Written Wonderland

Elk's laughter at Jaz's question seemed to make the swirling tattoos across their skin change color. There would be no hiding Elk's strangenesses, then, even if they wanted to. Sage wondered how the people in the tell would react. With reverence, she guessed. Perhaps they would find it to be auspicious timing with the collective dreaming so near. But if what Elk said was true, then their appearance was more of an ill omen than anything. Sage hoped that everything would balance in the end. That was the way of the world, was it not?

“Sage, Jaz--I would very much like to walk with you on foot, take in the sights, and if you’re willing, I’d love a tour.” Elk said, and Sage unclenched slightly, grateful they did not intend to attempt sacred translocation so near to the tell. She also wondered if it even was even something Elk could do at will. It was still unpredictable for Sage, though some of the elder priestesses had been known to have mastered the skill.

Jaz lit up at the mention of the tour, clearly feeling more in her element. But, before they took their leave, Elk added, “...and I am sorry to have surprised you both. Your culture, your customs--they are each different from my own, and it has been a tremendously long time since anyone last called me in this way. I am shaken, surprised, and substantially curious to see what these days bring. Shall we?”

Sage was about to nod--if reluctantly--when she remembered that they had not finished collecting the herbs they came to find. Only then, with all the other surprises addressed, did Sage fully become aware that, all this while, Elk held the very blossoms the priestesses sought in their hand. Sage's mouth opened slightly for a moment in response before she composed herself, debating if it would be appropriate to ask.

Jaz, noticing Sage's open stare, again came to the rescue. "I'd accept a cornflower thistle, personally, as long as you're apologizing," she told Elk. Sage gave her a look, one she hoped meant, are you really sure that's a good idea, but Jaz only shrugged, looking at Elk expectantly.

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”Then I am fortunate to have stumbled upon these just prior to us meeting," Elk said, and Jaz smiled, raising eyebrows at Sage. Jaz accepted the flowers with her right hand, holding onto the bundle gently. “It seems the Universe conspires to give us every tool we need, just before we need it.”

As Sage watched, Elk's tattoos began to calm and return to their original black and blue with much less swirling. That seemed like a good sign.

It made Sage wonder if the flowers were enough help offered to let Elk out of the oath. Somehow, she doubted it.

The priestess sighed and nodded, grateful that they had at least gathered what they had come for.

--

Jaz was excited to have another visitor so soon after the caravanners had left. She hadn't expected new guests for another fortnight at the least, as was typically the way of things. But now, they were gingerly marking their steps back to the tell, careful not to step on too many wild plants on their way back to the old road. Once there, Jaz turned toward the tell, looking briefly at Sage to gage her reaction to everything that had happened. She had been exceedingly somber and quiet on the walk back, staring alternatingly at the ground and the sky. This dream clearly had her worried, and Elk's appearance hadn't helped matters. Still, Jaz, at least, was looking forward to getting Elk alone, whenever that happened. She had so many questions, but none of them quite felt right to bring up in front of Sage.

So, instead, Jaz talked excitedly about the tell enough for herself and the priestess.

"...and over here is Jessica's house, where you can always get a good meal. She likes gifts of herbs or books in exchange, but she'll feed you anyway. And over here..." The group of them walked past a number of clustered, low buildings, each of them uniquely decorated but all with the same squat architecture. Gwen's guest house stood out among them, one of the few with a second story. Jaz named off each resident, what their favorite types of gifts were, how long they had been in the tell, and what they might be willing to provide Elk, if asked. It was an impressive list, and Jaz herself was pleased at having an opportunity to show it all off. She had been busy this past year, to be sure.

"...here's the tavern, with food and some rooms to spare. Though you're always welcome to shack up with me and Gwen. We have a tiered garden," Jaz added, sweetening the deal. Out of the corner of her eye, Jaz saw Sage roll her eyes and finally crack a smile, which delighted Jaz.

At the highest elevation in the tell, looking up toward a large hill with a view of the river Euphrates, there was a three-story building decorated with blue dyes and swirling patterns not altogether unlike Elk's tattoos. Vining plants and flowers also grew up and around its edges. There were a number of guardians and priestesses outside the structure, appearing to be in prayer, facing the river and then turning toward the hill in some complicated gesture. Jaz looked to Sage, wondering if Sage was missing evening prayers on her account.

