Mirrored Realms: Amethyst & Tennessee

Amethyst pressed the Nectar apparatus to the soft flesh which remained on the inner part of her thigh. A loud click signaled that the Nectar was fully injected. With Tenya's arms as scared and damaged as they were, it was too difficult for Amethyst to effectively administer the Nectar there.

Nuru, for all she could do, was still limited in her power. As she described it, "My magic speeds the natural heeling process to inhuman levels, but it does not return it to the state previous." Although this frustrated Amethyst, she was grateful for the fact that Tenya had her arms at all. Even if she didn't have much feeling there anymore.

Fifteen days had passed with both Amethyst and Tenya slowly recovering to their full health once more. All between Ponáei and Tenya had been quiet. Stochastís explained that they had convinced Ponáei to keep a cool head. At least as they rested, Tenya and Amethyst could rest easy knowing that their boarding was still secure.

"Tenya?" Amethyst's soft voice was nearly imperceptible as she spoke.

"What's up, Misty?" Tenya's voice was just as soft, but her accent was thicker than usual.

Amethyst had just finished placing the apparatus away. She was stuck in her mind, battling the memories from the weeks prior. "Do, you remember... back when you found us in the sewers?"

Tenya sat closer to Amethyst. "Of course I do." She brushed her hair away from her eyes. "Hard to forget those days. Why?"

Amethyst didn't want to look Tenya in the eyes, put she pressed on, looking up into Tenya's sparkling orbs. "I just... I am grateful you pulled us out of there, and I am happy to be able to serve you." She immediately looked to the floor.

"Well I am grateful that you are here too."

Amethyst, expecting Tenya to play the words off with some halfhearted remark, looked up in surprise. Tenya had a small smile on her face. Amethyst felt all her worries melt away.

"Besides that, I don't feel like you should be serving me." She looked away from Amethyst. "Feel like we should just help each other out. Because we are friends, right?" Tenya looked back to Amethyst.

Amethyst's heart leaped for joy and a smile crested her face as she looked into Tenya's soul. She realized in that moment, knowing with no hesitation. Amethyst was in love with Tennessee. knowing the reaction that announcing this in front of Tenya would bring, Amethyst simply smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

A knock interrupted them. Tenya drew her clothes back on, while Amethyst went to answer. Hofu was at the door and informed Amethyst that there would be a meeting down stairs and to bring Tenya. Amethyst tried to protest Tenya's presence, but was met with a hand and an assurance she needed to be there. So, Amethyst agreed, then turned to prep Tenya.

§

There were a lot of people downstairs. Not only had Amethyst's whole fellowship been there, but several of Ponáei's men were sitting and standing around as well. Ponáei, as usual had entered last after all other arrived, and in a vibrant outfit Which boasted peacock feathers along with many other types Amethyst was not familiar with.

Ponáei stood tall and proud with a little grin as she began. "Good to see everyone is well." Her eyes remained firmly on her men. "I Think we have a strategy, one to remove Uongo from his seat of power!" The crowed erupted into whistles and cheers. Ponáei waited until the commotion died down. "We have found a weakness to exploit, an oversight so to speak."

The crowed leaned in with deeper interest in their leaders words. Amethyst found the whole presentation boring. There was a lot of talk about distractions around the city and how they would breach the walls and so on. The strategy meeting went on for over an hour and hardly any evidence pointed to Amethyst or Tenya needing to listen to their war ranting. She and Tenya whispered back and forth to each other nearly missing the fact that Wa Chini was standing at the front waiting for their attention. Embarrassed, they looked up at him quietly, waiting for him to start.

"I have been on the hunt, perusing any hint of my prey." His squeaking voice was high pitched as he chirped along. "On my path, The Ancestors placed in my way, a man." He looked over the crowed and shrank back a little. Then looked to Amethyst, his confidence returned and he continued. "This man had information about a fleet of slaver ships which had departed from Stone Town early this year"

Both Tenya and Amethyst leaned forward n their interest.

