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.

As their apology hangs in the air, Elk’s thoughts turned towards home, if only for a moment. Enough to glimpse, but not quite enough to take comfort in. The memories they hold within themselves are so very often unkind that being given the chance to glimpse home felt like a blessing. Their skin danced at the thought as they awaited a reply.

Sage seemed to be uncomfortable, uncertain, and lost and thought. Elk noticed that she seemed to unclench slightly, though they could not help but feel ill-fitted to the two persons nearby. if they were as surprised as Elk, this priestess and her companion, what does that mean for the tell? Would they be safe, or would they be given reason to wake up in another body? They supposed that only time would tell, and that it would be helpful to be in their accompaniment’s good graces & within the warm embrace of their hospitality as they approached the tell.

Thankfully, Jaz seemed to light up at the topic of a tour, and just as Sage began to stare, Jaz’s gaze turned downwards, to the items in Elk’s hands. After a moment, with what Elk would swear was a forming grin on her face, she spoke.: “I'd accept a cornflower thistle, personally, as long as you're apologizing,"

”Then I am fortunate to have stumbled upon these just prior to us meeting.” Elk says in response, taking one of the three cornflower thistle bundles & offering it to her from their left hand. “It seems the Universe conspire to give us every tool we need, just before we need it.” Their tattoos began to shimmer, as if in acknowledgement, before steadying themselves and beginning to dim, the magick within them receding to become calm, bold lines of black and blue.

Elk awaited, curious about the tour, these new potential friends, and hopeful that they might be able to do something for Sage, if only to calm her nerves. This was old magick, and the old sorcerer was almost certain this young priestess’ modern rules and concepts were more refined and delicate than the sensibilities of the land as it and Elk were formed.

”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.

As Jaz raised her eyebrows at Sage, accepting the offered cornflower thistle with her right hand, Sage sighed and nodded & the trio were on their way.

Along the journey, as Elk, Sage and Jaz stepped gingerly down the path towards the tell, Sage was quiet, distracted perhaps. Jaz did a wonderful job of filling Elk in on the sights and amenities the tell had to offer. They passed Jessica’s house, who Elk noted enjoys herbs or books on exchange for a meal. The list continued from there, and Jaz invited Elk to “shack up with her and Gwen.”

Along the journey, Sage’s disposition seemed to lighten, and Elk seemed full of wonder. Their skin and self seemed to age backwards as they took in the sights and sounds. Hearing of so many new potential friends always did such good for the soul, though Elk was certain some of the townspeople would notice.

A price of joy, Elk decided, and they were happy to let the townspeople stare.

During this journey and tour, there came a point where they reached the highest elevation in the tell. The river Euphrates peeked out to the rear alongside hilly terrain peppered with plants of vibrant shades. Elk caught sight of a three-story building, carefully decorated with swirling patterns of blue with vines and beautiful growing up its sides. They let out a hushed gasp. Moved by the beauty of the space.

They smiled slightly, speaking the first words that had come to mind in what felt like an age. “My, what a sight. Spaces like this, so carefully tended - they remind me of home.” They say, with a tear in their eye and slight exhale, their voice and demeanor aging slightly.

Sage then 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.", to which Elk nodded in return. They would very much like that, although they were admittedly concerned about how they would be received. Their presence caused such a stir with Sage that Elk wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

This placed them slightly on edge, having a bit of a checkered past with religious institutions over the years. Elk acknowledged the emotion before settling it away & turning to Jaz, who having noticed Sage’s discomfort and agitation, asked “food, then?”

Elk looked at Sage for a moment, then to Jaz, lighting up with a thought of a warm meal and respite. “That sounds delightful, I would very much like to join you. Sage, will you be coming along as well?”, extending their hand to her in a gesture of inclusion.

“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.))

Elk witnessed Sage step back from them, after they gestured to her in invitation. Her body language was guarded, closed off - she gave the faebeast a sense of distance, and they read this as her being unready for that kind of connection or closeness. Does this one understand where she comes from? The laws that bind? They suppose not, and then recognize that Sage likely is not able to feel their heart or understand it. The disconnect pains this strange beast, reminding Elk of just how adrift they so often feel with and around others.

There’s a sweet sadness in being oathbound to someone who doesn’t understand what that means. This is an act of great love and intended kindness at a time when the world needs it most… a thing that only those with a clear heart could call for…

It would not do well to ponder these things around others, just yet. Quickly hiding their feelings, they suppress the underlying urge of the faeblood to show these sentiments upon their skin. So much was missing, but the age old instinct to hide was more present - they were in mixed company with many for whom allegiance was uncertain, and Elk still carried with them an expectation of being treated unkindly.

There’s no turning back now. This oath binds me for a while longer still - let us see what’s on the road ahead., they think to themselves.

Then, Sage spoke.

"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 at her quizzically, and responded “Don't you all eat flowers or something?"

Sage laughed, which pleased Elk. "Not just flowers," Sage said. "This way, then.", and the quiet beast began to follow her.

As Elk followed, she wound her way through a beautiful interior space, full of people, patterns, and lights. Plants were placed throughout, decorating the space quite gently and reminding Elk of a home that doesn’t exist. A feeling of hiraith overtakes them, briefly, and they sit gently with the emotion, feeling the tightness in their chest. They pet the discomfort as they followed Sage, who thankfully didn’t notice the gesture or discomfort.

She led Elk and Jaz to a terrace, picking a neatly folded cloth from a pile, before gently arranging it for her guests. Then, Sage retreated inside, indicating that she would be back soon. As the door closed behind her, Elk turned to survey the valley from the risen heights.

