Converging Lights

• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 4

• Homepage

The Point Union was a decidedly odd place. It was one of few regions affected by the Reclaiming, and the only one them among them to be entirely consumed by it. As a result, only its center had been truly redeveloped. The very outskirts, far beyond where most residents dared to venture, was no exception. This land, next to the great barrier, was home to the Horan family- and where Nari now found herself.Even gazing through a window, she, like so many others, found her eyes drawn to the misty gate that marked the Union's boundary. It was beautiful, in a way that things born of magic often were; a cascade of endless, shimmering grey that fell from the sky. A soft argent glow radiated from the silver waves, dyeing the nighttime horizon in pale light.Nari forced her eyes away. This was not the first time she laid eyes on it, but this was her first time being so close to its shadow- never mind the thing itself. The fact that it even existed was difficult to believe; a result of thousands and thousands of arcanists from varying schools spending decades of their lives weaving magic. It was unsettling thought, how much human life was spent bringing about its being.The other families' children were already in deep sleep. Even unconscious, their souls burned brightly; so brightly it made sleeping difficult. Closing her mind was usually easy enough, but Nari was exhausted. Not physically, but mentally. Being subjected to the attention of so many people was a novel experience, and not one she was eager to repeat. Still- this was part of her life now. Just another one of her duties. Just another thing to bear in silence.She bit her lip. That wasn't fair- and she knew it. Her parents loved her; a virtue obvious to all who met them. A fact that only served to make her feel even worse. Enough. Nari forced the thought from her mind. Dwelling on these things served no real purpose. There was no use in hiding from duty. Especially when such attempts were as half-hearted as her own.Why do I feel so... The final word came painfully slowly. Lost? It seemed a terribly inept descriptor. She'd thought being here, spending time around people similar to herself would be a positive experience. Offer some insight, if nothing else. Instead, it had done the opposite. Still- she found it comfortable here, away from the city... And its many wounded.Nari slid out from beneath her covers, shivering as the soles of her bare feet pressed down against cold wood floor. It was late autumn; not cold enough to freeze, but not warm enough to dress lightly. Particularly for someone of her lineage. She stooped down, picking up her jacket from where it lay neatly folded on the floor.A simple garment, woven by her mother's own hand from enchanted thread; strong but soft. It bore but one color: a deep, dark blue. Her favorite color. She'd received it for her eleventh birthday. Another thing that proved her parents well and truly loved her. Another thing that instilled a murky, abstract sense of frustration.No one who saw it for the first time would ever think of it as suitable winter clothing, and for good reason. It was terribly thin, hardly even a finger's breadth thick, and had no way of closing itself. But even after two years of near daily use, the engraved spells held firm. With their maker's skill, they would last decades longer.Nari pulled her arms through the sleeves and draped it over her shoulders. It had already received two resizing, and would soon need a third. The sleeves were just a hair shy of being short, and the hem hovered just above her waist. Enchanted fabric was difficult to work with, but her mother had promised to alter it as many times as needed.Another thing that proved her parents well and truly loved her.Another thing that instilled a murky, abstract sense of frustration.Still- the warmth it brought was welcome. As was the sense of comfort. No matter how she felt about her family- no matter how complicated her feelings- nothing could change the fact they were just that.She closed her eyes, drawing the soft, silky fabric closer. Even through her own eyelids, she could see the other children's souls. They varied greatly in color; some were snow white, some deep black, others ice-blue, and others still blood-red. But they all burned brightly, chasing away at the surrounding night.Nari envied each and every one of them. Not for position or power- they were much the same in that regard- but for will power. Their trials, their tribulations, were bound to mirror own- and yet they carried themselves with such ease, such surety. Each and every one of them was capable of shouldering their duties in the face of adversity. A quality she desperately wished she shared.Am I the only one who feels this way? Another question followed. What does that make me? And then an even more uncomfortable answer. Unfit. She opened her eyes, wincing as multi-colored light flooded her vision. I'm tired. That was the reason for her wandering thoughts. I need to clear my mind.Nari stood, taking care to quiet her footfall as she stepped towards the entrance. Their lodging was an odd one. It seemed primitive, at first; little more than four pillars, thin wood walls, a plain roof, and simple glass windows. But it held its heat surprisingly well, and even her untrained eye could see the care its builders had taken.Each wall housed a single sliding door, large enough for multiple people to pass through at once. Though made of the same light grey wood that surrounded them, they were empty frames rather than solid panels. Sheets of semi-opaque paper stretched from corner to corner, just a shade lighter than the smooth grey grain.Reaching out, she slipped her fingers into the door's groove- and hesitated. The hosts hadn't instructed them to stay indoors. Hadn't said much of anything, really. And that itself was strange. There was no telling who- or what- might cross the Union's misty border.But circumstance was even stranger. The families and their heirs rarely gathered in a single place, and for good reason. They had too many enemies. Too many who coveted their blessings. Events like these were rare. Once a year, if that.She hesitated a moment longer before pulling the door open. It slid smoothly to the side, as if gliding across ice, letting a stream of silver moonlight slip in. It should be fine. Neither her parents nor the heads were complacent people. If there was danger, none of them would be here. And, moreover, this was Horan territory. Where Gwi and human alike feared to tread. It was the safest place in all the Union. Perhaps even the entire planet.The night air swirled around Nari as she stepped outside, its cold bite kept at bay by her mother's sorcery. Her eyes found their way to the nighttime sky; an endless black canvas that stretched in every direction. Supposedly, it was once dotted with points of light- stars, they were called- but those were among the things lost in the Convergence.Nari's eyes settled on the horizon. The mist gate made for a strange sight; a cascade of trembling silver beneath the yawning, impassive void of space. Could I make it there? It was not the first time she'd asked herself the question since arriving here.The conclusion she reached was always the same. Probably. Neither water nor food were an obstacle. Her mother's handiwork would keep cold and heat alike at bay. And even at her tender age, she could hide her soul better than most. Well enough to hide from whatever weakened spirits might make it through the grey barrier.Should I try? It was a rhetorical question, not one truly considered. She had no intention of leaving, of running from the burden called duty. This was just... A way of ascertaining her feelings. And rather poor one, apparently. All it achieved was hastening the growth of her frustration.What am I doing? Nari began to move even as the question crossed her mind. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew her destination. There was a river not far from their lodging. Much of the day had been spent playing in its running water. She had been one of the few to abstain, but its serenity had left an impression. A place like that would be a welcome diversion.The grass folded beneath her skin with every step, the soft spokes tickling her skin. She'd left her shoes behind for this reason. The sensation was something she found calming.Try as she might, Nari failed to organize her thoughts in any sort of meaningful way. She settled for silencing them. Not the best solution, but a close second. But even that proved an exercise in futility. I'm no good at this. The sentiment, if not the words, hung over her. Even if they hurt, it was the truth. The gathering had just barely started, and she was already exhausted. And her involvement with the other families would only grow in the future. All of this was just... Another thing she would have to learn.A sense of envy welled up as she looked back towards the horizon. It was completely unlike the city's skyline. Open and free, rather than crowded and choked, and marred by twisted trees instead of blocky buildings. What is it like to live out here, I wonder? Was it peaceful? Away from all the noise and color of the inner city?No. That was just wishful thinking. Childish naivete. She knew better. It was easy, to forget what lay beyond the city's safety. Even ignoring however many- and it was certainly many- factions coveted the Union's influence, there were countless creatures drawn to citizens within; to the arcane energies they exuded. So the Horans kept careful watch. The idea they risked their lives daily was an exaggeration, but not a great one.The sensation of gravel, hard and angled, beneath Nari's feet interrupted her thoughts, causing her to look up. Have I already come this far? It felt if only a few minutes had passed. Bathed in moonlight, the running water kicked up motes of soft silver, lending the appearance of countless argent sparks drops that leapt from the river's soft curve, only to fall back moments later. The trees surrounding were seemingly untouched by autumn, their leaves still dark green, as if the river's nourishment gave them the strength to stave off winter.Will it remain like this in winter, too? She wondered. The scene before her was... peaceful. That was the impression she'd held even before, with its tranquility constantly shattered by the cries of others.... I thought they'd be different. The thought, forcing its way to the front of her mind unbidden, made her flinch. But no matter how she tried to shake free of its grasp, it held tight. Because it was disappointing.More than that, it hurt.To see the fear and confusion on their faces.Nari sighed. I should have expected this. And she had, to some extent. She'd just... Clung tight to the hope that they would welcome her with open arms. Wishful thinking at its finest.It wasn't as if she could fault them. Even putting aside her physical appearence, those blessed with strong sight had reason to be wary. And the few without had good senses. It was no surprise her presence caused them some sort of discomfort. But still- they'd fallen asleep with her in their midst. Surely that meant their wariness would fade with time.Another sigh escaped her lips. Stop. You were warned it may be like this. The recollection of her mother's words finally silenced the self-pity- but little else. Looking down, she realized her hands were clenched tightly around the hem of her jacket. It took a moment to loosen them.Rather than pull her fingers away, Nari raised the hem of her jacket, taking a seat by the river's edge and- slowly- letting her legs dip beneath the smooth, mirrorlike surface. It was a strange sensation. A moment of brief, intense cool that rushed from her toes up through her leg- only to be banished without trace.Raising both hands above her head, she slipped her right shoulder from beneath her jacket, and after a moment of hesitation, did the same with her left. The effect was immediate. A wave of bone-chilling cold raced up her legs, crashing violently over her torso and stealing her breath. Nari swallowed. Breathe. Her body trembled, then shook- then stilled as a question broke the quiet."Who are you?" It was asked in an odd voice; calm and clear, but strained, as if spoken through a veil.Startled, She urned towards the source. How did...?The answer to her question became clear the moment she laid eyes on its owner: a boy standing no more than three paces away. He seemed the same age as her- a fact that struck her as odd. The families made a point of introducing their offspring, and yet, Nari had never met this boy before. If she had, that memory would no doubt remain. He had pale skin, light blue eyes, and pure white hair. Then there was his soul- how had she missed it? It burned an angry, hostile white."It's rude to look at someone's spirit without permission."A current of fear swelled alongside the cold. "How did you know?" If he could see hers, as well..."You all get the same look in your eyes.""... So you can't see mine?""No." Uneven white strands jumped as he shook his head once. "I was blessed with physical senses, not spiritual ones.""... I see." Nari dipped her head. "I'm Nari. Of the Baïem family.""I'm..." The boy visibly hesitated. "Sio." There was a hint of caution in his eyes and voice alike. "The Baïem family? Why haven't I seen you before?""It's my first time attending.""Is there something wrong with your lodging?""No. I just... Couldn't sleep." She shivered once. "You're a member of the Horan family." It was the only real possibility- and perhaps the most obvious statement Nari had ever made."I am." If he thought her foolish for stating something so apparent, he hid it well. "You're free to roam as you wish, but as hosts, we prefer our guests stay indoors at night." His manner of speaking was more proper than others his age, but that was no surprise. Merely part of their upbringing.Nari turned her gaze back over the river's running water, letting its numbing cold seep into her voice. "There's no need to concern yourself with my safety.""You're strange."Nari stiffened, then swallowed the wave of dread that swelled up. "Why do you you say that?" She watched him from the corner of her vision. The look in his clear blue eyes was different. The caution was still there, but muted, and accompanied by something new. Something she couldn't quite place."You know who I am, don't you?""... Yes." Even if this was their first time meeting, she would have to be truly foolish to remain ignorant. The color of his hair and eyes alone was a dead giveaway."Then I'm sure you've heard about me." His words held an implicit question."That's..." Nari's eyes wandered to his again. What was the best way to answer his unspoken query? "I'm not one to place faith in rumors." She was, after all, victim to something similar. To do so would be pure hypocrisy."They're not rumors.""Do-"Two years ago, I slaughtered twenty arcanists." Even as Sio's voice grew colder, there was no trace of the reckless, juvenile bravado that one might expect. "It would be wise to remain within your lodging after nightfall."Nari stared at him in silence for a brief moment, a question burning at the tip of her tongue- "Why are you pretending to be something you're not?" A question that slipped out unbidden. "I-" She never finished the apology."What about you?" For the first time, the Horan's voice wavered. Not greatly so; it was barely even a tremble- hardly worth paying attention to. But the implication behind those words cut her to the core.Nari's hands instinctively crept downwards, to grip the hem of her coat. Instead of closing around heavy, soft fabric, her fingers scrabbled useless against her own flesh. "What do you mean?" Unlike the white-haired boy before her, she lacked the control to keep her voice from cracking.Did he know? That, even among their peers, she was the odd one out? That- deep down- she knew they were right? That she was abnormal. Something to be shunned.A monster.

