Private A Meeting of Minds (Elpsis)

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Calana felt an unbidden shiver run through her body as Shikoba's words unfolded. There was a power and a truth to them she did not doubt and could not deny. Suddenly she looked at the pleasant environs just a little more sceptically, as if previously hidden enemies might appear.

Reaching out to the spirits she felt the power flowing through the forests beyond, the water, the people in the city. However, there was the background energy she had always felt, yet always just assumed was the tapestry of life. Now, she started to think it might be more than that.

"I…see," she said with a deep breath. "I think I understand your perspective better now, Shikoba. Is it ever overwhelming for you? Are there certain places which are better or worse?"

She wondered whether the lost and the damned of a battlefield would be like a cacophony…or whether it might be the simple, more poignant dramas of a lost child by the river which might hurt more.



XXX



Phylis frowned. "Hmmph, it is strange now I consider it. No, not all the kings and queens are young, yet many are. Traditionally, Naboo has an elected monarch limited to a certain period. Hmm, they also have an elected body which does most of the governing. Where many planets would have a president or chief minister, we had a king or queen. Hmm, it is a rather strange system; I see now as I have passed among the galaxy."

She fished in her pouch and produced her datapad. She showed some pictures of some of the kings and queens of old, complete with their elaborate makeup and outfits – for both genders. The Qadiri might be brought to mind the ornate court garb of the Shahbanu and Saoshyant.

"Hmm, the Gungans? They're a curious folk, much misunderstood. They live beneath the waves, and can breathe both air and water." She pulled up an image of several of them, followed by their cities and technology on her datapad. "There has been much strife at times between our people. Hmm, I suppose humans came to the world like the Eldorai did here…but the Gungans live underwater so for much of the time there has been separation. The stereotype is that Gungans are, hmm, foolish, dating back to a particular individual from almost 900 years ago. Very sad. Hmmph, it would be treating all Qadiri one way because of Saoshyant Araminta III," she added. Araminta was a particularly scandalous Saoshyant from a similar time ago who was infamous for her impiety and greed. Basically, Phylis was showing off a little with her history.



XXX



Tylania nodded in approval and rose. "Excellent. I think this has been most productive so far. For my part, I would like to say that Yastoida and the Vash are open to further trade with all your lands. We have places available here at the city, and elsewhere, for you to make trading centres. Down here we need technology, metals and tools most of all. We have the finest timber in the world, as well as ethically harvested seafood and leather. Nothing we need to decide now, but if you might be interested, I can put some of our people here in touch with yours to get things started."



"I think we've done good work so far, I think. Let's take a quick break. Refreshments will be offered outside. Lady Elpsis, Lady Lia, I have something you might be interested in. Would you care to join myself and Master Alince upstairs?"

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"I have traversed battlefields and ruins steeped in death. I beheld a world perish."
"A world...an entire world," Yaritha exclaimed, struggling to process.
"Within the blink of an eye. It was...gone."
"You mean...literally?"
"I mean what I speak. I am being very deliberate with my words," Shikoba spoke sharply.
"How can...that be done?"
"With a machine. A powerful machine of evil, but guided by a human hand."
Yaritha muttered a Vash curse.
"Millions of souls, crying out in agony only to be extinguished...forever. Except they linger on, trapped. The wheel turns. For the sky people such calamities are normal. I dare not to return to that place, for I fear I would be swallowed on. But, truly, usually the saddest are the forgotten. Places that seem rich in life, but the people have grown cold and deaf to the call of the spirits. A lost soul murdered by a jealous spouse, a child killed in an accident in a factory out of negligence. No one can hear their wails. Even for me 'tis difficult to hear them sometimes."

xxx

Sahmara suppressed a chuckle when she saw the image of one of the queens. "She looks like the Shahbânu! What does she do after her...period as ruler is over. If she spends all these years as an ornament, it will not have prepared her for much. My sister wishes for all queens to be elected...but not for a few years or as an untested child."

Tarzar leaned close to study the images on the datapad. "I will not lie, these Gun-gans look very queer to me. But they manage to build cities beneath the waves? That is impressive. No people that accomplishes such a feat can be made of simpletons. No more than anyone else's. But how do they keep out the tides and the beasts of the ocean? Some kind of shielding technology?" he glanced at an image showing a Gungan warrior wielding an electropole. "That weapon reminds me of the spears common to our people, but I see it's more advanced. Some kind of electrical charge. But if these people live underwater, they must have sealed its electronic components somehow."


xxx

Elpsis frowned slightly. Thus far she didn't feel productive. We exchanged platitudes, sat down, gave speeches about how bad or good things are for us, she thought irritably. A holocall would've been cheaper. Saved fuel, saved time. Of course, then she wouldn't have been able to actually see any of the people she was talking to. But she had to work to do back home. Urgent work. "Fine, let's see what it is," she said a bit tersely and arose. Undiplomatic, but she hadn't been made queen because she was polite.
Izana's lips pressed together slightly, but she said nothing.

Lalax glanced towards Tylania, curious. Then she arose from her seat and walked up to Yara. "Excuse me, Warrior Yara of the Forests and Seas. I was told one of your kin would be arriving here. Yaritha Greatpine. Do you know perchance if she is in these halls already?" she asked politely, an unmistakeable note of fondness in her tone when she mentioned the redhead's name.

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Yara had been standing by the door, her face impassive as she looked out across the courtyard. As Lalax approached she turned.

"One moment." She pulled up her communicator and spoke a few words in her language, listened to the reply and replaced the device. "She is waiting in a teahouse not far from here with two others. I can take you if you wish?"

It seemed Yara too was eager to go and do something else.



XXX



Calana bowed her head slightly. "The cruelty and malice of beings is endless, I fear. I have heard of these wars and battles across entire worlds, but thankfully I have not seen them. The wars on Tygara have been ghastly enough for me."

She looked to Shikoba. "Can you help them find peace? Either to give them peace or help them pass on?"