"He informed me that a big typhoon had swept them up, sending them towards the east, where they became shipwrecked." Wa Chini mimicked Stochastís's dramatic pause. "Those aboard crossed the deserts of Eastern Ashara and arrived two weeks ago."

Tenya grabbed Amethyst's arm tightly as she looked at Wa Chini with bated breath. Busara stood and took his place beside Wa Chini.

"I asked him about what else he knew, and he gave me much information, so I asked Busara to search out those claims." Wa Chini bowed towards Amethyst and Tenya who were sat with Nuru and Stochastís.

Busara cleared his throat and spoke with a commanding and domination presence which made the crowed shuffle uncomfortably. "I went to the home of Uongo, under the guise of mason work while acting as a spy for Ponáei. I assisted with building the wall, adding strategic weak points as I worked." Busara raised his hand, which was shaking slightly. He coughed and cleared his throat again before continuing. "Wa Chini came to me with an odd request, and so I fulfilled it. I snuck deeper into the home and found a group of new slaves, and amongst them was a small female child."

Amethyst heard Tenya almost whining at the information. She looked like what she was, A mother about to find her child. Amethyst was also feeling the same way. She had never met Ebba, but knew She must have been a good girl if her mother and brother were any indication. So Amethyst and Tenya gripped each others hands as Busara finished.

"The girl matched the exact description, but even with out that, I would recognize the curling bush of tangled hair, which Tenya shares." Busara's voice was trembling. "So we are going to join the raid on Uongo's home, with the strict purpose of retrieving Ebba."

The remainder of the meeting went by in a blur for Amethyst, Tenya had a look of clear concentration. Maybe she was reliving memories, or playing out scenarios that may never happen. Whatever she was thinking, Amethyst knew what she was going to do next. It was time to step out of bed, and get back to training.

§

Amethyst had been going for hours. Sweat coated her body while her fatigued muscles were pushed to their limits. She and Tanya had decided to recondition them selves in the wake of their injuries. Tenya was practicing swordplay with a group of Ponáei's men. While Amethyst focused on her hand to hand work with Wa Chini.

The sweltering afternoon sun drove Amethyst back to her balcony sanctuary, where Stochastís had set up a writing station. She remained silent as to not break his concentration. While the air was peaceful and quiet this time of day, Amethyst's mind was far from at peace. She replayed the events of meeting Wafi and being attacked by the Serpent Guard. She would have liked to step in and help defend Tenya.

She also considered her uselessness during the first invasion of Uongo's home. She wished that she had been stronger. Had she been able to do anything, Wafi may still have been alive. Perhaps if she was more skilled, she may have noticed the Serpent Guard closing in on her and Tenya only a few weeks prior. Even now she was frustrated because she was not being progress in the last few days. If anything, she was still getting back to normal from the injuries.

The tempest of her mind was overcrowded with other what ifs and shortcomings. Her imagination creating scenarios of her demise and the defeat of her friends. She gripped tightly on her tail as she meditated.

Amethyst jerked as she realized Stochastís was sitting in front of her.

"I have tried to receive you attention on a couple of occasions and I decided to sit and wait." Stochastís spoke calmly while leaning back on his elbows. He transitioned into more of a lounge as he waited in the silence.

"I was just... caught up in my own head." Amethyst felt embarrassed about the interaction. Her fear of failure followed her out of her mind and into reality.

"Well you have been here in contemplation for quite some time. I feel unease in you, with all of your muttering and growling, that is." Stochastís had a wide grin as he teased Amethyst.

"I do not growl!" Her voice broke as she tried her best to look scary. She burst into a fit of laughter as she tried her best impression of a growl.

"Just because it is not scary," Stochastís chuckled, "Does not mean that it is not a growl." He repositioned onto his other side, while still maintaining his view of Amethyst. "So, what has you so troubled?"

"I just feel useless, like my presence brings nothing but unnecessary worry." Amethyst scooted towards the wall of the balcony. She tucked her tail under her toes as she brought her knees up towards her chin. She rested her arms on her knees and her chin on her arms.

