The Magi's Society

The two Neophytes had been walking for a time after their previous encounter with the small band of assailants. Kalesi had to rummage through her bag to find one of her devices, the task made more difficult with the billowing dust winds that blocked most vision. Yet she found her targeted device. It looked like a square flashlight of sorts, with a handle that had several buttons. The device was called a “Spectoria”, the reasons why eluded Kalesi’s memory. Yet the thing allowed her to be rid of certain uncleanliness, as it used a weak beam to disintegrate some types of filth, and Kalesi would use it to remove the stains of blood from her skin and the splattered amounts on her robes. The device also allowed her to change certain material’s colors and even etch symbols into objects if she had the inclination. Once cleaned, Kalesi used the Spectoria to change the motif of her outfit from bright whites with contrasting rose red, with golden accents, to a more dull brown and gray combination. As she was modifying her own clothes to suit her better, she caught Naazir glancing at her short instance of ritual cleaning. Kalesi thought to joke with the brute, but decided against prodding him with japes and humor since it would be lost on him anyway. As Kalesi finished she spoke up to the still staring Naazir, “You know, we could have kept one of them alive. I assumed you deactivated your other blade so as to capture the one you fought. They might have been useful, for whatever we are doing here.”

Naazir straightened his gaze back to watching the sprawling pipe-highway before him, “They were not deemed useful.”

Kalesi didn’t like that about Naazir, his outwardly positive demeanor offset by an ‘efficient’ and blunt personality, “Then I suppose it can’t be helped.”

The two had only gone on a few missions, and when they first met his mannerisms were much more cordial and friendly than what he defaults to now. In the presence of others, he usually feigns an out-going and friendly personality, but at some point he seemed to decide he didn’t need to do that with her anymore. At least there wasn’t as much circular conversations and backward logic that many other Neophytes use. Their practiced debate and dribbling so as to act like ‘Nobility’, and thus better than others and unable to concede in even a simple conversation.

Naazir started walking a little faster, taking a position slightly ahead of Kalesi. They were approaching one of the hamlets within the outer portions of the Pipes. He stayed close enough that they wouldn’t become separated, but seemed like he was deep in thought or ignoring Kalesi. Despite his bluntness and simple but sound logic, his internal thoughts were still a mystery. So often he seemed to be thinking about things with such seriousness, regardless of where he was or what he was doing. Yet only someone who knew him could tell, his friendly exterior still shining a little too brightly for the terrain they walked and the environment they traversed. Sometimes his eyes would look just a little more empty, and his darting glances more sluggish, while he thought about something he deemed important.

An experienced Surveyor would continue walking without halt at the pair’s current point, not realizing they had arrived in the middle of a rusted hamlet. The collapsed buildings looked vacant and empty, the pipes bore holes and breaches covered in rust. The area looked as many other places did, void of livable conditions. The dust storm decreased visibility even further. Yet those dilapidated structures and penetrations into the great conduits of the Barge held a surprising number of gazing eyes and watchful stares. Their arrival to the territories controlled by the local dissidents had been almost unnoticeable, and they were being followed and watched carefully. Naazir had the two of them stop after walking a ways further into the ruinous dwellings. His mind was again on the present and he was waiting for our guide and escort from the community.

Few from the outside knew of the strange culture within the Pipes, but that knowledge could prove fatally important depending on your destination and martial prowess. When one is to enter a new community, rust city, or other controlled territory, you are expected to wait until someone from said community approaches you. To traverse their land without permission would make you an enemy, and they would attack and ambush you without hesitation. Yet to enter and wait patiently shows you mean no harm, or at least want a discussion of some kind. Kalesi was almost surprised the two hadn’t continued their path to accomplish whatever they were tasked with, assuming Naazir and Lord Magi Falcier would not care or wish to deal with locals. Yet the mysterious methods of both individuals always seemed to elude her.

Out from the billowing dust, a figure begins to emerge and approach the pair who stood patient for several minutes. A spindly and emaciated man penetrated the cloud of corrupting wind that gusted past the two with a fury. Skinny, yet obviously not weak, and with sparse hair that showed signs of Rust infection. The overly demure demeanor of the creature struck Kalesi to think he was a coward and possibly forced to be their escort. Yet she didn’t let her guard down, as even if you follow the customs within the Pipes you can never assume the dissident locals would be peaceful.