A moment later footsteps would announce the arrival of Yara and Lalax. The soldier gave Calana a nod. "Priestess."

"Lieutenant," Calana said with a bow.

If Shikoba chose to look at Yara with her Sight, she would see that the warrior had some shadows around her, those slain in battle. She was not a Force user herself, but her prowess was easy to see.



XXX



Phylis nodded to Sahmara. "Yes, hmm. The record has not always been good. Where one lacks experience, they can often become prey to advisors and ministers who push their agendas. The most famous queen of ancient history had a Senator; delegate to the galactic republic, who secretly was a Sith Lord. Hmm, a Sith is a rival group of Zari who use the Dark Side. Anyway, it's supposed by many that he helped the first of the 'young queens' to get elected to be his puppet."

It may not have been true, but it made more sense to Phylis than the official story.



"Ah yes, the technology of the Gungans are very interesting, and often quite different from the galactic standard for the reasons you mention. Hmm, they have a strong focus on plasma technology. If it's a field of interest for you, I have some examples on my ship. Most interesting are the interface shields which…"

At that moment Phylis seemed to realise she'd been called. She let out a small 'hmmph'. "Well, it seems I have been summoned. If you wish we can discuss more later?" she asked both of the Qadiri.



XXX



Phylis shuffled over to the group. "Ah, hmm, hello again, Elpsis," she said. "And your majesty, of course," she added to Lia.

"Yeedai Phylis," the Queen said with a nod. "Lady Tylania says you have something to show us? Something only for us?"

"Oh, yes, hmm. It's something we've been working on. Work in progress and all that. I am quite excited to see what you think." The Jedi did seem even more fluttery than usual. "Your sister, Sahmara is very nice," she added to Elpsis.



They ascended the stairs and passed up into a higher chamber. To one side was a locked door which Tylania approached and opened.

A workroom filled with benches and tools lay within. Crystals of all sizes and types lay in carefully labelled racks. The main focus of the room though was naturally the seven-foot-tall white metal golem with glowing blue eyes. To Elpsis the golem would gleam with Force energies beneath the metal exterior, clearly powered by it rather than pure electricity.

"So, hmm, I have long been fascinated with Alkahest, Light Alchemy, as you know. This is an expression of that. Raindrop, this is Queen Vondra'Lia and Mirza Elpsis Kerrigan. They are, hmm, friends of mine. I wanted to introduce you to some outsiders, so here we are!"

Raindrop regarded the two new people for a moment. "I have heard of you both," it finally said. The voice was modulated, deep, but not loud. "I am Raindrop, and you are the third and fourth persons I have talked to. It is also a good morning, I have been informed, it has been decided by Phylis Alince."

Tylania smiled slightly. "That's why I've been told."

"Hmmph," Phylis said with a slight pout. "Anyway, I wanted to introduce them to you both so you could see my latest endeavours."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"Aye, I strive to," Shikoba spoke. "'Tis not easy. For some the pain, the isolation is too strong...and that is left is to grant them peace. Where their path leads them in the otherworlds, I cannot say. I have traversed the empty void, but I think that 'tis the true afterlife." She breathed in, closed her eyes. When she opened them, they once again had their normal brown colour.

Yaritha was about to say something when she suddenly heard movement. She turned, and her eyes lit up. "Lalax, my love!" she exclaimed. Moving forward, she rushed towards the Xioquo woman, and enveloped her in an embrace. "How are you, my moon? I heard you were at a meeting...so I didn't want to bother you...Alpsis better be treating you well!"

xxx

"I'd like that, Mistress Yeedai," Sahmara said.
"I'll borrow this, if you don't mind?" Tarzar asked, holding up the datapad with the technical images. "I promise you'll get it back." He glanced at Sahmara, smiled. "Well, time for some Vash food. Have you tried any?"
"Shikoba cooked sometimes. But she eternally complained that she could not get the proper ingredients," Xalda suddenly chimed in.
"I told you not to sneak up like that," Sahmara chided her, though her tone was finged with fondness.
Xalda looked puzzled. "I did not sneak."
"You know what I mean..."

Hazani watched Elpsis and Lia depart, a curious and somewhat suspicious expression on her face. She turned when she heard Shazora approach her. "Lady Jai Vahal," she said.
"I thought we might discuss some matters of joint interest, if you would,"
"Yes, I think we should."
"Agha Jai Nasrada," Izana suddenly said. "A word? Concerning questions of the Temple."
"Very well," Mahsa smiled thinly.

xxx

One wondered what Elpsis had been expecting. But probably not this. "Raindrop?" she asked, a bit baffled at the...unconvetional name. "Nice to meet you. Call me Elpsis Jai Saobana or Karrigan'Alpsis," she clarified firmly. The golem glowed fantastically through her Force sight. "So...Alkahest, huh? Funnily enough, the readings I'm getting remind me a bit of the technology used for my arm and leg. No battery like with a machine. An imbued crystal, right?" she frowned. "How self-aware are they?"

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

As Calana watched, the aura around Shikoba dissipated a little and her eyes reverted to a normal colour. Calana breathed out, aware only now she'd been holding it in.

"That's a noble thing you do, Shikoba."

She too was about to say more when guests arrived!

Lalax let out a little excited noise like a cheer when she saw Yaritha and ran forward to embrace her. She gave Lalax a little kiss on the cheek and cuddled with her tightly.

"I am well, oh radiant forest sun!" she declared. "All is well, the meeting has paused, so I could take my leave at last. Yes, sister Alpsis treats me well, as she should. I trust and hope I have not kept you too long?"

Catching sight of Calana she bowed politely. "Priestess, I thank you for bringing Yaritha to me. And to you, Shikoba, I greet you once more."



Yara meanwhile leaned against the doorway. She caught sight of the waiter at the tea room.

"Barrock, some tea to go, please, you know what I like," she said with a smile.

"Yes, ma'am," he said, almost coming to attention. He hastened off to fetch the drink.