"You have a great deal of worth to provide in most any situation." Stochastís sat up and joined Amethyst next to her, though he crossed his legs instead. "Translator, soon to be warrior, magician..." He paused.

Amethyst looked to Stochastís who had seemingly paused for her attention.

"And, you are a good friend. These things are are accomplishments that you have strives towards." Stochastís used many gestures while he spoke.

"I was forced to bare the rune, and the other stuff... well I'm no good at anyway." Amethyst thought of these things as a point of fact. She knew that there were infinite ways she could improve. Was she even needed?

"I was told you guided your group over a river of flesh eating monstrosities."

"It was not so complicated--"

Stochastís interrupted. "And when faced with a number of enemies, your back to the wall, with no hope of surviving, what did you do?" Stochastís didn't wait for an answer. "You plunged from the balcony along with your compatriots down several floors. You assured your flight, and escaped."

Amethyst tensed at the rendition Stochastís recited. For her it was no heroic feat, yet Stochastís told the tale as though she were a hero from the books come to life. He sounded so impressed, but she knew if he had been there and seen what she had truly done, he wouldn't be so enthusiastic.

"You have a lot to offer, if you think outside of the box." Stochastís had a wide smile and seemed proud of his pep talk.

"I wish it could be so simple my friend. These tales were much more plain that they sound." Amethyst took in a deep breath. She held it deep for several long seconds. The peace and quiet had not yet been disturbed, but she knew the time was near for the streets to start breathing again.

Stochastís watched Amethyst. His eyes remained focused on her while she held her breath.

Amethyst let out her long held breath and felt her body become fatigued as the day finally caught up with her.

"May I speak?" Stochastís asked, his fingers wrapped under his chin and he tapped in deep thought.

Amethyst smiled again. "You may, no need to ask."

"Tell me of your abilities, how you have used them, and I shall use my limited understanding to assist you in deepening your magical connection. " His eyes were focused, and his face looked determined.

§

Amethyst skipped her normal evening activities while focused on telling all she knew about her abilities. Stochastís spent the whole time quiet, as was his fashion, he took in all of the information. Once all was told, he remained in a quiet contemplative state. As the hours went on, the sun sank beyond the horizon, replaced by a growing moon which tirelessly split the night apart.

Amethyst waited in the same manner as Stochastís. She sat and waited for the conclusion of his mental labor. He was like the golden bull man; so still and seeing, hearing nothing in the world around them. Amethyst bid him a quiet good night as she struggled to remain awake. Stochastís on the other hand, looked as though he could contemplate here until death. So with no reply, Amethyst wondered to her room.

The door to her room opened easily. Inside, Tenya was sitting on the bed, sewing her scarf which had been damaged during her training. She looked up to Amethyst and gave a small smile. "Well hey there." Tenya's voice was soft and soothing.

All of the excitement with Stochastís had drained Amethyst. Being back with Tenya was an instant relief. Amethyst promptly walked to the bed and with a swift leap fell onto the bed. The bed made a dissatisfied grumble as Amethyst flopped.

"Looks like you have had a long day." Tenya brandished her smile.

Amethyst melted deeper into the bed as she replied. "Basically told my whole life story to Stochastís."

Tenya's smile faded a little and her eyes narrowed in confusion. "Long conversation? I thought you enjoyed those?"

Amethyst sighed aggressively, the rumblings of a real growl vibrated through the air. "Yes, very long and I--" Amethyst twisted quickly onto her side as she looked for Tenya, who had scooted closer. She was leaning in Amethyst's direction.

Amethyst was not prepared for Tenya to be so close. In stunned silence, she fell to her back once more, looking up at her. Tenya's curls fell over part of her face as she attempted repeatedly to brush them back. She gave up after a few tries, instead leaning over amethyst's face.

Amethyst felt heat rising on her face as Tenya stared down. "It was very long..." Amethyst repeated. "Then he didn't even say anything as he just sat there thinking." Amethysts tone had become like a whisper. She didn't know why she acted like this, love was a new feeling sure, but how silly is it to just loose your thoughts and whisper to each other?

