Existentially Bound: Part 1
The Whisperer
The unending ocean seemed to be just that: unending (or at least it felt like it to Paige). While the woman had taken to the sea on multiple occasions, this particular trip seemed to last eons. She forcefully had to keep reminding herself it was due to the reasoning behind requisitioning one of her ships to voyage to Elona that brought about such anxiousness. But every reminder also brought with it a look down at the bracers, Demitra's bracers.They were her vessel and the receptacle which held the Djinn - or so Paige hoped. She had kept the bracers on her person, often cradling them as she cried herself to sleep. Within, she could feel her lover's presence and Demitra's essence. It was if a lullaby emanated from them in those nights, playing out a scene of Demitra in a foreign landscape, walking with conviction upon the surface of the water. As if she were coming home...
It was a comfort which allowed Paige to garner a small amount of peace, if only to allow the woman to sleep. And, truthfully, Paige needed her sleep. Whether expeditions to discover treasure and dealing with Nalla's betrothed (her unfortunate benefactor), or working to make a name for herself and regain her family's notoriety with the new naval venture she had founded, the woman was stretched thin, completely taxed, and quite probably overworked. Yet, every moment she had free, Lady Dejarin was pouring over tombs, researching ancient scrolls, and following up on leads to help return her friend Demitra Naja Nyimah, the woman who had her heart and promptly vanished with it.
Then there was Ember, or as Paige had been told to address her, 'Emily'. Emily Naja Thaljia - a name Ember had taken for herself, both in accordance with Elonian tradition from her late wife's mid-name, as well as Thaljia, the name Valandra had claimed when she was present. Yet, Valandra was still present. Ember had, by all accounts, begun to change. Not simply physically, but emotionally and thoughtfully. She had a sharp edge that was reminiscent of the ice queen's legacy, and with Ember's already less-than-subtle actions, had combined to create a gradual shift into something… someone different. Paige had caught the woman a few times speaking to herself, as though she was having a conversation with Valandra. Approaching her with these questions, however, had always ended in argument, so Paige decided to keep her distance. Unfortunately, this also meant keeping Ember at arm's length as a lover, and while Paige was repulsed by the idea of intimacy with someone who was partly her half-sister, Paige often longed for the companionship and an arm around her during such lonely nights.
The painful reminder of how separate they had been caused Paige to slide her hand into one of the gloves, hoping for any sensation of comfort from Demitra. As with her several attempts before it, there was none. No tingling sensation. No glowing fingertips. No feeling, save the coldness of the metal. No life…
On the verge of tears, Paige fought them back and looked at the approaching docks within the Amnoon oasis. This was the reason she had come to Elona; this was the reason she had contacted the estranged Ember. There was a person here which may be able to help.
"Finally," came a voice beside Paige, startling her. "Sorry about that," Kimura said meekly. "Once a thief, right? Cat-like feet may cause my stealth, but they are definitely not sea legs. I'll be glad to get back on land… even if it is in a desert."
"First time in Amnoon, I take it?" Paige cleared her throat, wiping her face to expunge any tears which may have found their way down them.
"Aye. First time really at sea for this long, if I'm honest. My time aboard a pirate ship was a bit brief and was long ago in my youth," Kimura said, leaning against the rail, trying to not look as seasick as she was.
Paige slightly giggled. "You know you and I are about the same age, right? If you're old then I'm ancient! And your hair's not grey… It's most definitely not grey! (I do love what you've done with it, by the way, and it's very nice to see you without a hood and mask.)"
A smirk appeared on Kimura's face. "Thanks. Not too sure what a certain rose we both know will say about it. I think Tressa always liked my longer pink locks, but going to the desert, I thought, why not go short? Helps with the hood, too," she said noticing their proximity to the docks and some workers upon it. "Speaking of which, I'd better get my game-face on." Kimura grinned coolly as she pulled over the hood and winked.