XXX



Raindrop tilted their head to the side. "I would definite myself as quite self-aware, Elpsis Jai Saobana. Though I do not possess the awareness of omniscience, I am capable of perceiving and understanding all organic senses except smell and taste. These functions are unnecessary for me, as I do not require sustenance to continue existence. I chose the name 'Raindrop' 418 minutes ago. I like the word, and I think spiritually and philosophically it suits me."



Phylis sighed. "Hmmph, well, yes. As you can see, Raindrop is very aware of their surroundings and willing to share this information. But yes, spot on, Elpsis, well done, hmm. It is a method I had sampled before, but not properly made use of. You could say that it was, hmm, waiting for the final push."

"Phylis' skills with Alkahest are quite impressive," Tylania added. "Using the Light to imbue items in this way is not something I would have considered. Certainly not to create a sentient being from it."

"Yes, and that is where we are at with Raindrop. Hmm, they are a sentient being, not created with AI, but through a more natural process of weaving the elements together. There is going to be, hmm, a lot of work and consideration to come, but I am happy with how they have developed."

Lia had mostly been silent, but now approached Raindrop. "You say this being is one you created? It was not made from an existing creature?"

"Hmm, no. In the same way that computers can create realistic personality matrixes, the same is true here."

"So, you have created…life?" Lia asked softly.

"Hmmph, I guess so…?" Phylis said, puzzled.

"What do you think of this, Raindrop?"

"An interesting question, Vondra'Lia. If you are asking, how do I feel about being created, I do not have a strong opinion as yet. Does the child get asked how they feel about being birthed? Does the android get asked about how they feel being manufactured? I have been created, but I am an independent being. Phylis Alince and Tylania have told me this and I have confirmed this."

"Yes, hmm, I have placed no inhibitors and controls on Raindrop. They are their own being. To do otherwise would be to deny them the true meaning of life."

Raindrop looked back to Elpsis. "Elpsis Jai Saobana, your arm and leg emanate energies similar to what powers me. However, you are organic. Were you damaged so you needed to have these parts replaced, or did you choose to do so? I perceive energies within you, barely contained."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"May the moonlight illuminate your path, daughter of the shadows," Shikoba responded to Lalax. Yaritha wasn't sure whether the ghost whisperer was making fun of her or just being her usual self.

Regardless, Yaritha returned the kiss all too eagerly. It had been too long. "No, no, it was all right, my bright moon. I had good company." She wasn't really sure she quite felt that way, but Lalax would have felt guilty and she didn't want that. Gently she took Lalax' hand. The Xioquo's skin was grey, whereas hers was tanned. "Come, sit down! The tea is pleasant. Have things been going...well inside?" she wasn't sure whether Lalax was allowed to talk about what was going on, so she kept the question open-ended.

xxx

To create...life.

"I lost my arm in battle. Got frostbite after being spaced, so it had to be chopped off. My leg was crippled in a different fight. It had already been patched together many times before that, so..." Elpsis trailed off and shrugged, as if getting maimed was a normal occurence.

"You'll want to keep Raindrop away from Myrkr. I know ysalamiri bubbles muck with my limbs to varying degrees. "I can figure out why a Sith would want to try their hand at 'creating life'. But you're no Sith or a dick like most Jedi, so the question is, why? And why are you showing me this?"

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Lalax stroked Yaritha's hand gently and accepted her invitation. As they sat on the couches, the waiter appeared to pour tea.

"There has been much talk of everyone's concerns," Lalax said. "What is most vital though is that these discussions help everyone understand each other, even if there are no great alliances."

She sipped her tea. "This is of great quality. I compliment those who brew this drink!" she added excitedly.

Calana looked between the two. "A pleasure to meet you, Lalax. I have found the company most agreeable." It was unclear whether she was being entirely truthful here, but she maintained a positive demeanour.

"Where go you later, darling Yaritha?" Lalax asked. "There is to be a feast, and I trust you will come so I can be at your side?"


Meanwhile Barrock had returned with Yara's tea. "Ma'am, for you."

"Good boy," she said with a smile, smirking at his blush as he hurried off. She sipped her tea contentedly and waited.




XXX



"You seem to receive damage in combat situations, Elpsis Jai Saobana," Raindrop commented. "Having assessed your history and your mortality status, I conclude you are highly skilled, but engage in many dangerous situations which increase your chance of damage."

Phylis snorted slightly. "Hmmph, Elpsis' mortality status is an enduring surprise to me, considering everything she has fought. Yet, she is still here, which is a testament to her skill and determination. Hmm."

"I have heard about the planet Myrkr, home to the sessile lizard Ysalimiri species which repels the Force. This is an important consideration, yes."

The Jedi Master sighed slightly. "Well, we will avoid Myrkr for now, yes. Hmm, why am I showing you? It should be obvious, you are one of my closest friends, and have been for a long time. Hmm, and this is work which I was interested to see how you would react!"



Phylis paced back and forth a bit. "I appreciate the compliment, though I would not, hmm, use that phrasing to describe my fellow Jedi." A treasonous part of her mind felt it was a good descriptor for a certain Gorgus Jin.

"Look at it this way, hmm, Elpsis. Droids are sentient synthetic beings created for a purpose, but are usually not given the freedoms they need or deserve. Hmmph, yet no one considers it heretical to create a droid; there was something like three trillion of them made for the ancient Clone Wars, and I am sure there is an appreciable number in the galaxy today. Why is that acceptable? Control, hmm. People feel safe creating that which they can control and direct, and that is very much the case with droids. I did not want that with Raindrop. If I was going to make this being I would not impair them with control. Perhaps this is hubris…but I hope I can set a good example."

"And why me, and not the others?" Lia asked softly.

"Hmm, well, I have known you for a while now, Lia. What I wanted was for the two of you to meet Raindrop and tell me what you thought. And, hmm, I trust you both to keep this meeting and the implications a secret. There are many who might, hmm, wish to use it for their own ends. Or steal the process for themselves. I do not want that."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"Of course, I'll be at your side," Yaritha said eagerly, planting on the Xio's cheek. She didn't like the city, she didn't care for the royals...but being with Lalax would make up for it. More than make up for it. An uncertain look crossed her face. "How long...do you think you can stay? My clan lives in the forests...but it is not that."

