LadyAnnaLee

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Darin peeled herself off of Ridahne and quickly darted after her as they headed to these fabled bathing rooms. Taja few into the stables to find his own rest with Talbot She wasn’t sure what she expected, but she was suddenly struck by the fact that she didn’t have a change of clothes. Now that she thought about it she hadn’t seen her bags when they had gone back to the stables. She was left to assume that their bags had already been taken to where they would be visiting Tasen. That was a problem, because she was used to sharing a room with Ridhane, and she had assumed that Ridahne would be rooming with Ajoran. Darin had no desire to sleep alone in this building, so she had planed to sleep with Talbot, Taja, and Mitaja if the cat didn’t go to sleep with her person. She was also left with the fact that she didn’t want to wear Azurein clothes. No matter where she had visited, she had always worn human styled clothes. She didn’t want to change that.

She asked the girl who offered her new clothes, “I would feel more comfortable in my own clothes. Can you tall me where they went so I can go grab a set of my own?”

The girl looked at her with solemn eyes, “There will be a set here when you are done bathing Astra-Sol.”

Darin’s smile became forced, “Thank you.”

She didn’t like the thought of someone just going through her things. Yet Darin was far too tired to argue the point. Especially since it seemed like it had already been done. She supposed that as long as everything was there when she left Tasen it would be alright. She was glad that she kept The Seed close. She didn’t want anyone finding it. Though that brought her to another problem. She couldn’t believe that she hadn’t thought of it before. If she stripped naked in front of all these people, they would all see the band on her upper leg where she kept The Seed. That would not ideal. She hadn’t even shown Ridahne it.

She told Ridahne, “On second thought I’ll just come look. I wasn’t thinking straight and it’s not a good idea for me to strip in front of everyone.”

The rooms certainly were pretty, and Darin was enchanted with the bucket that rained on people. That almost seemed more practical than taking a bath. She wasn’t sure though. Darin did take off her boots and roll up her pants to her knees, but even after following Ridahne to the room with the soaking pool she didn’t enter it. That would just be bad manners since when was still grimy from the road. She wanted to get clean, but she rather keep the location of The Seed a secret. She was glad she had made that choice as she saw the strangers in the room. As she followed Ridahne to sit on the edge of the pool near her, the human knew that she would either be viewed as shy or disrespectful. That was okay. The Seed-Bearer could live with that.

She smiled as Ridahne mentioned the thing she had missed most, “I remember you talking about that. I can’t wait to smell them, but I don’t think I’ll be using them. After all it’s not looking like I’ll be clean anytime soon.” She laughed lightly, “But that’s my own fault so I’ll live.” She spoke to Ajoran on the other side of the screen, “It is impressive, but I’m definitely out of place.” She stood up, “So I think I’ll go see if Talbot will let be bed down with him for the night.” She made a request of Ridahne, “Come and get me tomorrow when you are ready to go visit.” The she practically commanded, “Do not go without me. I have things to say to her. Even if she is dead, and I will not send you to face her alone.” She wasn’t leaving until she was sure Ridahne was in the same mind set, “Promise me sister.”

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Darin spent maybe five minutes crying in self-pity and homesickness before she felt a huge weight knock her over. It didn’t take her long to realized that it was Mitaja. As soon as the hunting cat had toppled the human over, she laid on top of the girl causing the girl to let out a groan as all the air was pushed out of her. Mitaja didn’t seem to realize that Darin was having a hard time breathing as she started to purr. Darin struggled for a minute to get the huge cat off of her before resigning herself to defeat and just laying there and staring at the ceiling. She absently rubbed the hunting cat’s ears.

She told the cat, “I suppose this is a better use of my time anyways.”

MItaja gave Darin a look that clearly said that the human was being completely silly, of course this was a better use of her time. However, the cat didn’t stay put for long before getting up. Darin sat up to continue rubbing the cat’s ears. She was completely convinced that Mitaja would lie back on top of her if the cat didn’t get the attention she felt was her just due. It wasn’t long before, not one, but two more hunting cats joined them. Darin found her hands busy as the three cats and Taja demanded affection. There wasn’t much time for melancholy or homesickness when she had to keep four animals happy with her.