Paige glanced to the docks, then back to Kimura only to see an empty space. She smiled. The thief was nimble and able to move freely amongst the back alleyways and rougher parts of Amnoon and one of the main reasons Paige had asked her to come along. Their contact, such as Ember had explained, was one that operated in such shadows and the stealthy pink-haired woman known (much to her chagrin) as Pink Thorn was a valuable asset and one Paige had come to call a friend. While her counterpart the Black Rose was perhaps a more naturally covert ally, the sylvari was on assignment with Paige's father, and truthfully, Paige preferred to have a less argumentative companion on this voyage.
As if to declare herself this person, Ember emerged from below deck. "About time," she said unceremoniously. "It's pretty cramped down there," she complained. It was about the fifth time she had done so.
"Sorry if it wasn't to your liking. Our luxury cruisers are busy at the moment," Paige said in veiled attempt to lighted the woman's sourness. It had always been difficult to read Ember, but now with the ice queen inside her, it was almost impossible to know her mood. Often she changed on the flip of a coin and Paige had to consistently remember not to judge too harshly, given the ordeal Ember had been going through.
The joke missed its mark, as Ember either ignored it or chose not to respond. Instead, her eyes were locked onto the massive pyramids and structures that made up the free city of Amnoon. It had been a while since she had stepped foot onto Elona - since the War in Kourna during the campaign to rid Palawa Joko of his life.
"Damned undying lich finally got his," came Valandra's voice from Ember's lips. "I hope they defiled his remains!"
Ember's eyes were wide as she put her hand over her mouth awkwardly. In the time since their merger, Valandra's voice and puppeteering had gradually become a more frequent, but it always startled Ember when her own body moved without her command and her voice was the frigid ice queen's. "Damn it! I told you to stop doing that!" she said, quickly alienating herself so the conversation could take place.
"Such is like me asking you not to speak or move; we both have a right to control our actions," Valandra whispered in Ember's ear.
"Well, and you at least warn me or something?"
"You had no warning last night when I took control of your hand, and I did not hear you complaining."
Ember's cheeks flushed. In similar previous situations her hair would smoke and potentially catch fire from embarrassment. As it was no longer her core, however, she exhaled a breath of cold frost. "Let's um… Let's just focus on why we're here."
An exasperated sigh came from Valandra. "Yeah, yeah. Demitra."
Paige stood on the opposite side of the deck, watching her friend talk and argue with herself. She longed to help in some way, but as the boat docked, her attention was stolen by the prospect of reunification with her other lover. And, she was anxious to get off the boat to begin the process. "Captain, are we ready to disembark?" she asked the norn in charge of the vessel. "I know you still have to secure the a plank, weigh anchor, and…"
The captain grinned. "Aye. Lots to do," came the stoic woman's remark. She paused then casted a slight grin at Paige. "You know, you will get your sea legs soon, I wager, if you keep this up."
Paige beamed a smile. She had asked many questions of the tall woman throughout the trip. It was all she could do to distract herself from the constant worry and anticipation of their objective. Lady Dejarin knew her only briefly -a recently hired captain of House Dejarin's small fleet- but was happy to see a norn of straight-forward demeanor in command. Much remained a mystery about her, and if Paige had to guess, it was likely she wished to keep it that way. Hired as a tracker, Rodia Raventear was a highly experienced sailor as well, having spent, as she had cryptically said, 'a lengthy amount of time at sea.' Paige knew there was more to the story, but while her inquisitive mind wanted to probe further, she knew it would likely not be welcomed. Thus the puffy haired woman simply asked about nautical operations. Paige was, after all, the proprietor of the newly formed Dejarin fleet, familiarizing one's self with such information certainly wouldn't hurt.