"I shall meet Elpsis, and then venture into the Dark Heart," Shikoba chimed in. Not that anyone had asked her, but she did not care. "It has been too long," she said almost wistfully. Her voice was sonorous, eerie.

xxx

You're too foolish to take proper advantage of it, the voice that sounded like Siobhan dripped poison in her ears. Only able to see the world from down the barrel of a gun. A weapon wielded by others. Don't be lulled in by Tylania's pretty words. She has one of the best propaganda teams on the planet, and it doesn't even cost her a penny. Elpsis tensed slightly.

"So does that mean you want to pay Sixty-Nine a salary or something any time soon?" she asked a bit flippantly. "That aside...I kind of get what you mean. Many droids act like, for want of a better word, people...and you might as well treat those like that. Can't have ordinary people get booted out of jobs they can do themselves. Corpos love that to drive down wages, and force people to work in sweatshops," she frowned.

"Anyway...I'm honoured by your trust. I won't spread this around. It's real impressive. So...how long has Raindrop been up and about and what can they do?"

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Calana's eyebrows raised at Shikoba's words. "To the Dark Heart again?" she asked in surprise. "You must be very strong to be able to survive there. There are few who can." Calana herself had never tried the trials, but several of her associates had. Most had never returned, and one that had was never quite the same. The one priestess she knew, other than Tylania, who had made the journey never spoke about it.

Lalax eagerly leant into Yaritha's embrace. "Sister Alpsis will likely not remain long. She has many tasks to perform she says," Lalax confided. However, she did look a little excited. "You wish me to meet with your clan? I am sure I can delay some days and visit your home if you wish it. You do me great honour with this request!"
She had not expected it, possibly because she knew that there would be some Vash who would disapprove of her closeness to Yaritha, and of Xio in general.

xxx

"Hmm? Oh yes, I do not place any conditions on Six-Nine," Phylis replied. "I have offered to pay them, but they rather rudely told me what I could do with my credits. Hmmph! Many people have suggested that I should give them a memory wipe. An appalling suggestion, would they ask me to wipe the mind of an employee who I felt was acting up?"

"Droids though, in my opinion are poorly utilised in the galaxy. Hmmph, many droids do things a simple computer could perform. Or do manual handling - something a vehicle driven by a person can easily do. Droids are specifically better than organics in certain fields, such as calculations and languages, yet are poorly utilised there. If people respected them more, hmm, I feel they would better treat droids as beings."

"If you define the term 'up and about', as meaning 'able to stand and move autonomously', the answer is 6.32 solar cycles. My capabilities have not been fully assessed and enumerated, Elpsis Jai Saobana. I have not as yet left these chambers, so I am unsure of what they might be. However, based on current observations I am able to vocalise, ambulate and manipulate items physically. Further, I believe this armoured shell provides me considerable protection, equivalent to a class-9 material."

Tylania sighed. "Raindrop is certainly skilled in exposition," she added.

Lia meanwhile had approached the golem. "Might I touch?" she asked Raindrop.

"It is allowable, Vondra'Lia. Thank you for seeking my consent before performing this action."

Lia ran a hand over the alchemised metal of the forearm. "I can sense the power within," she almost whispered.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"I go where the spirits bid me," Shikoba said simply, brushing off the praise. "The Dark Heart cannot be described. It can only be experienced. But the lessons one learns there endure for life."

Yaritha smiled brightly. "I'd be so happy if you came! I wanted to take you there sooner...but then with all the strife," she trailed off, looking apologetic. "There will be some who...may not be happy, but not everyone is going to be like that. Or most of them. You're too easy to love."

xxx

Nothing witty to say, Elpsis? Pity. But not to worry, you've served your purpose. People only ever followed you because, out of some ill-advised pity, I let you take my name, a dead despot's words were like maggots burrowing their way into her skin.

Elpsis' jaw tightened, she looked distracted, staring unblinking into the vague direction of Raindrop. "You were no genius, no great intellect, no inventor, nothing. You showed up with a tinpot army at the right time and tricked people into believing you were their saviour. And you loved it, didn't you 'mother'? All those people changing their name to Karrigan or Saobana. And where did that get you? Dead in a hospital bed after some lackey pulled the plug, an inconvenience. Nothing. Even dear Tegs didn't give a fuck. She heard the news, kept on partying, then when things came crashing down for her she ran off like a rat scurrying from the sinking ship. Both of you are nothing."

Firemane was gone. She had laid waste to all Siobhan and the pathetic parasite Tegaea held dear more than anything. Their power, their mansions, their monuments. Their 'empire' was ashes. She shouldn't be bloody hearing the voice of a dead woman.

Her mind flashed back to reality. "You know...I didn't think of things that way. Not consciously, at least. But you've got a point. Hell, just look how many times a cleaning or worker droid breaks down. So much for making manual labour more efficient. But a droid that knows a ton of languages is valuable," she frowned.

"Anyway, it was nice meeting you, Raindrop. Hope to see you again soon when I've got more time, and you've seen a bit more of the world," she glanced back at Phylis. "I figure they're not gonna stay in this room forever. So what are you going to tell people? Anyone with a strong Zari's going to sense they're not a droid."

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

"One day I hope to travel there, but I do not feel I am prepared as yet. Some people never are…is there a way to know before you tread that path?" Calana asked earnestly.



"I would dearly love for you to take me there. This is a fervent wish of mine! If I am able to take the time from my duties we might go there tomorrow."

Lalax inspected Yaritha's outfit and removed some fluff, real or imagined, from it.

"It is you whose joy and worthiness fills the air, my sweet," Lalax replied. "I merely do what I can to help people," she added modestly. "Is it far from here? I am eager to see them and I am sure you will guide me well."