"Sounds like he was really taken back." As quickly as Tenya had come, she was gone, focused on her scarf once more.

Amethyst was relieved, but also sad to see Tenya pull away. "He must be thinking up a novel, didn't even acknowledge my parting."

"Hard not to be the focus of attention?" The sarcasm in Tenya's voice was a welcome return to normal for Amethyst. She had kept the same smile, though it looked a bit more devilish after that comment.

"Its weird to be the sole focus especially when they are thinking of you so hard that you are forgotten." Amethyst played with curls of her hair before comparing hers and Tenya's. "I've never been so flattered and so worried at the same time."

Tenya laughed. "I can understand the feeling uncomfortably well" Though her smile didn't change, Tenya's body showed a slight quiver Amethyst only noticed because she was still so close.

Tenya didn't seem to notice Amethyst's intrusion in her personal space. Amethyst took this as a sign to keep playing with Tenya's hair.

"I think he is trying to come up with new ways for me to use my magic." Amethyst twirled thick dark curls as she thought to her uselessness. Amethyst's smile had faltered, now she was filled again with disappointment in herself.

"Its a pretty could thing, that you have magic to use at all." Tenya sat her scarf down and looked back to Amethyst again. "I'm excited to see what you will do next." Her eyes narrowed in a way that made Amethyst want to squirm. She tied her hair up with the modified scarf.

Amethyst's trance cracked as she focused on Tenya again. "What do you mean?" Her voice was thick with confusion. She started to sit up in order to be eye level with Tenya.

"During the raid, I'm excited to see you in action again. With everything we've learned I bet we will breeze through Uongo's place!" Tenya spoke confidently in her exclamation. She held a wide grin, which slowly fell away as Amethyst looked away.

Amethyst struggled to find her words while Tenya turned her whole being to face Amethyst. "I'm not going on the raid I--"

"No, no, no... I can't do this without you, I need you there!" Desperation dripped from Tenya's panicked voice. "Please?"

Amethyst could do nothing in this moment. Her thoughts and very being had froze. No one had ever pled to her like this. Tenya's hands were sweaty as they grasped for Amethysts hands. Her eyes were like wild storms as they poured into Amethysts.

"I'll go anywhere you need me." Amethyst felt her heart pang as she said the words. She might as well have asked Tenya to marry her! She felt silly, but also felt a little more useful, if only for Tenya

"Good, thank you!" Tenya's entire profile shifted to the more relaxed version of herself she held earlier in the evening. Tenya fell back onto the bed, then faced Amethyst who followed Tenya's lead. The Evening passed quickly before both girls fell asleep much later than intended.

§

Amethyst and Tenya jumped at the figure in front of their door. Stochastís lay there, curled in a ball surrounded by loose paper, which had found its way all around him. The girls looked at each other with smiles and whispered good byes for the day while they continued their separate training rituals.

Tenya slowly stepped over Stochastís, who hadn't noticed a thing. Amethyst leaned over him and with a gentle hand attempted to rouse him from slumber. He simply wouldn't budge, so Amethyst retrieved a light covering and laid it over top of him. She stepped over him and made her way down to get food for the morning.

She assumed that Stochastís had been their for a reason, so she decided not to engage in her physical exorcise for the day, just in case Stochastís had some plan for the day. Wa Chini took the opportunity that day to go on what he called "walk about." Wa Chini said it was like a wandering meditation. Busara had gone back to Uongo's for more effort towards sabotage, and to keep some track of Ebba.

Nuru sat alone in the dining space. There were a few of Ponáei's guards or whatever they were, but the room was mostly devoid of commotion. Amethyst scooped some sort of soaked grain, then drizzled a bit of honey over it with milk. She used one of the carved spoons to mix up her breakfast. She also took a few dates for her bowl, then pocketed a small handful for later. She sat in front of Nuru, who looked up from her bowl and gave a warm smile.