The crew scrambled, doing as they were told, most carrying supplies which constituted the reason behind the ship's arrival. Due to the events of the crystal dragon, Kralkatoric, in this region recently, supplies were sorely needed. As much as Paige hated to capitalize on their dilemma, it was an opportunity and she was running a business. But her contracts were as fair as the noble woman could make them, which had the adverse effect of drumming up additional business. There were Dejarin inbound vessels to the region on a biweekly basis, thus Paige was happy to have hitched a ride on an outbound Crystal Oasis shipment. However, this also meant their time in Elona would be brief if they wanted to return with the vessel in time for departure.
As if to speak directly to the woman's thoughts, Rodia came to stand beside her boss, interjecting, "Shall stay moored as long as possible and await your return, less we inherit fees for overstaying. Your orders?"
"If we don't return by morning's light, head back to Tyria without us," Paige said clutching the bracers.
"Understood."
Ember was already on the dock, her hands on her hips. "Are we ready?"
Paige glided down the plank as elegantly as the wobbly makeshift boards allowed. "Yes we are," she said graciously overlooking the woman's tone. "Who's this contact of yours, anyway?"
"She should be around here somewhere. Although, it's been about a year since I came to see her about when Demitra was missing… the first time," Ember said, her tone changing at the thought. She shook her head. "She's a mystic though… You know the type: likes to keep to the shadows and moving. A gypsy I think they're called here? I don't remember. Been a while since I've been in Elona," she concluded folding her arms.
"That's incredibly offensive!" Valandra protested in Ember's head.
"What's offensive about it?" Ember replied aloud.
"What?" Paige asked, eyebrow raised.
"Regardless, I know the type," came Kimura's voice behind them, caused both to jump. "I'll scout ahead, see if I can scrounge up some intel. Her name?"
Ember grumbled. Kimura may have been good to have on covert missions, but she was, by her own admission a thief, and neither Ember nor Valandra really cared for it. "Her name's Taliha, if memory serves."
With a quick nod, Kimura was off, vanishing far more quickly than either women expected. Both turned to each other awkwardly. It was the first time they'd been alone since the trip started.
"Do you…" Paige began, then quickly faulted.
Ember started to walk toward the town. "Just don't look so touristy, okay?"
"You're sounding more and more like me every day," Valandra's voice whispered to her.
"I'll pretend that was a compliment," Ember whispered.
Paige followed along, watching the display ahead of her. She was completely at a loss for how to help her friend.
"It was a compliment!" Valandra exclaimed from Ember as she tried to cover her mouth. "That will not stop me," she said, forcing the words out.
"Shut it. You want us to look like we're crazy?" Ember feverishly said gritting her teeth to keep from yelling.
But she did yell in Valandra's voice intermixed with her own. "We are not crazy! I'm not the one talking out loud to myself!"
Passersby stopped to stare, a few of the local militia. Paige came to quickly stand beside her. "Ember, maybe you should-"
Sapphires blazing with the intensity of a blizzard darted to Paige. "It's Emily," she said with an icy hiss.
Paige deadpanned, shocked at the snap.
Ember hesitated for a moment, guilt flooding her like a title wave. "I… Lady Paige… I didn't…"
"Since when do you use my title to address me? I know we've not spoken much these past few months, but you can still call me Paige, you know." The woman fell back on her diplomatic training as a noble.
"We know… We just…" Ember grew silent, turned without another word, and began walked toward the casino area.
A masked Kimura silently approached the worried mocha puffy-haired woman. "She okay?"
"I wish I knew," she said with a disheartened sigh.
The small group made their way through the shadowy back alleyways which made up the casino district. Hidden amongst the large structures were a network of dark and hidden tunnels where some of the most unscrupulous characters gathered. In an instant Paige felt out of her element and was incredibly thankful she had the foresight to bring along her employed self-reformed thief. To her credit, Kimura blended in seamlessly with vagrants and utilized her skills to query such unscrupulous characters. In a faster time than she thought possible, Paige was presented with Kimura's findings: the whereabouts of who locals called, 'Whisperer Talhia.'
