Abyssal Road Trip - 376 - Happiness (Patreon)

Amdirlain’s PoV - Outlands - Outpost of the Monastery of the Western Reaches

Between time spent in contemplation and discussions with Custodian, Livia had taken nearly a day composing seven simple tenets. In that time, Amdirlain had restored almost half a million prisons to pristine condition and ensured the rest each had at least twenty million years’ capacity. Amdirlain then returned them to Livia’s study, where they found Silpar still waiting.

“Was your conversation with the Aspect fruitful?” asked Silpar.

“It was,” allowed Livia. “Though they set me some challenges for their help.”

Silpar regarded Amdirlain. “Do you think one of them interceded with Bahamut to request help for you?”

“No, I’m pretty sure Bahamut decided that course on his own,” replied Amdirlain. “I’m likely going to be here for a while if you want to take care of matters for the cloister.”

“If that is what you plan, I’ll cease annoying you with my presence for a time,” replied Silpar before he nodded politely to Livia. “Lady, if you need anyone to help guide the Skrel’s progress, let me know.”

I should have figured he’d work out I was avoiding him.

“I appreciate the offer, Silpar,” said Livia.

With her acknowledgement, Silpar teleported away.

Livia smiled cheerfully. “Do you plan to stay here for a time, Móðir?”

“Mostly here,” hedged Amdirlain.

“What do you intend?”

Amdirlain grinned. “Between lessons, I figured I’d round up some Sisterhood members and see if they’ve got the information I need.”

“About whatever takes you to the Abyss’ depths?” questioned Livia.

“Yes.”

Amdirlain dispatched a message to Ebusuku and the former Lómë succubi requesting what use names they possessed of the Sisterhood members on memory crystal.

“I half expected you to take up their offer,” admitted Livia.

“True Song feels like all my achievements are repeats of Ori's own. My accomplishments with the Monk Class, I feel are more mine. From the moment I found it was an option here, I wanted the Monk Class, and Psion is another Class that Ori didn’t possess. Together, they remove a problem she couldn’t manage with True Song, so maybe I figured it’s about time they got some more attention,” explained Amdirlain.

Livia raised an eyebrow sceptically. “I don’t think True Song is all her doing, and I’m pretty sure you put in far more effort than you’ll admit.”

“Nothing compared to the jumps in progress connecting to her memories has brought,” argued Amdirlain.

“Jumps in progress that your efforts provided a foundation for?” asked Livia, and she sat down at her study desk. “Effectively attuning your capacity to gain from your past life.”

Giving a reluctant nod, Amdirlain claimed a visitor’s chair. “Do I sense a theme to your question?”

“I was wondering if there was anything in particular you’d look to attune yourself to during your stay,” noted Livia.

“I offered to attend some of Master Payam’s lessons as a healer,” admitted Amdirlain.

“Should I show you to the Seamstress to get you proper robes?” asked Livia primly.

Amdirlain laughed softly. “Do you think people will talk if I make my clothes myself?”

“And deny the poor Seamstress the opportunity to make clothing for Master Livia’s family? Don’t be cruel,” replied Livia.

Rolling her eyes, Amdirlain created one of the jade pendants atop Livia’s desk. “I’ll make my first set to fit in and then get a spare made.”

“The seamstresses won’t take long to get something ready,” said Livia, frowning at her desk. “Standing out for a short time won’t hurt. All the students do at first.”

“Missing something?” asked Amdirlain.

“I had expected to return to an overflowing desk again,” admitted Livia. “Do you think Ilya has them?”

“Unless Isa got to them first and burnt them,” quipped Amdirlain.

Livia gave Amdirlain an exasperated look. “Please don’t even joke about that. I’ll find someone to take this over, but someone needs to keep things organised.”

“That doesn’t need to be you,” asserted Amdirlain. “It just needs to be someone who has the backing of the masters. Likewise, you don’t need to take me to the seamstress, as I’m sure I can find my own way.”