XXX



"Hmm, yes, it is my theory that droids have been purposefully limited in their capabilities so they are not a threat. As we remember with Omni, a powerful machine entity was able to cause extraordinary chaos and destruction. So generally, hmm, machine intelligence has been limited and restricted. I am not sure if that is for the best or not."



Raindrop's burning eyes settled on Elpsis. "This is an outcome that would please me, Elpsis Jai Saobana. I am hoping to perceive more of my surroundings outside of this room in the near future."



To Elpsis' question, Tylania spoke. "My plan is that we will present them as a bodyguard and guardian for the Spire. They are certainly capable of this. Over time we will introduce them further based on what they wish to do. Our intention is to introduce them carefully and slowly, for both Raindrop and the Vash's sake."



Lia moved over beside Elpsis. She looked slightly troubled, but this was only visible in her aura as she learned in closer. Her perfume was quite pleasant.

"I had one matter I wanted to discuss with you and get your feelings on. A lot of Xio have moved to Suqua, which I welcome, however there is still some…uncertainty about their legal status. I would wish to discuss with you an agreement we might make for sharing personal records and allowing easier flow back and forth to the Underealm."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

There was a petty part of Shikoba that did want to encourage Calana to face the tests of the Dark Heart. It would open her eyes to a great many things. But...she had a moral code. "If you venture into the Dark Heart, you will walk in darkness beyond darkness, forever seeking a small ember of light. Until you no longer know yourself. Until the shadows devour you," Shikoba responded. "I say this not to disparage you, but to avert great tragedy. A dance unfulfilled, a work of art abandoned after the first stroke of the brush. Do not go there."

Yaritha smiled brightly, "It is a day's walk on foot, moon of my life. There are no roads and my skin are...unused to sky-craft. All that noise and fumes. I would rather visit them the traditional way. Is that all right with you? I'd guide us. I know the paths well, and I can show you where I used to hunt with my siblings and..." she trailed off, realising she was rambling. There was a slight flush on her cheeks.

"Our priestess would be eager to meet you, I'm sure. You would've...probably been a better student to her than me," she added, whether out of modesty or because it was true.

xxx

Elpsis frowned slightly. Phylis had good intentions. Tylania? Presumably. But praxis had a way of outrunning academic theory once you left carefully controlled laboratory conditions. So goes the long road of good intentions, she thought cynically. She gave Lia a nod. "Sure, we can chat." After saying their farewells to Raindrop, they stepped out of the chamber.

"I don't want to disenfrachise the Xio in Suqua. They're my sisters - literally in several cases. Many fought and bled with us. But we've been busy fighting a war and then rebuilding so legal matters haven't exactly been our top priority. Food crisis, reconstruction and all that, but I get that that you want your people to have protection," she said frankly.

"I assume the agreement is supposed to go both ways. If Qadiri from Suqua want to settle in the Underealm because they're putting down roots there, that's their good right. And that I'm going to get assurances the Daughters aren't suddenly going to be pushed out of the home they were born in and bled for." Her tone was calm...but firm.

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Calana was somewhat taken aback by the directness and bluntness of Shikoba. However, she also appreciated that she could neither sense or see any malice in her words. She was giving the truth as she believed it, and that was crucial.
She nodded. "I thought it might be so, thank you for your truth," Calana said softly. "I have much to learn. One day I hope to make that pilgrimage, but for now I will continue to serve my people here."

Lalax nodded eagerly. "Shining sun, this sounds lovely. I admit though...I have not journeyed much in the great trees, so it is still a strange sight to me. Perhaps as strange as my home when you were brought to it! But I trust you to lead me through it with great care," she added loyally and cuddled up.
"I am sure this is not true!" she added with affected shock. "I am certain you were a good and diligent student, it was just the spirits led you to a different path," she added.

At that moment a clear chime or gong sounded out over the courtyard and to the teahouse.

Yara handed her empty cup to Barrock with a smirk, and headed to the both with the 4 women.
"That's the signal. Follow me, I'll take you up to see them."

xxx

"Of course," Lia replied. "Should any Qadiri from Suqua wish to come to us I would see that there was no legal barriers to it. They would have to support themselves, of course. We do not have the capacity for social charity for outsiders. I also tell you that none of our people will be evicted or dispossesed without a fair trial indicating criminal behaviour."

"She paused. "Let me tell you plainly why this is important; I was not exaggerating in the speech before. The Underealm is vast, but not limitless. Now my people are no longer being sacrificed, slaughtered in wars, murdered in petty rivalries or even being shipped off as indentured labourers...they are growing in number. There will come a time in the near future where I am going to have to start organising more colonisation efforts to Arkas or other regions of Tygara to cope with it. Rents and real estate, now no longer controlled by the Council of Ten or their lackeys, is becoming a greater issue for more people. Therefore, being able to allow people to move to Suqua greatly helps us. However, feel free to impose whatever limits you may choose on numbers - I know your food situation is grim. I am happy to offer at a low price some of our stores and reserves, but I know it likely will not go far for all your people."

As the gong sounded, Tylania moved away from Phylis where they had been discussing. "Ah, I think we can go down. When you are finished with the Queen, I have something to offer you, Elpsis Jai Saobana; fish. It is not much, I know, but the season has been good and we have or will have surplus I offer to the people of Suqua. All I need of you is to provide transport as I have none fit for the role. If you do that I can offer you seventy tonnes of fresh fish. It may not be much in the big picture, but I hope it helps a little. And I believe Phylis has something more...longterm...for you."

Phylis waved a little lamely. "Yes, well, hmm, when you're ready. I have something I've been working on to assist Suqua. It should help...eventually...with your food issues."

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

Yaritha didn't quite believe what Lalax was saying, but appreciated her girlfriend's loyal support regardless. "You say the sweetest things. The forests are not as grim as some people say. They can be dangerous, but only for the unwary and unwise and you're neither. You...have your shades with you, right? If it gets a bit sunny. If you don't it's all right...I brought a spare."