Some of the people of the vows did stare at Elk, more than most of the tellfolk had, and quickly, Sage said, "This is our sacred place of worship and living. I would suggest you come back here once you have settled more properly into the tell. You will have much to discuss with the guardians, but it should wait."

Sage stepped slowly from foot to foot even while stationary, and Jaz wondered what was still agitating her. She didn't have to stay here with Jaz and Elk. She could leave. Jaz could certainly handle a tour. But Sage clung on, following them even when they headed back into the tell and away from the living temple.

"Food, then?" Jaz asked Elk.

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“That sounds delightful. I would very much like to join you. Sage, will you be coming along as well?”

Elk extended a hand in Sage's direction, and she subconsciously took a step back. She wasn't ready for that kind of intimacy with this creature yet.

She had deeply mixed feelings about going with them to seek a meal. Sage looked back at the living temple, wondering if they should instead stay here. There was usually food to spare, and Elk would likely be greeted warmly.

More than anything, Sage wanted a moment alone with Jaz. She wanted to explain what had happened and help Jaz navigate the discovery of the sky mind. But was that urgent? Jaz did not seem any worse for the discovery, and Sage was unsure that Jaz would seek the experience out on her own in the time they might spend apart. Still, Sage felt a strong desire to tend the situation, and she didn't want to disregard that intuition.

"Actually," Sage started, "on second thought, let's have dinner together here. There's a beautiful view off the back terrace, and I can introduce you to some of the others."

Jaz looked surprised, her head tilting. "Don't you all eat flowers or something?"

Sage laughed, shaking off some of her general unease.

"Not just flowers," Sage said. "This way, then."

The priestess gently circumvented the people attending their prayers, bowing deeply to them before turning her back and entering the temple. The open air space continued the swirling patterns of dye and plants even on the inside, and half a dozen people milled about, doing various domestic tasks and tending to the space. Candles were being lit on a large altar full of plants for the evening.

Sage caught one of the other priestesses gently and requested some food be brought to the terrace, and the new priestess looked quizzically at Jaz and Elk before shuffling off excitedly.

Headed out to the terrace, Sage selected one of the cloths from a neatly folded pile under an awning and laid one out for herself and her two guests. That done, Sage excused herself, indicating that she would be back shortly, retreating into the temple to speak to some of the others.

((OOC: If Elk would not follow Sage or otherwise suggest something else, I can change this post. Lmk.))

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Jaz was surprised that Sage invited them to eat at the temple--she didn't even realize that had been an option. She was hesitant at first, unsure if she would really be welcome among the people of the vows, but they were welcoming enough, and the temple was beautiful. Jaz could understand the appeal--everyone seemed busy at work with a task suited for them. They all seemed so sure of themselves. Then again, promising to serve some force greater than herself for all of eternity? Strange, vague, confusing. She wasn't sure that was the path for her.

The terrace was, as Sage had promised, beautiful, overlooking the neighboring valley and the other tells within eyeshot. Sage quickly went back inside--maybe to retrieve the food--and Jaz found herself alone with Elk. Finally.

Jaz folded her legs gracefully on the cloth they shared, her skirt angled high up on her thigh. She looked at Elk curiously.

“How are you feeling? I hope there have been no ill effects from our earlier moment of teleportation?” Elk said. Jaz shrugged. She didn't really feel any different. She certainly didn't understand why it had all happened in the first place, but she didn't seem ill. Jaz did have the inclination to look around, curious if others had heard. She had no idea how she would explain such a thing. It seemed like most people were giving them a wide berth, however, and Jaz settled.

"To be honest, I don't know what you and Sage were on about, and I don't understand why had to come back on foot, but I'm fine. Other than maybe a blister." She smiled wryly, plucking playfully at a sandal.

--

Sage took a deep breath once she was back inside the central area of the temple, grateful to be free of her guests for a moment. She tried to calm herself before she acted and thought of a plan. Surely, she could get Jaz alone and could talk to her about what had happened. And, she would need to explain to the elders what had happened. Sage suspected that would feel like a burden lifted, though she disliked the thought of needing to tell them about the oath. Still, those were not the kind of secrets that should stay hidden, Sage reasoned, and she would rather be forthcoming to receive help, anyway.

Finally, she resolved to speak with Toffee, who had been friends with Sage's mentor before the woman had passed. Toffee was with Tigre, another of the elders, tending to some logistics with a few of the others of the vows. Sage tried to be patient, but it was clear she wanted a moment with them.