Picking up the jade pendant Amdirlain had created, Livia sighed. “At least you didn’t duplicate the artist’s mark.”

“I would have gotten in trouble for forgery, I’m sure,” replied Amdirlain. “Do I pay her coin or contribution points? What do the novices order?”

Livia hesitated and groaned softly. “You will not be wearing Novice robes.”

“Why not?”

“Do you intend to swear to upload all the monastery’s laws?” asked Livia. “You couldn’t even follow the Captain’s request not to use gates to leave Xaos.”

“That was different. He was blindly applying logic for a Wizard’s Gate to one created through True Song,” objected Amdirlain.

“Then how about following the orders of a student with seniority?” asked Livia.

Amdirlain smiled sheepishly. “I can follow some laws, but you’re right. I wouldn’t follow them mindlessly, and it would depend on whether the instructions of the senior student made sense. In my defence, I’ll point out that I followed another monastery’s laws just fine.”

“I heard about you not being left-handed,” replied Livia dryly.

“That’s because I’m not, and that occurred when I was a guest. And she was being rude,” laughed Amdirlain, and she clapped happily. “Does that mean someone could challenge me to an exchange of pointers? Maybe I should pose as a Novice.”

“Don’t make me give you the usual lecture about the need to take sparring seriously,” said Livia.

Amdirlain cupped her face in her hands and batted her eyelids demurely at Livia. “I always take sparring seriously.”

“That over-exaggeration of innocence isn’t helping your case,” observed Livia. “No, I think it’s far safer for everyone if we treat you as a visiting Master.”

“That’s no fun at all,” protested Amdirlain. “Also, no one has ever technically certified that I’m a Master of anything. Don’t you have rules about that?”

“I’m sure you can provide insights into your abilities while learning about our methods in exchange,” said Livia.

“Nope, not a Master, couldn’t claim that,” declared Amdirlain, and she crossed her arms in a dramatic huff.

“What are you up to, Móðir?” asked Livia, and she added contribution points to the pendant’s record before she set it back on her desk.

Amdirlain smiled slyly. “Since you want me to return to the basics, put me in a Novice group.”

“I will not destroy the morale of a group of novices by having them try to compete with you,” rejected Livia.

“Healers don’t compete,” said Amdirlain.

Livia frowned. “Why do you want to be a healer?”

Amdirlain’s smile didn’t fade. “Isn’t it better for me to focus on healthier pursuits? Being in classes as a healer in case there’s a need sounds like a good disguise to listen in on various classes. I can contemplate the lessons and practise them on my own time. Anything that I need to ask questions about, I’ll hassle Master Cyrus about after I’ve got contribution points for private lessons.”

“Móðir, I offered to help in any way we could,” protested Livia.

“Maybe what I need is just the chance to sit and breathe while I gather the names of succubi to question,” replied Amdirlain.

Livia tilted her head curiously and leaned forward in her seat. “Why are you suddenly ready to slow your pace?”

“Not permanently, but maybe for a time I will. It’s going to sound stupid,” sighed Amdirlain. “I was partly expecting to die.”

“Now that the end of the Redemption’s Path won’t be your demise, that’s what changed things?” enquired Livia. “Were you trying to race through what you needed to get done so you wouldn’t shrink away?”

“Cowardly, I know,” murmured Amdirlain.

Livia gave a dry laugh. “Most people would have been running the other way, Móðir. You have a strange view of cowardice.”

“Let’s tally that among my many other strange traits. Anyway, I told Master Payam my lesson schedule needed to get sorted out before I could attend the arena regularly,” said Amdirlain. “Why don’t you point me toward whoever takes care of the healers?”

“If you want to pursue the Novice route, then you should look through the monastery’s rules first,” suggested Livia, and she retrieved a scroll from a nearby shelf. “If there is anything in here you object to, I’d suggest against attending as a Novice. Being here as a guest Master would afford you far more freedom.”

“Then I might have people approaching me about a suitable dowry,” teased Amdirlain, and she reached out to take the scroll from Livia.