"It has been a while since we had a conversation." Amethyst took a heaping bite from her bowl.

"Yes. If, that is, you do not assume my checking in on you counts as conversation." Nuru's welcoming smile had come and gone, but she still looked into Amethyst's eyes diligently. "Is there something you with to converse about?"

Amethyst finished her first bite. She offered one of her dates to Nuru, who politely refused. "Well I wanted to check in with you and see how things are going." Amethyst took a more conservative second bite.

"Ah." Nuru pushed her bowl to the side.

Amethyst had learned that it was a traditionally way of discussing something important. So she quickly swallowed her food and did the same, leaning in as though they were about to reveal close guarded secrets, or the secrets of others in gossip.

"I find it difficult to find myself of use aside from healing in the upcoming raid." Nuru seemed to have no shame in her confident announcement.

Amethyst leaned back. "Have you been talking to Stochastís?" Amethyst started fiddling with a date, trying to release the pit inside.

"No, I have considered myself only good at healing and tapestry." Nuru held up a pouch she had made after arriving to Ponáei's. "The ancestors have granted me a sickly feeling in regards to the raid." She kept holding the pouch for Amethyst to see.

Amethyst sat the pit on the side of her bowl, then dumped the date into her food, then started working on another date. "I apologize, I am unfamiliar, what does that mean?"

"As I prayed over my role, I realized that remaining here for the injured is a bad idea, therefore, I shall go with. I believe my presence will be required." Nuru let the pouch dangle from the leather strips that held the pouch around her neck.

"So... you are finding difficulty in the need to go?" Amethyst was confused to how Nuru really felt.

"I shall try once more." Nuru remained calm and collected as she started softly. "I do not like battle, but I feel I shall be a hindrance over all." She pondered her next words. "I think that I will be of no use in battle."

Amethyst let out a held breath as she continued working through her dates. "Well, if healing is what you are confident in, that's what you should do. Between myself and Tenya under Wa Chini's command I think we wont need another fighter. Healing would be best anyway. That makes you very useful." Amethyst tossed a date into her mouth as she leaned back.

"So, not having other talents, this does not make me a hinderance to the up coming invasion?" Nuru's tone reflected sincerity. She asked as though confirming a fact she already knew.

Amethyst smiled. "Are you sure you haven't been talking with Stochastís?" Amethyst smiled widely. "You are perfectly helpful as you are."

Nuru leaned back as well and pulled her bowl back in front of her. She then nodded her head in understanding. "No, I have not spoken with Stochastís for at least two days, as he has been preoccupied."

As Amethyst was about to respond, Stochastís rushed down the stairs. His breathing was heavy and he clutched a mess of papers that sat in his clenched fists in all directions. He looked around, then cleared his throat while slicking his hair back. He straightened his posture as he turned towards Amethyst, who was suppressing her giggles by keeping her hand over her mouth.

"I, am sorry to interrupt. Amethyst, I have drawn up some information what may be rather helpful for you." Stochastís's face had turned red as he looked around at the faces of Ponáei's men. "Ill be at the balcony." He gave a slight bow before he calmly turned away and swiftly walked away back up the stairs.

Nuru's face hadn't born much more than a smile before, but now she was shaking her head, also struggling to hold back laughter. "It appears that Stochastís whishes to speak with you." Nuru held her hand over her mouth while laughing.

Amethyst started eating her food quickly. "Yes it seems so." She blurted with heaps of food still in her mouth as she started to stand. Amethyst placed the bowl with the other dirty dishes and returned to Nuru. She placed her hand on Nuru's shoulder. With a large smile while staring into her eyes amethyst said, "You are exceptional, in both friendship and reliability, as well as your magical abilities. I owe you my life my friend." Amethyst patted her on the back as she passed over to the stairs to meet with Stochastís.