Peace, priestess, that other voice said in her mind again. She took another deep breath.

"We have a guest," Sage said to both of them when she had their undivided attention. "I was speaking to the plant spirits and collecting herbs when I saw them." Sage nodded in the direction of the terrace, where it was possible to see the tattooed person outside the open-air alcoves.

Sage took a deep breath, trying to keep tears from springing to her eyes. "I willed for their presence to be helpful, and somehow that struck an oath with them. They are... bound in my service, possibly on account of the dream and the dreaming." Sage looked down to the wooden floor and its sacred wood with shame in her eyes. Though she hadn't intended this outcome, she felt responsible for it nonetheless.

"I haven't told them specifically about the dreaming we are to do tomorrow," Sage said, further explaining. "I was hoping you could offer that information because I... well..." Sage looked down again, embarrassed this time. "Jaz discovered her sky mind on accident, and I would like a moment to speak with her about what that means." Finally, the priestess looked up at her elders, her white-blonde hair blowing as the breeze came through the alcoves. "Perhaps you can speak with Elk, our guest, after we eat. I would be very grateful."

((OOC: Hopefully the assumptions I made about Toffee were all right. Happy to change them if she would rather be doing something else. Tigre is going to defer to her for the moment.))

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“I do know how to make a medicine for that. I can gather the materials tomorrow, if that would ease your discomfort. And, I’ll see about trying to control my ability to travel in the future...” Elk trailed off, trying to get comfortable on the cloth as they shifted to sit cross-legged. Despite their meditative pose and deepening breaths, they looked nervous. Jaz giggled a little. They seemed utterly oblivious to her advances. Maybe they really were some kind of fae spirit. Not one she had ever heard about.

She tried to wait a few beats to offer Elk time to compose themselves--feeling it might be rude to interrupt--but eventually, she responded.

"You are entirely too helpful. Who is it you allow to help you?" Perhaps it was a strange thing to say in a place so committed to generosity, but Jaz had not always lived this way.

--

“Of course, Sage--it sounds like we have a bit of a mystery on our hands, and it’s been quite some time since I’d last seen you in this state," Toffee said, having blessed the herb bundles she had been working on. Sage pursed her lips together and looked away from both elders, embarrassed yet further. She wasn't living calm. She wasn't living peace. How could she with all that had happened? First the vigil, then the dream, and now everything with Elk?

"Your energy and mood; they feel different today. Would you like to tell me more about what happened before we go to greet our guest?” Toffee asked, her smile gentle. Sage felt inclined to pull away at first--hadn't she already given enough cause for the way she felt? Her mentor had passed into the mystery, and though Sage knew that to be an honor onto itself, the loneliness and grief still wracked her. Not to mention the loss of sleep.

But, it wasn't about what she had already said or what Toffee already knew. Sage was holding something back.

"I... translocated on accident, in front of Elk. And something about that... or maybe the oath... made them translocate with Jaz to where I ended up. It all happened so fast," Sage felt the urge to get on the ground in apology--to what, exactly, she didn't know. But, once in child's pose, she lifted her head momentarily to add, "that's why Jaz knows about the sky mind," before lowering again and stretching her arms further toward the center of the temple.

--

Tigre exchanged a glance with Toffee, his brows furrowed with concern. He bent down toward Sage, stroking his hand down her back without touching her. It was a gentle opportunity to allow Sage the space to cleanse herself. Tigre knew she was tired and grieving--as they all were--to have lost such a significant person so recently. And yet, these were the catalysts that furthered growth the most, Tigre knew.

"Why don't you get some food first. I'll have someone bring it out to you all. And soon, rest. I'm sure that will have you feeling better." Sage looked up at Tigre and then Toffee gratefully, sitting back on her heels for a moment before standing.

((OOC: I figure Sage will head back over soon, but I wanted to give Toffee a moment to respond if desired. I figured Toffee and Tigre might want to talk briefly, too, once she is gone. Also, just for reference, I do feel like this is a much younger version of Sage than who currently exists within me, but she's enjoying the opportunity to be a little more inexperienced and emotional. Oh, and one more thing. We are imagining that the people of the vows and the elders know that Sage has accidentally translocated before. We imagine it is a fairly rare skill that everyone is trying to help Sage hone, but she hasn't made much progress yet.))

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