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@Burthstone Let me tell you why: pinkbananamilk.files.wordpre..
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Westport, Capital of the Seobaghs


The port was covered in a blanket of fog as fishermen and whalers loaded and unloaded their ships, seabirds hovering above while the humans and grogars went to work in the capital of the island kingdom. There were also many non-fishermen waiting at the docks; today was a special occasion. The beginning of a joint expedition with Freishann.

Three ships were to depart from Westport; the 'Bowhead' from the Seobaghs, the famous 'Liba', commissioned by the High King of Olira, and the 'Admiral Griobhaech' from Freishann. Bahar, the Captain of the Liba, was currently standing at the pier, hugging tightly to a thick cloak to protect him from the cold western winds. His first mate, the Formorian Has, was standing by him.

"Damn, it's cold out west," said the privateer. While all the ships were in port, only the crew of the Liba was currently at the docks, as well as a couple of magic-wielding Serenist deacons who were to accompany them. "Not like over in Sahil, Has. Water's warm there."

The first mate laughed. "Water may be warm, but the people are colder." Bahar chuckled but said nothing in response. "You nervous to meet these Freishannese? Afraid they'll remember us?" The captain looked over at him.

"Less afraid than I was to fight 'em," he responded, looking up to the crew currently approaching the docks before nodding at them and adding on, "Speak of a Yara!"

Approaching the Liba were two obviously Freishannese individuals, their means of dress giving them away. One, short and brawny, dressed in the uniform of the Royal Marines of Freishann the other, a giant of a man, not dressed to differently from what one would find in any naval town, if not for their distinctly Freishannese cut.

The larger, the combat mage sent on the expedition to assist the Seobaghs, Magus Sáedir. The other a simple Marine, Seumas Eghaidh. Very noticeable in the conversation that became audible as the Magus dragged the marine down the docks.

“...and to think that we should not invite them for a drink simply because of what happened eight years ago in battle of all places!” Sáedir could evidently be ‘persuasive’.

“Alright, Sáedir! You can ask them, just let go of my arm already.”

Finally closing to an appropriate range to speak from the docks they abruptly stopped as the marine continued to massage his arm.

Bahar smiled as the Freishannese men approached, and both he and the grogar turned to face them. He stared at the man massaging his arm and chuckled, leaning against the railing of the pier.

"And what happened eight years ago?" He asked jokingly.

The Marine bristled at the question and the Magus answered. “From what he tells me you should know well enough!” He paused before continuing. “Would you care to come for a drink?”

“My man here,” He pounded the back of the marine almost sending him forward before he could stop himself. “Needs one, and burying bad blood is never a bad idea. So how about it?”

The captain looked between the two men, arms crossed to build a dramatic tension, before he burst out laughing. "Yeah, yeah. Never turn down some grog." He stuck his hand out. "I'm Bahar, this is Has, my first mate."

Grinning Sáedir shook his hand. “A whole lot better now I’ll tell you that! You can call me Sáedir and this Seumas.”

The Grogar nodded at the Freishannese men. "How goes it?" Despite the cold weather, he was without a shirt, and a Formorian sword lay hanging at his side.

Seumas looked Has up and down, “You look as tough as they say.”

Bahar nodded towards the city. "Come, I know a good inn not too far from here," he said, walking away from the pier and beckoning the men to follow. Has stayed behind the captain and quizzically looked to Seumas.

"Yeah? What do they say?" He asked, though clearly knew the answer. While the fact that Bahar took on a Formorian first mate after the war wasn't necessarily controversial, it certainly was a peculiarity, especially in foreign waters.

Sáedir walked ahead with Bahar, Seumas replied. “That Grogar are tough,” he paused briefly, “If you’re his first mate you’re better than most I’m willing to bet.” The Freishannese marine isn’t very well educated in the intricacies of foreign cultural expectations.

The first mate grumbled his response, clearly annoyed with the foreigner's ignorance, but knew better than to say anything. Instead, he called over to Bahar.

"Oi, captain, am I better than most?"

"Most what?" Bahar asked in response. Has looked back to Sáedir.

"Better than most what?"

Seumas listened to the interplay, “Grogar…?” Confused as to how exactly that had gotten lost exactly.

"Ah." Has turned back to the captain. "Grogars!"

"What's the question again?"

"Am I better than most Grogars?"

"Oh." He thought for a minute. "No."

"Thanks captain." Has turned back to the marine, with an expectant expression on his face. "Well? There's your answer." At this point, the group was arriving at a local tavern and went in to sit. As they did so, Bahar looked to the Magus.

"So, how're you finding your stay in Olira?"

“Very pleasing!” Sáedir exclaimed. He appeared to only be capable of either loud conversation or bellowing. “I have found a great deal of good food and even better people here!”

A waitress approached their table with a few tankards of grog. Bahar dismissed her with a nod and sat back in his seat with his drink, eyebrows knitted at Sáedir's mannerisms. "That's uh...that's good to hear my friend."

Seumas sat back with his drink, evidently happy to let Sáedir talk.

Sáedir continued, “Indeed it is good!” He paused before launching into something else. “I have been stuck on assignment in Thalecliff for the past few years and have done little. As well my friend Seumas here has told me little, what have you done in the past few years? I am desperate for a story.”

"Huh." The Captain chuckled and sat back with his arms crossed. He thought back to his time since the end of the war with Freishann. After he turned down the admiralship, he became one of the most sought-after privateers in both Olira and the region as a whole, escorting fleets and taking out pirates, but as the Emerald Empire grew in their influence on Olirian trade, the waters became tamer, and the need for privateers lessened. He looked back up to Sáedir. "You ever hear of the 'Flaming Dolphin'?"

Seumas sat up a little more and was evidently interested although he does not speak, Sáedir responds. “I have some recollection but I have to say I do not remember the details. It was a pirate ship was it not?”

"Aye, it was." Bahar took one more swig of grog before he sat forward, and Has chimed in.

"You sure this is a good idea captain?"

"Yeah." The captain cleared his throat before he continued. "Few years back, I was hired by the King of Sahil to take down this carrack, the 'Flaming Dolphin'. Now pirates can't afford carracks, so I was already suspicious, but he offered a hefty sum, so I took the job." The first mate turned his attention to his drink, uneager to hear the rest of the story while Bahar repositioned himself.

"Dolphin was different than most pirate ships. First, it only went after merchant ships. The rich ones. Ones who can afford security. Second, most pirates just board the ship, take the cargo, and leave. Dolphin wasn't quite so merciful." He chugged back his tankard as he recalled his memories. "They left no survivors. And what they left behind...it wasn't for those with a weak stomach. When I took the job, I caught wind that they had just gotten another ship."