It appeared that one of the cats grew bored with the petting and leaned down in the stance that indicated that it wanted to play. The other newcomer followed suit. MItaja let out a noise of question as Darin watched the display in dismay. There was only one game that Darin could think of given the fact that she didn’t have something to play fetch or tug with. The human had no desire to deal with this. Yet, a year of traveling with Mitaja had taught Darin that a testy Azurei hunting cat was not something you wanted to have upset with you.

Darin sighed in resignation, “I know chase. Is chase okay?”

The two newcomer cats yet out yowls of agreement as Mitaja pushed Darin into a standing position. With another sigh Darin took off running. Taja screeched in excitement as he flew above the human. The cats were polite enough to give the human a few minutes head start. Then with playful noises they gave chase. It wasn’t long before she was lost in the game. Darin ducked around corners and upstairs just as fast as she could while laughing like a madwoman. She was careful to keep to hallways and streets and avoid rooms and houses. She didn’t want to intrude on anyone. She wasn’t sure how long she had been running. Taja let out a sound of warning anytime the cats got too close. Then, when she was looking behind her for the cats, she bumped into someone.

She laughed in near perfect Azurei, “I’m so sorry. Please.” Then she saw who she had bumped into, “Hey! I know you!” She stopped trying to run as she paused to talk to the person with glee in her eyes, “Apprentice Ja’heil! How have you been? I trust The Tree has blessed your travels!”

It was Ja’heil, from the village where Darin had stopped the rain for the first time, “Do I know you human?” He seemed confused, “You speak like a long-time visitor.”

Darin laughed again, “You knew me as Martin Lively, back when I was still trying to pass as a boy.”

Darin saw the gears rotating in his mind and the stunning realization when he put the pieces together, “From the Eluri village. My master’s report began the hunt for the Red Hand.”

Darin nodded as MItaja came to press her head in the human’s hand, “Yep.”

Ja’heil smiled tightly, “Martin right? I trust The Tree has blessed your travels.”

Darin shook her head, “Darin.” She clarified, “My name is Darin. I travel under the name Martin Lively to try and avoid attention.” She asked again, “The Tree has blessed you journey, correct?”

Ja’heil nodded slowly as he processed what Darin was saying, “Ah yes! I certainly have felt blessed. My studies have been going well.” He asked a question of his own, “How have your studies been going.”

She nodded, “They have been. Thank you for asking.” She looked around as one of the new cats pressed into Darin’s other hand, “I’m afraid got a little bit lost as I ran. Can you lead me back to the stables?”

Ja’heil shook his head, “My master is expecting me?”

Darin smiled, “Of course. I would like to see you again before I leave Tasen. Would that be alright?”

He shook his head, “I may not have the time.”

Darin was sure as she turned to leave, “I will make time.” She waved at him, “Till we speak again.”

With that she was gone, following the three cats, back the way she came. She didn’t not miss the look of confusion on his face as she said that she would make time and that amused. It was kind of fun to know that she could practically make whatever she wanted to have happen in this country happen. It didn’t seem that news of The Seed-Bearer being in Tasen had spread yet. Darin wondered how long it would be before it did. Soon they were back at the stables and the two newcomer cats peeled off to go home as Taja flew to land on Ridahne’s shoulder as the warriors exited the stable.

Darin exclaimed as she draped her arms around her sister, “Ridahne! I’m dirty and grimy and want to be clean. You speak of these incredible bathing rooms! Take me.” Yes, she was whining but it was mostly teasing. Her mood was much better, “Please! Then sleep. We can visit the grave tomorrow before we go to market.” She slumped so the other girl would have to carry most of her weight, “I’m sleepy.”

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

May I borrow Mitaja and Apprentice Ja’heil in my next post? He's the one that was cleaning Ridahne's blades in the town where Darin first stopped the rain.

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Darin was about to say that of course she would go with Ridahne to see the grave of Khaltira. For one thing there was no way that Darin was letting anyone she cared about face that monster even if that monster was already dead. For another thing Darin wanted to know what the Sols had done with the body. If Khalitira had been honored in anyway shape or form her displeasure with the Sota-Sol would increase tenfold and all of Azurei would know it. The Seed-Bearer wouldn’t stand for a traitor to Azurei, The Tree, and all of Astra being honored, even in death.

