The Magi's Society

Zelkan didn’t ask further about the encounter Mevi had with Maphet. After her return, Mevi felt exhausted and only wanted to see Kalesi again. She returned to the medical lab, with whatever haste her exhaustion allowed. Mevi’s soul was purified by the cosmic void Maphet allowed her emotions to pour into, yet there was still pain that couldn’t leave. The bonding Mevi underwent with Maphet, it seemed to remove most of her uneasiness from before their encounter. Yet the encounter itself caused a new wave of uncertainty.

Despite whatever assurances Maphet provided, Mevi still felt a great worry for Kalesi. Her heart was broken, in a way she could never have expected. Whatever had been repaired within her, had only been replaced by a new scar that Kalesi’s state left behind. Despite Zelkan’s attempts to interact with Mevi, the exhaustion that was consuming her left her annoyed and frustrated again. Emotions Mevi didn’t have any real experience with began to well up, as Mevi went over her recent memories. If there was some kind of power inside of her, something that was great enough to be noticed by a Magi, why hadn’t it appeared sooner? Why didn’t she notice such a potent force, so she could use it to protect Kalesi? Similar thoughts of frustrated regret swam freely within Mevi’s mind as she drifted into a listless state after laying against Kalesi’s medical capsule.

After a time, a new set of medical personnel arrived to relieve the old attendants. Mevi had been watching the work they did, and it seemed to mostly consist of monitoring dials and numbers on screens. No actual medical procedures were taking place that Mevi could recognize. Was Maphet and Odion’s promise to simply keep Kalesi in stasis, or were they working in ways that Mevi simply didn’t understand?

The energetic woman, who had initially roused Mevi, still worked diligently at the devices nearby and Mevi watched with lazy interest from her post next to Kalesi’s capsule. Some extra light had been raised while Mevi was gone, but she barely noticed. Yet Mevi was almost interested in the woman, her out-of-place personality and dark skin made a powerful impression. The woman, upon closer inspection, seemed to bear a beautiful caramel skin, and in her boundless energy, she noticed Mevi watching as she relayed some information to the new set of attendants. Her wide smile appeared almost instantly as Mevi was spotted watching them. With a few words of goodbye, the woman approached Mevi. Despite the ornery mood, and exhausted spirit, the woman still approached Mevi. Zelkan moved to try and stop her, but the medical attendant pushed past the man without any real effort. The woman placed herself sitting next to Mevi, and Mevi watched her cautiously. Looking up at Kalesi in the capsule, the woman asked, “So who was she?”

“What?” Mevi was confused by the sudden question, and almost intimidated by the woman’s random approach.

“I wanted to know who she was! We are asked to do so many things, but tending to a person’s health is not something we’d consider normal. She must be a very important person!” The woman looked at Mevi, still with a wide grin on her face.

“She was… She is my mentor. I was assigned to her… It was only a few weeks ago, but she cared for me in ways I had never hoped to experience.”

“I can see why you care about her then. What kind of person was-” taking a moment to correct herself, the attendant emphasized her word, “-is. What kind of person is she?”

Mevi looked up at her suspended mentor, “She was indomitable. Yet extremely kind. Even at my more selfish requests she gave great care and attention. When I might’ve been more trouble than I was worth, she still stayed by my side… Even at the expense of herself, she tried to protect me before even herself. Despite our short circumstances, I am very attached to her… I am not exactly sure how to describe her in less words… Or even if these are the right words to share my own care for her.”

“She sounds wonderful. To have a bond so strong that she’d put herself in harm’s way to save you, is an incredible feat. To have a love like that is a treasure.” The woman smiled warmly as if to comfort Mevi.

They both sat and stared up at Kalesi’s floating form for a few minutes. The odd woman eventually looked over at Mevi as if to study her. Then another wide grin widened before she declared,“Hi! I thought maybe I should introduce myself! I'm Saerin!”

The sudden introduction almost startled Mevi, but she nodded at the energetic woman curtly, “I am… Mevi.”

Standing up, Saerin asked, “Do you want to go for a walk? We don’t want you to get absorbed into the floor after all!”

“I don’t think,” Mevi couldn’t finish her reply before Saerin began gathering Mevi to her feet.

“Then don’t think! Its not good to think too hard about things you can’t do anything about! Besides, if Kalesi is so wonderful; would she want you to sulk around sad all day waiting for her?”

The words rang true with Mevi, Kalesi probably wouldn’t want her to stand idly by and mope if there was nothing that could be done. Kalesi was proactive in that kind of way, always ready or quick to start something and not sit still if she could help it. Mevi, already on her feet, nodded quietly and was immediately dragged out of the room by Saerin. The woman was very energetic, and seemed to almost never be without a smile. The two escaped out of the dim and depressing lab, and Zelkan scuttled after the pair. The Sentinel was waiting near the doorway, and began following without issue. Saerin looked the golden-creature up and down for a moment before exiting, but shrugged, and continued to drag Mevi down the hallway.