The figure didn’t approach closer than five meters, seeming to fumble with their words and what to say. Naazir spent no time debating his approach, switching fully into his friendly and boisterous attitude as he walked up to the man laughing loudly. The creature seemed to recoil at the approach and desperately searched his surroundings for an escape route, yet found none as Naazir’s size deceived many into thinking he was slow. Naazir firmly grasped an arm around the much smaller man’s right shoulder, his other hand gripping the left, “Greetings friend! I was hoping we would encounter such courteous folk! Shall we head inside to wait out this dreaded storm? We have some quantity of rations we can share to have food and be merry as we talk!”

The man perked up at the mere mention of food, and Kalesi could sense sudden shuffling movement in some of the shadows and hidden corners around them, the obviously hungry man sputtered out, “Oh! Yesht! Wesh hes fuud, yesht?”

Kalesi had to hold herself from sighing at the decrepit form of language the creature used, yet Naazir was unfazed and continued, “Yes indeed! We should have a decent enough amount for you and your family if you might help us!”

The creature was excited now, yet looking around cautiously, “Yesht! Com, Yesht, com!”

The two were invited to follow the tiny thing, his form was comparable to Kalesi’s small pupil and maybe even smaller. The hidden glances and watchful eyes tracked their group’s movement, and seemed to even follow as they journeyed into the entangled network the community lived within. They were led down a precarious set of carved stairs, barely functional due to intense rust, and found themselves on the out-of-sight colony under the pipes that hung over the infinite abyss below. The dwellings were quite expansive, probably housing several hundred if not a few thousand individuals despite this community being considered small. Even Kalesi couldn’t have noticed all of the territory this clan seemed to possess, the start of their homes and public areas had started much farther than when Kalesi assumed they entered their land. Regardless, the spindly escort took them through the hanging village across hanging metallic bridges that were held in place by welded struts against the bottom of the twisting conduits.

Many from their populace ventured out of their homes, braving the dust storm to watch as the foreigners walked their paths and invaded their community. Yet the man who was guiding them seemed eager to reach his destination and took the pair deep into the settlement’s core. Reaching a slightly larger building than some of the others, that was carved into the side of an ancient collapsed tower, the man had them wait outside as he ventured within. A small crowd had formed around their tour of the settlement. While awaiting their guide to return, all of their routes of escape and alternate paths were blocked by at least a few curious denizens. Some probably heard rumors of food, while others were readying for a confrontation, most were probably just cautiously curious of the newcomers and their business. Kalesi couldn’t bare to see the large group of them in their hovels and ragged clothes, their refusal of a better life.

The Pipes was a strange place, and all who lived within were heretics, dissidents, rebels, and outlaws. Not even the children were able to escape their brand from the Magi. Yet that wasn’t why Kalesi felt badly for them, it was for the fact that they refused to abandon their brand. It had been declared long before Kalesi joined the Barges; any and all from the Pipes who wished a better life may submit to become tributaries to a Magi that would accept them. All of the denizens, for one reason or another, refused to be ruled by the Magi and instead opted for a life of squalor and death. What worsened their life was the additionally decreed rule; any and all who remain within the Pipes, and who do not surrender themselves upon encounter with Magi-Representatives, are sentenced to death and may be slain without reprisal by any who are followers of the Magi. Kalesi could never understand the fervor with which they cling to their belief that this life is better for themselves and their descendants. Each one of them would know of the Magi’s desire to welcome them, and yet they indoctrinate and force themselves and their children into a life of filth.

Kalesi is suddenly pulled from her thoughts, the squeamish and spindly man returns through the doors to invite them within. Kalesi and Naazir make their way inside, leaving the growing crowd to wonder what they came for. The interior was much to Kalesi’s expectations, rust growing in the corners like mold, bare expanse without decoration or endearments, few if any furniture and what was there was made of stiff and jagged metal. The room they entered was only ten meters long at best and a few meters wide, in the center of the space was a circular table remarkably polished and without rust. The chairs stationed around it were old and bore signs of filth or decay upon the metal surfaces. Three were positioned around the table, and one was filled with a dark figure. As the two fully entered and the door closed behind them, the dark and cloaked figure waved a hand to dismiss the spindly man. The creature seemed disappointed but followed the command and exited behind the two intimidating newcomers.

