[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/aRfAXko.png[/img][/center] [hr] [h3]Ghosts - [i]Continued[/i][/h3] [hr] The moon washed the refuge in a faint glow as Yalen’s second night in Torragon came to an end. Once again the students of Ersand’Enise found themselves walking in unison, the Red Tower slowly receding behind them. Slightly ahead of everyone else was Jocasta, her wheels gliding effortlessly across the stone colonnade. The demure mask from before was now gone. In its place was something more genuine. She had become more laid-back, and perhaps more cheeky as well. The tethered girl looked over her shoulder. [color=ffdead]”Hey you four, I’m curious. If you were able to time travel, what do you think you would do with it?”[/color] Jocasta called out to them. [color=#FD5E53]”Time travel? Indeed…”[/color] Yalen had a faraway look as he seriously pondered over Jocasta’s question. There were so many answers to pick from. Reverse a tragic event? Meet someone no longer alive, or yet to be born? The opportunities were endless. [color=#FD5E53]”I think I would speak to my future self. If I end up with any regrets in my life, it would be a privilege to have a second chance.”[/color] He finally decided upon his answer after a few seconds of contemplation. The gap between Jocasta and the others closed as she became more conscious of her pace. [color=ffdead]”I could hardly fault you,” she replied, “though I think I’ll probably have far more regrets than someone as… just [i]damned[/i] good as you.”[/color] Though she obviously meant it in a good way, Yalen frowned at the remark. [color=#FD5E53][i]There’s no need to put yourself down like that.[/i][/color] He thought to himself. [color=#B8041A]”There are questions I’d like to ask, or things I would’ve liked to have figured out earlier,”[/color] Kaspar started in a soft tone,[color=#B8041A]”But… perhaps I’d go to some time I’ve never been or never will be. Some time removed from myself - to have the chance to see something I’ll never get to see.”[/color] He blushed lightly, shooting a glance toward the wheelchair-bound girl. [color=#B8041A]”But, ah… That’s perhaps a less… [i]productive[/i] way to use such a power,”[/color] he admitted. Jocasta smiled at Kaspar's blush. [color=ffdead][b]"Gettin' all bashful on me, there, eh?”[/b][/color] She pushed off again - a great big one that let her glide freely, but then she grabbed her wheels, pushed back, and ended up beside Kaspar. [color=ffdead][b]"I'd go far into the future and see what kind of world we've made for ourselves by then."[/b][/color] She paused, pressing a pensive finger to her lips for a moment. [color=ffdead][b]"Or maybe way back to the start of it all."[/b][/color] Her eyes gazed wistfully into the distance, but the guest dormitories were not far now. [color=#FD5E53]"Perhaps you could tell us whether the chicken or the egg came first?"[/color] Yalen suggested jokingly. His poor attempt at humor caused Zarina to poke him in the side, at which he recoiled. He rubbed his ribcage and tightened his lips. [color=ffdead][b]"I could answer your question,”[/b][/color] Jocasta teased Yalen, [color=ffdead][b]"Though I'd be deathly afraid of rolling over the wrong egg and fouling up the entire flow of history. Time is... not to be trifled with, I think. I'd also have to scrub yolk off my wheels. Ugh. No thank you."[/b][/color] She blinked and looked towards the other two women, who'd been silent to now. [color=ffdead][b]"How about you, Strong-but-Silent?"[/b][/color] she prodded. Ayla mused over the question for a while before answering. [color=7ea7d8] "There is nothing to change in the past. For what has happened, has been. Our lives are filled with regret, failure, and missed opportunities. But to human is to err, and only by failure will we learn and become better than our previous selves. If we change the past, we don't learn those lessons, and we are doomed to repeat them. By undoing one event, won’t we create even more potentially bad ends?"[/color]. She places her hand over her friend’s, knowing of the trouble in her past. [color=7ea7d8]"With a power like that, it is not about changing the past, but changing the future. The power to know what may happen and change it, making a better world for ourselves and others around us. We may not erase the past, but we can prevent such things from happening in the first place. Learn lessons without the price of failure."[/color] Ayla's more serious answer gave Jocasta pause. [color=ffdead][b]"Heprates has nothing on you,"[/b][/color] she joked, rolling out ahead again. [color=ffdead][b]"But I think you're right, you know. Changing the past - well, more than a couple minutes of it - does no good. Failing to use such a gift to create a better future might be wasting it. Still,"[/b][/color] she mused aloud, [color=ffdead][b]"I wonder so much what times distant from ours will look like. Will they really be better?"[/b][/color] Ayla smiles as she moves to stroke her fingers through Jo's blonde hair in a comforting manner, caressing it lightly at its ends. [color=7ea7d8]"If there is ever the opportunity, don't forget about your amiga, Ayla."[/color]. She teases her friend with her comment, [color=7ea7d8]"Though such wishful thinking is most likely only so. Never heard of such a gift before."