"You." Sio closed the distance between them. His steps were silent; there was no crunch of slick gravel, nor sound of flesh striking stone. He stopped just before her, dropping to one knee so their eyes were level. "What exactly are you scared of?" His were ice-blue,Nari responded with his own question. "What about you?" She kept her voice carefully neutral. "Despite how you've attempted to present yourself, you seem wary of me." But not fearful- a rather important distinction. "Why?" To her surprise, she received an answer. One that took the form of another cutting statement."You remind me of someone I know. Someone cunning."She looked away again. "I... don't like that word.""Why not?" He hardly seemed curious, but there was no trace of ridicule in his voice, at least."Because- Because I'm not." Nari squeezed her eyes shut. That was only a tiny, tiny part of it. A small piece of what she wanted to say. "It's true. I find it... I find it easy to read people. Easy to see what drives them- and easy to push them in whatever direction I desire. But I don't.""Why not?"She felt her fingernails dig into soft flesh. "Because I know it's wrong." Why was it so hard to believe she was aware of that simple fact? "They have their own thoughts, their own feelings, their own lives and beliefs." The words spilled forth of their own accord, now, each one fueled by greater desperation than the last. "I have no desire to interfere with that. I never have."One second passed in silence.Then two.Then three.Nari looked up- partially out of curiosity, partially out of indignation- only to freeze as the surrounding shadows shivered. They seemed to darken as they gathered, taking a hazy, bestial form. A Gwi. Not one that possessed a sense of self; just one of the many mindlessly drawn to those who lay beyond the mist gates- and one with umbral claws already bearing down on the boy's throat."Behind you-!" Even as the words tore free of her lips, she knew it was pointless. The Horan's throat would be cut, and she would be forced to bear the pain of another mortal wound. Again. Or, at least- that was the expected outcome. Instead, the white-haired boy spoke two words."I know." A single note played as the second word crossed his lips; similar to that of steel striking steel, but clearer. Louder.And the Gwi simply split apart. There was no rush of wind, no surge of spirit. One moment it was whole, and the next, it had been split in two. Not halves, but lopsided pieces- pieces that dissolved into shapeless shadow and rejoined the surrounding dark."This is why I'm here." Sio's light blue eyes drifted to one side as he stood. "You should return now." It was clearly not a request this time. "There are more coming." His voice seemed to tighten- the first true sign of unsurety he'd shown.Nari tilted her head in curiosity- an expression he clearly misinterpreted as fearful."No harm will come to you.""For someone seemingly intent on intimidation, you seem awfully worried about my safety," she said quietly. "Why...?" The question died on her lips as a crimson stain blossomed across the Horan's right arm. "You're hurt." Had her eyes seen wrong? Had he been cut?Acting entirely on instinct, Nari reached out, seizing his injured arm with both hands- and froze. For the first time, she realized his arm was wrapped by bandages. No- not arm, singular, but arms. Long strips of white gauze bound each, leaving not even a scrap of skin exposed- save for where a length of bloodied white dropped away.More shocking than that, though, was the wound. Or rather, the lack of one. Despite the seeping scarlet, he seemed completely unharmed. "What...?" All that remained was a scar, long since closed."It's nothing to concern yourself with." Sio seemed unconcerned with her grip. "You should return now." It was not a request, this time."And you?"His light blue eyes met hers again. "This is my duty." Duty. He spoke such a heavy word so lightly. Or was she just too weak to shoulder it?"... I understand." Nari pulled her legs free of the river. It was odd, to no longer feel the water running against her skin. Standing, she reached out with one hand, palm upturned.The Horan glanced at the proferred hand, a flicker of uncertainty flitting across his face. "I don't have time to escort you back," he said coolly."Nor am I asking you to.""Then...?""I will heal your wounds, if you'll allow me.""You can't. They're not--"Nari cut him off. "Normal. You appear to be bleeding from a closed wound. Do you think me ignorant?" She looked pointedly at his gauze-clad arms. "And despite my family name, I'm not in the habit of offering false hope."Sio's eyes seemed to flicker. "You are the new Northern Guardian." It was clear he'd already thought as much. "The blood mage."She'd expected those final three words. They made her flinch all the same.His eyes narrowed. And yet- they were free of the fear and revulsion she'd come to expect. "There it is again. What are you afraid of?"Nari let her hand fall. "Only one of those is true," she said, emboldened by his cool demeanor. "The Guardian of the North, after all, is a tortoise. Not a snake.""... I see."She blinked. That was an unexpected answer. "It doesn't bother you?""Should it?""It bothers most others. After all..." Nari clasped both hands behind her back, closing the distance between them in two uneven steps. "There's a reason the matter of blood magic is the one thing every nation agrees on." The only reason she'd been allowed to learn? She belonged to the Point Union. "And my family takes pride in being recordkeepers." He was a finger shorter than her; a fact she now took advantage of. "How many forbidden arts do you think I've learned?"Sio's gaze never wavered. "I'm not afraid of you.""I know." Nari took a step back. "But if you were the kind of person the rumors say, you would've struck me down the moment I threatened you.""And you said you're not cunning.""I said I don't like being called cunning. That doesn't mean I can't be." She held her hand out again. "So: will you allow me to soothe your wounds?" That was the one catch. The magic required permission. But of all the people she'd met- all the people she'd healed- not a single one had refused to give it. The prospect of being made whole was too tempting."No."Nari blinked. That was an unexpected answer. "Why not?" She asked, dumbfounded. "It's better this way.""Do you really believe that?""Why do you care?" She spoke the question before it fully formed in her mind."I don't.""Then why ask?""What kind of answer are you looking for?" Another unexpected question."I-" Nari stopped short. What am I looking for? "I don't know," she answered after a moment's pause. "What about you?" At this point, their conversation seemed to be composed entirely of repeated questions. "You keep asking me what I'm afraid of. What kind of answer are you looking for?"Something flickered across Sio's eyes. The same emotion from before. One she still couldn't name. "I don't expect any sort of answer from you.""Then why do you keep asking me the same question?" She was unable to keep her frustration in check any longer. "Why?" She asked again, more insistently than the last."Because..." The Horan trailed off, seemingly uncertain- something that lasted only a brief moment. When he spoke, his voice had returned to its cold, even tone. "You're right. I don't care. I just came here to test something."Nari's back stiffened. "Test something?""Don't worry." His calm blue eyes locked onto hers. "You won't see me again. Although...""Although?""I wonder how much of this you'll remember."

• Chapter 2

• Homepage

Nari opened her eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling. What happened last night? She, of course, remembered everything. She'd met the reclusive young heir to the Horan family. Watched him fell a Gwi in one strike- and then left him behind as the rest closed in. Should I have stayed behind?No. Clearly not. There was no reason to. The only Gwi that made it through the mist gates like that were mindless amalgamations of magic and matter; hardly capable of threatening the Western Guardian. And yet, inexplicably, she found herself wishing she'd stayed behind. Why?She held one hand out, peering up at the gnarled wood through her splayed fingers. Curiosity. Over what? I guess that should be obvious. He'd refused her care. The first person to ever do so. Why? She'd seen his wounds. They clearly weren't normal- and those of the arcane variety tended to be painful. If his arms were covered in those scars... It had to be excruciating. And yet he'd refused it all the same.It was confounding. She had to know why. But... "You won't see me again," Nari murmured. Those were his parting words- and almost certainly the truth. Random chance had caused their paths to cross. Nothing more. It would not happen a second time.... Why does that frustrate me so much? For some reason, the question brought to mind one she'd heard last night. What kind of answer are you looking for? Had she been expecting something from him? If so, what? And why from him, of all people- someone she'd never met before?Sighing, Nari forced herself to rise. The others had already left. She'd been the only one to sleep in- owing to her restless night. It was of no consequence. Today, at least, was theirs to spend as they wished. Turning, she let her legs dangle off the bed, pressing her feet down against the matte wood floor. Should I look for him?It was the height of stupidity. Searching for a Horan in his own territory was bound to be a fool's errand. And no matter her magical prowess, she wasn't keen on tracking someone down without reason. Her search efforts would boil down to little more than random wandering. Still- it's not as if I have anything better to do. The adults were busy. The other children wanted nothing to do with her. I might as well.Reaching down, Nari retrieved her jacket, pulling both arms through the soft, silken sleeves. How did I get back? That was the one memory that remained unclear. Everything else was crystal clear- slipping out alone, wetting her feet in the running river, coming face to face with Sio- and then nothing. Have I been bewitched?It was an old question, already; one she'd asked herself many times during the night. But no matter how far inward she turned her sight, there was nothing. No lingering spellshard, nor thread of magic. What's wrong with me? There was something. Something more than simple curiosity. Something that left her uneasy; so much that it shallowed her breath.Nari clutched at her chest with one hand, trying- in vain- to soothe the tight, restless feeling that choked her heart. Why...? She squeezed her eyes shut. She knew why. It was obvious. To deny it was to pretend otherwise. He'd shaken her. That was the most frustrating thing of all- in the span of just a few minutes, he'd seen right through her; through the lies she'd spent years convincing herself to believe. Peered into her uncertainty. Her weakness. Her self-loathing.And he hadn't judged her for it.Why does that bother me so much? A long, weary breath escaped Nari's lips as she buried her face in both hands. It did nothing to relieve the weight pressing down on her chest. "What was I expecting from him...?" No answer came. Not that she'd expected one to begin with. Enough of this. There was no use in dwelling on it. She forced herself to stand.An empty room, filled only with quiet and empty beds, greeted her. I wonder where they went. She discarded the thought as soon as it formed. It was, after all, another pointless question. There was no place for her among them. As for her parents... There would be many matters that required their attention. Nari felt a hint of relief- and then a pang of guilt. It hurt, sometimes, to see the way other family members treated their children. But then- even