The dark figure wore heavy robes, as if they just ventured from some cold wasteland and doubled their layers. Their colors were mostly blacks and dark grays, but one could be fooled with the heavy coating of dust that tainted the designs of the once-extravagant display of fashion. Now they were little more than rags stained by their environment. The figure dared to glare at the two individuals who followed each policy and standard set to be invited into their realm. A glaring contest began between Kalesi and the figure, whose face was hidden beneath the heavy hood and by the dim light within the domicile. Naazir seemed to be debating how to work his way into the middle of the two, but then the seated figure gave up exacerbated. Sighing and throwing their hands into the air the thing stood up, the actions almost catching Kalesi off-guard. The figure removed her hood to reveal a feminine face scarred with a large burn on the right side of her face, one eye blinded by the old injury. Other scratches and deep scars scattered her features, and she stood almost as tall as Kalesi herself. What was worse, to Kalesi’s growing displeasure, was her orange-red hair that hung in messy braids. The height, build, and form of the creature reminded Kalesi too closely of her own ancestry and home. The most remarkable of the figure’s features was her eyes, they were a piercing silvery blue. Their eyes seemed to almost shine within the dim interior of the dwelling, and those shining eyes were a hallmark trait of her planet’s royal family.

Kalesi was aghast, but maintained her stoic glare. She refused to think this creature could possibly be from her planet. One of her people could not be so lost as to abandon the Magi for a life of pain and squalor, especially if they might be linked to royalty. Kalesi looked to Naazir, this obviously being his task and yet he was remarkably silent. The bulky figure, who was now dwarfed by the comparably taller females, seems to almost waver in his plastered smile as he thinks on what to say and do. The intriguing woman speaks up to break the tension, “Greeting Naazir, Neophyte and Lieutenant of our Lord Magi Falcier. I welcome you to our community and my clan sends their greetings.”

Naazir returns to himself, Kalesi perplexed by his strange unease, “Yes, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. My companion is our requisitioned Socialite specialist.”

The woman, who seems to be quite boisterous in a more genuine way than Naazir’s feigned cordial attitude, speaks up, “Good! I am Magi-Apprentice Masasi, and Lord Commander of our Great Lord Counselor, Thra’Nasa’s military coalition. I was eager to meet someone as distinguished as yourself, Kalesi.”

Kalesi was surprised, and realized her own impure and crude thoughts towards someone of such high rank and in service to a Lord Counselor, kneeling immediately and apologizing, “I apologize for my rude behavior, Lord Commander. Please forgive my insolence.”

The woman gestured for Kalesi to rise again to her feet, “I think nothing of it. You are in hostile territory, sizing up your potential opponent and watching for dangers is expected and to be commended. Now, we will sit and conclude your companion’s mission.”

The three moved to the table, Kalesi still embarrassed at her own actions and thoughts. Her presumptions about the locals infected her better judgment and biases. She was lucky the woman seemed so welcoming to them, a lesser Magi-Apprentice would have rewarded kalesi’s actions with death or even demotion. As she dreaded her bad manners, the three sat at the table. Naazir reached into his robes and produced five packets, no larger than a person’s palm, and seemingly made out of plastics that were sealing small square tablets. Masasi nodded as if pleased when they were laid out on the table, she spoke very calmly towards Naazir, “Thank you. Your Lord Magi blesses my campaign with due needed support. You may send my thanks and regards to your master. I deem your mission a success.”

Kalesi is confused, and not entirely certain what the objects are. Naazir seems to simply nod and begin to stand. Naazir turns to leave and Kalesi makes her way to stand herself, but is stopped by Masasi’s hand. Naazir doesn’t even turn around and simply states, “I will ensure the security around the perimeter. Kalesi, you must secure the interior and only leave when you are certain there are no potential dangers or breaches where our conversation could have been spied.”

Kalesi nods and begins to do as she is told, saying, “I will begin immediately.” and Naazir leaves the small building.

Masasi stops her from leaving again and says, “You don’t need to comply with that directive. It was simply a method to be certain Lord Falicer did not suspect anything from our meeting.”