[/color]. Zarina had remained conspicuously silent during this exchange. Her arms crossed under her chest as she she paced slightly behind the others and just watched the evening skies. When Jocasta poked for both Ayla’s and Zarina’s attention, the Virangish kept discreet while the Torragonese expressed her views on the matter, more so than a wish. With the tone she used, it seemed like the subject had affected her patience and forced herself to answer. [color=C78A2C]”I don’t like to think of these things.”[/color] she states when a moment of silence came and inevitable attention was brought to her again, [color=C78A2C]”They busy the mind with things that won’t– or shouldn’t happen.”[/color] she scratched her cheek, [color=C78A2C]”I don’t dwell on the past and I make the future what I want it to be. No point skipping ahead.”[/color] [color=#FD5E53]"Well, don't feel compelled to answer Zarina. We're just passing time."[/color] Yalen offered in an attempt to smooth things over. Indeed, time had passed and they were back in their dorm area now. For a moment, Jocasta glared daggers at Ayla's offending hands, but her face soon softened. In response to her, Yalen, and - most especially - Zarina, the tethered merely giggled. [color=ffdead][b]"Oh, I know it's all just a hypothetical. Still,"[/b][/color] she concluded, [color=ffdead][b]"I find it fun to think about and... who knows, y'know?"[/b][/color] She may or may not have winked, it was so brief, but she set hands to wheels and turned off in the direction of the big common room. [color=ffdead][b]"Anyways, I'm off to go be a maid for the next little while. I'll see you soon!"[/b][/color] [color=#FD5E53][i]A maid? You're the one who offered to help![/i][/color] Yalen thought to himself. The number of cheeky women in the group was growing. Yalen entered the common room with Jocasta, and with her help the space was made a bit cleaner and more well lit. Candles and lanterns were appropriated and unnecessary furniture pushed to the edges of the room. Only a low lying table was allowed to remain in the middle, with floor cushions spread out so that each student had a place. Jocasta may have rolled her eyes a bit when Yalen even insisted on rearranging some of the lights so they would form a five sided perimeter around them. Once the arrangements had been made, Yalen took his seat while Jocasta was allowed to choose between remaining in her wheelchair or using one of the cushions herself. "Thanks Jocasta. I couldn't have managed by myself." Yalen said gratefully. His eyes were drawn to the Kerreman time piece on the wall. The agreed upon hour was only a couple minutes away, so it wouldn't be long until their friends joined them. [color=ffdead][b]"I'll admit to helping because I was intrigued,”[/b][/color] Jocasta replied, backing up to admire some of their handiwork with the low table. [color=ffdead][b]"Place looks more alive than I've ever seen it,"[/b][/color], she agreed, turning on the spot to take it all in. She came to a stop and breathed. [color=ffdead][b]"You know, we used to call it the 'Ghost Room' when we were kids. We'd dare each other to go in there and complete 'missions' and things."[/b][/color] She let out a snort and smiled faintly, wistfully, looking up at Yalen. [color=ffdead][b]"We thought it was haunted, but it was just a room that never got used."[/b][/color] She rolled forward a bit, bending over and repositioning the cushion beside him with her hands instead of the Gift. With a small grunt of exertion, she swung herself down onto it, taking a moment to sweep some golden locks from her eyes. [color=ffdead][b]"Something poetic about this, whatever happens tomorrow,"[/b][/color] she remarked, eyes roving for a moment before finding his. Absently, she gathered her legs and crossed them. [color=ffdead][b]"And, well... before anyone else gets here, I just... wanna say a thank you of my own."[/b][/color] She glanced down at her lap, smoothing out some of the folds in her dress before resting her hands on her knees. [color=ffdead][b]"You knew me for what I was this morning - [i]Eshiran,[/i] I could see your fear - but you didn't try to use me or destroy me for it."[/b][/color] She pressed her eyelids shut for just a moment and time slipped away. In the anticipatory stillness of this place, the senses became acute. One could feel the air brush their skin as it was warmed by a dozen candles. The snapping of tiny flames and the ticking of a clock echoed through the silence, and if one listened closely they might even hear their own pulse. Yalen leaned forward on the table and rested his chin on top of his arms. He lay there staring at a flickering candle. It was strange how uneasy he felt right now. The priest in training had held dozens of people's hands as they pleaded to Dami for clemency, felt the life slip out of their body as they slowly faded away. He had prayed for them, and cried for them, but the short time spent with his new friends had exposed Yalen to emotions he'd never had to deal with before. [color=#FD5E53]"I'm sorry Jocasta, but you're mistaken. I didn't know anything until recently. What you saw in me this morning was merely the lingering touch of a bad dream."