among her peers, she was unique.... Like the white-haired, blue-eyed boy she'd met last night.What kind of life has he lived? Nari found herself unable to silence the stray thought. Nor the one that accompanied it. Would he understand? But- understand what? That was the question that really frustrated her. And no matter how deeply she probed her mind, no answer surfaced.Should I look for him? Logically, she knew it was a fool's errand. Even if she did manage to give shape to the question- would he answer it? Likely not. But still... "It's not as if I have much better to do," Nari murmured. The verbal admission stung, but only momentarily. Much of her waking hours were spent among the wounded, tending to all manner of injury. Time away from them- from the pain and suffering- was a welcome prospect.The Lantern Festival would last two weeks total. A long celebration, perhaps, but an important one. It was symbolic; proof that those who dwelled within the mist-veiled borders had cast aside their differences for the sake of coexistence. Outsiders were strictly forbidden from remaining within the Union for Festival's duration- the only time its walls ever truly closed. But no matter how great their annoyance, none dared to cross the Horans.She sighed as the thought guided her own back towards Sio. Would he have helped escort them outside the mist gates? It seemed unlikely. Such talents were better spent elsewhere.Three steps took Nari to the building's entrance. Her shoes were the only ones remaining; a pair of plain, open-toed sandals. She slipped them on, replaying last night's encounter in her mind. Not the entirety of their encounter- she'd done enough of that during the night- only the end. When he'd struck down the Gwi.What was that? A spell? No. That was unlikely. Her family's library was considered the New World's greatest. Not one of, but the greatest. She hadn't read every book there, of course, but something like that was sure to be of special interest. And yet she knew nothing of the power he'd displayed. It was more likely to be a trait- something like her own unique constitution.Whatever it was, he wanted me to see. That suspicion of hers had only grown during the night. Or his family did. After all, assigning him to be a guard was a waste. Such power could always be used elsewhere- especially when those under his protection needed no such thing. But the Horans were tasked with keeping watch. Their relationship with the other families was far from adversarial, but there was certainly a degree of wariness- a wariness that was certainly warranted.No matter how the Point Union presented itself, plenty of blemishes stained its reputation. Nothing that constituted a cardinal sin- but plenty of reason for the Union's watchers to remain vigilant. A display of raw power was juvenile, perhaps, but something even a child could understand. And if it prevented even one practitioner from turning going rogue, it was well worth the cost.Nari herself was... Not afraid, but wary. Rumor painted the Horan's blue-eyed heir as a mad arcanist, but the boy she'd come face-to-face with seemed perfectly sane. If anything, last night's encounter was proof of his trickery- or perhaps his family's. Had he done nothing more than strike, she would have remained none the wiser. So why did he approach me?No matter what branch of thought she traced, her thoughts circled back to that question. Why? If his goal was to sow uncertainty, then interacting with her- especially the manner in which he did- was entirely counterproductive. I'm missing something. But what *am I missing?She opened the door a hair, allowing a small stream of sunlight to settle atop the matte wood floor; warm yellow against calm, light grey. Her shadow stretched out from below, warped and misshapen. The twisted visage of something only resembling humanity.A trait her spirit shared.Nari threw the door open, bringing one hand over her eyes as a torrent of light streamed forth. Taking a breath, she allowed herself a moment of reverie, basking in the comfort carried by the sun's warm rays. It was the lone remaining star, left behind to light their skies after the Convergence- if it even was a star, anymore.She dropped her arm, letting the Horan's territory enter her view. It was, in a word, tranquil. Autumn-stained leaves reached across the sky; a fiery mixture of red and orange against the pale blue sky. Completely unlike anything she'd seen in the city. I like it here. The thought immediately dyed her mind with guilt, for some- because some part of her preferred it here.Away from the people that relied on her. From the parents that loved her.... From the duty that crushed her.Nari let out a sigh as she stepped forward. Do I even deserve to feel like this? A question that had burdened her since childhood- and one with a very clear answer. No. She didn't. Her life was a blessed one. Neither injury nor illness would ever mar her being. At least, not permanently. And yet...She took another, deeper breath, savoring the crisp autumn air as it soothed her many worries. It's peaceful here. Of all things, that was what she found most notable about this strange new place. The stillness- and the quiet. It was a stark contrast to the city; it was easier to think- to organize her many thoughts- when there was no constant chatter, no endless motion.No wounded looking to her for salvation.... Stop. It was wrong of her, she knew, to think that way. The plight of those she treated was rarely ever something of their own causing. Blaming them for her own self-loathing was the height of foolishness. And- what she'd said last night was true. It was better this way. Better for her to bear the burden in their stead.Do you really believe that? Nari balled her hands, digging fingernails into both palms. Of all the countless questions she'd heard throughout her life; of all the questions she had asked herself, none had shaken her more than that. And the worst part? Her inability to answer such a simple question kept her from assuaging the resulting frustration.Enough.Another sigh. Already, she'd been forced to silence her mind thrice- and the day had hardly begun. Some Guardian I am. Last night had proved beyond doubt that such a title suited her poorly. Not for lack of power, but character. The boy she'd encountered was confident. Strong. The kind of person who would shoulder whatever consequences his actions brought, no matter how heavy.That was something to envy.The wind washed over Nari's slender frame as she stepped forward, caressing her skin and feathering through her hair with gentle, ethereal fingers. The Horan's home was less residence and more... Estate. She'd expected that, to some extent, but it was still surprising how underdeveloped their territory really was.Their lodgings were built horizontally, rather than vertically, spread out across the land and cut from the same dark grey trees that surrounded them. Unlike the city, everything seemed... Seamless. Connected. There were no invisible boundaries, no arbitrary plots of land. Just a tranquil canvas of grey and green beneath a warm tapestry woven from threads of vibrant red, orange, and gold.What she enjoyed most, though, was the lack of magic. Its presence permeated nearly every aspect of life in the city's center. Especially in the hospital, where she spent much of her time. As a child, she'd spent hours staring at the vibrant lights, enraptured by the endless chorus of colors. Now, though? It was a symbol of suffering.Will I come here every year, now? For the Lantern Festival? It seemed likely. Someday, she would take over the duties of the family head; this was merely the beginning of that very long process. And- no matter how she hated it- the thought provided some semblance of comfort. Two weeks. A small respite. But enough.Hopefully.Nari's pace slowed as the Horan's main residency came into view. It, just like the others, had been hewn from the surrounding forest's grey trees. Unlike them, though, it was clearly meant to function as more than a mere lookout's abode. Four stone walls, mottled by dark green growth, encircled the entire area. Like nearly all else, they were devoid of magic.One might think it odd, but approaching the Horans haphazardly was akin to stepping forward with a blade pressed to your throat. If anything, it was an even more certain death. Magic, after all, remained the greatest equalizer. Sio himself was living proof of that- in more ways than one.She reached out to run one hand over the wall as she stepped by it. It was an odd thing to touch, to feel beneath her fingertips; a strange fusion of firm, coarse stone and soft, damp moss. Even to her ignorant eye, it had clearly been cared for. Worn, yes, but well-kept. An impressive feat, considering its size. Just lapping it once the day before had taken nearly two hours.Just a single lap had taken her nearly two hours to complete the day before.Nari let her hand fall as the main gate came into view. It was one of few segments left untouched by growth. The others? Additional entrances set into the dappled grey-green walls. But they were smaller. More narrow. Ill-suited for the grandiose welcome they had received.The gate, like much else, seemed an old, worn thing. Rather than the forest's dark grey, the wood forming its body was an aged, faded white. Rays of warm light streamed down through the cluttered canopy, casting an iridescent golden hue over its form. For a moment, it seemed like a sunlit path to some higher realm- and then the man standing in front of it spoke."Nari of the Baïem family, yes?" A small, handheld book was held at eye-level; he lowered it as Nari approached. "You're quite a bit later than the others. Does something about your lodgings displease you?" That was Cern, the family head. Or the temporary head, at least. He was a tall man, with shoulder length brown hair and calm blue eyes.His tone was welcoming. Jovial, even. But Nari found herself uncomfortable underneath his steady gaze. Really, his very presence was disconcerting. He seemed far too... Passive. For someone of such a high position. And this new question of his- that was reason enough to be wary. Did he not hear?Whether or not Sio was estranged from his family hardly mattered. He was Horan. That was a tie forged by both body and soul. Did he not tell anyone? And if that was the case- why? Allies or no, a blood mage wandering your territory was hardly a welcome prospect. "Not at all," she answered, letting her eyes meet his. "I just wanted to enjoy the nighttime scenery.""I see." Cern somehow seemed both disappointed and satisfied with that answer. "I understand. The forest is quite beautiful." The gate lifted without a sound as he spoke. "If there's anything you require, please. Don't hesitate to ask. You've been told that you're free to do as you wish for the first week of celebration?"She nodded once."Good." He snapped his small book shut, stowing it in his back pocket. "Then I will be off.""- Wait." Nari blinked. She had, apparently, closed the distance between them and seized his left wrist. An action entirely absent from her memory. "Ah." Releasing him, she stepped back, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me.""Please raise your head."She did so."You have nothing to apologize for." The Horan's voice was kind. "Is there something you need after all?"Nari hesitantly met his eyes with her own once again. What is it? She wondered. There was something that bothered her. Something new. Something that went beyond her first impression; beyond the way he'd watched those gathered in silence-Cunning.It clicked all at once. Cunning. That seemed an apt descriptor for the man before her. Cunning. The same exact word directed at her the night before. Could it be...? "The new Western Guardian- Sio- are you related to him?"

