quipped, her attention half on the crystal platforms. “After knotting her tail, I got offered the chance to speak to some instructors. Am also said there are some new Gravity and Spatial Spell lists she’s accumulated.”

“That and if Am didn’t let us come along, Tulne said she’d figure out how to open a Gate,” added Jul’iane

“Kids blackmailing you,” smirked Sarah. “The more things change.”

“The more they stay the same,” huffed Amdirlain. “I’ve not told them that most folks here are vegetarian.”

“What’s that?” asked Jul’iane.

“Eating only vegetables,” advised Sarah.

Jul’iane’s face dropped. “Tell me you’re kidding. Who can survive like that?”

“Each to their own,” replied Amdirlain. “Fortunately for you there are silver trays in each sitting area. Touch them and think of the food you’re after, from drinks to full meals, and you’ll get it.”

“Spoilsport,” huffed Sarah. “You could have let me sweat her for a couple of hours of training after she guilt-tripped you. All your Willpower and you buckled in. Oh! What did you two call her?”

“Am,” said Jul’iane

“J, and Am,” reported Tulne.

Sarah smiled. “People calling you Lady Am or Sifu driving you that crazy sweetie?”

Amdirlain waggled a hand. “There were more reasons than that, and after studying the technique manuals, I’ve realised how much I hadn’t taught Jul’iane. Even a few tips might go a long way to progressing Ki knowledge on Qil Tris.”

“I’ll talk to the Civic Pavilion after the lesson and get them a place to stay close by,” said Sarah. “I’ll see about seeing up a way to come and go tied to them alone.”

“I didn’t say this would be a repeat exercise,” objected Amdirlain.

Sarah’s smile warmed, with her gaze fixed on Amdirlain. “How often are you two not delving?”

“Our schedule runs three weeks on, one week off at present,” replied Tulne. “Unless someone has a pride occasion that needs to be worked around.”

“Oddly enough, it’s rare that someone needs long to recover. What with all the aspects that some oddity called J taught Tulne, she’s a tail-kicking Wizard,” drawled Jul’iane.

“Let’s introduce you to Klipyl and Dareios, and then you can warm up before the morning training,” grumbled Amdirlain.

Sarah patted her shoulder and headed upstairs.

‘You’ve only yourself to blame for this one,’ projected Sarah.

When the rest of the attendees arrived, they didn’t even blink at Jul’iane, standing alongside Klipyl and Dareios. The morning’s activity was a variety of grand melees with sandy figures that the attendees had to co-ordinate against. Later, when they were leaving following the morning meal, Amdirlain signalled Jinfeng over.

“Those group exercises were interesting, Sifu,” said Jinfeng. “I hadn’t expected coordinating with others to protect an unwilling subject to be so difficult.”

“Master Payam might have taken my ‘be uncooperative’ instruction too far. I hope he didn’t bruise you too much,” laughed Amdirlain.

Jinfeng fixed her with a knowing look. “Would you have brought him in line if he had gone too far, Sifu?”

“How would you have learnt if I helped?” asked Amdirlain. “Though, speaking of learning. Master Lu, would you allow Jul’iane to shadow some of the Martial Pavilion’s activities during the day?”

Jinfeng saluted. “Of course, Sifu. Is she one of your disciples?”

“A friend whose feet I set on the first steps of her way,” replied Amdirlain.

“That is all any of us can truly do for another, Sifu,” responded Jinfeng. “I take it she has a device to translate languages. During the morning meal, I heard her speaking to Klipyl and the other Catfolk. It wasn’t a language I understood. I hope Catfolk is the proper term?”

“It is,” confirmed Amdirlain.

“Her moves are very dance-like,” noted Jinfeng. “Perhaps she can teach me a few things about understanding my body, not just my blade.”

“Jul’iane’s people have dances based on hunting techniques and battle stories rather than tamer entertainments,” advised Amdirlain, and she waved Jul’iane over to introduce her properly.

♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫

Aitherlar continued the previous morning’s sessions with barely a pause for introductions. They undertook the same mental exercises to trace the Psi energy within their existing techniques. Amdirlain received more challenges than the others, continuing to use songs and spells while working on her sigil. Morgana agreed to Kadaklan and Cyrus’ approach to include spellcasting in the morning sessions. However, to Amdirlain’s relief, she’d fiercely opposed distractions during their afternoon sessions, especially the theory sessions she held.