[/color] Yalen sighed heavily. [color=#FD5E53]I never would have doubted you at all were it not for other people whispering in my ear. I admit I did begin to suspect you, and when I finally learned of your past wrongdoings... After trusting you so innocently, I felt betrayed."[/color] There was a pause as Yalen stopped to take a breath. He still wasn't looking at her, but he felt her gaze drilling into the back of his head. Without seeing her face it was impossible to know how she was feeling right now. [color=#FD5E53]"The others say they forgive you... but I cannot do the same."[/color] This time Yalen sat up straight and met her eyes. [color=#FD5E53]"But it's not because you don't deserve it. The right to forgive belongs to the victims, and to yourself."[/color] Yalen placed a gentle hand on Jocasta's scalp, the same way he would comfort a crying child. When he did so, his sixth sense detected an influx of energy being drawn into her body. She was like a wild cat being touched for the first time. [color=#FD5E53]"The only choice that is truly our own, is the choice of whether to accept what we see before us."[/color] [color=#FD5E53]"In you... I indeed see a sinner. A murderer, but I don't believe that is who you are deep inside. I can feel the good in you, and I know you didn't just protect us for the sake of the warden's mission. You did what you had to do to survive your terrible circumstances."[/color] Without warning, he reached out and forced her face into his chest. Trapped in his hug, Jocasta could no longer see Yalen's face, but it was easy to feel the hammering of his heartbeat. [color=#FD5E53]"I accept all that you are, and I know the others do too. If you ever feel yourself stray from the path of justice again, think of us. We met as strangers, but by brushing with death we have all gained something deeper than friendship. We will never betray you."[/color] Seconds went by and Jocasta remained unresponsive, but eventually she moved her hands from the floor to embrace Yalen in return. [color=C78A2C]”Cute.”[/color] The two tethered were so focused on each other that they hadn’t felt Zarina slip into the room unannounced. Yalen looked over to see her throw him a cheeky grin from behind a glass of water. Turning full 180, she stepped out of the room and closed the door. The Virangish waited by the entrance for a few minutes, making sure the two blondes had their moment unperturbed. [color=#FD5E53]"Well I think we both heard that. The others must be waiting outside. Let's not keep them any longer.[/color] Yalen gave Jocasta one final pat on the back and helped her back onto her seat, taking care to provide enough support without outright babying her. He got up and made for the door, and when he opened it he could still see Zarina giving him [i]the look[/i]. It was good that she was having fun he supposed, though he wished she would tone down the sauciness once in a while. [color=#FD5E53]"Good to see you Zarina. Please, come in.[/color] Yalen held the door open and politely gestured for her to proceed. She took the invitation and stepped into the room, although she kept to the edges and didn’t appear to want to be noticed all too much, [color=C78A2C]”I hope you can excuse my lack of participation,”[/color] Zarina speaks up before others may join, [color=C78A2C]”I don’t exactly share the same enthusiasm for the Pentad as some others might.”[/color] and yet here she was. Shortly after, Ayla came in with a big knowing smile as she made her way towards Jo. She sat beside the girl, her hand being placed within Jo's reach as if being offered for her to take it. [color=7ea7d8]"We do have a lot of discuss about the petition. It can be rather dry, so we were thinking... ... why not make a girls night out of it? We can see about arranging some nice food, some music, some... privacy for talking. Try to lighten the atmosphere a bit. It has almost been non-stop since we came here. Very exhausting."[/color] Yalen and Zarina exchanged pleasantries while Ayla and Jocasta had their own little conversation. Kaspar eventually turned up as well, though he was a few minutes late. Everyone that needed to be here was now present. [color=#FD5E53]”Everyone, I cannot express how happy I am that you’ve agreed to sit with me tonight. It seems our final trial awaits, and I grow fearful for our safety. With such an uncertain fate awaiting us, it was my hope to bring all of us under one roof to seek the Pentad’s grace. You need not close your eyes or bow your heads. I know a couple of you do not share my enthusiasm for the Menana, and that is okay, for it is enough that you are here. Now, let’s proceed without delay.”[/color] [color=#FD5E53]”Tonight I borrow inspiration from the life of Lysander the Worldbinder. It is he who is said to have crossed the Ensollian Sea and entered the land of Zaqhora, where he sought to claim the Sword of Kings and become the chosen prophet of Eshiran. At the time, the holy relic was in the possession of the pharaoh Amunkhare, who in the age of myths commanded the greatest dynasty of ancient Severa. After much deliberation, the mighty pharaoh did agree to relinquish the treasured blade, and revealed the location of its tomb. However, Lysander found the sword protected by the most cunning of trials. Five mighty gates barred the way to the relic, and five tests to unseal them. The night before delving into the tomb, the Worldbinder sat with his closest companions and called to the gods for protection and strength. Since then, circles like these have become traditional practice among the more devout practitioners of Quentism. With that all said, let us pray.”