The question escaped her lips before she'd finished shaping it. Most else beyond the white haired boy's very existence was shrouded in secrecy.Cern's reaction was instant. "Sio?" He asked, eyes narrowing. "Is that the name he gave you?" His shoulders, previously relaxed, were tensed now.Nari blinked. His response was... Interesting. "Should he have given me another?" She received no response. Or, rather, no verbal one.Instead, the Horan leaned over, bringing his head down to inspect her face. "I see," he said, after a moment's pause. "Yes. He is my nephew. I hope he didn't frighten you.""... He didn't." She drew her words out, watching his eyes as she spoke. Sure enough, there it was- just a glimmer of disappointment in his otherwise steady blue eyes. "Although he did say that I reminded him of someone he knows."A look of surprise spread spread over Cern's face- and then he smiled. It was nothing like the previous; cold and deadly, rather than warm and welcoming. "He called you cunning, did he?"Nari shivered. Even if not surprising, the sudden change was still disconcerting. "Yes.""Allow me to apologize in his stead.""Do you really care?""Not particularly." She wasn't sure whether to be surprised or comforted by his honesty. "I just want to know- why are you so curious?""I..." Nari's hands crept downwards again. "I don't know." It was an honest answer- and an unbelievable one. How was he meant to believe an answer that she herself couldn't believe? "I just... Don't." She stiffened ever so slightly as Cern leaned down, bringing his eyes just before hers."... I see." He straightened after a moment. "He was worried about you, wasn't he?"Nari blinked. "... Worried? About me?" That was a rather novel concept."I imagine so.""Why?"A look of genuine surprise spread over the Horan's face. "You don't understand?"Nari tightened her grip. "No.""But you want to."She nodded wordlessly.Cern stared at her for a moment- and then laughed once. It was a cruel, ugly sound, full of bitter malice. "Your parents truly are foolish."Nari bristled. He's trying to get a reaction out of me. So be it. "My parents are good people." No matter how complicated her feelings for them were. Such a dismal man had no right to insult them so."Really?" His eyes reappeared before hers as the words reached her ears. "Do you really believe that?" Their former calm was gone, replaced by a sort of fiery mania. As if he were daring her to answer her question.She stared into his eyes. "Yes." That, at least, was true.... Right?Cern smiled again. That same cold, deadly smile. As if he could see right through her inner struggle. "And yet you look shaken."Nari bristled, refusing to be cowed.His smile grew more cruel as he stepped back. "Shall I tell you where to find him?""... You would do that for me?""Not for free."She all but felt her blood physically freeze. "Are you suggesting...?""Yes.""You can't be serious." He was Horan. Head of the Horan. The Union's steadfast defenders. Meant to remain impartial. And yet, here he was, requesting payment for a service.A bribe."That all depends on how badly you want to know."Nari instinctively reached into the right pocket of her jacket. There, swaddled by the silky fabric, sat a glass disk. She knew it was a bad idea. No, a terrible one. One she would undoubtedly regret. And yet... I need to know. She was desperate. To find some sort of soothing balm. That was the only thought on her mind in this moment. She pulled it out. It was a small thing; small enough to sit comfortably in the palm of her hand. Not a single mark or speck of color marred its perfectly clear surface.Cern's eyes widened. There was something cathartic about that- about seeing him surprised. "Is this...?""Yes. An Oath." Not the pale, immaterial imitation used between Arcanists, but the real thing. Something that bound both body and soul. "This is all I can possibly offer you. The Horans may not want for prowess or with, but...""Indeed. This is more than enough." He reached out- and then stopped. "You need my blood, correct?""... Correct." His knowledge was no surprise. Oaths were the one piece of blood magic's history that remained easily accessible. It was, after all, foundational to their relationships with other nations. She watched Cern dig his fingernails into his palm, drawing blood. "A single drop will suffice.""Very well." He raised his cupped hand over the glass disk, tipping it- and allowing a single drop of crimson to spill onto the flawless surface.Nari hesitated. And, decided for the first time in her life- of her own volition- that the man before her deserved no care. "Then..." Rather than gouge her palm, she pressed finger and thumb together, slicing through the tip of her thumb with her fingernail. A line of jagged crimson welled up in response. There was a brief burning sensation- and then no more. She ran her bloodied thumb around the disk's rim, leaving an uneven crimson trail in its wake.There was no reaction. No flash of light, no spark of magic, no sudden compulsion.But she knew.That once- just once- she would be unable to disobey his request. Nari pulled away, slipping the Oath disk back into her pocket. It would not smear or stain; their blood was a part of it now. "It's done." Her voice rang hollow."So it is." Cern turned his gaze towards the buildings that lay past the gate. "You know where the family's medical ward is, yes? He will be there, in the biggest room. You won't miss it.""... I will not offer you my thanks."----Cern looked down at his hand, still spilling a trickle of red onto the flesh of his palm. Unbelievable. Had that really just happened? A truly unexpected card had fallen into his lap. At first, he'd thought she couldn't possibly match his nepher's power- she was a fake Guardian, after all- but their meeting had convinced him otherwise. At the very least, their clash would be a stalemate. That was enough.He looked back towards at the Baïem girl's fleeting figure. She was moving faster now; with more purpose. A stark contrast to her previously lethargic gait. But still...For all their wisdom, her family members truly were blind. Or perhaps ignorant- whether intentional or not. "How foolish," he muttered. They had no idea how it affected her. And for all their heir's intelligence, she was still a child. Still young and naive.Still easy to manipulate.---Nari raised her hand to knock- and then froze. Should I really be doing this? But then, if she didn't follow through, she had made an Oath for nothing. And that was a terrifying prospect.She'd been slightly worried about how vague his directions were, but Cern's words hand proven true. So far, at least. The medical ward had been easy to find, and the largest room- where Sio supposedly was- had been even easier. It was placed at the very end of the central wing. There were only a handful of staff present, each one occupied with something different. Hardly surprising, considering the Festival.Nari took a deep breath. You came here for a reason. Steeling herself, she knocked once. The response came immedaitely, albeite muffled through the thick oak doors. "Come in."She pushed her way in. There, sitting upright on a bed, was Sio. His blue eyes fixed on her the moment she stepped in, his surprise- if there even wasy any- buried in their depths. They were many shades lighter than his uncle's, and perfectly tranquil. Nothing like the forcefully suppressed cunning she had seen earlier. No wonder he doesn't like it. But then- did that mean he viewed her as the same sort of person as his uncle?"Why are you here?" No- he couldn't be. He seemed just as indifferent as before.Nari hesitated yet again. Was this a mistake? She gritted her teeth. No. She was tired. So so tired... Of what? Her eyes wandered away from his, towards his bandaged arms- causing another question to slip our unbidden. "Why didn't you allow me to heal you?"

• Chapter 3

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Sio immediately looked away, casting his gaze towards the window. "It's not as if I'm some masochist. It's part of my mastery process." That made sense. No matter one's talent, they still had to learn. And- perhaps there was some twisted benefit to a scarred body. "Even if it weren't, I'm not the type to force other people to bear my burden."Nari hesitated. Truthfully speaking, she hadn't expected an answer. Is this what his uncle meant? He seemed genuine. She looked around. His room was... Different. Than what she'd expected. Completely unlike the hospital she spent much of her time in. Gone were the sterile white walls, the smell of chemicals- the presence of death and despair.By comparison, this room of his was... Homely. It, too, was built from the same grey wood that seemingly all else in this place had been. Does he live here? That certainly seemed to be the case. There were clear signs of habitation. Things that a place not lived in simply had no use for. A desk placed benath the window, squares of colorful paper and half-finished origami scattered across its surface. A partially filled bookshelf to its right, just a step away from his bedside. And-Nari's heart sank.Three origami tigers sat atop the gnarled wood. Clearly folded from multiple sheets, they all varied in size; the largest sat between curled the other two- one orange and one white- as if sleeping. They seemed almost real, with deep black gashes across across their coats and- somehow- seemingly lifelike fur.But that did nothing to quell the heartache. It was painfully obvious what they were meant to represent. "Did you... Make those?" She wanted to point, but that seemed... Disrespectful.He turned back towards her. "Yes."Nari blinked. She hadn't expected an answer. "They're- they're beautiful." It was no empty flattery. The care and mastery that went into their creation was obvious."Thank you."Another unexpected response. He seemed... Calmer. Than he had last night. More settled. His confidence- no, his audacity- on the other hand, seemed entirely unchanged. "Why are you here?" Sio asked again. It seemed as if the bandages wrapped around both his arms had been changed.Nari hesitated. "I don't know." Speaking it out loud, no matter how honest, still felt... Ridiculous."Then you should leave.""If you're so averse to my presence, why didn't you avoid me?" He'd clearly been aware of her before shed even stepped in. It would have been a simple task."I wanted to see if the look in your eyes was any different.""... Is it?""No." His answer, short and curt, stung."Why did you approach me, then?" That wasn't what she wanted to ask. Not really. Would he answer that question? Nari hesitated. "What are you and your uncle planning?" That wasn't it either. It was a theory. A half-baked one. Something she threw out as bait. But his reaction proved rather... Drastic.A blur of motion- of mixed white and grey- and she found herself staring up at the white-haired boy, her back pressed flat to the floor. There had been no sound, no surge of spirit. He was sitting in bed one moment, then staring down at her the next, left forearm pressed against her throat, eyes alight with... Desperation?"If you tell anyone-"Nari cut him off. "What? You'll kill me? As you did those twenty Arcanists? You can't. But," she added, turning so her neck was bared, "you're welcome to ascertain the truth of my word, if you'd like."Some part of her, some part she'd shoved deep down, took a dark, twisted pleasure in the look of shock that spread over his face. Another, louder part realized that his eyes were two discs of pure blue; free of any blemishes or flaws. But- they seemed lighter before. Not greatly so; one or two shades at most. Am I imagining things?"This is why I called you strange.""What?""For someone with such little resolve, you seem utterly indifferent to death.""Resolve has nothing to do with it.""So you say."Nari bristled. "Yes. I do."He seemed entirely unconvinced."What about you?""... What about me?""You're also pretending to be someone you're not.""Is that what you think?""Yes," she said, more defiantly than intended. "You're a hypocrite."Sio stared at her in silence- and then laughed. It was like his uncle's; full of malice. But rather than fueled by bitterness, it seemed... Engulfed by it. "Maybe I am." Nari blinked. What? "But that doesn't mean I'm like you." His blue eyes fixed on hers. "Because I'm not." The words were spoken matter-of-factly. Without malice or disdain.That made them hurt even more.Nari's eyes trailed down to his bandaged arms. "I know. How could I not know?" She'd seen such wounds countless times. Likely more times than everyone else in the world combined. They were the kind that cut the immaterial. The uninformed thought such injuries were less painful- a terrible misconception. The body mirrored the soul, after all. To be covered in them... It had to be nothing short of agony."That's why I'm here. Because you're nothing like me." It hurt to admit it; to say it out loud. But there was no remedy for the truth. "Because I'm desperate, and... And envious." She brought her eyes back up to meet his. "After everything that's happened, after... Everything that's happened to you- you can still hold your head high. Still shine so brightly. I... I want to know how."Sio stared at her in silence."I'm sorry," she whispered, suddenly ashamed of her own desperation. "Forgive me. I know I'm dredging up memories of the worst day of your life. I know it's a truly terrible thing to do. It's just... I just... I need to know." Silence, heavy and tepid, settled between them. Just as it seemed he wouldn't answer-"Why?" The question, despite being composed of a single word, was the heaviest he'd asked her.Nari swallowed. "Because-" She stilled the rest as it attempted to pass her lips. Or tried to, at least. "Because I'm desperate," she answered, her voice raw with foreign emotion."Why?" This time, it seemed to finally rip away what little remained of her resolve."Because I don't know how much more of this I can take. Because I'm tired. Because I'm tired of being faced with the sick and wounded, tired of being asked to mend their bodies and spirits... Tired of telling myself over and over that it doesn't affect me." The words were nearly incoherent now, each one born from threads of tattered thought, and each of those woven from years of inner turmoil. "But most of all, I'm tired of wondering whether there's something fundamentally wrong with me."She reached out, then stopped. But Sio said nothing- just kept his steady blue gaze fixed on her. "I think that's why I want to heal you," Nari said. Emboldened by his silence, she wrapped her fingers around his scarred wrist. Not tightly- she had no desire to cause him pain.Even through the thick white gauze, she could feel his body heat seep into her palm. Is his resting temperature higher than normal? Or is it because he's in constant pain? "I want to see if our burdens are comparable. If my own inadequacy is the reason I find myself so full of doubt. I know it doesn't make much sense. But like... Like I said. I'm desperate. Truly desperate.""Why do you think that I can answer your question?""I don't. It's just...""Just?"Nari took a long, shaky breath. "Everybody needs someone to talk to.""You have your family."She hesitated. Should I tell the truth? But what is the truth? "Sometimes it's easier to talk to strangers." The words were whispered, rather than spoken. But- at the very least- they were no lie. Will he think me foolish for uttering such a statement? Nari looked away, fearful of whatever Sio might utter next. But he said nothing. Instead, a single, short laugh, full of derision, was the only answer answer."