She didn’t get a chance to before the sounds of another person approaching the stables were heard. She was puzzled by Ridahne’s strange actions. They seemed almost familiar, but she was sure that the warrior had never acted like this before. What happened next explained why Ridahne was acting so strangely, as a strange man came into the stable, was blinded by Ridahne, retaliated, and only stopped when he heard the warrior’s laughing. That was when it clicked for Darin and she politely adverted her eyes as Ridahne Torzinei and Ajoran Teleisun have their reunion in peace. Though what she saw from the corner of her eye seemed familiar as well. She just wished she could place it.

Ridahne drew Darin’s attention back to the conversation as she mentioned asking her. She smiled at the newcomer and was just about to introduce herself when he swept her up in his arms the same way Hadian had. Unlike Hadian he picked her up off her feet to swing her in a circle before setting her down. Her eyes grew wide in alarm as the action suddenly reminded her why it was all so familiar and she felt like she had been punched in the stomach and all the air in her lungs had been pushed out. Luckily Ajoran was distracted for just a moment so Darin had time to turn her look of shock and dismay into a least a small smile. Ridahne would know something was wrong, but hopefully wouldn’t pry.

Darin let out a small laugh as she spoke in Azurei, “I am Darin Torzenei, daughter of Martin by Talia, Seed-Bearer of Astra.” She gestured to Ridahne, “As she has said She is Ridahne Torzenei Seed-Chained, Guardian of Astra.” She pointed to the man, “You are Taja Ajoran Teleisun. I have heard nothing but good things about you, I am delighted to meet you, and at some point soon I would have words alone with you.” She turned to her sister and let her expression turn serious, “However, for now, I will let you two reunite in private.” She moved to the door of the stable and lightly ran a finger along Ridahne’s arm, “The last person who did what he just did to me was Martin, son of Gregory by Edith. I would appreciate it if you didn’t let anyone else do it again.” She smiled at the both of them as she finally reached the door, “Come find me when you are done catching up so I can clean up.” She reassured Ridahne, “We’ll talk later I promise.”

With that Darin left the stable and the reunited lovers. She hoped Ridahne didn’t think she was running off. She planned to talk to the warrior about this, but later, after she and Ajoran had a moment to themselves. Taja flew out just as the door closed to land on her shoulder. It was easy enough to find a secluded corner where she figured she could be left alone to think, but close enough that Ridahne could find her. Then she began to pace as she chewed at a hangnail. The way the two of them acted, it had been the same way Martin, son of Gregory by Edith, and Talia, daughter of Mark by Emilie, had acted before things had gone horribly wrong. It had been the way things had been forever. Martin would come home from working the fields, kiss Talia passionately, and then spin Darin around. That life had been soured in one night. Darin stopped pacing as she looked back towards the stable. She suddenly remembered comparing Ridahne to Martin. Yet, it seemed that Ajoran forgave Ridahne for leaving him, so maybe it wasn’t quite the same.

It wasn’t just the familiar actions that had unsettled the young human. It was also the fact that she was just hit by another realization. It had taken longer than it should have, but first she had been distracted by what Hadian could teach her and then by her anger at the Sols. Now that she wasn’t, she realized that she was envious of Ridahne and had been for at least two days, possibly as long as a week. Darin wasn’t jealous of the romance she had with Ajoran. Romance never really crossed her mind. She wasn’t jealous of her relationship with Hadian. Hadian himself made that impossible with how loving and welcoming her had been. Darin was envious just because Ridahne had come home and Darin wasn’t going to get to see her home for at least a year, possibly more, probably more. She still had to zigzag though the three human kingdoms before she got home, and suddenly, for the first time in a long time, the only thing Darin want to do was go home. Darin sank to put all her weight on her toes as she bent her knees and crossed her arms over her stomach as a bout of powerful homesickness washed over her.

Though no one would hear her, she whispered to the hot air, “I want my mama.” Tears began to crawl down her cheeks, “I want to go home.”

BetterHelp Feedback?

@Andreyich

@Obscene Symphony

Thank you both! I did look up those videos like you suggested. I'm going to look into other forms of therapy as suggested. Again. Thank you both so so much.

BetterHelp Feedback?