“That’s not funny, Móðir,” grumbled Livia, pulling the scroll out of her reach. “I don’t think the Novice route is a suitable approach.”

Amdirlain gave the scroll a look of consideration and felt the ink patterns as she leaned back in her seat. “Maybe I’m tired of standing out so much. If I hadn’t given my name to some novices, I’d be tempted to adopt a Human guise.”

“Móðir, you could adopt the plainest appearance imaginable, and you would still stand out with the confident way you carry yourself,” advised Livia.

“I managed to play the part while on Qil Tris,” protested Amdirlain.

“You did, but do you want to play a part here to blend in? Better to stand out for a reason people find understandable than to provoke jealousy by standing out for reasons they don’t understand.”

“Then I’ll be the friendly young Elf about the place,” said Amdirlain.

“You already pointed out you’re young for an Elf, and I’ve found you to be friendly with many people,” observed Livia. “So that’s two for two with no acting required.”

Amdirlain scrunched up her nose. “Sometimes I’m friendly, not always. You still haven’t said who I need to check in with.”

“It’s truly dire. I’m afraid going the route of a Novice healer would put you under Kadaklan’s authority,” said Livia. “Let me suggest at most you take on the studies of an auxiliary healer. While they use Universal Life, they don’t get into horticulture and alchemy.”

Amdirlain stood, and the pendant she’d created leapt to her hand. “I’ll chat with Kadaklan and find something that suits my temperament, but I need to learn more about plants.”

“I would have thought Anna’s gift would have been more useful for that aspect of your education,” said Livia, waving the copy of the rules at Amdirlain. “Aren’t you going to take the scroll?”

“I’ve already read the rules,” admitted Amdirlain, and she slipped from the room. “After the upgrade of Resonance, nothing is safe from my peeking.”

“I’m sure you have your own ethical restraints, Móðir,” said Livia.

Amdirlain deliberately provided no affirmation of Livia’s statement. Following the main road over the mountain’s crest, the stroll to Kadaklan’s place was a relaxed half-hour walk. Though made of the same grey stone and lacquered redwood as the other monastery buildings, it was a raised silt construction with stairs that led up to a broad, enclosed veranda out the front. The central body of the mansion had two wings and an attached greenhouse that formed its tail. The building’s interior was divided into several large sections, each laid out in an open plan with polished exposed beams. Along the dividing lines were set screens of carved wooden screens that featured birds hidden among a pattern of flowers, leaves, and vines. The sunlight that came through the gaps in the carving illuminated the areas.

A group of servants were at the base of the front steps sorting through bundles of herbs being offloaded from a wagon. A middle-aged lady with a hint of grey through her hair and deep smile lines looked Amdirlain’s way. Shooing some other servants away from the front steps, the woman motioned for Amdirlain to go inside.

“Thank you. I’m sorry for interrupting your work.”

The woman smiled merrily at Amdirlain’s politeness. “No trouble at all.”

Though the woman’s dialect wasn’t one Amdirlain recognised, she had no trouble translating the words.

A male servant with rolled-up sleeves answered the front door, his hands outstretched as if ready to take possession of a bundle of herbs.

He started back in surprise at her appearance and glanced past her to the ladies. Amdirlain smiled at the confused servant. “Might I speak to Master Kadaklan? If you could tell him it’s Am.”

“Master Kadaklan was quite clear in describing you, Lady Am. Please follow me,” said the man, beckoning politely for Am to follow.

The servant led the way past several curtained alcoves, where some novices were tending to injured patients, each wrapped in a ward to restrain conventional-level sounds. He finally stopped at the last curtained alcove in the line, drew the draped curtain back, and held it aside so Amdirlain could enter. The alcove’s interior was lined with wooden racks loaded with trays of petri dishes and a three-metre-long bench in the middle. Kadaklan was perched on a stool dressed in his usual brightly coloured robes, his nose and mouth covered with a white surgical mask as he peered through a modern-looking microscope. Next to the microscope, the bench was covered with a few thousand more Petri dishes loaded onto trays.