... What?" She turned back towards white-haired boy. His expression was... Conflicted. That strange, unknown emotion from last night was present again- as was something entirely new. Genuine anger."No." The Horan's left arm, still pressed to Nari's throat, trembled. Whether due to anger or something else, she hadn't the faintest idea. "You're just too afraid to take the first step." He pressed onwards without giving her time to respond, his apparent anger growing with each syllable spoken."I..." Nari trailed off. "You're right." The admission stung more than she thought it would. "I am. If I explained it to them, maybe they would understand. Maybe they'd accept me. But... But what if they don't? What if my parents are disappointed in me? What if the others still revile me?" She looked away again. "The possibility alone hurts more than the present." Hers was a life predicated on an odd, precarious balance. Just the thought of disrupting it was enough to make her falter. "And...""And?""You claim I'm too afraid to take the first step." She kept her eyes turned away from his. "But isn't that exactly what I'm doing right now?"Another silence- followed by another derisive laugh. "You chose me, of all people?"Nari squeezed her eyes shut. "Is that truly so strange?" Even as she asked, she knew it was an impossibility. His birthright alone guaranteed that. His family was tasked with guarding the citizens. From the other families, if need be. Something like... This. Was entirely untenable.Despite that, Sio seemed to genuinely consider his response. "No," he finally answered. "I suppose not. But I... Want nothing to do with you."For the first time in his presence, Nari felt true fear. Was I wrong? Had he judged her, just like everyone else? Did he think her a monster? Find her unsettling? Just as her mind began to slip away-"Don't get the wrong idea." His trembling stilled, then resumed. "You just... Irritate me. You said you envied me, right? It's ironic, because I... I envy you, too.""What?" It was a ridiculous statement. What was there to envy?"You... You could take the first step if you wanted to." The Horan's voice cracked. "On the other hand, I- no matter how badly I want to, I can't. So yes." His whole body was shaking, now. "So yes. I envy you. So much that I can't stand you." His blue eyes seemed desperate, yet defiant, somehow- as if he wanted nothing more than for her to refute.So she did. "Then why?" For perhaps the first time in her life, Nari chose not to douse the spark of... Anger? No. That wasn't it. Or, rather, it wasn't solely anger. It was a vile mixture of rage, indignation, frustration... Too many things to count. A thick, heavy cloud that choked every measure of her being.Reaching up, she pushed against his arm with both of hers. It was like pressing against solid steel. So she wove a spell. A simple one; one that exchanged the blood flowing through her veins for strength. And overpowered him- no. He moved away, a look of unadorned fear on his face. "What did you just do?"Nari said nothing."What did you just do?!" The same desperation from before laced his voice, now accompanied by a note of urgency- and worry. Things that hurt to hear, given how brutally he'd just turned her away."This is what I mean." She reached up, clutching the cuff of his shirt with both hands. "Why worry about me- why stir the feelings I so painstakingly laid to rest..." No. That wasn't it. That wasn't what she wanted to say. "Why- why peer inside me, gaze upon what I tried so hard to hide, what I so desperately want- and then hold your hand out if you intend to snatch it away at the last moment?" Nari felt tears building behind her eyes. She forced herself to keep them from falling. "It's so... So unbelievably cruel."Sio's expression tightened. "You're right. I... I'm sorry." And- before Nari could say anything more- he was gone once again, leaving her hands grasping at thin air.There was a moment of shock, then disbelief, then- something she had no word for. Don't cry, she told herself, folding both arms over her eyes. That proved an easy task. She was used to the crushing futility. To things remaining just out of reach. This was simply another one of them.Nari sighed. What am I doing? This stunt of hers had accomplished nothing. Nothing other than shaking the resolve she'd spent years carefully building. And opening someone else's old wounds. That, at least, was no self-pity. She'd spoken of something that didn't concern her. Guilt was an appropriate response.Standing, she looked around the room again. I shouldn't have come here. She'd misjudged this place. There was evidence someone lived here, yes, but it was too... Undisturbed. The books seemed untouched, the bed was far too tidy, the room itself nearly pristine. As if whoever stayed here had gone out of their way to leave as little footprint as possible.Nari turned to leave- and then hesitated. In her greed, she'd wronged someone. Wasn't it only right to offer some sort of reparation? But... Will he hate something like this? Would it only widen his wounds? Open new ones? I suppose there's only one way to find out. If they never crossed paths again, it hardly mattered anyway.Turning back, she approached the sunlit desk. The origami tigers placed there truly were a thing to behold. No matter how Nari turned them in her mind, she couldn't quite work out how they'd been crafted; other than with great skill, clearly. "I hope you won't hate me for this," she murmured. Asking for anything more seemed greedy.Black light- an impossibility made real by magic- spilled forth from her hands as she cupped the largest of three tigers, weaving another spell. One much, much more complicated than the last.And much more costly.But such a price was inconsequential if it provided even the smallest bit of solace. And, truthfully- the only price was a moment's discomfort, so brief that Nari herself was just barely aware of it. A fraction of a fraction of a second. But- he noticed, didn't he? Those calm blue eyes had deftly spotted such a brief span.Stop. She forced her mind back towards the task at hand. No matter how many brilliant minds delved into the mysteries of the arcane, one thing always remained clear. Magic was an expression of one's will. Allowing her mind to wander when shaping her magic- even novice practitioners knew better.How shall I shape this? Complex as it was, the spell was familiar, to some extent. Nari had experimented with something similar in her younger years. It was nothing so grandiose as creating life- imitating it was much simpler. Basic motion, a collection of randomly executed, predetermined actions... That was enough.But is that what I want? She paused. Why am I doing this? What compelled her to work such magic for a boy she hardly knew? Come to think of it, he'd asked her much the same, had he not? Why are you here? A question she hadn't answered. Or- had she? Everybody needs someone to talk to.Is that what this is? Was she simply desperate to form a connection? Was that all it had taken to call on the magic dancing between her fingertips? Why had she sought him out? A selfish desire for an unknown answer, yes, but there was more to it.... Concern? Is that what this is? That seemed closer, but not quite right. It was similar to the pity she felt for her patients, but... Different. In a way she didn't know how to articulate. I'm worried about him. Why? That answer surfaced much more readily. I know the expression on his face. She saw it every time she looked in the mirror. It was one of loneliness. But...Nari's eyes drifted back down to the table. Three origami figures. Two siblings and their mother. It was obvious, really. She should've pieced it together sooner. No wonder he can't stand me. He'd spoken true. Even if they shared similar struggles, even if she truly did recognize the look on his face- they were nothing alike. That was the stinging, biting truth.... But why did that matter? She wanted to do this. It was an expression of her own free will; something Nari found rather freeing. Exhilarating, even. How long has it been since I felt like this? When she was still a beginner- still looked upon magic as something wondrous.

Why am I doing this? Because she'd trespassed. With her presence and her words. This was a form of restitution, however pitiful.Because... The white-haired Horan seemed a kindred spirit.Because Nari still desperately wanted an answer.Because- because she wanted to help him. Whether he thought the same, whether he would give her an answer- regardless, she wanted to help him.Nari's thoughts froze. The magic swirling between her fingers followed suit, forming a web of inky black light. Is that really it? Was that all it had taken to drive the magic dancing at her fingertips? Or was she mistaken to write it off as something so inconsequential? I want to help him. That faint, distant desire meant something to her.What does it mean to me? She seized the emotion behind it, forcibly dragging the tangled knot into the open. I want to help him. That was... Not a novel sensation, but an unfamiliar one. When was the last time I wanted to help someone in this way? A long, long time ago. Or was it? Five years, perhaps. But those days- the days Nari still so easily believed in the good she was doing- seemed a lifetime away.But it felt... Good. To want to help someone for a reason other than duty; for none other than her own desire.Rather than mold it, Nari let the spell settle into a shape of its own; something hazy and indistinct, without hard edges or sharp points. She pushed the spell forward, then hesitated. This isn't right. There was no basis for the thought other than instinct, but she decided to listen.Carefully- ever so carefully- holding the magic in place, Nari moved her hands away, instead cupping them around the smallest of the three. The moment the tangle of black, luminous threads, still twined between her fingers, touched it, they flickered and vanished, drawn into the small paper figurine.She lowered her hands uncertainly. There was no change. Physically or spiritually. Did something go wrong? Just as doubt began to creep back in, the origami tiger shuddered once- and then arched its back, dropping its jaw open in an exaggerated yawn.Whatever shape her magic had taken, its job was done. And well, seemingly. Though still clearly composed of paper, the tiger's flat pelt seemed to ripple in a manner reminiscent of real fur. Its eyes still remained depthless, but there was a faint shimmer to them, as if a thin layer of light had coalesced on the smooth paper.Nari watched it settle into a sitting position. Its tail, she realized, was a single piece of paper that had been folded over itself many times, and coiled into a spring-like shape. Though it seemed abnormally long, it moved with all the deftness of a living creature. Just how much care did he put into folding these?Her magic was powerful, yes, but the spell itself was something created in under a minute. It was far from being refined. Achieving such a result spoke volumes about foundation's quality. But... What sort of result is this? "Do you understand me?" She wasn't quite sure what to expect. But the small, papery thing thing tilted its head in clear response.Nari considered it for a moment. Even if it bore a consciousness, that was hardly noteworthy. Such entities were woven into many cultures, past and present. But neither could such things truly be called life. They were beings stripped of the ability to grow freely; created to fulfill a purpose and guided towards that from the moment of inception."Do you have a purpose?" Another tilt of the head, this time in the opposite direction.She stepped away, hesitant. This result was hardly cause for concern. The spell was not destructive in nature. If something went gravely astray, she had no great fear of indirectly harming others. Certainly not here, of all places. Even so- she knew better. Many of history's pages were inked in the blood of those who had fearlessly reached out to grasp the unknown. A human instinct, perhaps. One that occasionally brought fatal consequences. The logical choice was to destroy it. But-I don't want to. Why? Nari found the answer as ridiculous as it was simple. It was the first time in years she'd aided another of her own free will. A short, sardonic laugh escaped her lips. Such thin, illogical justification was no real reason to stay her hand. And yet she found herself unwilling to move it.It was born from an earnest desire to help. It was one of the truest actions she'd ever taken. Surely it wouldn't actively cause harm. "Do you know what it is?" Nari expected another tilt of the head.Instead, the small creature stood and walked to one of the the still-inanimate figurines. The white one. Its pelt warped with every step it took, going from uniform black stripes to asymmetric patterns of curved lines. Some markings moved or change repeatedly, while others vanished entirely, as if some unseen hand was rapidly guiding them. The orange of its coat reddened, but not greatly so; instead settling on a dull red color reminiscent of wine. It stopped just a finger's breadth from the other's side, then turned back to her."Good." There was no more for her to do. The spell was complete. And, interestingly, despite being a product of her magic, she felt no connection to it. Then again, it was never intended to benefit herself. Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. She drew both hands behind her back and leaned forward ever so slightly. "He may not desire your companionship. Do you understand that?"Its response? To sit in place.Despite herself, Nari smiled. "Very well. I wish you luck." Its tail swished once in response. "Should we meet again, I hope you'll have a name of your own." Truthfully, the chances were slim. Even she knew it was an odd gift. But it was formed from something he'd crafted with love and care, and represented something he surely loved even more. That had to mean something. Right?She turned to leave, crossing the room in three quick steps. Her welcome had long since expired- if it even existed to begin with. The large wooden door seemed unfamiliar to her, as if Nari had not passed through it minutes before. It was wider than normal, and made from perfectly smooth, unmarked wood, cool against her fingertips.A voice greeted her as she exited the room. "I assume your talk went poorly." Cern stood a few paces to her left. His voice seemed more mellow before, the reason for which was rather apparent. A long, thin pipe held in his hand. "I'm not sure what you expected." About half the length of his forearm, it was clearly well-used, seeing that the dull grey metal had been stained by the pale blue smoke wafting from it.Bluegrass. In some macabre fashion, it was perhaps the single most used product of magic; not particularly euphoric, but just potent enough to calm the mind and dull the senses. Easily grown and completely without side effect, it was also nonaddictive. Which, by some cruel twist of fate, only seemed to increase its consumption.It was also perfectly inert, a trait that made it useful in physical medicine. And the smoke dissipated quickly; a fact that Nari ascertained for what felt like the millionth time. "Why do you say that?" A foolish question, asked only to hide the sting of her own ineptitude. He'd clearly seen his nephew depart.Another hazy blue curtain wafted upwards as Cern raised the pipe to his lips. "The look on Sion's face, pperhaps."Nari stiffened ever so slightly at the scent of bluegrass, sweet but acrid. "Sion?" A nickname? That didn't seem right. Usually they shortened one's name, not the opposite. And this man had shown interest in the fact he'd given her a different one."Indeed. If he demands I use that name, then I can't do much but nod along, can I?" His voice took on an odd, faded tone, as if he were speaking through a veil of water. Wisps of blue smoke escaped his lips as he spoke. "You're curious about him.""Is that so strange?" She kept her tone carefully neutral."Perhaps not." He took another puff of his pipe, then cupped it in one hand to extinguish the glowing embers. "But your interest in him seems to go beyond just someone in a similar position. And that, I find curious.""Why?""You've only just met him, for one. And for two..." He leaned forward, causing her to stiffen as the blue smoke's odor grew stronger. "He's something of a failure. Although perhaps that's what draws you to him? Like calls to like, after all."Nari stared up at him. He's messing with me. Made all the more aggravating by the fact that he, too, had seen right through her. "What exactly are you playing at?" The words were brusque. Emotional. Lacking the usual calm she endeavored to maintain. But- this man, the one before her- she disliked him. For more reasons than that. That was a difficult feeling for her to grapple with."I'm not. I'm just... Trying to stir your brain up. Because," he added, stemming her question as it formed. "I want to know how it works. How you think, how you decide your next move." The same cold smile from before appeared as Cern stepped back. "I need to know how useful this new piece I've acquired is.""Is that so?" She looked away, pondering for a moment. That comment of his put some things into perspective. The bluegrass- her role at the hospital was no secret. Was he a regular user? Or had he brought it on purpose- to try and get a reaction out of her? Had he seen her spine stiffen? But- above all- there was something to be addressed. "Your piece? Perhaps... For but a single move."Nari stared at the wooden wall across the hallway as she forced her voice to harden. "Don't make the mistake of thinking yourself my equal- or better, for that matter. After all..." She let the silence hang between them before meeting his gaze. "I'm sure you know the old nickname for our Oaths."Sacrifice. A chilling moniker, but an apt one. They were not binding, not in perpetuity. There was nothing from keeping a vengeful- or simply irritated- blood mage from slaying whoever gave them their task once complete. And there were many such instances throughout history. Just one of many reasons such sorcerers were reviled.In a way, her offering had been... Not a test, but a question. Did he have a goal he was willing to spend his life to achieve? His acceptance had been a tacit answer. "So? How do you plan on using it to aid in your shared plan?"Cern's expression remained perfectly still. "My nephew told you, did he? Or did you figure that out yourself?"Is there something in his voice? Had she imagined it?He placed the pipe between his lips again. To hide it, perhaps."I don't see how it matters."Nari counted the seconds of silence that passed until he responded. Four in total.Cern turned his head to the side. "Of course it matters," he said, sky-blue smoke now spilling from his mouth in thick clouds. "I need to know whether my accomplice has a loose tongue."There it is again. Not her imagination, then. So- what? There were a few possibilities. And the simplest... "Ha." A dry laugh escaped Nari's lips."Oh?" The Horan arched one eyebrow. "Is something amusing?"The rest of it nearly spilled forth. "Yes," Nari answered, forcing her laughter to remain hidden. "You act as if you're different, as if you despise your nephew, but deep down you're just like him." She considered weaving another spell, but decided against it, choosing instead to drag out her words, to let every syllable linger a moment longer. "You're pretending to be someone you're not. Why not just say you're worried about your family?"She heard the faint hiss of dying embers as Cern raised the pipe again. "Are you sure?" He asked, voice almost inaudible through the haze that filled his lungs. "Maybe it's just another way of rousing your mind. After all, I brought the bluegrass to test you- didn't I?" He leaned in close again. "Or- perhaps I'm a habitual user who just happened to see you straighten at its scent."Nari offered a smile of her own. One not so different from the Horan's. Or, at least, that's how she imagined it appeared. His immediate diversion had been too strong a play. "You slipped." She reached up. Not with her hand, but a web of magic; pure power given physical form.To his credit, Cern seemed completely unbothered as the invisible threads bound him.Her smiled widened ever so slightly. "If you fear I'll tell that two of our guards are plotting something, don't." Nari had no real desire to stand in the way of their wishes. For now, at least. "But don't forget- even if you serve as our soldiers, you're not the only family who promised to protect these lands." They all had. "If I must carry out my duty, then I shall do so without question.""I see." He took a breath, more slowly than before. "I'll be sure not to cross you. But..." This time, the smoke that billowed out was deep blue in color. "Even if you are my better, it's better not to let your guard down." A sound rang out- and again, and again, and again. The same piercing note, repeated so quickly they overlapped.And Nari's magic fell apart. Her first thought? Curiosity. Is it the same as Sio's? No. He had rent a Gwi in two. Cern had simply cut a thin thread many times over. And, unlike his nephew, his skin and spirit remained unscathed."I may not wield as much power as my nephew, but I have much more experience." He smiled, then tapped the side of his pipe. In a single, fluid motion, the accumulated smoke trembled, then coalesced, flowing back towards the instrument's cup. "Something that you seem to sorely lack."A habitual user, then. "I'm sure you know that, despite having an open door policy, there are no guards in my ward," Nari said slowly, choosing her words carefully. "You know why that is... Don't you?"Cern stowed the thin metal contraption in the folds of his robe before answering. They were long and flowing, woven from a dark grey fabric that carried an almost ethereal sheen, lending it the same shimmering aesthetic as the mist wall that surrounded their land. "Of course I do. But that raises a question, doesn't it?""... That being?""Does it bother you?" He asked nonchalantly. "The fact that your parents have no concern over allowing their young daughter to do such work unprotected?"Nari fought the urge to reach for the hem of her jacket. "They have no reason to worry about my safety.""That's not what I asked." His voice- softened? "And this, at least, is not meant to torment you." She Nari could react, Cern reached out- and ruffled her hair once. His fingers were rough and uncertain, as if the gesture was entirely new to him. "Think about it. Ask my nephew, if you'd like."Nari looked away. "You speak as if he'd be willing to converse with me again.""I'll let you in on a secret. You saw those origami tigers of his, right?" There was a touch of pride in his voice."Yes.""As a child, he started folding them in order to learn to control his strength. All because he wanted to hold his baby sister. Who, of course, was more than durable enough so long as he wasn't actively trying to rip her in two.""What's your point?""He's the type whose worries only grow. If he truly worries for you, he won't be able to leave you alone." And then he was gone.She blinked, then reached up, placing her hand where his had been. They truly are family. It showed in their habits. Particularly their meddling. But those last words of his... They were an admission, right? Or a request? No. Both. She lowered her arm. If they share their traits, did he hear our encounter? And yet he'd implied they were on speaking terms. Such a confusing family. So much that it made her head spin.Nari kept her gaze turned downwards as she walked, watching as light and shadow dyed her feet one after the other. She needed time to sort her thoughts out, to organize and then mull over them one by one. Do they have the same goal? The obvious answer was yes, but something about that bothered her.What about their motivation? Sio's was obvious enough. But his uncle... Then again, what do I really know about either of them? Nothing, really. Just the sum of two brief encounters with each. Far from enough to judge either.She stopped- and suddenly realized that the feel of the ground beneath of her feet had change

• Chapter 4