At that moment the gong sounded. Yaritha finished her tea, and stood up, offering her arm to Lalax. "Well...time to see your sister!" Who wants to be more than sisters, she thought to herself.

"Very well," Shikoba said laconically when Yara sauntered over, having said nothing further to Calana.

xxx

Elpsis listened attentively. She frowned slightly when Tylania and then Phylis suddenly showed up. What's your angle, Paragon? she thought a bit suspiciously, then nodded. "I'd appreciate that aid...from you all. We can provide transport and fuel. Phylis...lets talk about your design later. I'm interested."

Her gaze turned back to Lia. Or rather stared vaguely in her direction since Elpsis didn't really look at people directly. "My people are accustomed to pulling themselves up by their bootstraps. They don't want anyone's charity, just a square deal without scum rigging the game. As for Xio settlers, we can grant blanket naturalisation to the Xio already in Suqua. They're there because they're fought for freedom, are family members of those who did, are helping with rebuilding and so on. So it's only fair. But we can't accept any additional migrants for the time being until the situation's improved. Once that's the case we can review things, and take steps to make it easier for Xio who are already there to bring their family members over if they want to."

She tilted her head up, feeling on safer terrain. Almost like she had an idea of where she was going. She probably didn't, but she liked to think she sounded close to it. "For when things calm down, we've been thinking about a joint city for Xio, and Qadiri, and the Kar'zun who've crossed over. Since Suqua itself wasn't exactly built with Xio in mind. So basically, Xio and the rock guys get habitations underground, Qadiri above ground, and there's joint facilities and stuff. I figure some kind of joint war memorial would be a start."

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Lalax smiled. "I do, and a cloak and hood so the bright sun does not hurt me. You are the only sun which I like to shine upon me," she added with a flirtatious grin.
"Ah, let us go, my love," she said when hearing the gong. Arms linked they headed up to the entrance of the Spire.
Calana followed, thoughtful and silent.

As they approached the top they would reunite with the other delegates. Lalax boldly approached Sahmara and Tarzar.
"My apologies, friends. I wish to introduce Yaritha to you, she is a great friend and companion of mine. I am please and proud to be beside her!" she said earnestly. This was probably embarrassing the Vash no end, but Lalax just wanted to show her off!

Yara meanwhile returned to her post.

xxx

Lia nodded. "This would be acceptable to me, Elpsis. I would not want to foist more people than you can handle, especially in this time of great turmoil and chaos. Your idea for a joint city though is most excellent. If it would aid you when the time comes, we can send some of our engineers to assist you. They are well experienced in excavating below ground safely."

"Do you have a site chosen already, or would you like some surveyors of mine sent to help locate a good location in accordance with yours?"

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"...the ruins must be about three hundred years old, give or take. Sadly, much has been lost to the passage of time, but our scholars testify the Azalian symbolism is unmistakeable," Shazora was saying. "Back then our seas were plagued by Khaimari raiders. It may have been a hospice for pilgrims."
"We know of Sistren who may have visited Farzi during that time," Hazani spoke, looking thoughtful as she studied the images. "We would like to inspect these ruins...and artefacts that may still be there."

"Actually, I had something more far-reaching in mind. We make obeisance to Nanshe, but this sacred place is part of our heritage as well. It's our wish to honour it - and our growing Azalian community - by erecting a temple dedicated to the Mother of Flames upon these ruins."
"Which school would it follow?" the Bysara heir queried.

Shazora placidly clasped her hands together. "I must sadly admit my ignorance of the nuances. I know, it is all very frought, so many controversies. Truth be told, I was hoping the Sistren would help us find a suitable priestess."
Hazani raised an eyebrow. "You're offering us the temple?"
"I-I'm offering stewardship to an order dedicated to the Goddess Azali and to combating those who mistreat her flock," Shazora took a sip from her cup of tea. "Could you bring this offer before your conclave?"

Yaritha was feeling quite embarrased, but also touched at Lalax' enthusiasm. Her cheeks flushed slightly, acquiring a more than passing resemblance to her flaming red hair. "Greetings...everyone. Yaritha Greatpine. I'm...truly no one special," she said a bit lamely.
"Hello," Sahmara gave the Vashyada a friendly wave, frowned. "Greatpine..the Crimson Arrow, yes?"
Yaritha flushed even more. "Please, no, you must be confusing me."
"But it was you who took out that butcher Naeries!"
"Am I standing in the presence of a celebrity, Priestess?" Tarzar asked playfully, amused. "Now I feel underdressed. I'm not even wearing a turban!"
"All I did was make the bomb," Yaritha pointed out modestly. "And I was...intoxicated when I came up with that name."
"I do not see what is wrong with it," Xalda suddenly chimed in, walking over to join them. "A mighty arrow you are, stepsister, coloured with the blood of the pale oppressors."

Further away, Izana anad Mahisa were standing on a terrace together. "So you see, that Conclave of the Elemental Winds nonsense is troubling. Prayers and ritual have no meaning, they say! I believe in tolerance, I can accept intermingling...but these charlatans want to uproot our whole faith. The goddesses and gods will not take kindly to it when we deny their identity, their essence," Izana declared animatedly.
"Hmmph, quite," Mahsa Jai Nasrada pursed her lips. A tall woman who was fit and strong despite her age, her features bore the same fiery cracks as Elpsis. "And what would you have us do about it? Cast them into the flames for you? I doubt your young, human Queen would take kindly to that. Unless you're admitting you've tired of her."
"Nothing so drastic. A joint fatwa. We serve the same Goddess, for all our differences."
"You should not worry about far away heresies, my dear. Look closer to home. You serve a human, and an infidel at that!" the old Agha declared, her tone laced with disgust.
"She hasn't meddled with the temple or out rights. Truly, I would prefer it if she opened her heart to orthodoxy and acquired a proper understanding of canon."
"And therein lies your error, priestess. Azali is our goddess, not that of the humans. She will forever be far from Her sight."
"But not outside of Her plan. She has the marks to show for it. She strives to execute Her counsel, though she knows it not."
"You're either a dreamer, or just trying to rationalise bending the knee to a pagan."
"She gets embarrassed when I do that. It's quite funny."
"I'm not inclined to jest."
"So I see. Nor am I on matters of faith. But we're all flawed, imperfect vessels of Her will. All we can do is look for Her signs and strive to act accordingly."
"And there comes a time when all must pass through the Flame of Truth. I'm afraid there's no exemptions for those who say 'I erred, but I tried!'"
"I live every day in the certainty of Her judgement. Let Her flames wash over me, and consume me if they find I spoke false. She alone judges me."