When Aitherlar at last called for a brief break, Tulne clapped politely. “Not quite up to the standard of your concerts, Am, but I could only see part of that show.”

Nomein grinned at Tulne. “You’ve seen her play?”

“Never mind discussing music,” interrupted Aitherlar. “I gave you a break to stretch and refresh yourselves. Now get a drink and take care of your squishy biological needs.”

Amdirlain glanced at Sarah. “Have you been corrupting your mother’s language?”

“She enjoys keeping in touch,” replied Sarah.

“Right, then okay,” drawled Amdirlain as she stood.

“Not you, Am,” corrected Aitherlar. “Sit back down and show me what you were doing towards the end.”

Tulne looked between Sarah and Aitherlar. “Mother? You’re also a Dragon, Lady Aitherlar?”

“Yes, Tulne,” confirmed Aitherlar casually.

Morgana took in the young Catfolk. “Since you’re only here for a week, we’ll fit in some lessons in the afternoon once we’ve finished overworking, Am.”

“I couldn’t handle casting like that. I’d be a puddle in no time,” protested Tulne.

“Of that, I’m well aware. We’ll have a chat at the noon meal,” replied Morgana. “Amdirlain gave you a memory crystal, did she not?”

‘Has Morgana been chatting with you?’ Amdirlain projected.

Sarah responded with a mental eye roll: ‘Dragons gossip. A lot. Mother and Morgana are both teaching you, so they likely spoke a lot after you had to nab the sisters.’

‘Does gossiping come with the territory?’

‘I’ll share all the lifetimes of gossip I had to keep hidden later,’ Sarah mentally laughed. ‘Or you can provide me new gossip to keep hidden.’

Door number two sounds good.

Amdirlain winked.

Sarah laughed and patted Tulne’s shoulder. “Come on, I’ll show you where things are and give you access to some of the massive library Am’s accumulated..”

The lure of knowledge had Tulne nodding and hurrying after Sarah.

You only have to promise Tulne the opportunity to learn; she’ll run after it.

Aitherlar waited until they had started downstairs. “Psychometabolism is your lowest psionic Skill, correct?”

“Yes,” confirmed Amdirlain.

“Then let’s focus on that alone today while you are working on the Ki Blasts with Master Cyrus,” instructed Aitherlar. “I’ve got some particular constructs set up for you to use while retraining your Thicken Skin and Vigour techniques. Let’s run through some sets of those before the others get back. In the second half of this session, we’ll concentrate on Ki Blast and those techniques.”

“Mixing things up is good,” replied Amdirlain.

“The same approach you’re using with your morning teaching. You said you like to concentrate when learning new things,” replied Aitherlar. “We’ll push you hard the first half of the morning and then focus on two alternating techniques in the second. Since you can use Ki Blast, it only requires your partial attention. Indeed, combat techniques aren’t something you’d want to need your full attention. Does that strike a closer balance without letting you off too easy?”

“We can always assess and adjust if it doesn’t work,” replied Amdirlain.

Aitherlar smiled. “I want you to listen to the music of the techniques.”

“I’ve got some particular theories to go over this afternoon that should stretch your understanding, so don’t be late,” added Morgana. “Gilorn, let’s leave them to it and discuss some musical exercises to add to the morning mix. There are some mathematical patterns in arcane theories that I’m interested to get your view on supplementing.”

The pair disappeared and left Amdirlain at Aitherlar’s mercy.

♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫

It was a hectic week, with lessons, training, and construction work, and the gap Amdirlain thought she’d regained dissolved into fragments of snatched personal time.

Amdirlain sighed after the gate closed on Tulne and Jul’iane.

“Do you think it’s safe to go back in the water?” asked Sarah.

“Not one bit,” huffed Amdirlain, and she turned and clung to Sarah. “Don’t make me go. My brains are leaking out of my ears.”

Sarah tugged playfully at the lower curve of her ears. “I can’t even tug your ears properly.”

“Silly elves with no ear lobes,” mock grumbled Amdirlain. “Wait, what am I complaining about? No tugging my ears, thank you.”

“They’d have the gravitational effect and stretch, then they wouldn’t look dignified,” responded Sarah.

Caressing Amdirlain’s cheek, she stole a light kiss.

“Yummie,” hummed Amdirlain. “Is your mother overworking me to make me appreciate the few moments we get more?”