"A few I spoke with speak of her with reverence. I think she's the real deal. (If you believe in all that mystical stuff.)" Kimura said as the group approached their destination. It was a small clearing bordered by several frustums bases and a few pipes used in Amnoon's elaborate water filtration system. The sound of running water through them almost drown out the thief's voice.
"Yes we…" Ember stopped herself, cleared her throat not meaning to use the plural, then gestured to the entire group. "We all came to see if you could help… with your talents. I know… I mean, last time I was here you couldn't help me find her (and I think that was because she and another were um… bound together), but I'm really hoping you can help us out now. My wife is gone…"
Paige stepped forward. "She's um… We don't think she's gone. We think she's trapped or locked or something."
"Do you have the bracers?" Ember asked, prodding Paige to speed things along. She wasn't quite sure if this trip was entirely worth it, considering the woman hadn't helped her the last time. Yet knowing Paige had already exhaustively researched things and had come up short, Ember almost feared the answer they would get from the mystic, and wished nothing more than to make the uncomfortable anticipation go away.
"Of course, Ember. They've not left my side since… Well, I always have them." She extracted the fingerless gauntlets from her side pouch, presenting them to the mysterious woman, offered an explanation. "These were… are… hers. We think she's within them. Maybe trapped inside? She was trapped before and…"
Talhia looked upon the gloves for a moment, then back up to both women, hope clearly resonating from both. "I am sorry, but there is nothing within. They feel… empty."
The group froze, the only movement coming from Paige's fluttering eyes and rapidly beating heart. "Come… Come again," she squeezed.
"What the hell do you mean they're empty? Demitra's inside them! We saw her go into them!" A small snowfall began above the woman's head. "You have to try. Try again; you didn't even touch them!"
Tears welled up in Paige's hazel eyes. "Miss," she said softly, "We've come a long way to see you. I… Can you please try again? I've kept them with me the entire time. They've been safe with me. She's… Demitra's just got to be in them. Please…"
Taliha took a step forward, received the bracers and held them a moment from the hopeful woman. She took in a breath, stared at them with unseen eyes, then returned them to Paige. "She is not within; I am afraid they are empty."
The woman's words were daggers to her heart and Paige's tears couldn't be restrained.
"Wait a minute! So, if she's not in them and you knew we were coming, why are we here? Demi's a spirit right? And you can talk to them right… eh… commune with them? So…" Ember was attempting to salvage the situation, but the next words from her mouth were Valandra's.
"Ember, you fool! Djinn are not spirits; they are of descendants of elemental beings, with their base primordial power coming from the ancient powers that weave this world together."
The corner of the whisperer's mouth smirked. "The spirits do speak to me, this is true. Perhaps the spirits can be consulted to ascertain something about your friend. I know this much is true: you have come to me for a reason, and they foretold this moment. You were destined to come."
Ember threw her arms in the air. "Why not?"
"Ember, she takes us for fools," came Valandra's voice out loud.
"Stop calling me that! We don't call ourselves that anymore!" Ember said.
Paige wiped her cheeks, raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Ember.
"Do not mind them. It is a lover's spat." Talhia said still grinning at Ember.
"Emb… Emily, we must try this. We… We don't have a lot of options, and this may give us answers that several months of research couldn't find. Magic works on established principles and, I believe that any unsolved mystery is simply a problem we've not discovered the reason behind." Paige's logical breakdown and explanation was more for herself than for Ember; it was all she could do to keep from breaking down further. She looked pleadingly at Talhia. "Miss, we all would be very grateful for your any help you can provide."
"Very well," Talhia said as she began walking north. "Then we shall venture to the Temple of Kormir."
"Temple? Why are we go-"
"To hold a séance, which may very well give answers," the mystical whisperer replied as her armor vanished, leaving tribal robes of amber as the wall glimmered back into place. "Or perhaps… closure."
[To Be Continued...]