“Master Kadaklan, the Lady Am is here to see you,” announced the servant.

“Am, what brings you by?” asked Kadaklan, his attention remaining fixed through the microscope.

“Master Livia says you oversee the novices undertaking training as healers,” replied Amdirlain. “I’m here reporting for training, Master Kadaklan.”

Kadaklan spluttered, looked up from the eyepieces, and gazed at her suspiciously. “Are you pranking me, Am?”

Giving a tight headshake, Amdirlain stepped over to one side of the entry. “Since I need to improve my Universal Life, and I can avoid an exchange of pointers as a healer, I thought it might be the best approach for my studies.”

Kadaklan glanced at the servant, who looked ready to blend in with the curtain. “Could you bring us some afternoon refreshments, Su?”

“Of course, Master Kadaklan,” said Su, and he bowed deeply to Kadaklan before he left the alcove.

Putting the cover back on the Petri dish he’d examined, Kadaklan returned it to the top of the closest stack. “Come in, Am. There isn’t anything dangerous here. They’re all part of some growth analysis I’m conducting for the Outlands.”

“Then what’s with the mask?” asked Amdirlain.

“I just don’t want the moisture from my breath adding additional material to the dish’s culture,” explained Kadaklan. “I’d prefer not to have to open the dishes, but this glass blurs the image.”

“The Qil Tris modern scientific approach left a mark,” teased Am.

Kadaklan huffed. “I knew what a microscope was, thank you.”

“Yeah, but you’re still using the fancy one from your old lab,” noted Amdirlain.

“I simply got comfortable using this one,” protested Kadaklan with a note of amusement in his tone. “As long as it’s fed Mana, it works anywhere.”

Amdirlain’s gaze lit up at his amusement. “If you say so. Would you like me to make you a few million flawless petri dishes?”

“The dishes are unimportant right now. Why don’t you tell me why you want to be a healer?” asked Kadaklan.

“I had some news recently that took me aback, and I need time to think about the implications,” admitted Amdirlain.

Kadaklan nodded. “Is it something you’d be comfortable talking to me about? Or should we hunt down Sarah?”

“I’m pretty sure Sarah knows,” said Amdirlain. “Or, at the very least, she could guess.”

“Pretty sure isn’t a certainty. Sarah would only tell you big news if she was certain,” replied Kadaklan. “Any news big enough to make you want to stop and take a breath isn’t something she would risk being wrong with.”

Amdirlain sighed and traced a finger along the polished edge of Kadaklan’s wooden bench. “You should have surgical steel or something easier to sterilise.”

“That would ruin the decor,” quipped Kadaklan, and he slipped from the stool and shifted trays from the table into racks along the alcove’s side. “Sit down, and we can talk things over.”

“Let me help with those,” said Amdirlain, and she put a hand atop the tray he’d started to shift. “Do you have an order for these?”

“The trays are numbered. I just wanted them out of the way, and we need table space for the refreshments,” allowed Kadaklan.

Amdirlain moved to sit opposite where Kadaklan had been perched and used Far Hand to float all the trays into gaps in the shelving.

“You already have a broad range of talents,” noted Kadaklan, and he resumed his seat and leaned towards her slightly. “Do you mind if I’m straight up with you?”

“No, I prefer that,” said Amdirlain.

“As a friend, I want you around, but as a Master of the monastery, I wouldn’t want you in lessons with other healers,” said Kadaklan. “For you, it's playing at being a healer, but for them, it's the path they want to dedicate their lives to pursue.”

“That was razor sharp,” laughed Amdirlain. “Okay. What would you suggest I do while figuring things out?”

“You’re taking some time for introspection?”

Amdirlain’s lips quirked in a mocking smile. “Shocking, I know.”

“Time given for self-discovery can take many forms. You’re a person who likes to be working, and you can find your truths looking for it in things you enjoy. I’d like to discuss what you need,” said Kadaklan. “And I don’t mean improving your powers, but you as a person.”