xxx

"There are tunnels near the Perch that show promise based on what some Kar'zun found out, but with all that's been going we haven't gotten a lot of work done yet. If you can send some surveyors, that could be helpful. There's plenty of untapped space beneath the mountains." Suddenly Elpsis winced. She grit her teeth, face momentartily contorted in pain, "And I'm told behind them."

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

If Lalax noticed the embarrassment of her girlfriend she didn't show it. Though, she gently squeezed her hand to show she was there.
"Yes, she is a great warrior! She fought against the old mistresses, and now the sky people. She is modest, but she has proven herself in many battles, and has earned her title of Crimson Arrow."
She saw Xalda approach and smiled at her. "Sister, you remember Yaritha well, I hope?"
She introduced Yaritha to the two Qadiri, in case she had not met them before. "Yaritha and I met in the Underealm, and we have been close since," she finished.

Calana moved over with Shikoba. "I'll take you inside to see Elpsis," she said.
As they passed in they could see Elpsis talking with Lia, Tylania and Phylis on the stairs down into the room.
"Let me know if there's anything you need," she added. She expected she'd get little reply, but she offered regardless.

xxx

Lia nodded. "I'll have some sent to you as soon as practical." She headed down the stairs with Tylania.

That left Phylis alone with Elpsis in somewhat privacy. "Are you alright?" the Jedi asked in concern. "I had something I wanted to give to you. Well, two things, hmm. One for you, one for your people. The first is, I've noticed the fiery cracks on you. Hmmph, everyone has, of course. However, from my research on various elemental schools of the Force, I've found that it is quite common across all of them. Now, as we know, in Sith, the Dark Side can show in a corrupted visage amongst those deepest into its power. For those in the Light it can show in a, hmm, lighted aura and manifested phenomena. However, for those with elemental mastery it most often displays as the appearance of that elemental starting to breach their physical form. Now, this is mostly not literal, but it is an indication that the power contained in you is taking its toll."

The Jedi leaned even closer. "Traditionally, the treatment of this has been to 'stop using the power', which is a way of, hmm, stopping the extent of the power. Hmmph, I'm not going to suggest that though, as I know you won't do that. You have, hmm, duties, which require it, and you use the Force for vision. However, I have something which might, perhaps, alleviate the condition somewhat, based on a Kro Var artefact I found. Hmm, for many years I was unsure of its purpose, but I think I understand now."

Standing so that her body blocked what she was showing Elpsis, she produced a silvery obelisk, but double ended, engraved with various runes and symbols. The whole thing was about 10cm long, and radiated an unusual Force signature.
"If you wish, take it. When you rest and focus on it, this will allow you to store some of your Force energy in it. Hmm, bleed off the excess, if you prefer. You can then draw on the artefact like a battery if you need to when in danger. Like with my crystals, the effect will slowly diminish like, hmm, air from a balloon. However, I think it might help belay the worsening of the condition...at least for a while."

"Understand, I'm not doing this to try and weaken or neuter you. Hmmph, far from it, I'm doing this, well, because I want to help you survive a bit longer. Study on this condition is very, hmm, undeveloped, but it will seriously reduce your lifespan. However, if you choose not to take it, I understand."
The Jedi looked up from the lower step at her earnestly, and her aura was filled with both concern and determination.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"We have met, and it pleases me to meet her again!" Xalda declared enthusiastically. Yaritha suddenly found herself pulled into an exuberant hug. She looked momentarily taken aback, then returned the gesture. "You are very pretty and brave, I judge you to be a worthy life-mate of my sister," the Daughter continued.
"Uh...thank you...I try," Yaritha said, coughing slightly. But there was no awkwardness, when she added, "Lalax makes me very happy."
"Well, pleased to meet you," Tarzar said warmly. "How'd you meet? Before...or after the end of the old order."
"Before. We were slaves to the same mistress...and kept each other sane," Yaritha said, giving Lalax an affectionate glance. "When it all came crumbling down for them, she decided no one in her household should survive. We dealt with her before she could take us with her...before she could take our son with her." Or, to be precise, her own son, for the mistress had decreed her children should join her in death.
"Your son?" Sahmara asked, a bit puzzled.
"Oh, neither of us bore him. Nor did she, for that matter. But he's ours. Not that she ever treated him as hers."
"Her own child?" Sahmara looked appallled.
That's sick," Tarzar remarked, clearly disgusted. "I shouldn't be surprised, given all the stories and all I've seen about the...old Xio."
"Many Xio were victims as well, and spilt their blood for freedom," Yaritha said firmly and a bit defensively, squeezing her girlfriend's hand.

"I have no need," Shikoba responded bluntly to Calana. She tilted her head slightly, eyes now suddenly stark white as she gazed upon the people congregated on the stairs. "I see a fading light, surrounded by a roaring, hungry inferno. But still she shines."

xxx

"I'm going to burn. My body's going to go up in smoke. A year, five years, ten if I'm lucky, right?" Elpsis said bluntly...and with an air of resignation about her. "It is what it is. Made my peace with it. All it means is that I have to...do my duty. Long as I've done that, and things don't fall apart the moment I'm gone? Sounds like a fulfilled life."

It might have sounded like empty bravado. But above all she sounded...tired. She stared at Phylis' artefact intently, in that unblinking, unyielding way of hers. "If this helps me function...do what I have to do a while ago...thanks. Honestly, thanks." A sigh escaped her throat. I am Iron, I am Fire.