Has anyone here used BetterHelp before? It's a therapy app. Can you give me any feedback? Please and thank you!

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Darin had been about to respond to Ridahne’s comments on the Sols when the door opened. Her mood suddenly lifted as she turned eagerly only to have her mood sour again as she saw that it wasn’t who she wanted to meet. She didn’t want to deal with any of the Sols right now, not even Hanasha-Sol. Luckily the woman seemed content to ignore her as she conversed with Ridahne. Darin wasn’t inclined to interrupt but was about to when the offer to basically make Ridahne a Sol came up. Darin wasn’t having that. Thankfully neither was her sister. The offer to become a Taja wasn’t one Darin liked either. This Hanasha-Sol seemed eager to have Ridahne close and Darin didn’t like it. She would admit that it was personal.

Darin watched the door after the stranger left the stable, “You belong to me just as I belong to you and you know how possessive I get.” She finally turned back to Ridahne, “Besides. If I am to be,” She said the next bit with a hint of distain, “Astra-Sol, then that makes you my Taja already, right?” Suddenly she wasn’t sure, “That’s what Tajas are right? Guardians for their Sols.” She switched to her native tongue, “What do you think Taja? Should we make Ridahne a Taja?”

She was running soft fingers over the feathers on her bird’s chest. Taja let out a shriek that caused Darin to grin. It seemed the hawk agreed. Of course, Taja was a vain bird that, honestly, could only be called an idiot. He had a good heart, but he simply didn’t understand things no matter how many times Darin explained it. He also had a habit of getting stuck in less than dignified position from which he needed rescuing. He thought he was one of the best things Astra had to offer and his own opinion everyone would be better off being more like him. Darin was inclined to agree with him, especially right after he clawed out an attacker’s eyes.

She shrugged her shoulder to send Taja into flight as she switched back to Common, “No matter.” She moved to sit down as she sighed, “I don’t understand why you had to be marked a traitor. I really don’t. I might not ever understand it. You did what was best for Azurei even if they don’t know that.” She held out a hand, “Please sit down. But it’s not just that that has me upset. If the way you had been treated was the only factor in play, I would probably be more willing to try to understand the politics in play.” The Seed-Bearer sounded almost distressed, “But she didn’t listen to The Tree, and I don’t understand it, and I can’t believe that you do. Did she not hear It? Did she choose not to listen to It. Both are symptoms of a larger problem, each one a different problem. I need her to be honest about why she didn’t listen. If she’s not I might make the wrong decisions and lead Astra to ruin.” Darin sighed in exhaustion. “The Tree has only ever been able to speak to the Children of Astra in whispers. It used to be that people knew to listen for and to those whispers. That has become less and less common as the years go on, and since the whispers weren’t being heard they started getting quieter and quieter.” She wanted to cry, “My anger isn’t just for you. It’s on behalf of The Tree as well. Both of you are seeking to defend her actions. You both may be right. You both have a right to your opinion, but I do too. And my opinion, right or wrong, is that someone who claims to speak for her people should know how to listen, and I do not think she does. I think she makes rash decisions or blind choices without thinking of any of the consequences, good or bad. Then when the consequences aren’t as bad as they could be she thinks her actions, while not particularly wise, can’t have been all bad.” She suddenly stood, “You both said it, if you hadn’t been exiled you wouldn’t have been my Guardian, but neither one of you know that. The Tree could have still sent you. I might have a different companion. I could be dead from falling of a cliff. Still, “what could have beens” are not given to the Children of Astra to know. We only know the past and the now. She acts in the now as if she could know the future without even thinking of the pass.” Her arms came up around her chest, “If I’m being honest, if I am being fair, the truth is that even if you had managed to explain you motivations for you actions you would still be a criminal. You would still be in exile. Right may be right, but illegal is illegal and I am trying to respect that.” Now her face was in her hands, “But she sentenced you to death without even listening to you, The Tree, or anyone else. Now two of the three most important people in my life are asking me to forgive her, but I can’t, and I can’t explain why I can’t, and I feel like a failure.” She asked a purely rhetorical question, “What kind of Seed-Bearer am I, what kind of Gardener will I be, what am I teaching The Seed, when I can’t even let go of a personal grudge?”