[/color] Yalen placed his right hand beneath his left shoulder. [color=#FD5E53]”I speak to Ipte, designer of all this world’s love and beauty. Thank you for blessing us with the bonds of new friendship. Though we may not see eye to eye in all things, our kindred spirits have tied our fates together. Let this meeting not be a chance encounter, but a relationship that we carry to the end of our lives. Let your love touch the residents of this sanctuary, so that they may overcome the wounds in their hearts and live on.”[/color] Yalen placed his left hand beneath his right shoulder. [color=#FD5E53]”I speak to Shune, the all seeing and all knowing one. This sacred mission has been a learning experience for all of us. Here in this foreign land, we encounter new ideas and perspectives that would be out of reach within our own narrow understanding. Bless us Enlightened One, for we need your guidance now more than ever. In order to save the tethered, we must negotiate on their behalf and show the world that they are not a people to be feared. It is ignorance that plagues this land, and we seek to be the cure.”[/color] Yalen placed his left hand on his right hip. [color=#FD5E53]”I speak to Oraff, my beloved patron and creator of life as we know it. In the face of grave danger, we plea to you for preservation. In order to destroy the mad wyrm, we must put many lives at stake. Perhaps some of us shall meet our end. If any are to fall tomorrow, I humbly ask that they may go in peace, without any undue suffering. Protect those with righteousness in their hearts, for it is they who shall lead this world unto a brighter future.”[/color] Yalen placed his right hand on his left hip. [color=#FD5E53]”I speak to Eshiran, whose power and fury we rightfully fear. Mighty destroyer, grant us the strength to do your deeds. For those willing to fight, give them the courage and strength to persevere. Many of those who will stand on the field tomorrow have never known the fear of battle. Look upon us and smile, as we fight for the sake of those too weak to fight for themselves. In order to protect that which we hold dear, please empower us.”[/color] Finally, Yalen brought his hands together just below his chest. [color=#FD5E53]“Last but not least I speak to Dami, the holder of the scales and dispenser of the holy law. Of the judge most supreme, I request your guiding hand as we strive to do what we think is right. This refuge is not a place of peace as we once believed. It is a prison. A monument to the hubris of evil men. We will face opposition from those who seek to hide their dark deeds from the world. Strike down their fallacious words. Let no falsehoods remain. As arbiters of justice, we shall overturn this flawed system and deliver hope to the people.”[/color] After having said so much, the young priest needed a long moment to catch his breath. Once he had collected himself, he unclasped his hands and looked towards Zarina, who was still playing the part of the wallflower. To her, he offered a warm smile. Unbeknownst to her, the prayer was not yet over. [color=#FD5E53]”...I know little of the Dreamer believed to slumber at the heart of our world. Whether such a being exists is beyond the extent of my faith. If this existence truly is a product of Vashdal’s dream… then I can only pray that their slumber continues to be a pleasant one.”[/color] For a moment, Jocasta simply sat here, cross-legged, palms pressed together. It had been… years since last she’d prayed, but the motions had been drilled into her at some point in the part of her life she did not remember and subsequently reinforced during her time at San Agustin. She closed her eyes for a moment. [color=ffdead]“This, we ask of you,”[/color] she concluded. [color=ffdead]“In nomini Ipte, Shune, Oraff, Eshiran, Dami. Amen.”[/color] She opened them and it was finished. [hr] Nothing unusual transpired as Yalen went through his morning routine. He got out of bed nice and early and bowed his head in silent conversation with the Creator, thankful to be alive for one more glorious day. After cleansing his body and getting dressed he left his room and made for the administrative tower as instructed. Unlike the past couple of days, the weather was pleasantly cool and overcast. He listened and observed as children around the refuge scurried about, cheering excitedly for the rain to come down. Yalen was in high spirits during the meeting, his slumber no longer plagued by ill dreams. He tucked into his breakfast with gratitude, sampling a small bit of every dish on the table. He listened carefully to the words of Amanda and Don Escarra as he ate, and when the subject of managing the children came up he was quick to volunteer. [color=#FD5E53]”I am prepared to fight when necessary, but I feel that I am better off watching the kids. There are others here more powerful than I who would do a better job at capturing the Vice-Wardens, and I have already gained the favor of some of the young ones.”[/color]