“What do you mean?”

Kadaklan waved towards the microscope. “When we were on Qil Tris, you had a plan for every occasion. They covered what needed to get done in situations or for someone else, but not for yourself. So, as the first step to this discussion, what do you need for personal growth?”

“I don’t know,” admitted Amdirlain, and she rechecked the conversation wards around the nook and casually reinforced them.

Drawing a notebook from his robe, Kadaklan sat it on the table. “Then let’s talk and see if we can construct a list of things Amdirlain needs as a person. I will not tell you how to do them or what they mean to you. I’d just like to figure out some core items you can use to create a plan for yourself.”

“I wouldn’t know where to start,” admitted Amdirlain.

Using a pencil, Kadaklan started a numbered list and wrote happiness at the top.

“That’s a pretty non-specific item,” said Amdirlain. “How do you measure that goal?”

“This isn’t a company performance review, thank you,” rebutted Kadaklan lightly. “Does happiness offend? You and Sarah are always teasing and joking to cover how you feel, using humour to deflect. What about some honest happiness?”

“What does that even look like?”

Kadaklan smiled. “That’s the challenge, happiness is unique for everyone. You should look at what you enjoy the most. In truth, the core of each person’s Dao resonates with them and gives them true satisfaction and happiness. When was the last time you stopped and did what you wanted without considering advancing a Skill or achieving a plan?”

“Not for a while,” admitted Amdirlain, and she felt a shift of tension across her shoulders. “Not for decades.”

Another item joined the list: time for herself.

“You’re just going to write whatever comes to mind?” asked Amdirlain.

“No, I’m noting things as they come up in conversation, but you’re free to ignore them. Is happiness something you don’t want? The list is even in pencil so we can rub it out,” said Kadaklan. “Or burn the paper and make a fresh list.”

“Pyromaniac,” muttered Amdirlain.

“That’s rich. You’re the one that tried to burn down my lab,” huffed Kadaklan. “What do you need?”

“I took Livia to talk to an Aspect of Protection,” said Amdirlain.

“Changing the topic. I take it this Aspect has something to do with you feeling unsettled,” said Kadaklan. “Did the trip not go well?”

Amdirlain rolled her eyes. “I hoped they’d be able to help Livia, and they did, but I didn’t expect them to knock me off balance.”

Kadaklan smiled and added balance to the list.

“Smart arse,” grumbled Amdirlain.

Not rising to the bait, Kadaklan tapped his notebook. “Why did they knock you off balance?”

Amdirlain sighed, and Kadaklan leaned back and spread his hands. “Or, as I asked, is it something to talk to Sarah about? Or something you need that time to figure out?”

“They confirmed I wouldn’t die after completing Redemption’s Path,” said Amdirlain.

Kadaklan cleared his throat. “I’m glad that’s the case. And I know that staring into the pyre’s flames can have a strange effect. How do you feel knowing there might be something more?”

“I don’t know,” breathed Amdirlain.

“Maybe it’s something to figure out,” said Kadaklan.

“Well, I need time to evolve a bunch of Monk powers,” said Amdirlain.

“Would you really count that as a need?” said Kadaklan.

“Not an absolute need, but maybe I can figure it out while I work on them. I’ve always enjoyed sparring, so it’s a bit of relaxation for a change,” observed Amdirlain. “But if I mix in with the normal novices, that is hardly fair to them, so Livia nixed that idea.”

“Thinking about things you enjoy, that’s good. What else do you enjoy?” asked Kadaklan.

“Healing damaged worlds and creating the demi-planes when I’m not just grinding out duplicates,” allowed Amdirlain. “Though I don’t know enough about biomes at present.”

I could take time to study the orb Anna gave me.

“A worthy task that is beyond any studying here. You know you don’t have to be a Novice to train with the masters here,” offered Kadaklan. “You are a recognised guest, which lets you earn contribution points to draw on the monastery’s resources, even if Livia hasn’t offered you help.”