As they entered the light of the hallway Mevi could properly see Saerin for the first time. Her skin was the most striking appearance about her; a soft caramel with peppered freckles across most of her face and hints of more along her arms. Dark, and almost sparkling, onyx hair flowed like silk and was certainly the most luxuriously cared for hair Mevi had ever seen, even compared to her noble family. Saerin’s eyes shone with an eager joy, almost like an innocent child on their way to play some extremely fun game. Their eye’s sheen was offset from her dark hair, and almost seemed to glow within their deep purple that held a depth farther than any ocean. The glowing smile paired with her other features made a striking figure, especially framed against the white silks and melting blues borne on her robes. Mevi also noticed Saerin was without a mask, there was none hanging from her person or otherwise attached to her robes. Despite Mevi’s intent to marvel in the woman’s beauty, Saerin obviously had no time for dawdling.

Searin, very excitedly, pulled Mevi with haste down the hallway. But after a few stumbling steps she slowed when she noticed Mevi’s weakened state. They eventually slowed to a walk, and Mevi could catch her breath for a moment again. Saerin was all grins the entire walk, and in the brightened light she was framed in a previously hidden youth. Mevi wasn’t sure, but they might’ve been a similar age. Yet if Kalesi’s assurances about age on the Barge were true, that many people live several hundred years, Saerin could be any age at all. Despite the unknownness, Saerin was possessed by a youth’s attitude and a permanent positive mood. It wasn’t a faked pleasantness like Naazir’s plastered smile, but instead an almost glee at life on its own. After they walked a while, Mevi’s curiosity sparked a question, “Saerin… Where are we going exactly?”

An almost explosive smile erupted on the woman’s face, like she hadn’t anticipated Mevi’s eagerness and was overwhelmingly surprised with glee, “Ah! I said we were going for a walk but forgot to tell you where! I am an assistant in this lab division’s but I'm so scatter-brained!” Saerin stopped mid sentence, as if reconsidering what to say, “You know what! I’ll keep it a surprise, since we’ve gone this far already!”

Mevi watched with slowly lessening caution, but was still wondering something else, “Saerin, what are you?”

“Oh! Well I come from an old rock called Maen’Ire, I believe we were called Maenites! I probably look a little strange compared to you don’t I? Sorry if I startled you!”

Embarrassed, Mevi corrected, “Sorry, I didn’t mean that… I wanted to know, what exactly are you assigned as? Since I am a Socialite, or at least I think I am still one. I am not sure anymore how this works.”

“Oh don’t worry! Besides, I'm not anything special either! I was never assigned a real position. I was given as a tributary so my family could get some extra mana. Those that were given as tribute weren’t really given real ranks, but I proved myself well enough that I was brought over to this lab division!”

“That is incredible, and almost similar to my own situation. I was given away by my family as well, but I suppose since I technically came from a noble house I received a higher rank…”

A tinge of worry almost crossed Saerin’s face for a brief moment, “Ah, oh… So should I call you, ‘my lady’? I was never good around nobles or formality stuff.”

“No! Don’t worry, I was never really part of my family. Or at least I was made to feel like I wasn’t…”

Saerin’s grin returned, “Well that sounds like a lot! And what happened to me telling you not to think about things that you can’t do anything about? If you dwell on bad memories, that is all you’ll ever think about! If you can’t change it, I say find a way to fix it or find a way to ignore it!”

The strangely blunt reply took Mevi by surprise. The woman continued along like nothing had happened, and maintained a happy expression despite Mevi’s glum mood. The woman’s attitude was almost infectious. For a short time Mevi could almost ignore past issues, and focus on the idea that Kalesi would want her to focus on what she can do. The happy-go-lucky woman was almost similar to Kalesi, in a way like the other side of a strange coin. One side whose personality was tough, determined, and powerful. While the other was almost carefree and overwhelmingly determined, yet only to be positive. Despite the difference, both focus on the now and what can be done to ensure a better future. Mevi felt herself give way to a small smirk, just in time for Saerin to stop in front of an ornate doorway. Turning to Mevi, Searin whispered, “Are you ready?” Before Mevi could respond, Saerin activated a small panel beside the door to open it.

Suddenly, Mevi was thrust into the pages of the ancient documents she treasured in the dark. Beholding the very picture of nature, it was like a grand artisan was commissioned to paint a most glorious imagination of what ‘nature’ meant to them. After several moments of confusion, Mevi realized it was actually a door; which led into a grand arboretum. Striking upwards like the bones of giants, objects Mevi could only assume were trees towered higher than the farthest reaches she could fathom; their canopy eclipsing any sight beyond. Rows of thick trunks led a path covered in autumn leaves, their varied reaches bearing branches which produced exotic fruits. A singing whistle gusted through the leaves high above, and a smell not before experienced pushed past Mevi and into the hallway behind her. Walking into the strange world, Mevi was overwhelmed by the grandness of nature; the tall trees reached upwards like grasping hands from some long-sleeping giant whose fingers erupted from the ground.