"We boarded it, another merchant vessel." He paused. "Captain was pinned to the mast of the ship. Cock and bullocks stuffed in his mouth. Rest of the crew looked much the same," he said with a strange detachment, looking down as he sat back in his seat. "But the pirates were careless. Left behind their own corpses as well. I recognized one of 'em. Sailed with a privateer I knew during the war, Captain Arik. Man captured a Freishannese Carrack, was gonna sell it, retire," he said, staring at his tankard before continuing, "guess he decided not to."

"Anyways, I knew a whore he frequented in a village on the coast in Ghabar. Sailed there, waited him out. Caught him with his ass bare, while Has and my crew took the Dolphin."

"Arik got the noose the next week. Nowadays, you can hear peasants singing his name, talking about how he fought the rich man, all that shit. But I asked him why he done what he did." Bahar looked at Sáedir. "You know he said?"

"'I ain't got a reason to live. Just wanted a name before I die.'" There was a long pause before the captain finished, "So that's more or less what I've been up to."

Seumas stayed silent as seemed usual for him but he did seem to appraise Bahar once more after the story. Sáedir raised his drink and spoke, “You did a great good to us all there my man! Let me buy your next drink.”

Bahar smirked, and raised his tankard in appreciation. "Much obliged." After a bit, a middle-aged man with a long beard and wild eyes entered the tavern, followed by a strange looking woman. While it's well known that female grogars are massive, this woman, who had the features of a grogar, seemed much more feminine, with a body structure of a human woman. The bearded man, who smelled of sea salt and wood, approached they table. "Oi! Bahar me mahn! Has!" The two Olirians rose to greet him.

"Siorc, how have you been?" asked Has, clasping him by the hand.

"Oh, ife behn betar, but I ahm ready far the sea!" Turning and gesturing to the female behind him, he added, "Thes es me dotar, Murca." His apparent daughter seemed much more...tamed than her father, giving Bahar and Has a curt bow.

"A pleasure to meet you both," she said, embarrassedly. Bahar bowed back.

"And you as well." Siorc grabbed his daughter by the shoulder.

"Don't she look jas like 'ar mum?" He laughed, and added, "She es tah be me farst mate on the trip." Siorc nodded to the Freishannese sat before him. "Thase the outlanders?"

While Seumas seemed to have a little trouble following some of his speech Sáedir replied standing and reaching out his hand in greetings, “We do hail from Freishann my good sir so outlanders that does make us! I presume you are to be Captaining the third ship on this voyage?”

"Yar," Siorc replied, "tha nayum es 'Siorc', meh shep es the 'Bowhead'," he said as he extended a hand to Seumas. "A pleshar tah mate you."

He may have had trouble following the speech but the gesture was unmistakable, Seumas responded as he took the hand, "Seumas, I'm one of the marines that'll be aboard your ship." He gestured over to Sáedir. "Sáedir the Magus."

The old whaler smiled and showed the state of his teeth, extending his hand to the Magus with a grin. He smelled of fish and salt. "Aye, 'allo. Any off ya thar cap'n?"

The Whaler’s customs were odd both of the Freishannese followed along through the awkwardness. Sáedir reached out once more and took the greeting and replied, “No, I believe he was attending to some business with the Honorable Magus Ghúmard back on the Admiral Griobhaech.”

"Ah, Majoos. Yah, aif behn wondaring the wotars 'est off air far yars, bote aif gaht a gote faeling abote thes taim." The whaler clasped tight to Sáedir's shoulders. "Now weif gote sahm rale kangs' monay, ey?" They began laughing heartily, when Siorc’s grogarish daughter pulled him back with an embarrassed laugh.

"Forgive my father, he's not...used to the company of foreigners." She gave a polite curtsy to the Freishannese, and continued, "I am Murca, I recently graduated from the naval academy in Riverlume, it is a pleasure to meet you."

Sáedir responded politely, but not quietly, bowing in a manner that may well as be ripped straight from an etiquette class in Freishann. “The pleasure is all mine Miss Murca. The Academy is across the city from the collegium, closer to the forest I believe? I must admit I have not spent much time in Riverlume.”

"Aye, that's correct," Murca affirmed. "I was admitted as part of the treaty between the High Kings of Olira and Freishann. I was to join the Olirian navy, but I instead chose to assist my father in this expedition." Bahar stood up.

"Siorc here's been going out west for decades," he said. "My suggestion; follow what the man says. He knows his way around this ocean."

“Although Seumas may do better I must say I am the least navally experienced here, it would be folly not to follow that advise friend Bahar.” Sáedir replied with a tinge of embarrassment in his voice. He leaned forward as he continued, “I do have a role which will make this journey much easier. I will be assisting your ship in regards to the wind, I have experience in the matter but only with Freishannese ships. Have either of you used such means before?”

The whaler seemed perplexed by the statement. "Nar...they wend? 'Ow air ye gon nar yoos they wend?" Bahar seemed somewhat more familiar with the concept.

"The Freishannese mages are going to push air into the sails. Is that correct?"

“Yes. It is easier to do when we try just the sails and smaller ships tend to be better controlled as well, I don’t know how well it would work in a storm but we should be able to make a greater pace.”

They conversed a decent ways into the night, not much of import was said. They stayed a longer meeting because of the tasks that awaited them on the morrow.




Crews load the last provisions onto the ships. The three readied to leave harbor each equipped for the voyage ahead with supplies for the months forward and mages to shorten the journey as possible.

The crew of the Bowhead was the last to arrive that day. Wild-eyed and lustful for the sea, they crammed their supplies, and a bounty of harpoons, aboard their vessel, one which seemed foreign to both the Freishannese and the crew of the Liba. Siorc was the last to embark, patting a large, troll-like creature on the head.

"Ell bay saying ye, me dar." With that, the old man leaped about his craft and took to the crow's nest.

"Westard way go!" He bellowed, and his voice shook the bones of the sea.




A messenger had ridden out to inform the Countess of Sliagie during her usual patrols to inform her that a letter had been received from the Black Band. It had been carried by a rider at great speed from the Barony of Nóild, a small keep near the river that has relatively frequent traffic to the eastern territories. Before that, the rider from Nóild had assured the Countess’ servants, it had been carried by ship up the river to the Barony for this purpose.

Now it sat on her desk awaiting her, she sighed. There hadn’t been much point in changing out of her riding clothes, her armor had been left back in the armory since it was only a letter. The messenger had been settled in the barracks for the night.

The large desk sat in front of her with the completely unmatching chair pulled out as well. It had been a carefully thought out gift from her husband’s parents, unfortunately, they got the design period wrong.

Countess Mellasula shook her head, Losing your focus in your old age? Smiling she sat down, picked up the letter and read.