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It was the sound of her mother's voice, soft and gentle, that woke her. "Nari."Nari stirred, blinking in confusion as her... Arm? Came into view. "Mom?" She straightened, rubbing the drowsiness from her eyes. Her mother stood half a pace away, leaning over slightly. Their appearance was so similar that some thought them sisters. Black hair, pale skin, subtly elegant features. She was grateful for that, in some ways. It felt like undeniable proof they were family."Mhm. Were you asleep?""... Yes." Nari yawned. "What time...? Ah." She stopped short as the sky came into view, stained dark orange by the setting sun. "Have I kept everyone waiting" Their supper was meant to be shared."You haven't." Those similarities were only surface deep, though. Nari's mother carried herself with an elegance that invoked envy. She wore a simple black dress; one that draped down down from her shoulders and revealed near nothing, yet the grace in her every move was apparent. "But I came looking for you, just in case." She smiled. "Good thing I did. Were you tired?""Just a little." Nari closed her eyes, listening to the gurgling of water. She'd heard recordings many times before, but the real thing- being here, listening to it in person- that was much more calming. "Mom.""Yes?"She hesitated before asking. "The current head of the Horan family- what do you think of him?""Hmm." Her mother stepped away clearly considering the question. "A good man," She answered slowly. "But a dangerous one. I find that those often go hand in hand. Why do you ask?""Just... Curiosity." That was no lie. Nari had seen Cern before their encounter at the gate. And even before setting foot on the Horan family's territory, she'd wondered what they were like. A feeling that was only more intense, now. As for the Oath she'd given, well. That was her concern. She was capable of handling her own matters."I see." Her mother looked back at the river for a moment before crouching down. "I trust you," she said gently, reaching down to grasp Nari's hand in her own.The pride in her voice and gesture made Nari's heart feel like it was being crushed. So many children wanted nothing more than to make their parents proud. So why does doing that make me feel so wretched? Nari closed her eyes. "Is it nearly time for our meal?" She felt her mother pull away."Mmh." A sound of confirmation. "There's time enough to walk back, so long as we don't dally."Nari took a deep breath. The soft scent of flowers always accompanied her mother, despite the fact she never used perfume. "Mom." The word had slipped out before she realized it."Yes?"She realized her hand had held fast, as if by its own accord. Why did I...? "It's..." Nari trailed off. Again. Why? She sighed inwardly. No. I know why. To pretend otherwise was worse than foolishness; it was a display of willful ignorance. "Mom." For some reason, she repeated the word.Her mother's brow furrowed. "Yes?""You and dad..." Nari swallowed. Why is this so difficult? She recalled Sio's words. You're just too afraid to take the first step. He was right. That was exactly why those words hurt so much. But I want to. So, so badly. So why is it so hard? Why couldn't she just change? Become the person she wanted to be? "Are you..." She finally- finally- forced the rest out. "Are you worried about me?"Nari's heart sank as her mother's hand pulled free- and then skipped a beat as a pair of arms wrapped around her. "We're your parents." She shivered. Her mother's voice was close enough to tickle. "We always worry about you, in one way or another.""... I see.""Did something happen? This is unlike you." Nari's mother cupped her face in one hand."It's nothing," Nari lied, reaching up to cover it with her own. "Just... Thinking." She opened her eyes as her mother pressed their foreheads together."Yes. You always seem to be doing that." She laughed. It was a warm, joyous sound, full of life. "Your father and I worry about you. Of course we do."Nari looked back into her emerald-green eyes before turning hers back towards the running river. What sort of answer had she expected? She stood. "Let us go."Her mother followed suit, offering one hand.Nari took it, letting herself be led away. "Have the others already gathered?" She bit her tongue to keep the real question at bay. Would the Horan's young heir- would Sio- be there? Hiding the fact they'd met instilled a sense of guilt, but then, she'd been pushed to explore independence from a young age. This is just another part of that... Isn't it?"Not quite. They'd barely begun to gather. Though I imagine most will be there when we are." Nari's mother spoke in the same slow, lilting tone that permeated her memories. "Do you think you'll be able to eat tonight?""... I'm not sure." Another lie. Even if this one was different in nature. Just thinking of the night before was enough to make Nari's stomach churn. "I may still excuse myself early regardless." Well. That was closer to a certainty."I understand." Her mother's grip seemed to tighten ever so slightly. "And I'm sorry, too."Nari smiled in spite of her self. "I'm alright." That was not a lie, this time. "It's not your fault." She kept her gaze on her mother's back for a moment longer before looking away, watching as the autumn-dyed forest succumbed to nighttime's dark stain. Why doesn't the truth bring me any peace? Her mind felt clearer after such a long stretch of sleep, but no answer surfaced.She sighed. What's wrong with me? By now, it was clear the issue lay with her. So what was it? Sio's words rang through her ears again. You're just too afraid to take the first step. He'd told her as much. And as no matter how much she wanted to believe otherwise, she'd hadn't.Nari reached down with her free hand- and forced her next step to a stop. "Mom."She turned around immediately, long black hair sweeping around her slender frame like a curtain. "Yes?""I..." Nari trailed off, staring into the foliage. Even in such dim light, the mottled mass of orange, gold, and red looked liked swaying flame. She looked down. Stared at her trembling hand and still feet. Why is this so difficult?"I..." Why? It was pathetic. You've done far more difficult things before. This should be no great challenge. She finally- finally- forced something out. "My Haeng is soon. When I get back..." Her throat seemed to tighten. You've come this far. "When I get back, can we- can we talk? You, me, and dad.""About what?"The question, simple as it was, made Nari's head go blank. "I..." Her hand, still clutching fabric, curled into a ball. Why? She felt her eyes burn. Why is this so hard? Why why why? "I don't know." Those last words, dragged out so forcibly they were broken and mangled, were not a lie, but not quite the truth, either. Rather, they lay somewhere in between.Nari knew what she wanted to talk about. Just not how to put it into words. Why is it always like this? She always did this. Stepped right up to the edge- then shirked away, fearful of nothing but shadow. "I don't know." It came out more smoothly this time. "I'm sorry." She squeezed her eyes shut.Just like before, she stiffened as her mother's hand pulled free, then relaxed as a pair of long, slender arms pulled her close. "It's okay."Pressed up against her, Nari felt each word as much as she heard them. "I might not understand completely, but I remember life at your age being a confusing period of time." Her voice softened further. "Of course your father and I will listen. We always will. Even if you're not sure what to say."Nari's heart calmed as the soft scent of flowers washed over her.Her mind did not.Why not? She wondered. Isn't this what I wanted? Perhaps not quite- not entirely- but it was a promise that things could change. Would change, so long as Nari mustered the courage. And there would be plenty of time to do so. So why? Why did it leave such a bitter taste? Why didn't she find it comforting? There must really be something wrong with me.Reaching up, Nari buried both hands in the soft folds of her mother's dress. It was soft and supple, woven from the same enchanted thread as the coat she wore. "Thank you." Silently, she offered an apology instead.For being such an unfaithful daughter.For doubting the very love that enveloped her right now.A laugh came from above. "Why thank us? We're your parents.""I know," she murmured. "But still..."Another laugh, warm and comforting. "I understand." Her mother's hold tightened. "Take whatever time is needed. Your father and I will wait for your words. I promise."It felt as if her warmth would burn Nari. "Alright," she whispered, turning her head to the side. That proved to be a mistake. The fiery canopy, still rippling in the late autumn breeze, seemed to be bearing down on her, as if reaching out to take seize her. She stepped away, forcing her heartbeat and breathing to stay steady. An easy task, by now."You said we shouldn't dally." Her voice remained calm. Good.The tall elegant woman she called mother looked over her for a moment- but ultimately said nothing more on the matter. "So I did," she said, showing the same gentle, knowing smile. This time there was no hand offered as she turned away.Nari watched the distance between them stretch five paces before resuming her own. What sort of child feels uncomfortable in their own mother's embrace? Especially one that so clearly loved her?Do you really believe that? The words- spoken by both Horans- sounded through her mind. Stop. She forced her foot to the ground. Don't think about it. Each step afterwards felt like it echoed violently through her body.Stop.Stop.Stop. Stop. Stopstopstop.But it was much, much too late. The thought had taken root in her mind. Nari was powerless to keep it from growing unchecked, forced to do naught but bear the havoc it wreaked. Then her mother spoke. "Have you heard? Today, we shall finally meet the Horan family's young heir.""What?" Nari's head jerked upright. Sio? Then why had he spoken as if they would never meet again? That seemed unlikely. The white-haired boy was straightforward, perhaps, but certainly not foolish. Is this part of their plan? It had to be. Grateful for the distraction, she turned the question over in her mind, trying to make sense of it.There was one distinct possibility that seemed to overshadow the rest. It can't be, right? But even as Nari asked herself, she knew it was likely correct. How will the other families react? It was certain to cause quite a stir. And mother? Would she take it in stride? Offer her congratulations? Protest the sudden decision? She looked back down at the ground. No matter. It was hardly something to concern herself with.Then her mother spoke again. "We greet our comrades."Nari looked up, just in time to see her offer a bow- and realized they'd arrived. Eyes stared at her from every side; not all of them a matched pair. She had not yet met all who owned them- not formally, at least- but she recognized all they belonged to. There was just shy of fifty people present.Silencing her thoughts, she mimicked her mother's gesture. It was a small one; not a sign of servitude or admiration- those here were their peers, not their betters- but of respect. They were gathered around a large table, seemingly one of the few things not carved from wood. Instead, it was formed by two different pieces of stone.The first, a vaguely cube-shaped chunk of grey, acted as a foundation. Though the sides appeared roughly hewn, its top was at least level enough to support the second; a long, perfectly smooth piece of marble. The fine veins of dark grey stone lend it the appearance of black clouds against a white sky. It made for an odd sight; some of the world's most powerful arcanists gathered around something so... Primitive.A veritable feast lay atop the mottled surface, offering delicacies from every region of the Union. Meat seemed most common, appearing not only alone, but as part of many other plates. Fruit came after that, many of them exotic, while many smaller dishes sat between the extravagant settings. At the center of it all stood an arrangement of Frostblooms, their ice-blue petals still tinged with a thin layer of opaque white.All the different scents mixed together to form a heady, aromatic haze that made Nari's stomach churn. She fought the urge to calm herself with magic. Pathetic. To be affected by something so... Mundane. Particularly considering the people whoNari caught herself searching for Sio as she followed her mother to their seats. He was nowhere to be seen, of course. But she recognized someone. Or- parts of someone, at least. A young girl, surely no older than thirteen years of age. She had odd-colored hair, pale skin, and dark blue eyes blue eyes. Many shades deeper, perhaps, but sharing his piercing gaze. As well as that odd, understated audacity.Her presence was a confirmation. Nari glanced sideways at her mother. Does she realize? Surely she suspected something. But her expression betrayed nothing."Did you rest well?" Asked her father, seated between them. He was a gentle man, softspoken but not timid, with short brown hair and the green eyes she had inherited.Nari nodded. That kindness of his felt discomforting, at times. Did he know of her turmoil? And if so, did he simply... Ignore it? "Forgive me. I didn't sleep well last night."He smiled. "There's nothing to forgive. Are you hungry, at all?""Not... Really."A chuckle, this time. "I see." He reached out, squeezing her hand in his own. "Be sure to take care of yourself.""I understand." His warmth faded. As Nari sat, she caught the ashen-haired girl staring. Her eyes held a quiet, subtle intensity. Does she know? But how could she? Like her brother's, this girl's spirit burned brightly. Unlike him, however, she seemed incapable of concealing it. Perhaps that would change with time.Nari broke eye contact first. Being faced with the young Horan was... Strange. She knew her story; had come face to face with another part of it, saw how it affected them firsthand, and yet this young girl knew nothing of it. Being privy to something so deeply personal without the other person's knowledge... That felt wrong. Like she was an intruder.The world really does work in strange ways. She'd invaded both siblings' lives, if in different ways. How would they feel upon coming to that realization? What sort of grudge would they bear?"Are you hungry?" The question, asked in her father's voice, interrupted.Nari looked down at the tale's plentiful garnishment. How am I supposed to answer that? She was hungry, but underneath so many judging gazes, her ability to actually chew and swallow was in question. And even if she somehow managed that, her stomach felt like a block of stone. "I'm not sure.""I understand." His hand found hers again. "If you feel the need to leave early, then do so. No need to wait and ask permission."Her stomach tightened. "Thank you." Why does his understanding cut so deep? Wasn't that exactly what she craved so badly? "But I will do what is required of me." Just more evidence that fault lay solely with her. Right?He smiled. "I know." Was it her imagination, or did his tone carry just a hint of sadness; of regret? She had seen those things far too many times to mistake them. "You have never given us a reason to doubt your dedication to duty."Nari felt a small swell of pride. "Thank you," she mumbled, looking down at the feast that had been laid out. It was luxurious, to be sure, but tonight- and each after for nearly two weeks- every table in the Union would be similarly adorned. But how many others will find themselves nauseated in such a manner? That number had to be vanishingly small.Taking a breath, she raised her head- and looked right into the young Horan's eyes. Her appearance itself was almost contradictory, in some ways; dark blue eyes wreathed by dull red hair. She knows. That Nari had met her brother. How involved is she? The answer was difficult to ascertain.