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Hello! I had a few questions if that's alright. One. What exactly is a Taja? Two. What exactly is an Eija? Three. What are the differences between the two? It's just that I feel like Darin would know this by now, but I can't remember it ever coming up before. Please and thank you! You are amazing!

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

The moment she felt Ridahne’s hand on her arm Darin dropped the streamer of ice. She did not raise the temperature of the air in the room and as such the ice shattered when it hit the ground. For Ridahne there wasn’t much she wouldn’t do. Darin slowly turned her head towards Ridahne to look at her as the Sota-Sol spoke. To be honest Darin didn’t care what was said as long as what was said was the truth. She was more concerned to the warrior’s reaction to the words that were said. She wanted to make sure Ridahne would be okay. This was a room of her demons and the human would fight them all if necessary.

Finally, when all was said and done, when it was clear that the Sols and Ridahne were done talking, when it was clear that while she wasn’t being forgiven quite just yet, Ridahne would be shamed no further. When it was clear that she would be unhindered in their journey Darin finally reacted. Her hand rose up to touch the opal present in the circle of leather that rested on Ridahne’s brow. This was what they had come to Tasen for. This is what she wanted to have happen. They came to retrieve the nimarih. The came so the Sols could see what Ridahne truly was. Yet, Darin felt unfilled, unsettled, like something was missing. There was so much that she wanted to say, so may directions to take what the Sota-Sol had said. Darin wasn’t sure what to do now. Then Taja took flight to land on Darin’s shoulder and press himself against his person’s cheek.

Darin laughed at the attempt at comfort as she switched from near perfect Azurei to her native tongue, “Taja! And here I thought you liked Ridahne best.” She reached up to brush at his chest feathers, “Life is confusing Taja. Sometimes I fear I will never understand it.” Then she took a deep breath as she switched back to Azurei, “You say you owe Ridahne an apology, yet I have not heard one cross your lips. You say you have seen war, but no one in Astra is that old. You may have seen the results of a skirmish, of bloodshed, of battle, but I promise you, you have not seen war.” Her voice was surprising;y calm as she looked at Taja, “I do have one more question.” She finally looked at the Sota-Sol again, “I want to know why you didn’t listen to The Tree. It spoke to you. It spoke to multiple people in this room.” She pointed to four of the women sitting, “Including the four of you.” He pointed to the one who was smirking, “I do not know about her, but if I was her, I would stop smirking. I do not know what she thinks she knows, but I honestly doubt she is right.” She gave her head a shake to refocus, “I would know why you choose to ignore The Tree. I will be in Tasen for a week. I require no escort beyond that of Ridahne Torzinei Seed-Chained, and will hear your explanation before I leave the city.” She sighed as the temperature in the room slowly returned to normal, “For now, I am tired. The two of us will take our leave.” She laced her hand with Ridahne’s, “Let’s go. I no longer wish to be in this room, and we have an early start tomorrow so you can show me around Tasen.: She looked over her shoulder at the woman Ridahne had addressed concerning Ajoran, “I am going to check on the rest of my family. Send Ajoran Telisun there, immediately.”

With that being said Darin paid no one in the room any more mind. She did keep her fingers interlaced with Ridahne’s as she tugged her sister out of the room. The stone doors opened of their own accord and Taja took flight to lead the way back they came. Darin hadn’t been paying attention to the path they took to get to that room and didn’t know where the stables were. Luckily Taja was smarter than her. The hawk led the two women to the stables were Talbot, Tsura, and Mitaja were settled in. Luck was on her side and the building was empty of people. Finally, Darin dropped her warrior’s hand as her arms came up to wrap around her abdomen. Taja flew back down to press against Darin’s cheek again.

Her voice was impossibly quiet, “She reminds me of the elders back home, so convinced of her wisdom, of her experience, or her age, that she does not listen to the opinions of those who’s life she seeks to meddle in. So sure that she is right, that even when she proven wrong she seeks to find excuses for her poor actions. I don’t ever want to be like that, unprepared and unwilling to listen to those younger than me, just because they are younger. So set in my ways that I attempt to brush aside another’s person’s feelings just because I think I know better.”