“I was looking to blend in for a time,” said Amdirlain.

“I’ve already heard about a healer named Am, and you wouldn’t be blending in using that cover. You’re the only elven Ki practitioner I’ve ever heard of, and I made extensive enquiries after returning from Qil Tris.”

“There goes that plan,” muttered Amdirlain. “I know you shot it down, but it didn’t even make it past my first attempt.”

“Though I hope you don’t leave so soon, you could go live in an elven community,” proposed Kadaklan. “If blending in is your highest need, I’d simply wish you the best.”

“No, I need to advance my Monk abilities, and as you said, there aren’t any elven practitioners,” Amdirlain sighed and cracked her neck from side to side. “And yes, I need to work with them to push them, and I enjoy using Ki, whether it's cycling or using the Monk powers. Femme Fatale was a distraction that I’ve gotten out of the way, and I’m glad Qil Tris benefitted in my evolving it.”

“It’s your life energy, so it's good you don’t find it revolting. Perhaps studying them is a starting point to find your route to happiness,” said Kadakla. “A word of caution, I’d suggest you keep an open mind. It might not be the powers or even the Ki but something within them speaking to you. You chose to evolve the Femme Fatale into an ability that provides inspiration. What inspires moments of peace within you?”

“Creating, and the dawn light, or the freshness of the air after a storm,” blurted Amdirlain.

“More elements to investigate among your other studies,” said Kadaklan.

“It seems I’ll be following the guest route. How does a guest earn contribution points? The same way as the novices, or are there restrictions on what the duty pavilion offers them?”

“There are no restrictions, though the duty pavilion normally doesn’t pay guests as much,” explained Kadaklan. “A student will typically contribute more to the monastery during their years of progress, so rewarding them more for their efforts is an investment in the monastery, while a guest can leave without warning.”

“That’s understandable,” said Amdirlain. “From that perspective, it makes sense why you don’t want someone coming in and just offering wealth.”

“Something to remember when you find the bureaucracy used to implement it annoying,” offered Kadaklan.

“Oh, it’s like that is it? Thanks for the warning,” laughed Amdirlain. “I can see how that will go and will try to keep the focus of it in mind. You want effort put into the monastery to help future students and regulate how much of the masters’ time will get drawn away.”

“Indeed. Is there a reason you wanted to be a Novice besides to blend in?” asked Kadaklan. “Perhaps because you didn’t graduate from the last monastery you studied at?”

“Oh, burn. That wasn’t my fault,” grumbled Amdirlain.

Kadaklan laughed. “Just checking if it was a lingering regret for you. I’ve heard stories about some things that happened there.”

“From Master Cyrus?”

“From him and the four ladies who were novices there with you. They’ve visited a few times so far,” advised Kadaklan.

“I’ve heard bits and pieces of news from them, nothing too solid as to their progress,” said Amdirlain.

Kadaklan smiled mysteriously. “The guide you provided them has found them some significant challenges to promote their growth.”

“Should I be worried about them?” asked Amdirlain. “The last I heard, they were following a lead on another world after clearing some initial ruins of Cemna. They were very mysterious about what trouble was involved.”

“You worry for others but rarely for yourself,” observed Kadaklan.

Amdirlain laughed. “I’ve repeatedly shown I’ve got a skewed lack of concern for my well-being. I eventually followed your advice about my legs.”

“Only after mere proximity to the same energies caused sufficient pain,” muttered Kadaklan. “When was the last time you did any gentle cycling?”

“A while,” admitted Amdirlain.

“I think that taking time for yourself might help you in that respect,” observed Kadaklan, and he underlined the point on the list. “Will you be staying at the monastery or coming and going?”

“Mostly staying here,” said Amdirlain. “But there are a few pieces of work that I need to keep in motion.”

“Working on the training facilities must still take up a bit of your time,” said Kadaklan.