My Dear Friend,

I have recently taken a job, one of great immensity, from our allies in the Emerald Empire. While I know that your King has refused personal participation in the conflict, I am also aware that his actions and directives do not necessarily reflect your own. That is why I invite you and your army to partake in the Black Band's actions against the Empire of Matathran.

I am also aware, and have not forgotten, of the many debts owed to me and my men from around the Kingdom of Freishann. Let it be known that any Freishannese men, participate, and any Freishannese army, who come to the aid of the Emerald Empire shall have all debts to the Black Band forgiven with post-haste.

Given the short notice of this request, the minor kings of Sahil, Ghabar, Khasibuil, and Rokai have also agreed to subsidize your war efforts, as well as the efforts of any commander who wishes to add their command to the cause, and is promising trade incentives and the removal of tariffs for all those involved.

Remember, my friend, that in our search for command, we also must take upon ourselves the banners of civilization and the dignity of personhood; these are principles which the ever-growing threat of Matathran have turned on, and to stop this threat at its doorstep is our duty as commanders.

Should you choose to accept this call to arms, speak to the Emerald delegation currently in Freishann, and they will coordinate our transportation through the Dreaming, for another chaotic threat, that of the sea-dwelling Morj, have taken up on the coast of the Emerald Empire.

Your friend and ally,

Gultar


The Countess went to the door and spoke to the two guards outside, “Tell my officers to recall the patrols and prepare the troops to march on the morrow.”
High Kingdom of Freishann

Beiphum Keep, Asyhaven


The numerous candles kept the room lit, the generally blue color and the dim lighting to be received from such sources did create a melancholic mood in most times if not now. Various maps had hung around the walls, the Northern coast, the Western cities, the Southern coastline of Olira, as well as various navigational charts. All now strewn around the large table, accumulating in various corners as matters are decided. Sitting a Merchant Lord, a Grand Admiral, a Magus, and the High King and Queen.

“...Not even those who pay for their own security have been spared. These ‘Pirates’ do appear to have Mages on every ship, from the current reports. And especially of the issue are the so-called ‘Red Junks’ which, as you know, are a threat to any civilized conduct over the waves. All good people of Freishann demand action.” The Merchant Lord sat down having conducted his speech to the four other members of the room.

“In any case we need to call in the Emeralds.” The Woman in Freishannese admiralty garb stated plainly. “A few of their Living ships could deal with quite a number of these pirates. I’d feel a lot more comfortable tackling these unknowns with them, especially since they were able to call in such able magical support.”

“Yes, the mages are a concern to the Collegiums as well.” An older man, in his lower sixties, added. “I must thank both of you Grand Admiral Helestrái and Honorable Sir Pelíoros, such reliable reports are hard to come by.”

“Speaking of Mages,” Admiral Helestrái interceded, “How exactly can the Magi assist in this matter, Grand Magus?”

“Well there are few Magi who do study the art of combat, they could serve on some of your vessels to combat the opposition.”

“Surely some of the others could use their diverse talents to assist in some way? After all, what is the point of training these skills if not to use them?”

“Admiral, you must be aware that most the Magi are not trained in a fighting situation. We are talking about educators and researchers in their own fields for the truly talented of course. I do not believe they would of much use.” He said before forestalling the Admiral, “However I believe that quite a number of the older Numeric Magi could be spared for such duties, sufficient to support the Combat Magi in any case.”

“It decided then, appropriate numbers of the Magi shall support the fleet, and Admiral you can lead the anti-piracy efforts. I do want to have an explanation of where exactly all these ships came from at some point, capturing for information would be a good first step.” High King Melaníonn continued as the Admiral made a gesture of acceptance. “As well I want those Magi on the Open seas fleet, they’ll be of less utility for the coastal patrols. Although I would like to see a pirate try to face down a proper squadron of galleys…”

“It would be wise to raise the readiness of the coastal troops. The last thing we need is raiders at a time when our fleet is less able to repel them.” High Queen Káhesh interrupted her husband’s musing.

Waving to acknowledge and accede to the idea the High King continued, “Now what was that report that you had Pelíoros?”

“As you wished for your Majesty. Here I have the report from Trader Oslarelúrd of the description of the Heavenly Sphere ships of the Southern seas, pertaining primarily to structural similarities that are apparent in the more detailed accounts of the Pirate vessels...”
High Kingdom of Freishann

The Collegium of Magical Arts at Riverlume


“Honorable Magus Ghúmard I must protest your decision!”

The aforementioned Ghúmard sighed resignedly, there was no way to escape this now. The portly Headmaster was unfortunately still fast enough to catch up with a limping man if he had no sense of propriety- which was apparently the case. Ghúmard turned to face the Headmaster, who had stopped to catch his breath and shoo the students out the hall.

“Headmaster-Magus Arawhurd what decision, in particular, are you protesting?”

He looked positively surprised, That wasn’t a real emotion... Ghúmard thought. The Headmaster continued, “Why your decision not to attend the luncheon of course! We have, after all prepared, a place of honor for such a distinguished Magus such as yourself.”

“Would this position, by happenstance, be seated next to your own self Headmaster?” Ghúmard attempted to impart that such a course was at least obvious and hopefully dissuade that.

“Now that you mention it, I believe it is. Oh, how perceptive of yo-”

“Headmaster, I will go to the luncheon, now you must leave me to prepare...” The last part was addressed to the departing form of the Headmaster as he waddled around the bend having gotten what he needed. How had that man survived this long…?

Ghúmard thought for a moment. He needs to be investigated more properly, more than his finances. Adding the caveat, If there is time of course.

Ghúmard walked around the corner to where some students were lingering, although they managed to get out of range for immediate suspicion.

“Now who can tell me where these luncheons of the Headmaster’s take place?”




Six Hours Later


The room was lavishly decorated, it would probably remain so for the equally decadent dinner of the day. There are rooms in the Royal palace less ornate than this. The chairs were all engraved of various designs, matching the table and each other of course. The broad windows allows light into the room, not that it was needed with the skylights, second set of windows and several mage-lights set around the room. The various paintings depicted the various required Heroes of Freishann as well as some which appeared to be various members of the faculty in the same fashion.

Despite only eating what it was polite to eat, Laoithr Ghúmard felt slightly sick. A bell and a third, or four hours for anyone even this far from the Capital, luncheon with the Headmaster and several of the other important persons here at the Collegium. The Headmaster had left of course with his various ingrates. They were competent of course, just too fond of food and the local female population. And of talking.

Not that they had said anything of particular note, after all, they just wanted him here as a matter of achievement.