Kalesi is becoming concerned, the strange behavior of both of them putting her on edge, she decides to follow her directive regardless, “Commander Masasi, I will begin my sweep immediately. If I might be permitted to stand?”

Masasi chuckles to herself for a moment, “I admire your determination. Yet like I mentioned, you don’t need to follow Naazir’s direction. Now sit. I arranged for this meeting on behalf of my master, Lord Thra’Nasa. He needed to send a message to you.”

Kalesi is becoming increasingly worried, “I don’t think I understand, Commander.”

Masasi adopts a grave look, “My lord deigned me to depart information by whatever means I was able. Your pupil. The moment they arrived the Scryiers analyzed them and our lords of the Council were sent the data, as is mandatory of all who are newly adopted into our society. She produced extremely unique readings, and the information was great enough that several members became curious. My Lord wishes to send a warning. Several council members might attempt to abuse their position and your station as Socialites to use your pupil. My Lord saw her potential as well, and would prefer to keep her at her current station. Others do not agree and might attempt drastic measures for further analysis or otherwise recruiting her.”

Kalesi is taken aback, she had seen Mevi’s results as well and they were impressive in some regards but the council taking notice was never something she expected to happen. Kalesi couldn’t recall what could possibly have made them curious about her that such an arrangement to meet would come so quickly and under such means. Kalesi was cautious, one thing she knew was the inner workings of Magi politics was entirely too complex for her to understand. She wasn’t sure what to say or do, but needed to know more. She spoke up, resolving to risk herself breaking her own rule of prying into a Magi’s business, “Forgive my request, but what is wrong with Mevi that she needs to be watched so carefully?”

Masasi thinks for a moment before responding, furrowing her brow tightly, “I cannot say. Not that I don’t have assumptions, but I don’t know for certain or how much my master wishes for you to know. As of now, my master requests you do not leave her alone. Council members might try to make a move that could put your pupil, you, and others in danger. So he requests you keep a short leash until further notice. I was hoping you would find a way to bring her here, but with the conventional protocol I assume she is at the Education Forum?”

Kalesi confirms this, “I had left her in the care of Naazir’s pupils. They should be taking classes together since she is permitted to take any class she wishes. My desire was that they would have stayed together.”

Masasi nodded in acceptance, “Good. Her being alone would likely prove dangerous. Now you are dismissed. Your contractual obligation to Naazir is fulfilled. Return to her now, as fast as you might muster.”

Kalesi nodes, and can’t help but do a quick mental sweep of the room with a few glances about. This seems to make Masasi chuckle again, yet the two get up and walk to the door. Masasi covers herself with the heavy hood before the leave. The two exit and find Naazir standing as if guarding the front door. Masasi steps in front of Kalesi, and addresses the large crowd with a slightly deeper voice than she used before, “We have been blessed with food! Rations to last us weeks! Blessed be the Magi Falcier!” The crowd erupts into cheering, disrupting the thick quiet that permeates the area and conceals them from harm. Chants of Magi Falcier’s blessings rise up and the community sings his praises. Naazir approaches Kalesi and through the din and chanting of the crowd seems to tell her she is dismissed and fulfilled her contract. The exacts of his words were drowned out as he seemed to be pulled away by the adoring crowd that wanted to greet their savior’s representative. Some from the crowd tried to do the same with Kalesi but she was able to dodge and avoid most of them. Her darkened robes that were covered in a thick layer of dust provided additional stealth as she blended with the crowd and their excitement concealed her escape.

Kalesi navigated her way to the top of the pipeline highway, and began her journey back to the City of Light and then to the Education Forum. With the alarming news that the council was watching Mevi, she knew she had made a mistake leaving her at the Forum. Naazir might have known something about the message, or his instincts had been stronger than hers, and maybe he tried to subtly convince her to bring Mevi despite the potential risk of his words being found suspicious when his memory logs were read. Kalesi suddenly realized that if even one counselor was interested, and warning her of danger, then there was at least one other counselor that might endanger her pupil. While their rule held weight, a Socialite is not obligated to obey unless officially contracted, but Mevi could not possibly know that. The small girl could barely understand what a city was, and Kalesi had left her to brave the Education Forum alone and without the ability to understand her surroundings.

Kalesi’s speed doubled, and she flew across the rusted metal as if possessed by the spirit of the winds. She needed to reach Mevi before something happened.