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Darin enjoyed the journey to Atakhara. She enjoyed Hadian’s company. She soaked up the knowledge he had like a patch of parched ground soaked up water. She drank it up and still found herself wanting more. She wanted to know everything and anything. She asked question after question. (It did serve a dual purpose. While she was busy asking questions and learning she was distracted from the heat.) She found she liked learning about the world. She hadn’t cared to know when she had just been farming at home. She hadn’t needed to know about the world then. Now that she did, she enjoyed it almost as much as getting her hands int the dirt to help things grow. She supposed it was a good thing that she was so passionate about the things she needed to do. That was a gift a few people had. Darin was sad to see Hadian veer off towards home even if she understood why.

The journey from Atakhara to Tasen was less informative as Ridahne took care to avoid towns. As she watched the sun dip below its apex Darin privately hoped they arrived at Tasen soon. The goo from the plant was starting to dry at and flake. It made her skin itchy. Back home they use a paste made from oat flour and wide brimmed hats to protect against the heat of the sun. Darin had lost her hat long before she met Ridahne and there had never been a time to replace it. Darin missed it now. She wanted a chance to get into the shade and to rub most of the natural ointment off her skin. That wouldn’t be until after they had meet with the Sols so the sooner that happened the better.

Then, as the day shifted towards evening, the tone and inflection of the Sea’s voice changed. Darin rightly assumed that meant they had reached Tasen. From a distance it looked like many of the cities that Darin had seen in the past while on her travels. That was not what bothered her. The fact that Ridahne had finally unveiled her banner, which Darin had been waiting for since she had discovered it’s existence, didn’t bother her either. What bothered her was the looks the Azurei were given her Ridahne. If they weren’t scowling at her traitor’s mark, they were puzzling over her Guardian mark. The human was also not pleased with the fact that four Tajas were deemed necessary to greet them. On one hand she didn’t think they needed an escort. On the other hand, she wanted to laugh. There was no way that a mere four warriors were a threat to her warrior. She also wanted to berate Ridahne for not using all of her titles and only picked the ones that demonized her.

Still The Seed-Bearer kept silent as they made their way though the building. She scowled at each inclusion of another warrior. Ridahne wasn’t a threat. She wasn’t a demon. She wasn’t even a traitor, not really, not to Astra. On the other hand, Darin’s grin grew wider as she listened to the Stone of the building chatter excitedly to each other. The marble and granite spoke excitedly to each other in what could only be described as whispers as they gossiped about the visitors. For once, the main part of the chatter of Astra was not about Darin. Yes, they were excited to see her, but Ridahne Torzenei, they called her the Balancer, the one to do what needed to be done, had finally, finally, come home! The Azurei people may not fully comprehend the truth, but the Stone, the Sea, and the Sky were better at listening to The Tree. They knew what needed to be done and were glad to see she who had done it.

However, Darin’s scowl became deeper as they were told to dismount. Despite Ridahne’s assurance that it was alright, she didn’t like the thought of living part of her family behind. She was surprised when Talbot bent his lower legs to decrease the dismount height. Darin had become a much better rider over the past year, but since Talbot had always been too big for her, mounting and dismounting had always been difficult. She basically had to climb the plow house to get on and getting off could only be described as a controlled fall. Neither were graceful. It didn’t surprise Darin that Talbot understand the importance of what was going on. It surprised her that he was willing to help her not make a fool of herself. Taja had no such concerns. When Ridahne named Taja-Uvaru the bird looked around as if the Elf was speaking to him. When the hawk realized that wasn’t the case her shrieked right in Darin’s ear causing her to wince. Then he took flight to circle over the group.

He landed back on Darin’s shoulder as they entered the room they had been heading to. Darin took one look at the Sols and the Sota-Sol before turning her attention back to the room and the Stone that was still chittering. It wasn’t just whispering anymore. It was closer to shouting even if The Seed-Bearer was the only one that heard them. From the corner of her eye Darin watched Ridahne wash her face but made no move to mimic the moves. The once farmgirl was who she was, dirt, grime, dust, and all. The Sota-Sol spoke to Ridahne, yet Ridahne respected Darin’s wishes and did not speak back. When it was clear that the Guardian was not going to speak the woman worn with age and experience turned her attention to Darin.