“I’ve no idea how her mind works,” said Sarah. “But if that’s the result, I’d only partially complain.”

“Only partially?”

“If you have to have fewer of them to appreciate my kisses, it means I need to get better at kissing you,” replied Sarah. “Shall we walk back?”

“I’d prefer to steal some more time with you and then teleport,” said Amdirlain.

“We’ll be in each other’s pockets travelling around Vehtë,” consoled Sarah. “And I’ve have a bunch of lessons to attend myself. How about we align our lesson schedules once the next Tao Enchanting course series starts?”

“Travelling around Vehtë is years off yet. But aligning schedules sounds good,” said Amdirlain.

“I thought you wouldn’t drag any of them here,” said Sarah, nodding to where the Gate had stood.

“I told you Tulne cheated,” said Amdirlain, spreading her arms wide. “Sad kitten eyes.”

Sarah laughed. “It’s okay. You didn’t drag her. Tulne’s willing and able to race into the unknown.”

Okay, I’m not the only one who sees Tulne’s behaviour that way.

“How long do you think it will take you to get the enchanting basics down?”

“That is a good question,” sighed Sarah. “It’s very different from Artificer runes; it’s almost directing an organic growth. Unlike Psychometabolism, there isn’t a lifeform’s existing physical structure to help align it. Are you in a hurry to go somewhere?”

“More curious,” reassured Amdirlain. “As you said, we’ll have more time together once the next series starts.”

“Some days, I worry you’ll get nervous and hightail it,” Sarah said.

“Some days I get nervous, but Gilorn’s nightly exercises give me time to calm my arse down,” admitted Amdirlain.

Sarah hugged her and gently touched her forehead to Amdirlain’s.

“How is your form feeling?”

“It’s a constant low-level itch,” admitted Amdirlain. “I hope I’m an exception to Bahamut’s warning, or at least for long enough to get Empress Malfex.”

“At least it’s giving Pain Eater practice,” drawled Sarah. “Though it could just be a subconscious thing, not a limit on your capacity.”

“Oh yeah, lovely,” Amdirlain mock grumbled. “Though you’re right, it's more Mental Hardening since I’m not getting a catalogue from Pain Eater.”

Sarah kissed her forward. “Want a massage before you head off to sing?”

“No, I want to give you one,” said Amdirlain. “I found a nice scented oil I think you’ll like.”

“Do tell,” breathed Sarah.

“Yeah, and I’m getting butterflies thinking about it, so just behave yourself, Buster,” mumbled Amdirlain.

“I’m flattered, but you don’t have to push yourself,” Sarah said. “I’d like you to enjoy yourself as well.”

No. It’s just a back rub. My nerves are because of my issues, not your bare skin. I can’t get past them if I don’t confront them,” Amdirlain said. “So please help me with this, okay?”

Sarah kissed her cheek and stepped back to offer Amdirlain a hand. “Just didn’t want to push you. You smell a bit shaky today.”

Amdirlain briefly closed her eyes. “I ate up so much pain. It’s a channel between Ori and me, connecting the scars along my Soul. I need to run more joy along that riverbed.”

“Is that why you let them talk you into a trip?” asked Sarah with a light smile. “To let some joy in?”

“I’m looking at all possibilities. The Jade Emperor’s puzzle boxes are doing my head in,” sighed Amdirlain. “But that’s a discussion for another time. I want to see if I can give you a yummy massage.”

“Got more ideas spinning around that putting into words would shove from your grasp?”

Amdirlain nodded.

Sarah drew her across the boundary line and teleported them home.

When Sarah finally stretched out on the massage table with a towel draped over her hips, Amdirlain’s nervousness surged. Though her hands remained steady while she rubbed the oil into Sarah’s back, the aeons of Ori’s loneliness flooded her. Tears salted Sarah’s back, but Amdirlain kept herself from being dragged under. Instead of fighting it as she once would have, Amdirlain rode its surface like a bird skimming across a storm-tossed sea.

“Let’s stop,” whispered Sarah.

“Not a good start to this attempt,” rasped Amdirlain.

“I’m in no rush, sweetie,” murmured Sarah. She rose from the massage table slightly, and clothing wrapped around her body. Perched on the table’s edge, she enfolded Amdirlain in her arms. “Was it more memories of grief?”

“An ocean of loneliness.”

With that admission, Amdirlain leaned into her embrace.