Ghúmard wasn’t alone, of course, there was one man who had said less than a full sentence the whole first bell and had been asleep for the last third of one. As well there was an older man, a Professor of some experimental field within enchantments, at least if he remembered the Headmaster’s jabberings over the second course. Or was it the third?

Ghúmard rose as the servants started peeking to see if the remaining Magi were done. Ghúmard walked out with the older Professor, Servants isn’t the best word, after all at least half of them are students at one of the other Riverlume Collegiums.

“I’m sorry I don’t think I caught your name during the meal.” Ghúmard addressed the older man.

He snorted, “You wouldn’t have, it wasn’t said. Professor-Magus Áchlion Elzurid of Sliagie, Áchlion will do fine. You are this Ghúmard fellow I’ve been hearing about?”

“I don’t know what you’ve been hearing but I am Laoithr Ghúmard.”

“What would you say are the problems with magically moving a ship?”

Ghúmard had to pause at the new angle of conversation. “Well, a Magus could power wind into the sails I suppose. Some form of enchantment on oars could work, like the Royal Messenger up in the Capital, although it certainly has its own set of problems. Although you’d certainly be more aware of that than I am.”

Having his attempted deflection ignored and at the urging of the Professor, he continued as they walked, well one walked the other limped, heading towards the Collegium docks. “The issues of the first method requires the use of a Magus or Magi depending how fast you need to go over how long a period of time. Additionally, you would have to be sure of the ship design and not overstress the rigging too much. As for the oar enchantments, it would be expensive, and likely not worth it. To use it exclusively would create many problems of supply in mana in which having that many Magi it would be better to simply use the first method. Alternatively using it in addition to normal manual propulsion would simply reduce the necessity.”

Ghúmard paused, “What is it that you do Professor-Magus Áchlion?”

“I see you did not catch that in the luncheon, I am studying enchantments, both in their various uses but also the effects of enchantment upon objects in ways not normally done. I also teach enchantment but I have few dedicated students here.”

Ghúmard and Áchlion talked for some time as they approached the docks, mostly of innocent concerns although the conversation headed back to topics of most recent concern.

“What do you think of the Headmaster the other ‘Honorable’ members of the staff?”

Áchlion answers this question more cautiously, having been alerted to the true nature of this conversation, “They are corrupt, but they are not bad Magi. They have been led astray some but I do not think that it is necessary to do something drastic, excepting Headmaster-Magus Arawhurd. Be careful with him, he is not as much as he seems, I don’t know what he is but it is not what he tries to present.”

“Does he have any family you know of?”

“I believe he has a merchant cousin up in Yfalmond but he doesn’t mention him much, in all the talking he does. Say, why are you here in Riverlume anyway, I would have thought you'd have business up in the Capital with all that talk of a fleet...”

Midway through his question a Collegium messenger, messages required to be passed off if going on grounds, carrying a letter with a lesser royal seal, not from a member of the family but one speaking on their behalf, gave it to Ghúmard. Áchlion waited as it was opened, read, and the messenger paid a few coins to leave, finally. “Apparently I do,” Ghúmard looked up smiling. “Professor-Magus Áchlion, what river ships do you have that could take a Magus going by sail?”
@Archetype Zero Hello! Good to see you around.









@Darkspleen Got a general version of my NS, definitely isn't complete yet but it is a version I feel comfortable sharing at this time.
Journey to Pictaraika



The Meek
Level 4 Demigod of Crafting (Machinery)

23.5 Might



Level 1 Demigod of Motion (Animation)
7.5 Might



The Muse. Weaver of Dreams.
Beauty (Stories, Colors, Aesthetic, Flowers, Glass, Jewelry)


Might: 35
Free Point: 1
Level 6


Jydshi and Kinesis flew in the wooden flying machine, the vehicle travelling tirelessly forwards, needing only the occasional adjustment to stay on course. And below them, as they headed south, the landscape started to change. A faint pinkish glow could be seen far into the southern horizon, as they approached further, the glow showcased more colours, which swirled freely, similar to the aurora, but clearly rooted into the ground. Finally, they came close enough to see the actual region of Phantalei, an eccentric marshland where the vegetation had odd shapes and hues, all fauna and flora arranged themselves spontaneously to form striking landscapes. There, entire forests could change their colours like chameleons and all sorts of unbelievable creatures dwelt. Near them, a flock of birds with bodies clear as glass flew in perfect harmony.

Jydshi’s body skittered across the machine to keep her sight upon the birds, more specifically the uniformity of their motion. "Look at that! They’re all the same thing!" She paused as she reformatted that. "I mean they are all flying the same way."

Kinesis also looked at the birds. "Indeed. And I've never seen such transparent birds before." She looked down below at the swirling colours and striking hues. "In fact, of all the life which walks Galbar, I have never seen such a vivid array of colours."

The duo flew on, though, and soon mountains rose ahead of them. The jagged ring-shaped mountain chain that Julkofyr had built did not change along with the darkened spires. Perhaps, going up those mountains, one could even believe they would see the endless darkness below, instead, they would be greeted by what could be easily called "a second night sky." where once the sea of pure black was. With clouds covering the mountainside, it truly looked like being caught amidst two heavens.

Kinesis was awed at the sight. This was a truly fantastical scene. "It's beautiful," she exclaimed.

Jydshi initially failed to notice the view as she had grown distracted by the motion of the machine, however, she switched focus at Kinesis’s exclamation. "What is beauti-Oh."

They flew forwards, with the sea of light and stars extending beneath them. The strange ocean was a mystery to them, but they could both sense the divine energy which thickly blanketed the place. There were few features within the ring of mountains or on the illusory ocean, so when they spotted a flickering glow on the slopes of one of the border mountains, it presented an obvious place for investigation. Kinesis pushed some levers and the vehicle banked and turned, descending towards the light.




In one of the valleys near the key temples of Pictaraika, a large facility was built. On one side, many flat receding slopes, each "step" in that stair-like formation having long rows of mirrors, all beaming light to the opposite side, where a concave mirror focused it all in a single spot, creating immense heat.

Yet, as imposing as it all was, with a single snap of her fingers, Ilunabar made every single one of the countless mirrors completely dull, as she needed her Marionette servants to safely enter the area and prepare the "solar forge" for another round of smelting. It was with this great facility that she had built the frame of the all-seeing mirror gifted to Ventus. It needed adjustments, but it did its work well so far.

"Let me see, let me see." the goddess said aloud, observing the dolls at work while colouring a piece of paper with sequences of coloured dots. "Done, this should be a good enough alloy for the next series of jewellery." she was about to hand the color-based sequence to the marionette, yet she stopped when she sensed two beings approaching.

