Surtr's outburst marked an ever-so-slight change in the attitudes of the assembled Travelers.  Sen-sen, previously so content to stand right by Emily's side, retreated several steps, and the Journeymen who held domain over snow and ice -Kai and Elvilika, respectively- also flinched.  The remainder of the young spirit-wielder's exposition entered restless ears, and when she finished, it was Kai who replied rather than Sen-sen.  "You need not do such a thing.  You can ask any Traveler the question 'for the good of the world, will you let me keep your spirit inside me?' and the answer will be the same.  You might be thinking, how can Udo Koro Kai be so sure?  The answer is this.  Who we are does not matter.  It is what we do.  Each of us was reborn in this city without memories of our previous life.  It wasn't until we became Travelers, which takes a very long time, mind you, that our memories were restored.  Some of us decided to honor the past, by retaking our names in life and [i]brooding over them constantly[/i]..." at this point, he flashed a meaningful look at Salvadore, who was looking at the noontime sun far above.

Elvilika took it upon herself to keep up the tempo of the speech in a way that did not deride any fellow Journeymen.  "But most of us realize that we've been given a special chance, an opportunity for complete freedom.  In a way, Diver is the wisest of us all.  In her past life, Diver was a queen, some centuries ago before her soul was plucked from the aether by Salvation and bound to a Worker's husk.  When she became a Traveler, all the memories returned.  All the love of youth, all the hardship of both marriage and rule, all the pain of war, and finally the desperation that preceded the moment she was executed by the marauder who conquered her.  Rather than dwelling on who she was, however, she transitioned completely to what her freedom allowed her to do--to revel in the joy that water brought her.  We all have our stories, but they would be superfluous.  If we were to be hosted inside you, to keep every ounce of ourselves locked in a room, unable to do anything but speak without vying against your other spirits for control of your body...it would be anathema."

At that moment, the ground began to rumble.  The pressure and low noise persisted for only a few seconds, and following them came a broad, deep chiming sound from the general direction of up.  The assembled Journeymen all started as if they had been shocked, then settled knowingly.  Salvadore's words came in a slight accent, thrilling his r's, but his tone was one of matter-of-fact professionalism.  "Providence has bestowed upon us another Blessing.  In moments the white light will wash over Monolith and replenish the spirits of all the Workers."  He fixed his sharp gaze on Emily, treating her to the permanent grimace etched onto his face.  "I cannot say if it will affect you; to my knowledge it has never failed to affect a living thing it touches, but you are not exactly living.  Perhaps when the holy light dies down you will have a hand made of opal, who knows.  But if you let it affect you, you will be clued into the spiritual network that binds all Workers to the city, and then if you sojourn to the acropolis of Monolith you may be able to consult with Providence and get an answer that pleases you more.  Providence is a holy spirit too large for you to host, but if it so chooses, your spirits may work in partnership.  Or you might allow Providence to 'host' yourself.  Hard to say."  The shadows nearby began to recede.  Above the Sestet, the city was glowing: the stones, the bricks, the metal, the wood, the buildings, the streets, and the golems all shone with a radiant white luminescence.  In seconds it would be upon the Sestet.  "You offered us a choice, but now, it is time for you to choose," Salvadore concluded with an air of smug finality.  "Remain touching the city and receive the Blessing of Providence, or call upon your spirit Surtr to fly."