Mevi’s attention was brought downward, following the guiding point of Saerin. The ground was initially seen to be covered in fallen leaves, but as Mevi watched closer it was observed that was only partially true. Many thousands of varying flowers, mushrooms, and strange grass stretched outward between the wide earthbones. A mesmerizing array of color swirled in subtle patterns as one species of flower gave way to a new hybrid with a new vibrance. A small path was made, where leaves had fallen and coated the once cobbled stone pathway. This powerful display of nature’s beauty consumed any hint of civilization. Even as Mevi turned back to where they had come, the walls were thick with strange leaves and vines that crawled up the sides of the subdued marble.

Mevi marveled at the nature around her, whatever woes and dread she had was being eaten away at by the presence of such natural beauty. Mevi found herself unconsciously walking the paths, unhindered by the delicate leaves that crunched underfoot. Her delicate step ignored most of the fallen vegetation, and almost like she was born in such a place, Mevi trailed past the sprawling horde of plantlife as if it could never burden her step.

Lost in the spiraling branches, and almost other-worldly colors, Mevi began to follow her heart’s lead and became pulled into the nature. The smell and presence around her began to lull Mevi into an unknown mood. She was almost serene, a concept only known to Mevi in definition. The spinning colors almost confused her, before she realized she was the one spinning. Mevi had begun a dryad’s dance as she delved deeper into the tall forest. Skipping and turning from rock to moss, and moss to root, Mevi danced playfully through the trees without a single plant’s injury. In her innocent exploration, she was vaguely aware of her following aids and Saerin. Saerin followed almost apace with Mevi, while Zelkan stumbled across the winding pathways in a desperate attempt to keep up and follow the two girl’s prancing steps. The Sentinel walked through most vegetation, yet despite their heavy steps almost no plants seemed hurt by the golden creature’s lumbering.

Mevi found herself wandering into the deepest parts of the strange forest, leaf and branch so thick little light beamed to the ground. Here Mevi felt even more accustomed, the dim interior paired with the possessing power of nature almost put her into a full trance. Saerin followed with growing difficulty, missing a step or two as the shade covered her pathway. In some feat of extroversion, Mevi brought herself to Saerin’s side to help lead her as guide. The two danced in a strange gathering of intertwining steps, helping one another over obstacle and catching each other’s falls. An almost-whirlwind of dried leaves followed their steps as they flew across the rolling hills and bumps.

As Mevi and Saerin flew in the forest’s dim, they fell suddenly through a patch of vines. What they assumed had solid ground on the other side, instead gave way to a small slope, and as they skid across the dirty ground they came to a slow rolling stop at the bottom. Here, in a hidden grove, light shone brightly when before the canopy covered most illumination. As the two lay on the ground, a feeling began to bubble from Mevi’s core. Unlike her previous day’s stress, fear, dread, and sadness; it was instead a happy feeling. An infectious glee that stretched Mevi’s face into a rare smile. Suddenly Saerin began laughing, a slow giggle that grew into hearty cries of joy. Mevi held back her instincts, but the powerful smile and extraordinary environment defeated her and turned her into a giggling mess. As the two laughed into the wind, the thick foliage echoed their glee upwards into strange echoing noises. The odd effect only increased the laughter, and led to a continued mirth.

After a short time, Mevi and Searin eventually found their wits again. Yet even after the glee subsided, their smiles remained as they stared upwards. The thick canopy stopped just past the edge of the basin, and beyond was a strange golden sky. Thick clouds continued to blow past, and the unnatural weather billowed around far-off towers. Their sky was golden and powerful, the great ceiling of the Barge that seemed impossibly faraway. Mevi had never truly looked up before, not braving the towering features and darting vessels. Yet here, in this grove, the sky was almost clear and the golden expanse was plainly visible above them. Saerin interrupted Mevi’s skygazing, “Do you feel better now? Few people are powerful enough to resist Lord Odion’s gardens!”

Mevi sat up, and looked at Saerin almost in disbelief, “Odion made this place? It seems so… wild.”

A short alarm crossed Saerin’s face, and Mevi realized her casual address of Odion, but Saerin seemed to forget or ignore it shortly after, “Yes! Lord Odion loves to archive and record all things. I believe he collects any and all samples he can get whenever the Barge stops at a new planet. He has a museum of rocks, but they are much less exciting!”

“Does Lord Odion let anyone into these places? It seems like it would be important to protect them, if they are specimens of his.”