The quiet work of the Marionettes was interrupted by the loud sound of rapid wing-beats. A peculiar wooden contraption came into view, with numerous wings which both flapped and spun. And visible inside that contraption was a large iridescent millipede and a familiar four-armed female humanoid.

"...oh I see, it's an array of mirrors which concentrates the light, producing useable heat," commented Kinesis, who had been inspecting the device as they approached. She hadn't yet spotted Ilunabar.

"Why does it do that?" asked Jydshi having grown more interested in her surroundings after the landscape snuck up on her and the motion of the machine changed. She rearranged her body for secure viewing in the same direction as Kinesis as she spoke.

"Mirrors reflect light, and light carries energy and heat. So by using many mirrors and pointing them at the same place, you get an increased heat flux at that location, increasing the temperature," Kinesis explained. She paused for a moment in self-reflection, then added, "Unless you meant why would it be here. In that case, because someone here wants to use a lot of heat for something."

Jydshi tried to listen, had been interested when she asked, but then other more interesting things were happening. She could tell that some motion was happening, quite bit with direction and focus in fact, as they approached. Jydshi clambered up for a better view, not particularly noticing if a surface was part of the machine or of Kinesis. "What are those?"

Kinesis pushed one of Jydshi's legs off her face and craned her neck to look where Jydshi was looking. Then she saw what Jydshi had pointed out, small entities moving about on the ground. There was something about their movements, their activity, and some innate sense in Kinesis which told her what they were. "They appear to be automata of some kind, building or upgrading this facility."

As her eyes scanned the ground, she spotted one figure which was quite different to the others. The figure was not easy to spot, for it was mostly the colour of sand, but once Kinesis did spot the figure it stood out quite noticeably because it was not moving around like the automata. Kinesis stared for a little longer, trying to resolve the figure when realisation struck.

"Oh, it's Ilunabar! This is her place."

After readjusting her perch to not rest on Kinesis, Jydshi listened to Kinesis’s words and her realizations. Finding that Kinesis at least knew somewhat of the specificities of their surroundings Jydshi did the polite thing. "Hello Ilunabar!" Jydshi enunciated loudly and waved out many of her manipulator arms in greeting.

The goddess had been staring for a while, not to analyse anything, as she had already figured out Kinesis' presence, but of a faint hope that gawking would make the noise be muted.

"Kinesis... Long time no sees." she said as she floated closer to the machine, "Who happens to be this? It does talk, so I assume it is not one of your machines..."

Kinesis bowed her head towards Ilunabar. "Hello Ilunabar. This is Jydshi. She's, um..." Kinesis looked over at Jydshi. Though Jydshi used to be one of her machines, this wasn't the case any more. She could not sense the mechanisms within Jydshi like she could with other machines. With all the changes which her wish had granted, it seems that a substantial change in physical form had occurred too. Kinesis finished saying, "...um, Jydshi."

Jydshi looked towards Ilunabar as she spoke, then to Kinesis as she replied, she tucked back her manipulator arms when Kinesis looked at her. With Kinesis finishing she turned back to Ilunabar, Kinesis seemed to have explained everything. This was an entirely new person, which for now was more exciting than the motions around this place. I should say Hello! She paused. I already did that.

Ilunabar chuckled. "You lost an opportunity, should have pronounced it Jeedchi first time then Jidsci seconds time." she then moved closer the divine machinist. "As a fellow creative goddess, I understand the circumstances you must be in now, and I do think you gave the right answer to the question."

The Muse then turned to the millipede finding her actions quite amusing. "Hello, Jydshi. Be welcome to my humble land of wonder and excellence."

"Thank you for welcoming me to your humble land of wonder and excellence." Jydshi repeated back in an attempt to be polite. "I liked all the things, their motion was very nice."

"Motions? Now there is something people typically do not appreciate properly. I must admit that even I have not paid proper attention to the realm of the kinematic, but even then, my realm does offer things that may be of your interest."

The goddess stopped and turned to Kinesis "But before further pleasantries, might I ask why the sudden visit? You are far from unwanted here, but I am intrigued."

"I had heard rumours of strange transformations happening to the landscape around here, so I decided that we could investigate. I hadn't been expecting to find you here, although I am glad I have," Kinesis explained.

"I see, back when you were created this land was still thought to be under the rule of Julkofyr after all, so it must be odd to find the antithesis of that god managing the region." the goddess told. "Nevertheless, now you know the why of the changes. My divas have been calling the driving force causing these transformations Glamour, which is a better name than the makeshift word dream-energy that was used before, I suppose."

Kinesis glanced around. The sea of stars was still visible, and the flora and fauna of Phantalei were still fresh in her memory. "Glamour. What a peculiar phenomenon," Kinesis commented.

"Indeed. But beyond unique woodlands and starry skies, I have brought many practical changes to here, a great number of facilities were built beneath the land previously called Darkened Spires, many which, I believe, could be of your interest."

Kinesis' face lit up. "Really? May we see them?"

The goddess clapped and smiled. "Of course! You and Jydshi are more than welcome, furthermore, you might be able to help me with a certain minor issue." she softly cringed, quickly hiding her feelings with her smile again.

Jydshi was content to listen to the conversation, shifting her head around to Kinesis and Ilunabar in turn with the conversation. Jydshi’s interest grew as the conversation progressed, facilities sounded like they had motion to them while an issue was something that might be of particular interest.

Jydshi hadn’t really encountered anything she would call a ‘minor issue’ so it must be something new and exciting. "What is the certain minor issue? Is it with the ground? I think the ground is an issue." Jydshi started speaking as if making up for earlier silence. "What about the facilities; can we see the facilities? How many is ‘a great number’? Are they all in the ground?"

Ilunabar tilted her head slightly, "Hmm, no, I do not mind the ground at all, I use it for many things. The facilities are not on the ground however, they are under it. There are seven groups of them, never counted each individual place within each compound, however." she floated to the side, looking downwards now. "The issue... well, it is a thing easier to show than to explain."

There was a pause, then Kinesis suggested, "Perhaps you could show us."

The goddess simply nodded. "Just stay aware of your surroundings. Physics might not work down there as they work up here, especially as we get close to the plane of dreams," she explained casually, before starting to float down.

Why does the ground always have to come up again? Jydshi pondered as the machine to great dismay, became even closer to that dastardly surface. ...except that we always come down to it…?

Below the "starry" clouds, was what looked like a sea with its own archipelago. Despite it being sterile of life at the moment, it was far from ugly, with the moonlit waters gleaming nicely as they flowed through was the spires once was. Large root likes structures sprouted from the ground, and following close to them, they entered into a cave system. The goddess giving time for the machine to follow.

Jydshi attempted to wave hello to the root-structures but it was hard not to think about being surrounded by inert earth as they approached the cave, draining most of the joy from her greetings.