The human wanted to scoff and pretended that her attention was still caught by the way the building was constructed. Absently she raised a hand to brush a wayward strand of hair back behind her ear. She gave no indication that she had heard the woman. Darin supposed that to the woman that who was closer to Ravi’s age than hers everyone looked like a child, yet she wasn’t a child by any human marker. She did not require the support of her parents to survive. She could do sums, read, and write. She knew a trade. She had reached two decades of life. She supposed that since she was an unmarried woman, she could be considered a child, but not even the elders of her home considered her a child. When she had been fifteen and just starting to take care of the farm herself, she had been a child who didn’t know what was best. By the time she was eighteen, long before The Gardener arrived, she had no longer been a child and needed to stop acting so childishly. Darin was an adult, she was entitled to a certain level of respect due to that fact.

Suddenly, after a few minutes, she startled as if she realized something, “Oh!” She turned towards the Sota-Sol, “You were talking to me.” There was a wide, not really genuine smile on her face as she gave her head a slow shake, “I wasn’t sure. You see, I am not a child.” The smile faded as she did nod once, “But yes. I am Darin Torzenei, daughter of Martin by Talia, Seed-Bearer of Astra.”

That got a reaction, at least from Taja. The hawk let out a screech that echo though the room as he extended his wings their full span behind Darin’s head. The water in the pool Ridahne had used to wash her face suddenly rose up in excitement. Darin smile was tight as it splashed on to the stone leaving the pool empty. There was a crack of thunder, though no one in room would have been able to see the lightning that raced across the sky The Seed-Bearer knew it was there. The building shook to the left once before settling back into place. This was the first time in all her journeys that Darin entered a place and immediately told people who she was. Astra was responding.

Her voice was cold as she locked eyes with the woman who spoke to her, “Now I have a question for the Sota-Sol.” She took once step forward, a threat that honestly no one save Ridahne had the ability to combat, “There was a monster in Azurei. The Tree spoke in desperation to so many people using any method possible to destroy the monster. Yet no one The Tree spoke to, you included, did anything. No one listened.” Suddenly her voice was a lot warmer as a true smile graced her features, “No one but Ridahne Torzenei Seed-Chained.” Darin took a step back to practically bounce around the woman in question, “Guardian of Astra.” Then in a blatant disregard for Azurei culture and sensibilities Darin pressed a soft kiss to her sister’s newest Oijh mark, “Listened.” Taja took the chance to hop from Darin’s shoulder to Ridahne’s head as Darin’s rage returned, this time fire rather than cold, “And I want to know why!” Her head flipped around to glare daggers at the women in question, “I want to know why not one of you listened! I want to know why that evil was allowed to continue! I want to know why when the one person who listened took care of the issue in the one way, she could she was sentenced to death! I want to know why honor was deemed more important that what was right!”

She wasn’t yelling but she was raging. Thankfully, Astra knew better than to react. There was a strange calm in the air as Darin snapped her arms out every time the word why left her mouth. Suddenly she stopped in her erratic jerky motions to stare at the woman who dare sentence Ridahne to death, who dare called her a child, who dare assume she had a right to dictate their presence here, who dare assume she was the most powerful person in the room. Darin wanted to do something, anything, she wasn’t sure what was it The Tree had called it? She wanted to abuse her power for her own personal gain at least once, here and now. She wanted to shock the Sota-Sol in a way that couldn’t be ignored. She just wasn’t sure how.

Then Astra spoke, Darin listened, and her arm snapped out towards the subject of her ire. The water that splashed to the floor followed the motion to create a pointed streamer pointed right at the Sota-Sol’s Oijh. The air in the room drastically decreased in temperature in order to allow the water to freeze in almost an instant. Darin let out a slow breath that appeared in the air as a puff of vapor. This was a threat, pure and simple. Everyone in this room was at The Seed-Bearer’s mercy, and Darin wasn’t feeling particularly merciful. Darin had known, intellectually, just how powerful she was, but this was the first time she knew it. It was a heady rush. It scared the young human. It excited her as well. It was a conflict she wasn’t sure she minded one little bit.

Somehow her voice was colder than the air as her arm remained extended, “And I want to know why you seem to think your authority is higher than the authority of The Tree of Astra.”