Not wanting to give the changes away, Amdirlain nodded. “The others can’t readily handle the demi-planes, and I also want to set up a training facility for some celestials.”

Kadaklan rubbed the bridge of his nose and let out a slow breath. “I guess only having two other side projects counts as taking things slowly for you.”

“The rest have to wait until I can figure out how to evolve my Monk powers,” explained Amdirlain.

“Pushing your other classes higher isn’t going to impact evolving your powers,” observed Kadaklan, tapping his pencil against the paper. “Though, stopping to breathe is likely for the best, at least until you restore your balance.”

“How about you tell me how to earn contribution points?”

“Do I look like the duty pavilion?” laughed Kadaklan. “Though after your conversation with Master Payam the other day, I’m sure more than a few masters would offer contribution points to spar against you.”

“I might just walk down to the duty pavilion and see what jobs they’ve got available,” said Amdirlain.

Kadaklan frowned. “After we’ve had some refreshments.”

“Of course,” said Amdirlain.

Kadaklan took the top sheet from the notepad and passed it to her. “Maybe this is only food for thought, but I hope you’re successful in investing in yourself.”

“I’ll try,” allowed Amdirlain, and she looked at the simple list he’d written. “But I’m still unsure what happiness looks like for me.”

“Figuring that out might be healthy,” said Kadaklan. “Did you enjoy performing, or was it just part of gaining control?”

“It was fun as a change of pace,” admitted Amdirlain. “This isn’t exactly the place to exercise that talent. Why?”

Kadaklan gave a concerned smile. “You seemed happy, and I feel that’s more important than you understand. Will you think about what happiness means for you?”

“I’ll try,” said Amdirlain, and she laughed merrily. “I sound like a broken trace.”

The refreshments briefly interrupted their conversation, and Amdirlain eventually headed towards the duty pavilion. Amdirlain received word from Ebusuku on the way about her request for the Sisterhood names. Sending her an image of a hillside glade outside Livia’s domain, Amdirlain teleported to meet her.

Shielded by a concealment barrier, in case anyone might be scrying, Amdirlain sat and looked back towards the monastery. When Ebusuku appeared, she crouched beside Amdirlain and handed over a memory crystal. “You wanted the names of the Sisterhood we could recall. That’s our combined listing. There are a lot of names, but we don’t know how many of them might have gotten Planar Locked during the chaos.”

Amdirlain nodded in appreciation and stored the crystal away. “It’s a starting point, and attempting to summon them with True Song might tell me enough about their location.”

“You look a little distracted,” said Ebusuku.

“Custodian said the end of my Redemption’s Path wouldn’t be the end for me.”

Ebusuku’s eyes blazed, and she wrapped Amdirlain up in a hug. “That’s great news.”

“Yes, but it will also remove my Hidden state, which will allow other powers to learn of me,” explained Amdirlain as she returned the hug.

“Then I’ll have to get stronger so I can watch your back against anyone that wants to try anything,” declared Ebusuku.

“What has Rasha done with the girls?”

Ebusuku tilted her head at the subject change. “I hope you’re not planning to run off and stick your nose in.”

“Kadaklan brought them up. Though I want to know what’s happening with my friends, I’m trying to let people stand on their own two feet when it’s not immediately life-threatening,” replied Amdirlain. “I restrained myself and didn’t even ask them directly.”

“The ladies needed a world where their activities were more significant than cleaning out a ruin no one needs.”

Amdirlain nodded. “They needed meaningful work, and I need to figure out what’s important to me.”

“Are you going to be taking on the easy work here?” asked Ebusuku, and she waved a finger at the duty pavilion.

“The monastery needs support, and Kadaklan suggested I take some time for myself,” replied Amdirlain.

“True, you have pushed yourself a bit,” agreed Ebusuku. “I’ll leave you to the whole merely-earning-your-keep business.”

Before Amdirlain could reply, Ebusuku vanished.

Fine, I won’t tell you about the new constructs I should be able to set up. She also took off before I could let her know about Moloch.