After a long time, they found something that should be impossible, a gargantuan chamber under the ground, large clouds of vapour giving a look similar to that of an overcast day. In the centre of this oddity was a town-sized machine, that looked like a mix of a pipe organ, a clockwork music box, and all sorts of brass instruments.

Kinesis' mouth gaped open on seeing this machine, with all its wondrous mechanisms. "Wow," she exclaimed.

Jydshi raised from her melancholy at Kinesis’ exclamation to see what the fuss was about. I guess there is something worthwhile in here after all. Lifting her spirits higher than the constant thought of that sadly immobile matter would normally allow.

The goddess calmly landed in one of the many flat areas of the machine. "This appeared when I manipulated this area. I believe it is based on my harp, the Dreamweaver, which you might have seen before, Kinesis. I just am unsure of what is its purposes or if it has any function."

The flying vehicle landed near Ilunabar, and with a push of a lever the perpetual motor was brought out of contact with the drive shaft, and to Ilunabar's relief and Jydshi's disappointment the noisy flapping motions of the vehicle stopped and it was at rest.

Kinesis climbed out of the vehicle and looked around. She could feel all the machinery around her. Not even her father's workshop was so densely filled with mechanical parts. Jydshi followed her and scrambled over the machine and back down to the ground. Some of her interest was re-engaged by the new environs, especially after actually having them around her than looking from afar.

After a minute of looking around, Kinesis answered Ilunabar. "It appears to be a musical instrument of some sort," she said, then added hurriedly, "although I'm sure you have already noticed that." Kinesis tried thinking for a moment more. "Although, I can't yet perceive any function other than that. I'm sure father would be able to tell you, though. Was there anything special about this Dreamweaver?"

The goddess smiled slightly, "Mmm, let me see. It predates the creation of the universe, was made from the same fabric used to craft the Codex of Creation and a twig taken from the goddess of life, Slough. It rules over the extraplanar powers of dream and songs played on it could resonate with this very universe. Taking all that into factor, I do think special is a fitting description." finishing her jest, she turned around.

"And yes, I do see hints it is meant to play music, just like the old Dreamweaver, but that one could fit in my hand, and had strings which I could play. This one, well, I have no idea of how to play this mess."

Kinesis' eyes widened in awe. "You mean to say that if we get this to play a song, it could have divine control over the universe? That is special!" Kinesis regained her focus and continued, "We just need to figure out how."

Kinesis walked up to one of the many pipes protruding from the floor, a pipe which was capped by a large whistle. "The sound here would be produced by air being forced through these pipes. If we follow these pipes back, it should lead us to where this air would be produced, and possibly how to control the machine." Kinesis looked down the hallway where more pipes emerged and ran along the walls. By an innate sense, Kinesis was able to keep track of which pipe was which, and she walked down the corridor following the pipes.

Jydshi listened with a large amount of forced concentration, the words were a very welcome distraction. She did get a bit distracted at the idea of divine control over the universe and the very possibility to make all of the earth on Galbar leap joyfully into motion before realizing that something else was being said, waiting for an opening Jydshi spoke in full eloquence. "Ilunabar what would you play, and do with, it, the machine I mean, if you could do, or play, what you wanted to use the instrument-machine-thing?"

The goddess pondered "Well, considering the qualities of this instrument, it seems like it needs something with a nice but controlled rhythm, like a march. Those, however, are typically accompanied by parades, and it is a bit too soon for that, I think." she stopped. "I will just play a simple song, see how this thing moves. Then we can think about more complex things."

"A parade would be fun. You could have one that just keeps going on and on and on, it just doesn’t stop. Then it could go all sorts of places or it could stay in one place and just go around a whole lot in a place where there are a lot of people and the people live in a place where there are a lot of..." Jydshi slowed down gradually at the end of her speech as she seemed to forget a word that was supposed to go there and might have continued past the point of insertion.

Kinesis paid little attention to the conversation around her as she concentrated on the machine around her. The pipes stretched on for miles, and wound about in intricate and beautiful patterns which, while aesthetically pleasing, made following the pipes a challenge. She continued to walk down the hallways, navigating the maze of pipes as her footsteps resonated along the metal floor.

Her mind coming to a dead end in the search for the missing vocable Jydshi quickly found a new track in the vibrations of the floor. While easily located to Kinesis’s footsteps it gave Jydshi an idea, bearing her weight upon her lower body she rose up and quite forcefully struck a pipe. Gleefully she tracked the movement through the pipe and its reverberations along its length and to other connecting pipes.

Kinesis jolted at the sudden sound and turned her head to find its source. When she noticed that it was just Jydshi, she smiled and returned her attention to tracking the pipes.

They walked for perhaps an hour or more through the town-sized maze of passageways and pipes. They climbed up ladders and crawled through hatches in order to follow the pipes wherever they led. Eventually, though, the persistence paid off.

From the jumble of pipes and devices, a straight corridor of marble tiles and brass walls emerged. It continued for some time before leading to a staircase, which itself led to the control room de facto, a large, circular chamber, with a semi-transparent floor that seemed to hover over an astrolabe, that didn't seem fit for the night sky of Galbar. Transparent gilded windows decorated the walls, showcasing somewhere above where they were, a water reservatory of sorts, water falling above, from Iarapahira, being heated up by what appeared to be mirrored strings, probably using a technique similar to that used to shine sunlight into the gardens below, before the steam rose up again to the lands above.

In the 'right' side of the room, there appeared to be some sort of archive station: Shelves, equipment that seemed to be automatically producing a report on motion and other things, some simple looking controls, as well as some room to write notes. On the 'left' side, there was a massive input machine, sets and sets of deep white keys with pure black keys dotting every so often, buttons and levels to the side. In the centre, was a far simpler looking machine, yet no less imposing because of its size and intricate aesthetic. All of the pipes that ran across the area converged into perfectly symmetrical pillars on this machine's side. Ilunabar glanced over the side two and analysed this one first, not sharing her thoughts yet.

Kinesis slowly walked around the machinery, reverently observing them, although avoiding disturbing anything.

Jydshi followed Kinesis at a distance, she walked along at the same pace up-on-and-over the machinery, happily observing Kinesis, noticeably disturbing almost everything.

When Kinesis noticed the Jydshi was crawling over the machinery, she spun around to face her and cried, "Oh be more careful, Jydshi! You might break or activate something!"

The buttons were pressed and the levers shifted, yet so far no major damage seemed to have been done, outside of a probable poor tuning of the machine. Meanwhile, Ilunabar was far too focused on exploring the machine, that is when suddenly, either due to her work or Jydshi's meddling, some sort of interface appeared in front of the machine, in the form of a board of crystals and strings floating in a line of mist.