§

"The principle is exactly the same as how you kept yourself from harm when leaping from heights." Stochastís had began his lecture immediately upon Amethyst's arrival. "We just have to tweak a few little details... I think." Stochastís showed Amethyst several crumpled papers. "As you can see I--"

"I can't read any of what you wrote." Amethyst had a sly smile as Stochastís came to the realization at the same time. "I can speak any language, I can only read Hypirian." Amethyst was amused, but wished she had brought her breakfast instead of devouring it. She hesitantly pulled one of her dates from her pocket.

"Right, Of course." Stochastís wasted no time in regaining his momentum. "So, the general idea is that you create a cushion of air as you fall. " He started to pace, leaving no time for an answer he continued. "It is, in my opinion, a Very useful ability by itself, but we can make it better, I will race to the bottom of the balcony, I want you to jump off ant my command, so that I can see you in action." He left no time for a reply as her dashed off.

Amethyst slowly chewed and sucked on the date. She let the sweet juices tickle her tongue. She heard Stochastís call for her from below. She finished her date, leaving the seed in a small basket used to hold the trimmings from the plants decorating the balcony. She stood over the balcony looking down to Stochastís. "Oh you meant now."

"Yes, now please jump!" Stochastís yelled up to her.

Amethyst stepped up onto the balcony railing and looked down. She wasn't a fan of heights, but she did enjoy the feeling of falling with a soft landing. As she stepped off, she focused her mind to her feet. She could feel the energy pooling from under her, before she let go of her focus. Air released below her. To her it felt like a solid surface slowly drifting to the ground. Had she released it too soon she would find a much harder landing.

"Incredible!" Stochastís clapped as Amethyst landed. "Okay very simple, do what you did, but with your hands faced away from you. At that wall, do the same thing."

Amethyst felt silly, She had never tried other ways of using her ability. She had been climbing, when she was seven, up a hill and fell. Instinct took over and as she fell, she braced herself. She was surprised at her safe landing.

As she focused aiming her hands at the wall, she felt the same build up of energy, like heat centering itself in her palms. She let the heat build until her hands burned, then let go. There was a sudden burst of wind and the wall fell over, breaking into pieces.

At the commotion, Ponáei's guards rushed to the wall that once separated the courtyard from the streets outside. "What happened!" Ponáei's guard asked aggressively.

"There was a burst of wind, and then the wall fell!" Stochastís's words were true through and through, but Amethyst still thought it a lie by omission of important details. Amethyst wanted to tell them the full truth, but Stochastís grabbed her arm and pulled her back into the house before she could.

They passed through the house and wound up in the bathing space. "Okay, I prepped this tub last night, show me how you walk on water." Stochastís backed up a little then watched closely. Amethyst followed instructions, stepping up onto the still water. She concentrated at her feet as she had done before, but the feeling this time was cool and not so warm.

"Perfect, now what?" Amethyst watched as Stochastís stepped closer. he got at eye level with the water. and observed it a while. Amethyst felt her energy starting to falter, so she stepped down before she fell through the magical barrier.

"Fascinating, Magic is such a mystery." Stochastís stroked his chin before smiling. "Okay, just like with air, but first put your hands in the water, then concentrate."

Amethyst followed his words and did as asked. "Okay, so what now?"

"Okay, if your magic is active and feels like it did while standing on the water, pull your hands out while maintaining concentration." Stochastís was excited, he looked to be on the verge of dancing.

When Amethyst removed her hands, the water came with like a glove covering her whole hand in at least an inch of water. "This is amazing!"

Stochastís stood with a smile while he crossed his arms.

As Amethyst was looking and admiring her newfound abilities, Tenya walked by.

"Hey, you two are hanging out to much, looking at another apple?" Tenya stepped in. Seeing what Amethyst had done she made a squeak and looked between Amethyst and Stochastís. "This is incredible!"

The three danced about for a moment, excited for the possibilities that lay ahead. She showed her powers off to Wa Chini, Nuru, and Busara. Amethyst was almost as excited for this discovery as she was to find and retrieve Ebba. She wasn't perfect, but now she had a lot more she could do. So she devoted the little time that remained before the raid to honing her abilities. She felt her confidence sore. She knew that she would definitely be useful this time.