"You know everyone sees the cracks, but few bother mention them to me. You know how many times my mothers brought it up? Never. Siobhan? First thing she told me right after Tephrike was that she ought to court-martial me. But, of course, that would look bad for her legacy, so her lackeys made a puff piece. All the propaganda posters showed me white eyes...but no 'blemishes'. Tegs? Pfft. Once she figured out I wouldn't become her pretty, shallow doll she could parade around for the other parasites to gawk at, I was an inconvenience." Her tone was laced with loathing and contempt..and yet beneath that...pain and hurt, for the wound still burnt.

 

[Phylis Alince]

Elpsis Kerrigan

Lalax beamed enthusiastically. "And you make me feel great happiness when we are together, mixed with sorrow when we are apart," she added.
"The old Xio were led by those who were shaped by struggle. Rather than using it as a way of promoting unity, they used it as a means of purging all those who did not comply with them. Only the ruthless, violent and cruel stayed long in positions of strength." Lalax had a rather philosophical view of things.
"I am glad they are dead though," she added. "Their crimes required justice. But from our mistress came one thing of good; our son Narax."
A moment's reflection, then she glanced back at the Qadiri. "What of you two? How did you come to be where you are now?"

xxx

Phylis frowned. This socialising was a little difficult for her, but she at least knew Elpsis was not one to play with fancy words.
"Hmm, I suspect some people do not wish to mention them for fear of offending you?" she asked, as unsure of the answer as much as Elpsis' reaction. "Hmmph, I never wanted to be a great leader or commander, I do not have the temperament for that. However, I saw in both Siobhan and Tegaea a trait which has afflicted so many over the centuries; complacency. Hmm, once they reached a peak at which they felt they were secure, they allowed themselves to plateau. I do not see that in you, Elpsis. Hmm, indeed, I see the opposite. I see you pushing yourself to breaking point every day, and I now know why. I admire that about you, hmm. Your dedication to duty is matched only by one other I know. Hmm, for that you have my greatest respect."

The Jedi produced from her bag a second item, a cube with a hinged lid about ten centimetres on all sides. Inside was a find dust, perhaps like the most pure white sand.
"Hmm, this is something I have been working on. Be very careful with these contents, and use it sparingly. It is something I hope will help repair your shattered land. Hmmph, it will not magically make everything better, but it may help your people recover. I call it 'Re-Genesis', and through a long process I will not, hmm, trouble you with, what looks like sand or dust is actually imbued crystal fragments."

"They accelerate the growth and, hmm, rejuvenation, of any natural living thing they are applied to. To plants, a pinch at the roots, to animals, a small amount in their food, and to injuries a small amount mixed into a poultice will greatly assist. Do be wary using too much though, hmm, as the side effects can be...hmm...unfortunate. There is enough in that box for a whole farm of plants or animals, or for a whole hospital of people. If you find it of use I can make more, though not in vast amounts. If you have skilled artificers there though, I could teach them to make it, though the effects might be lesser unless they are skilled users of the Light."

Aware she'd rambled on a bit, Phylis coughed. "Hmm, oh, and it may have unintended effects when used on cybernetic or Dark side creatures. That may, hmm, include yourself. Still, I hope you will find it useful!"

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

Phylis Alince

"Oh, my mother's a Farzian priestess of the Water Goddess. I needed to make something out of myself, so I picked up a spear to get some glory. It wasn't quite like the songs." For a moment a shadow seemed to pass over Tarzar's face. Unpleasant memories, no doubt. Then the moment had passed, and he was all roguish smiles again.

"Turns out I was good enough at it...even better at not dying on the scimitar of a Xio or Khaimari. So my superiors made me a commander and gave me...paperwork. I'm not quite sure who I offended! At least I got to eventually smack down some shovelheads who were getting good women and men killed," he chuckled. "But it is how I met Shazora," a glance towards the Lady, who was still conversing with Hazani. It was not a romance straight out of a ballad, but the expression on his face was unmistakeably fond. "She was still Firemane's officially, but not in her heart. She wanted a child, and an anchor to her home. Our clans arranged the match...but we hit it off. And when the time came, we fought. But enough of me!"

"I was a slave," Sahmara admitted. "A mamluk of Lakish. My master...he was not bad. We had a child, and I believe he cared. But he perished before he could set me free. The Mirza would hear nothing of it. But when the Lady Saobana overthrew her, I was set free. I didn't have a mother until I took her name." She looked down, feeling self-conscious. "I met her years later. She was...kind then. Maybe it was all a lie. She let so many awful things happen.." she trailed off.
"She was kind once, sister," Xalda opined softly, placing a hand on the Qadiri Saobana's shoulder. "Then she betrayed us. And the Karishzar forsook her."

Yaritha considered saying something. She was about to open her mouth, but thought better of it. The Daughters had somewhat patronisingly acknowledged her as a 'Stepdaughter' of the Destroyer. She was far removed from their politics and even more so from their former icon...but she knew it was a delicate topic for her love. She gave Lalax' hand a reassuring squeeze.


Meanwhile, Shazora seemed to have wrapped up matters with Hazani. "...I thank you for a very illuminating conversation, Lady Warden," she said politely, stretching out a delicate hand.
Hazani looked her in the eye, then after a moment took the offered hand. Her own was calloused from war and strife. "The High Mistress and the conclave will discuss your...offer."
"I look forward to their response. May Kashara light your path." With a swirl of skirts, Shazora turned and headed towards the Xioquo Queen, though not before sparing her husband a glance. "Queen Vondra'Lia, I trust your meeting was to your liking. I believe there were some matters you wished to discuss in private, yes?"

xxx

Elpsis looked surprised, then smiled slightly. "This is great...thank you. Honestly. I'll have to consult with some people about how best to use this. Agriculture would be good...but we have many wounded and sick, too. Hmm, what are the limits when it comes to healing folks?" she asked curiously.