"Oh, some sort of result." Ilunabar said, carelessly pressing the buttons to form a tune instinctively...

The room shook and the sound was not the nicest even if the melody was perfect, pipes blew poorly tuned notes, the percussion was exaggerated and there was the sound of strings being pulled carelessly in an uncanny sound.

Kinesis cringed at the discordant noise. "Perhaps we need to calibrate it first?" she suggested.

Jydshi had started to move off the machinery to ‘be more careful’, she wouldn’t want to do anything to distress Kinesis, when the shaking started. Wonderful. It would have been better if the sound was nicer but that was like asking for for… ...something extra after you had just gotten something good? Metaphors were so hard… In any case, Jydshi continued to dismount from machinery, content to listen for now.

"Yes... Calibration. Hmm. Typically I do that by testing the instrument, but something tells me this can't be done here that easily, those strings being pulled sure sound like something that could lead to trouble..." she pondered and started to walk away from the organ-like structure. As she did, another entity entered The Orgel: The Diva of Brass.

"Oh, Chronicle is here."

The Diva entered the room in a hush, never minding the guests and quickly approaching the control device. In seconds, with absurdly fast movements, she pulled the levers and pressed the buttons, setting them all in a neutral stance unlikely to go wrong. She then turned around and walked towards Ilunabar, all in her typical whimsical style of sharply timed exaggerated movements.

| You arrived sooner than expected here. Expected this to be less of a group meeting too | She wrote.

| But anyway, do not use The Orgel without clear composition in mind. It has filters to stop things from going wrong, but you can still cause change. |

She walked to the 'archive' area and printed some sort of paper before taking a brass colored shell-like device and placing it on her ear. | Hmm. Seems like you just changed some insect. Mortals bit by it will be marked to be harassed by more of its kind. Nothing truly dangerous though, annoying at worst. |

"Huh... Deja vu, I could just swear those were already mentioned somewhere... Or were they?"

| This is a magnified Dreamweaver, therefore it is attuned to the Codex of Creation and Life. Change that is caused by it is harmonic with the natural order, which is in a sense a limitation, but also a path to cause deep change. |

"Hmmm. Might I request a thing?" Ilunabar asked. Chronicle answered with a raised eyebrow and a shrug.

"Oh. Before that. Jydshi, Kinesis, this is Chronicle. Diva of Brass, overseer of rhythm, living music box, among other titles. First Diva I ever created by accident not design, so don't mind if she is a bit capricious."

"Hello Chronicle!" Jydshi squealed, her excitement had grown since a new person entered the room. She rose upon her hind half extending out her manipulator arms in greeting. Jydshi spoke further clarifying upon Ilunabar’s introduction, "I am Jydshi, it is very nice to meet you."

Chronicle heartily answered to the greeting, leading the shake of 'hands', each sway lasting exactly the same amount of time, giving Jydshi a long chance to notice the ever-moving nature of her body.

Kinesis bowed her head towards Chronicle. "Nice to meet you, Chronicle."

She then said, "So this machine can alter reality?"

| In a sense. I'd say it gives Reality a bit of a gentle nudge. | the Diva wrote, turning to Kinesis now.

"Can't I just play idly with the thing?"

| You can for sure, though mostly with the pipes and percussion instruments. If you want to play with strings, you will have to be careful, can't mess with the Fabric of Reality aimlessly. |

"Ah, shame, I liked the noise the strings made, a nostalgic sound in a sense." the goddess pondered "Why don't we pick an activity for me to do, one that takes a lot of time and doesn't do much?"

| Not sure. It is easier to compose something that will change the structure of something poorly observed than something mortals remember well. | she wrote | Example: Easier to change a rock in space than a rock in the middle of a village. |

"Oh! I know. Maybe I could change mortal minds a bit. Make them forget what they were about to do, or maybe make them deeply remember something that has yet to happen." there was a glint of mischievousness in the goddess's eyes. "Nothing that will harm them of course. Just confuse them a bit."

| Wait, but earlier in this conversation you... | she started but quickly stopped and erased it, not wanting to mingle in the topic. | Yeah, that will be a LOT of work for minimal results, so it fits your needs. |

Kinesis' brow furrowed in thought. "If the percussion and pipes don't alter reality, what do they do?"

| It guarantees all things move along nicely. Percussion gives rhythm, which paces the change and guarantees it is synced with time, the Calliope gives the melody and harmony, which you can guess the use. | Chronicle wrote.

"Ah, yes, I see now," Kinesis replied, "It is quite an amazing machine."

| Why thank you! | the diva wrote quite quickly. | I also think you two are quite amazing as well. |

Kinesis blushed at the compliment. "Thank you."

The diva suddenly stopped and turned to her master. | Were you not going to have me do something now? | She asked before Ilunabar was further distracted.

"Ah right, yes. It has to do with bodily functions. Most mortals cannot drink milk past their earlier years, but some have managed to drink milk from other animals just fine."

| That is a bit peculiar, but I take you have reasons for your interest outside of the bizarre factor? |

The goddess sighed. "Of course! First, it is nutritive and will aid the average mortal health and give them an incentive to create more livestock. Above that, however, it has so many culinary uses... I think. Furthermore, theoretically, if you let it rot just right, it turns into a variety of nice things."

| You know I know what fermentation is, right? We have beer. But that aside, can you tell me a village with a mortal that can digest milk during adulthood? |

"Sure, try this one." Ilunabar cast a map for her Diva, who stared at it for a moment, before moving to the archives table. The windows changed from the actual outside to the area where the village was, closing in until the people were visible.

"There, the one near the red house." Ilunabar pointed at the human man.

Chronicle picked up once again the brass colored round device and listened to it, paying close attention to the scene, closing her eyes even. This lasted for a while before she nodded.

| Got it. I can craft a melody out of this. | she announced. | What are the species you want to spread this tolerance to? Please do not ask me for something as whimsical as the Urtelem. |

"Hmm. Humans... ah, only Galbarian Humans though, leave Arconians out. Angels. Rovaick, including Dwarves. Lifprasilians. Leave 9 out of 10 Ogres as they are, but make the remaining 1 love it. And the Quara Korala..."

| I am not doing the Korala, I know their melody well and it just seems like so much work. |

"Ah... I really wanted it though... You are so much pickier than the Dreamweaver." she sighed. "But sure. Just play the song then, let us see what happens."

| You have no idea how long this song will be. Nobody would have the time to play it fully, this instrument can play itself for that very reason. |

With that said, the Diva of Brass moved to the other side of the room, playing around with buttons and levers before starting to draw on the brass colored surface of a table. When she was done, the machine started to print a musical sheet which Chronicle started to roll onto a scroll. By the end of the printing, it was five times thicker than the thickest of the scrolls stored in Vetros.