Beautiful mountains, trees, and meadows sprawled out below, with smaller buildings nearly decorating the landscape. Elk sipped in the cool breeze before turning to Jaz.

“How are you feeling? I hope there have been no ill effects from our earlier moment of teleportation?” They said, with vague concern and an apparent interest to learn more about their new companion….

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.))

Jaz was sat gracefully on the cloth she and Elk shared, legs folded & her skirt gathered around her thigh. Elk sat upright, with legs gathered to the right of themselves, perched up with a ….gentle attempt at normalcy. Their tattooes stilled, quietly biding their time on the beast’s canvas as Elk calmed their mind and began to focus themselves upon Jaz’s answer.

Jaz looked around, almost as though she was wary of who might overhear. After gazing at others within earshot, she returned her attention to Elk’s question.

"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." Jaz said with a grin.

Elk looked at her foot, and then up at her face and offered “I do know how to make a medicine for that. I can gather the materials tomorrow, if that would ease your discomfort.” Suspecting Jaz might also be teasing them a little bit, they added “and I’ll see about trying to control my ability to travel in the future….” before trailing off, distracted by the inner workings of their mind.

They gathered their feet under themselves in a cross-legged position and tried to breathe, suddenly quite anxious for no particular reason. Elk was beginning to learn that Jaz had a way of speech that was more playful than their own & for some reason, this befuddled them some. Perhaps they were simply nervous about the impending conversation?

—

Toffee toiled away in the central portion of the temple, distracted by & engrossed within her work of assembling bundles of healing herbs. She muttered and whispered half-prayers, partially chatting to herself and the lingering spirits of tree and herb alike. She was with Tigre, another elder of the temple, and wasn’t particularly paying attention to him - instead, her attention affixed on her task until another voice broke the halfhearted commitment to quiet.

Sage spoke, filling Toffee and Tigre in on the myriad happenings of the day. She’d brought quite the puzzle to the pair, referencing a new guest who had come to stay at the tell.

"I haven't told them specifically about the dreaming we are to do tomorrow," Sage said, expanding upon the situation and circumstance. "I was hoping you could offer that information because I... well..." Sage looked down once more, slight embarrassment on her face. "Jaz discovered her sky mind on accident, and I would like a moment to speak with her about what that means. Perhaps you can speak with Elk, our guest, after we eat. I would be very grateful."

“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.

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 said with a gentle, knowing smile, setting the herb bundle she’d been working on down upon the altar, providing this newly ensouled practice with kiss and a gentle word as she did.

Toffee stood up, stretched slightly, and returned her gaze to Sage, curiously awaiting her answer….

“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.))

Jaz watched as Elk tried to steady and soothe themselves, clearly recognizing their discomfort and uncertainty. Admittedly, Elk was just grateful that they had managed to soothe their own skin. It felt to them as though this required a substantial effort - they weren’t terribly accustomed to being comfortable or calm around people, especially those who had witnessed the beast’s madness and vulnerability. Generally, those who became accustomed to their company sought to use the ancient sorcerer as a tool, rather than treating them as a person or agency until their own.

"You are entirely too helpful. Who is it you allow to help you?" Jaz said to break the silence of nervous contemplation. Elk looked up, taking a moment to look her in the eyes as though they were gauging the sincerity of her words. Jaz’s expression was a mystery to them, however, as this was not the usual way in which they were treated or responded to. Was this perhaps a sign of interest? The faeblooded one couldn’t tell, not as a result of disinterest or even intentional distance, but as a sign and symptom of their isolation.

They were becoming increasingly preoccupied with their thoughts, and in this the mask slipped & the energy hiding and suppressing their arms’ appearance fell away. Their shoulders and biceps flashed blue, then red, fading to orange and in this moment, Elk felt exposed and blushed fiercely, sending a ripple of change up their face.

“That’s a very good question…” Elk said with a pause, softening their gaze. “I don’t know how long it’s been since somebody asked.” In this moment, the warm orange tones faded to pale blue, rippling and rolling down their exposed arms and torso. Jaz couldn’t see it under the tunic, but a storm welled at their heart. This one’s face aged demonstrably for a moment, before their nerves settled & the masking of energy went up again.

Elk sighed, realizing that this was not a time to be so distant, and then opened up slightly. “It’s kind of you to ask, I have not enjoyed that particular luxury. At least, not within memory.” they said, shaking their head slightly and gesturing to their brow….

—

Toffee looked at Sage imploringly, waiting to see what this young priestess had on her mind. Something was clearly troubling her, and while it was like Sage to be a little bit secretive, this felt different.

"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 admitted, some guilt and confusion in her voice. She went to the floor and adjust her of apology, and Toffee gazed upon her with care.

Sage lifted her head slightly and continued "that's why Jaz knows about the sky mind," before lowering herself again in prostration. Toffee circled around her, kneeling slightly beside Sage.

Tigre spoke next, "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 to Toffee as both rose together.

“Sweet girl, it’s OK to make mistakes. It’s not every day that one meets a child of the elder blood. That’s not a common honor, and these creatures, they work differently than you and I.” Toffee says, resisting the urge to place a paw like hand gently upon Sage’s back. Pausing for a moment, Toffee sighs and smiles “it’s been many winters since I last met one - they are strange beasts, but gentle in their way. If you called so sincerely to them that they appeared before you, that’s an act of love and devotion mirroring your own commitment to our creeds.”

Gesturing to the door, Toffee looks at Sage with great care and says “yes, please do as Tigre suggests and get yourself something to eat, sweet child. I’d like to speak with Tigre first, and then we will join you. Be along shortly.”