“Our lords are very gracious, and Lord Odion especially. He keeps singular samples in a private archive, and grows the rest so he can record their natural process. I am sure one of his constructs will arrive soon to attempt to record our effects on the environment.”

Mevi looked out at the small grove. Only a few meters wide, and very small dip that flattens at the bottom like a miniature crater. Thick moss grows along every surface, with budding flowers peeking out of the surface in such abundance as grass. In every small surface there were tens, if not hundreds, of diverse flowers. Their colors range brighter and more elegant than any book’s attempted description. Such a beautiful place, created by such an orderly entity. That idea by itself was almost amusing to Mevi, and her own smile widened in a similar fashion to Saerin’s. The two were grinning like fools as they sat in the soft moss, surrounded by nature’s bountiful beauty. They relaxed for a while, before Mevi could hear Zelkan’s distant calling of her name. Saerin seemed to notice it too, and giggled to herself. Mevi asked a question before Saerin could begin to pick herself up, “Saerin… Why did you ask me to come? It is strange, this place almost makes me feel rejuvenated. This kind of peace within nature; I had only ever seen sketches made by long-dead historians. I could never have dreamed of a place like this.”

“Well you seemed sad. I really hate people being sad, or feeling sorry for themselves. So it was as much for you as for me!”

The simple answer caught Mevi off-guard, but wasn’t an unpleasant reply, “Thank you Saerin… It is hard to describe what this place did for me. If you wouldn't' mind, would you come here with me again sometime?”

“Of course I will, I will take any excuse to drag someone into our small patch of nature! But if you want to go to the rock museum, please ask Zelkan or your Sentinel. I’ll stick with flowers.”

Mevi smiled, and felt a truly warm grace fall over her. The sudden, and unhesitated, kindness was still new to Mevi. Only Kalesi had given her kindness so freely. Zelkan, despite whatever his intentions were, seemed to try his best. As the thought crossed her mind, Mevi suddenly felt wrong. As she thought about it further, when she was put off by his sudden care in imitation of Kalesi, Mevi had probably been rude to him. Even if forced, for some unknown duty, it was wrong for Mevi to have spurned him and run away without a word.

Mevi and Saerin helped each other up, and they climbed out of the small grove. Back in the dim shade of the canopy, Mevi gathered herself next to Saerin. In the distance, with his back turned to them, Zelkan shouted Mevi’s name with worry. The Sentinel stood some ten meters away from where Mevi and Saerin had fallen, and seemed unfazed by their appearance. Watching from a distance, but not reacting or approaching, the Sentinel nodded at Mevi. The unexpected interaction caught Mevi off guard, in what felt like a continuous trend of surprises. After they walked away from the small pit, Mevi called Zelkan’s name to get his attention. The man turned and raced to Mevi with incredible worry obvious as he stumbled over rock and root.

After Mevi was inspected, and the dirt and mud scrutinized by Zelkan’s nitpicking, the group was reunited. Zelkan swore to them that he would not leave more than a meter away from now on, even if he had to step on a flower to do so. The concern was appreciated with her new perspective, and Mevi’s previous smile leaked back into her mood to create a small upward twist on her lips. Zelkan, during his small lecture about safety and staying together, noticed the expression and seemed to soften as well. The four, reunited, went back to the main path to walk its natural beauty along the defined walkways. Just as Saerin had assumed, Mevi swore she spotted a small brass creature crawling under the foliage and flowers. The tiny skittering barely noticeable as it intently investigated each footprint and impression that hadn’t been there before.

After the group walked the paths, and seemed to have returned to their original entrance, Zelkan received some message. The sudden serious tone replaced his previously good mood. Looking at Saerin, Zelkan said, “Lab-Tech Saerin. I appreciate your help, and company, with my lady, Mevi. But I must ask you to leave us now, so I can discuss something privately with her.”

Saerin’s grin lowered for a few moments to allow formality to take hold, “Of course Steward Zelkan.” Turning back to Mevi, and giving a little wave, Saerin exited the arboretum back into the hallway.

“My lady, Councilor Maphet has sent a missive. The ritual for your presentation is being prepared. Our new task is to ready you for the ritual, and outfit you appropriately. I must ask that you follow me.”

Not seeing any other choice, Mevi agreed to Zelkan’s request. The ritual, whatever it was, seemed to bring a grave attitude over his mood. But even as they left the arboretum, and began their trek down unfamiliar hallways, Mevi mentally noted Zelkan’s rank as a ‘Steward’.

The three walked down the hallway for some time. Entering new areas Mevi hadn’t gone yet, and going deep within the still unknown facility. After their travel, Zelkan brought Mevi to a large room. One that was all too familiar. A dressing chamber, mirror and racks of cloth placed against the walls and all. The dreaded picking of clothes, and pinning of cloth, would soon commence as Mevi’s newest torture.