Calmly, Chronicle moved the scroll from the machine to the organ at the center of the chamber, and when placed onto it, the script started to unravel, and without any other input, The Orgel started to play a tune, this time with perfect melody and rhythm.

Jydshi had long ago moved her body back down to the floor but kept her head facing upwards to watch those around her. However, when the music began she moved to the music, her body and legs undulating to the tune.

Kinesis watched the Orgel in action, all its precisely engineered parts acting together to create an intricate song. It was wonderful to watch and listen to.

Chronicle stepped back, the music continuing by itself, with a serious look she looked back at the goddess who understood the wordless message perfectly.

"I think we have spent enough time here, no? We already got a nice melody out of the instrument, I wouldn't want to risk disarranging it all here again." the goddess proposed to her guests.

Kinesis turned to Ilunabar and bowed her head towards the goddess. "Of course. Where to next, Ilunabar?"

"Well, I was originally going to invite you deeper into the Pictaraika, however, that might not be the best right now, as it might be boring to you or your guest." The goddess started to turn around and walk away from the control room of the orgel. "I had my divas prepare something for you though, so, if you do not mind, follow me up to the surface."

Kinesis bowed her head again and followed Ilunabar. Jydshi followed in her own way, notably orbiting Kinesis in varying eccentricities, lagging behind before catching up again.

Once outside the orgel, the goddess gave the duo some time to get their flying machine ready before starting to leave the area, flying upwards toward the peaks that sheltered the zone from the rest of the world, and vice versa. This time however, she did not move to a work zone such as the solar forge, but to a village carved against the mountainside where some Quara had settled.

The goddess stopped to wait in a well-kept garden which was by the side of a plaza large enough for the machine to land. Once landing on a patch of open ground, Kinesis disembarked and approached Ilunabar. "Who are these people?"

"Quara Korala, it is a race that has evolved by themselves instead of godly intervention, as such, they lack the amount of blessings and design necessary to make a huge impact. Still, a unique race, which I have been protecting while making sure they keep their uniqueness." the goddess explained.

Jydshi caught up after having taken a more circuitous route that was apparently necessitated and required looping around the flying machine a few times before meandering onwards to Kinesis and Ilunabar.

One of the Quara walked to the goddess, bringing two amulets inside a case. "If you put this on, you will be cloaked by illusion, looking like a mortal from the area. On the same note, Jydshi too, will look like some local animal such as a horse. Should make exploration easier..."

Jydshi arrived in time to receive and then get distracted by the process of attempting to wear an amulet.

Next, she gave Kinesis some sort of odd device, two tubes with glass lenses in them, tied together by leather. "This is a, uhm, oculars... binoculars." she made up the word on the spot. "You seemed to have some difficulty sensing everything from afar in that machine, so hey, this should help. Easily adjustable and I tinted the lenses so you always see everything in it as if it was under daylight." she added.

Kinesis took the amulet and binoculars and inspected them. She put the amulet in a pocket and held the binoculars up to her eyes. She swept her view across the mountainscape of Pictaraika. and giggled happily. She then looked back at Ilunabar, composed herself, and bowed her head. "Thank you very much, Ilunabar."

"And I guess this is all. If you do not mind though, I would like to ask a favor. Next time you see your father, ask him where he gets all his metal. I have been having an increased use of that in my work, but I fear mining Galbar too much would have a negative impact on the local civilization. I have this little meaningless pet project that will need many gems, and I feel like he is the one that can help..."

"Oh, I can answer that," Kinesis said. "He gets it all from the Elemental Siphon in his Workshop. It's a bunch of boxes which magically creates raw elemental matter, which father can shape as he wishes."

The goddess pondered on those words, clearly adapting her plans to that information. "Hmmm, I see. I do remember seeing those when I visited his workshop... I wonder if those would do for my purposes..." she shook her head and approached Kinesis "Ah well, let's not bore you with that topic. Thank you for helping me understand that machine, I feel like we should work together more often, however, I am unsure where you have been residing. The celestial citadel? Teknall's workshop? Surely you have a place to call yours, correct?"

Kinesis looked down at her feet sheepishly. "Well, actually, not really... I've just been travelling. I can't get to father's Workshop by myself, and the Celestial Citadel is rather dull..."

The goddess squinted for a moment, staring at Kinesis after hearing her explanation. "Well, that is not ideal, is it?" she sighed "It is always good to have at least one workshop of your own, it creates a proper place to brood over designs and helps to keep all tools of creation in one place..."

"You are quite young now so you might see more fun in constant travel than in having a home. However, should you ever want a place to settle, you can always count on me to help you to set it up; in fact, you could even settle in here if you wanted."

Kinesis paused for a few moments to contemplate this offer. "I think that would be a good idea. A workshop of my own would be nice."

The goddess smiled and held Kinesis' hands "That is a very wise decision! I will have my divas prepare a base design and prepare a workforce and resource stock for the project." she said quite quickly and vanished soon after, not even asking if Kinesis wanted to have her home in the Pictaraika or somewhere else.

There was an awkward silence for a moment as Kinesis was left standing there. Then she turned to Jydshi and asked, "How do you like it here?"

Jydshi had picked up the conversation after lodging the amulet on her head. "I don't not like it." She paused considering more deeply. "But I don't think I can stay here."

Kinesis was bewildered. "Why not?"

Jydshi paused as she had not thought of the need to put her feelings on the matter into words. "Its just so..." Again Jydshi searched for her words. "...inactive. If there is just half as much of what I have yet seen, there is just so much to see and do and move that to stay here seems like betrayal." Jydshi paused for a third time and went down a different track, with a hint of curiosity and fear, "Do you really want to stay here?"

Kinesis took a few moments to reflect. "Yes. For a while, anyway. I have already travelled a lot, and while I agree that there is so much to see out there, I want to create, and it's so hard to do that if I'm travelling all the time. I have seen father create machines beyond the imaginings of anything on Galbar. I even helped him make some of them. And here we have wondrous contraptions like the Orgel and the solar forge. I want to create wondrous things, and here's the best place to do that right now."

"Can I keep the Flying Machine?"

"Yes, Jydshi. You'll probably need it more than I do," Kinesis answered with a sad smile.

Jydshi halted for a long moment before rushing at Kinesis enveloping her in a hug of many arms, "Bye bye, Kinesis."

Kinesis embraced Jydshi in return. "Bye bye, Jydshi. Come visit some time, okay."

Jydshi muttered a muted "Okay," in reply before embarking on the machine, taking off and heading to the East. Kinesis waved as Jydshi left, and watched until she was out of view over the mountains.



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