Her mere presence here seemed an indication that she was, in fact, involved, and yet it seemed as if the two siblings had little- or perhaps no- contact. Why is that? If they shared goals- and that seemed likely- it meant there was a reason. I'm approaching this wrong. Whatever lens she currently looked through... It was terribly warped.How should I be looking at it, then? Nari hesitated. It wouldn't be out of place for me to greet her- right? Surely this night would include introductions. They'd all met the day before- save for this new, young Horan- but that had hardly been anything official. Just as she opened her mouth to speak- a single, clear note cut her off, accompanied by six words."Thank you all for being here." They were spoken, of course, by Cern, who sat at the table's head. His pipe was nowhere to be seen, replaced by that easy, languid smile.A good man? She wondered. Her mother was no fool. That made the descriptor surprising. Can he really be considered as such? Even if he does care for his family. Nari flinched as a second thought seared through her mind. How can you possibly think that? She demanded of her own psyche.There was no answer.Nari hung her head in shame- only to flinch as her father's fingers laced through her own again. "I understand.""What is it?""I... I'm sorry," she murmured, suddenly sure that every judging gaze was on her. "I'm not feeling well." The statement itself was ridiculous. There were no two ways around it. Me, of all people, feeling unwell? Ridiculous. He would no doubt deny her unspoken request. To leave now- that was rude beyond measure. And would make her parents the center of attention.She flinched again as he uttered the first syllable. "Very well.""I- What?"He squeezed her hand gently. "You wouldn't ask if it wasn't truly dire. Go. I'll explain to the others- and your mother. Although-" from the change in his voice, she knew a smile was on his lips. "It would be greatly appreciated if you could buy me just a little bit of time."Despite her roiling stomach, Nari's lips did the same. "I understand." Another breath- and another spell. The third she'd cast since arriving in this place, and the simplest thus far. But concealing herself from so many powerful arcanists... That carried a price; albeit one she could pay as many times as needed.Steeling her nerves, she pressed both palms against the table's surface- and stood. Not a single eye followed Nari as she strode out the way she'd come. The wave of thoughts, barely held at her heels, surged forth again, cresting a heavy, violent storm.She counted her steps, trying- mostly in vain- to focus on the number. To drown out everything else.Thirteen.The ground beneath her feet seemed to cave.Twenty.The slight wind felt like needles being dragged across her skin.Thirty-three.The same thought crashed into Nari's mind over- and over- and over again.For- the air seemed to shift-And she found herself staring up at the girl from before. Nari suddenly realized why she thought her hair color odd; it was the exact color as the pelt of the... Thing. She'd created. Where Sio's eyes had been ice-blue, hers were nearly navy in color. And where his features had been boyish, hers were elegant- though twisted by desperation. It made her seem even more like her brother.Is this a family trait? Nari wondered. The fact both siblings had knocked her to the ground in this manner was... Concerning. Unlike Sio, she was armed. A long, thin dagger, shaped more like a needle or stiletto than traditional blade. Its body was the same color as her hair; a strange, reddish purple, similar to that of wine. Why do I think that odd? It struck her a moment later. "You will be named next head tonight, will you not? Is your presence not a requirement for that?"Pure, unadultered shock replaced desperation. "How did you know that?"Nari nearly smiled at her naivete. "I'm sure my parents are aware of it. And most others as well." Really, it would be stranger if they hadn't. Sio had been hidden from view for so long. And while the same might be said for this girl, that only made her presence here all the more significant. "Did you think it anything but obvious?""I- no." She shook her head. "I don't care. You met my brother, didn't you? You met him." Her voice seemed nearly crazed. "Where is he?" The point of her weapon trembled, then dipped. "Where?!"For some reason, that angered Nari. "Why do you want to know?"Shock reappeared. "What do you mean why?" The girl asked incredulously. "He's my brother. Of course I want to see him. If- if you don't tell me-" She stabbed downward.As the weapon's tip passed by Nari's head, she realized it really was a needle. There was no guard or grip; just a long, thin point on each end, with a thicker center. Judging by the lack of blood on her fingers, it had no blade. The odd thing cut her cheek- and immediately, the wound wrapped around her body, traveling down the back of her neck, around her waist, and down her right leg.She blinked. That's new. The whole thing happened in under a second. Nari's brain immediately spat out a handful of facts. Long laceration. Shallow. Nothing vital severed. Just surface damage. Both siblings were gentle by nature, it seemed.The wound disappeared completely, causing the Horan to jerk backwards, face pale. "Wha-"Taking advantage of her confusion, Nari lashed out. Not violently; but not gently, either. She simply sent the girl... Back. The night sky returned. Why did that upset me so? The answer was obvious. She was just denying it because... Why? That question, on the other hand, had no answer.A voice called out as Nari sat up. "I apologize. My family has shown you repeated discourtesy." Sio's. He was just before her, knelt so that their eyes were nearly level."If you're sorry, then you should speak to her. It seems you haven't done so in quite a while.""I can't.""... Because of whatever you and your uncle have planned." Her anger kept building. "You are a hypocrite. That plan of yours- whatever it is, it's enough to keep you from her? When she clearly needs you?""Yes.""Why?""Because if she lays eyes on me for even a single moment, everything since that day will have been for naught.""Ha." Nari couldn't keep the laugh of derision from her lips. "You're just as delusional as I am. Is that how you sleep at night? Telling yourself that you keep her safe by keeping your distance? How laughable." The barbs in her words were placed there by envy.To her surprise, Sio smiled. "Found your teeth, have you?"She looked away, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of an answer."Right." He stood, leaning down to offer a hand. "Change is hard." It was hard to tell whether those words were meant to be mocking or not."I don't need your help.""I know."Nari glanced back towards his hand, and took it- then realized that the bandages adorning his arms were gone. Contrary to her expectations, it was no mess of disfigured skin. That was not to say they were few in number; quite the opposite. There was more scar than skin, but they were orderly, in a sense, patterned in a way that vaguely resembled a vine and leaves drawn out of rough, curved gouges. The second thing she noticed? How warm his hands were.He pulled up with one hand. The rest of his body hardly even moved. "You didn't hurt her, did you?""... No more than a couple of scratches.""Fair enough." With that, Sio turned and walked away. Slowly.He wants me to follow him, right? No. He was giving her a choice. But... That was a rather easy one to make. She stepped after him. Where are you taking me? The most immediate question, perhaps, but not what she wanted to know. "Your sister seems... Capable." That brief encounter had left her with a macabre sort of curiosity. As many wounds as she'd experienced, there had never been anything quite like that."I wouldn't know." He, apparently, had no issue letting his feelings over the matter be known. Just another thing to envy."... Is it truly so important that she not lay an eye on you?""Yes.""Then..." It struck her. "Do you and your uncle expect to come under a Seer's eyes?" Rather than answer, Sio turned away and resumed his stride. Is that confirmation, avoidance, or something else? It was hard to tell. "Just what exactly are you planning?" Seekers. Those who dove into memories to ascertain the truth. An apt moniker.He said nothing.Is he willing to answer other questions? "That weapon of hers..." What did the Library say? Not much. The Horans weren't secretive, necessarily, but they interacted little with others. There was little room for records. Rumors, on the other hand... Those always abounded. Some were even meant to be open secrets. This was likely one of those.And as much as Nari loathed such things, she herself was proof they often carried a whisper of truth, no matter how muted or twisted. "It's a piece of her soul, isn't it?" The ability to weave one's spirit into reality's thread- that was a rare, coveted ability. Generations of magical research all reached the same conclusion: a human soul was a powerful thing.That didn't mean all were equal, of course. Far from it.Her eyes drifted down to his exposed scars. "The body mirrors the soul...""... But the soul conforms to the body," Sio finished."Then your sister- is she also scarred?""No."She had a guess as to why. "It's because your spirit is stronger than hers, isn't it?" His was the brightest Nari had ever seen. Tearing pieces off and twisting them into shape- that had to be a violent, painful process. "How do you do it?" The fortitude to bear it with such impunity- that was something she could only dream of possessing.He said nothing.Nari stopped walking, another acidic remark on the tip of her tongue- but the Horan spoke before she did. "I'm not avoiding your question." The certainty in his voice was embarrassing. "But I brought you here to answer you." Sio turned to face her, blue eyes like small pools among the forest foliage. "Just how far do you think we've walked?""What?" She blinked- and the world around them changed. Gone was the forest, its trees and flame-licked leaves; replaced by a field of flowers that stretched as far as the eye could see. No two were the same. Some bore the same color, yes, but never the same hue.Gone, too, was the day's last light, its own place stolen by streams of soft silver. It was a scene of endless color, bathed in moonlight and painted from life itself, stretching far beyond what her eyes could see. How long have we been walking? A few hours, at the very least. "Where... What is this?" Nari couldn't keep her voice from trembling. Even she, in all her ignorance, could tell that this place meant something. Something important.Rather than answer, he asked a question of his own. "You're weak against sorcery with no discernible feedback, aren't you?"Nari tilted her head. "A sorcery that alters the senses... Right?" Really, it only served to answer her suspicions. Three Horans she'd met so far, none of which remained as more than a silhouette in her memory. Their gender, the color of their hair and eyes, the sound of their voice- those were clear, buy beyond that, little else.Sio nodded- and for the first time, it felt as if she was looking at him properly; as if she hadn't realized his form had been blurred all this time. "I was wondering if you noticed," he said quietly. With his magic- whatever it was- undone, his voice seemed clearer. Warmer. Tentative, and also... Hopeful? "Although it's no sorcery.""... Another trait?" That was surprising. Traits were things so synonymous with their bearers that they were part of their souls."It's like I told you. I was blessed with physical senses, not spiritual ones. Most of my family are much the same."Nari let her eyes wander across the field of flowers again. "Why did you bring me here?" Beautiful as it was, grateful as she was that he saw fit to bring her here, she couldn't ascertain what purpose her presence here could possibly serve."You asked me how I can still hold my head high, right?" Sio's voice cracked. "You've misunderstood. Pride doesn't motivate me. Shame and desperation do."A question rose to her lips- and faded as he stepped to the side. Sitting there, tip buried in the ground, was something that resembled a fang. It was large; longer than her forearm and nearly as thick. Nari practically felt her blood thicken. "Is that...?" Her head pounded with each heartbeat, causing her vision to flicker.Some large stone... thing rested just behind it. It was tall, its head thicker than its body, and clearly carved clumsily. Resting just at the forest's edge, a faint light radiated out from behind it, casting a mess of shadows on the glyphs scattered across its surface. They were vaguely organized, but matched no language that Nari knew."I..." Nari feared she would faint. "Why did you bring me here?" She asked, voice broken and hoarse. "It... It's so heavy." Far, far too heavy for someone as weak as her to bear. Another thump scattered her thoughts, weakening her legs, but she refused to so much as stagger. He had to have a reason... Right?"This is where my mother raised my sister and I," Sio said quietly. "Where she drew her last breath, and where I slew her killers.""That-" She swallowed. "That doesn't answer my question.""She died because of me." He fell silent, then tilted his head, as if surprised with her lack of response. "You're the second ever person to not immediately console me.""You don't seem like the type to wallow in your own self-hatred." Unlike me."Mmh." Sio turned towards his mother's keepsake, bending down as if to retrieve it. "You're right. I've thought about it every day since then, and no matter what I do, no matter how objectively I look at it, the conclusion remains the same." His voice cracked. "It's my fault. But... I know she wouldn't want me to blame myself. So what am I supposed to do? How do I just... Forget something like that?""Why-" Her throat refused to let the words through. "Why do you say it's your fault?"He straightened, both hands still empty. "I never wanted to be an Arcanist, he said quietly." Sio's blue eyes swept across the seemingly endless field of color. "As children..." He trailed off, then continued. "My sister and I have strong sense. Sleeping as children was... Difficult. But the sound of each other's heartbeats- that always calmed us. So we would lay on top of one another as we slept, listening to each other's heartbeats and enjoying each other's warmth."Nari's heart ached; it felt as if it would crush her chest from the inside out."I don't blame myself because I hesitated. That would be even harder to bear, in a way. The first time I managed to form a nail, the pain was so intense that I was bedridden for days. I never wanted to do it again after that." He paused, clearly gauging her reaction. "So when they came, I knew nearly nothing. My mother died for my ignorance. My sister nearly followed her. She would still be here, if I pushed past the pain. Nothing anyone says will change that. But you know what the worst thing is?"With a start, she realized his eyes were glistening.The first tear fell from his right eye. "She was the first person to encourage me to stay away sorcery." The second and third followed, though from his left. "She knew. She had to know this would happen." Then they were flowing freely. "And she encouraged me anyways. She loved me so much that she gambled her life in an attempt to give me a normal life. How... How am I supposed to live with that?"Sio shook his head, raising the other arm to wipe his tears away. "I don't think there's an answer. That's why it will always... Always hurt. Isn't that the same conclusion that you came to? After... so- much- thinking?"Nari looked away. "I'm not sure. You seem to have given it more thought that I... To have more answers than myself."His blue eyes seemed to flicker. "Is that true?" He asked. "Or are you lying to yourself?"She squeezed her eyes shut. "I..." Trying in vain to keep the truth from surfacing. "Of course I am." She manag